Ozzy Osbourne's funeral procession kicked off today, Wednesday, July 30th, in Birmingham, England. The event is being televised live, showing millions of fans as they observe Osbourne's family accompany the body through the streets he grew up in.
The procession is led by Osbourne's family: his devastated wife Sharon, and his kids Aimee, Jack, Kelly, and Louis. Footage has shown the family in grief, overwhelmed by their emotions and the crowd's passionate response to Osbourne, with people singing some of Black Sabbath's biggest hits, crying, and chanting Osbourne's name.
The funeral procession began today, at 8 AM EST, and will be followed by a private funeral for friends and family. The event will be broadcast live for fans all over the world on the website balacksabbathbench.co.uk.
Hearbreaking images of the family
The Osbourne family was devastated over the loss of Ozzy, with everyone overcome by the high emotions of the procession. Photographers captured the environment of the procession, showing fans, family members, and friends, united by the grief of the rock icon's loss. You can check out more images here.
Kelly Osbourne's tribute
Kelly Osbourne tributed her father at the procession, wearing round and purple-tinted glasses, like her father loved and preferred to use.
Flowers at Osbourne's childhood home
Fans of Osbourne have dropped off some flowers at his childhood home in Aston, Birmingham. The house now has a photo of Osbourne pasted on one of the windows.
The family checks out some of Osbourne's tributes
One of the procession's most emotional moments had the Osbourne family stopping by the Black Sabbath bridge to have a look at the flowers and the tributes that were left for Osbourne. Sharon looked devastated, crying as her children held on to her.
Tributes and flowers have been gathering there ever since Osbourne's death was announced, with fans dropping off shirts, candles, records, and all sorts of personal items.
Live music at the procession
The procession has featured some live music played by the local band Bostin Brass. The Guardian reported that Yungblood and other members of Black Sabbath will also be participating.
Ozzy's connection to Birmingham
Osbourne is one of the most popular Birmingham musicians, having a strong bond with the place. Councillor Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, shared that the city was honored to host the procession. “Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham," he said to British Media.
"Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral."