Thousands Pack The Streets Of Birmingham To Bid Farewell To “The Prince Of Darkness”
As proof of his impact on the world, thousands of people turned out to pay their respects to Ozzy Osbourne as his funeral procession traveled through the streets of his hometown.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 76. His family confirmed the news in a heartbreaking statement, writing:
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Details eventually emerged about Ozzy’s funeral plans. “The Prince of Darkness” will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 30, in Birmingham, England (where he was born).
A public funeral procession started before the private family service. The procession traveled through the streets of Birmingham, passing by the Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench. Many fans had already left flowers, notes, and other tributes to Ozzy near the bench.
Ozzy’s funeral procession, centered on the Black Sabbath Bench, was available to watch via live stream. According to Yahoo Entertainment, “tens of thousands” of people lined the streets to say “farewell” to the rock and roll icon.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Widow, Sharon, Clings To Her Children In An Emotional Moment During His Funeral Procession
Ozzy’s hearse was decorated with purple florals that spelled out his name on the side. Fans lining the streets wore t-shirts with his likeness and chanted “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy!” throughout the procession.
During an emotional moment, Ozzy’s widow, Sharon, and their children emerged from the procession to see the tributes fans had left for him. Ozzy and Sharon were married for 43 years and shared three children: Aimee, Kelly, and Jack.
Ahead of the funeral, an unnamed source told PEOPLE how Sharon’s been doing since Ozzy’s death. According to the source:
“Sharon’s heartbroken but very proud of the life the family built together. Everyone’s rallying around her. She’s been the rock of this family for decades, and now it’s her turn to be held up.”
Those who watched Ozzy’s funeral procession saw how Sharon’s family comforted her on the sorrowful day.
Sharon and her children, dressed in black, emerged from their car as a band played Ozzy’s “Crazy Train.” The crowd called out to Sharon to express their love and support for her.
She broke down crying and clung to her children as they laid flowers at the memorial site.
The Osbourne family stuck around briefly, with Sharon hugging Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, before returning to their car.
Yahoo Entertainment reports that a book of condolence remains open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which houses an exhibit honoring Ozzy.
Our hearts go out to Sharon and all of Ozzy’s loved ones on this devastating day, and every day moving forward without him.
