Ozzy Funeral Plans Announced – Procession + Private Ceremony

Ozzy Osbourne will be laid to rest at a funeral in his hometown of Birmingham, England on Wednesday, July 30.

The ceremony takes place just over a week after the singer’s death and just 25 days removed from his final performance at the record-setting Back to the Beginning concert in the same town.

Details of Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral

The private event will be preceded by a public funeral procession that will travel through the center of the singer’s childhood hometown, passing the Black Sabbath bridge and bench where thousands of fans have left messages and flowers in tribute to the pioneering heavy metal singer.

“It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,” Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal said (according to The Guardian.) “We know how much this moment will mean to his fans.”

The local brass band Bostin Brass will accompany the procession and The Guardian reports that surviving members of Black Sabbath are “thought to be taking roles” as well.

How Can I Watch a Livestream of Ozzy’s Funeral Procession?

According to NME, fans will be able to watch the procession via an ongoing livestream of the Black Sabbath bench. The procession begins at 1PM BST (8AM EST).

About Ozzy’s Death

Osbourne died on July 22 at the age of 76. “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,” his family said in a statement. “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.”

The Prince of Darkness passed less than three weeks after delivering his farewell performance at the Back to the Beginning concert. Osbourne performed a five-song solo set followed by a four-song set from Black Sabbath’s original lineup (Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward), who hadn’t played together since 2005. Other artists on the all-day lineup included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax and more.

READ MORE: See Photos of Metal Legend Ozzy Osbourne Through the Years

Musicians, Celebrities + Fans Pay Tribute to Ozzy

In the days following his death, Osbourne received an outpouring of praise from fellow rock and metal stars.

“He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods — a true legend,” said friend and collaborator Elton John. “He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.”

Osbourne’s Black Sabbath bandmates also paid tribute to the fallen singer individually and as a group. “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,” Iommi wrote.

“It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony.”