Celebrate Birmingham’s Metal Heritage: Ozzy Osbourne Honored in Iconic Hearse Parade!

BIRMINGHAM, England — The city known as the “home of metal” recently paid tribute to one of its most iconic figures, Ozzy Osbourne. Fans crowded the streets as his hearse traveled through Birmingham, a place that shaped both him and the band Black Sabbath in 1968.

Ozzy passed away at 76 last Tuesday. His hearse moved down Broad Street toward a bench dedicated to Black Sabbath, unveiled in 2019. Fans cheered, chanting, “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” showing their love and respect.

Following behind were six vehicles carrying Osbourne’s family, including his wife Sharon, who appeared deeply affected by the moment. Since his death, many fans have visited various sites around Birmingham, celebrating its legacy as the birthplace of heavy metal. “Ozzy was not just a legend; he was a beloved son of Birmingham,” said city official Zafar Iqbal. “This tribute means a lot to his fans.”

The story of Black Sabbath began in Birmingham when the original members chose to break free from factory life. Their music, a blend of aggression and melody, reflected the city’s industrial roots. Osbourne always remembered his working-class background, keeping his Brummie accent alive.

Black Sabbath is credited with defining heavy metal, especially during its peak in the 1970s. The band’s debut album in 1970 placed them in the U.K. top 10 and led to a series of successful albums, like “Master of Reality” and “Vol. 4.” They have sold over 75 million albums worldwide.

At their final show on July 5, 42,000 fans gathered to see the band live for the first time in 20 years. Osbourne, who had been struggling with health issues—diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019—performed from a throne.

Despite his challenges, Ozzy found renewed popularity through the reality show “The Osbournes” in the early 2000s, introducing him to a new audience. He remains an enduring figure not only in music but in the heart of Birmingham, where his legacy continues to resonate.

This tribute reflects not only the love of fans but also the profound impact he had on music and culture. The city embraces its heavy metal history, reminding everyone of the young boy from Birmingham who changed the world of rock.



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Ozzy Osbourne, Birmingham, Music, General news, Europe, Lifestyle, Bill Ward, Entertainment, World news, Terence Butler, Evie Mayo, World News