Ozzy Osbourne’s procession ahead of his funeral is taking place, after the Black Sabbath star died aged of 76. The Prince of Darkness is making a final journey around Birmingham

Legendary singer and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne is being memorialised in a procession to honour his incredible legacy in Birmingham today. His coffin is being carried in a hearse through the streets of his hometown as thousands line the streets to celebrate the life of the Prince of Darkness.

Pictures show the coffin inside a hearse with a touching floral wreath tribute spelling out his name ‘Ozzy’ in flowers. A single bouquet of white flowers was seen resting against the back of his coffin. Meanwhile, a purple floral tribute in the shape of a cross was placed on the top of the legendary singer’s hearse.

The hearse is being followed by six black Mercedes Vito cars, carrying those closest to the star. The Bostin’ Brass band is also accompanying the procession as they play classic Black Sabbath tunes, they were heard playing Iron Maiden and other huge hits.

The traditional Jaguar black hearse containing the coffin has been filmed leaving Aston Villa Football ground as Ozzy takes his final journey around Birmingham. Six Mercedes funeral cars, accompanied by police motorcycle riders and a police car, drove slowly along the street watched by a handful of fans and the current owner of the house.

The procession passed the star’s childhood home in Lodge Road, Aston, at about 12.45pm on its route into Birmingham city centre. The vehicles drove slowly along the street and was watched by a handful of fans and the current owner of the house.

A single bouquet of white flowers was placed at the back of Ozzy’s coffin ( 
Image:
Rowan Griffiths / Daily Mirror)
The Black Sabbath star, who died age 76 earlier this month on July 22, is making his final journey around Birmingham ahead of his funeral taking place. Fans of the Prince of Darkness have lined Broad Street in the city, where a funeral procession is taking place. Tributes to the star have been laid out on Black Sabbath bench on the Brummie street since news of his death was announced last week. It comes as Ozzy’s wife Sharon made an incredible gesture to Birmingham ahead of the star being laid to rest.

Ozzy’s beloved family – including his widow Sharon Osbourne and children Kelly and Jack – are following the special procession, which is also being accompanied by a live brass band, Bostin’ Brass. The procession is taking place ahead of a private funeral service later this week, where those closest to him will have a chance to say goodbye to the legendary rock icon and their beloved Ozzy.

The star’s family are covering the costs of the funeral procession, while the local council have supported them by closing Broad Street from 7am this morning ahead of the 1pm procession. Fans began lining the street hours before the procession was due to start.

The band performing at Ozzy’s funeral procession have a fitting link to the star. Bostin’ Bass played at an event at Birmingham’s New Street Station when Ozzy the mechanical bull was unveiled by Sharon Osbourne in 2022 for the Commonwealth Games.

Thousands of Ozzy Osbourne fans have lined the streets to pay their respects ( 
Image:
Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Aaron Diaz, who leads the group, has admitted feeling the pressure to perform a fitting tribute for the rock legend. He said: “It’s certainly high pressure. You do feel a weight of responsibility.”

“In the last couple of days it’s been amazing the sentiment the city feels towards Ozzy, the pride – he’s one of Birmingham’s own,” said the trumpet player. “We’re really going to enjoy playing a fitting tribute to him and being part of the crowd of thousands that’s going to turn out on the day.”

Black Sabbath icon Ozzy Osbourne died earlier this month ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Meanwhile, a string of stars are expected to attend Ozzy’s funeral later this week including Elton John as well as Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates; including Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler.

James Hetfield from Metallica has also been invited along with singer Yungblud, who paid a heartbreaking tribute to Ozzy after supporting the star’s Black Sabbath farewell gig earlier this month with an incredible rendition of the group’s hit Changes.

Yungblud, who’s real name is Dominic Richard Harrison, wrote a heartbreaking tribute to Ozzy following the news. He wrote on Instagram: “I didn’t think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room.

YungBlud paid tribute to the late, great Ozzy following the news of his death ( 
Image:
yungblud/Instagram)
“But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t. I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage.

“Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough. You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all.

Ozzy’s wife Sharon and his family announced his death in a joint statement ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
“I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.”

Ozzy’s death was announced in a statement shared by his family, including Kelly and Ozzy’s wife Sharon, had said: “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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.”