Birmingham to Honour Ozzy Osbourne with Cortege Procession on Broad Street – Wednesday 30 July 1pm
The city of Birmingham is to pay its final respects to one of its most cherished cultural icons Ozzy Osbourne as his cortege and family visit Broad Street in the city that he loved.
The hearse and accompanying vehicles will slowly make their way down Broad Street from 1pm to the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, where thousands of fans have left heartfelt messages and floral tributes in recent days. The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band performance by local musicians from Bostin’ Brass, bringing a final musical moment to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne.
The event is expected to draw large crowds as fans gather to say goodbye to the man who helped shape the global heavy metal genre and who proudly carried the spirit of Birmingham throughout his career, whilst allowing his family a chance to see the many memories his loyal fans have left alongside flowers and tributes.
Ozzy and his fellow Black Sabbath band members were recently given the Freedom of the City on 28th June 2025.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, said: “Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham. 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. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We’re proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves.”
Birmingham City Council has worked at pace with its partners over the weekend to coordinate a respectful and safe public event in collaboration with the Osbourne family, who have kindly funded all of the associated costs. The Council would also like to thank businesses and residents in the Broad Street and wider city centre area for their co-operation, alongside support from West Midlands Metro and West Midlands Police, during this important time for the safety of gathered fans.
Public Information
- The cortege will travel down Broad Street from approximately 1pm towards the Black Sabbath Bridge.
- Broad Street will be closed to through traffic from 7am and buses and trams will be diverted during this time. Local access will be managed where possible but can not be guaranteed. Broad Street will re-open as soon as possible after the event.
- Stewards will be on hand, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early, use public transport, and follow safety guidance on site.
- For those not able to make the occasion, the live stream of the Black Sabbath bench will continue to operate and is accessible online.
