The town of Birmingham, United Kingdom, can pay a strong and emotional tribute to one among its most legendary and beloved sons, Ozzy Osbourne, as a public farewell procession takes place on Wednesday, July 30. The enduring Black Sabbath frontman, who handed away on July 22, can be honored with a cortège procession via the center of town he proudly referred to as residence.
At 1 p.m., the hearse and accompanying automobiles carrying Ozzy‘s household will start a gradual, solemn journey down Broad Road, culminating on the Black Sabbath Bridge and commemorative bench — now remodeled right into a shrine by 1000’s of followers. Over the previous week, mourners from all over the world have gathered at this landmark, leaving flowers, heartfelt messages, memorabilia, and tributes in a shared outpouring of grief and respect.
Because the procession makes its means via town, native musicians from Bostin’ Brass will present a shifting dwell brass band efficiency, providing a closing musical salute to the person who revolutionized heavy metallic and helped form its very basis. The efficiency is anticipated to mix somber reflection with the form of vibrant power that outlined Ozzy‘s life and legacy.
“Ozzy was greater than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. Having lately been awarded the Freedom Of The Metropolis and following his celebrated look on the Again To The Starting live performance at Villa Park earlier this month, it was necessary to town that we assist a becoming, dignified tribute forward of a non-public household funeral,” stated Zafar Iqbal, Birmingham’s lord mayor.
“We all know how a lot this second will imply to his followers. We’re proud to host it right here together with his loving household within the place the place all of it started, and we’re grateful that they’ve generously provided to pay to allow this to occur and assist town is giving him the farewell he deserves.”
In coordination with the Osbourne household, Birmingham Metropolis Council and its companions have moved swiftly to arrange this public occasion, guaranteeing it is going to be each respectful and secure. The household has funded all related prices, permitting the group and followers to honor Ozzy with out burdening public assets. The council additionally prolonged due to native companies, residents, West Midlands Metro, and West Midlands Police for his or her cooperation throughout preparations.
To accommodate the occasion, Broad Road can be closed to via visitors starting at 7 a.m. on July 30. Bus and tram companies can be diverted, and whereas native entry can be managed the place doable, it can’t be assured. The street will reopen as quickly as safely doable after the procession concludes. Stewards can be on website, and attendees are inspired to reach early, use public transport, and observe security steering.
For followers unable to attend in individual, a livestream of the Black Sabbath Bench will stay energetic and accessible on-line, offering a digital area for world viewers to be a part of the tribute.
Unveiled in 2019, the metal bench options silhouettes of the unique band members — Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Invoice Ward — etched into its backrest, celebrating their influence on music historical past. It sits close to the “Stroll of Stars,” the place the band was beforehand honored, and serves as a preferred photograph spot for followers. The bench not solely commemorates Black Sabbath‘s legacy but in addition acknowledges Birmingham’s position within the delivery of heavy metallic.
The town anticipates massive crowds gathering to witness this once-in-a-lifetime tribute, as followers line the streets not solely to say goodbye however to have fun a person whose affect transcended generations and genres. For Birmingham, that is greater than a memorial — it’s a second to honor a cultural icon who carried the soul of town with him on each world stage he graced.
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