Thousands of people lined the streets of Birmingham for the funeral of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne who died last week.
Images of “Ozzy Forever” posters and of his family members laying flowers in the centre of Birmingham could be seen during the day, as ‘Sabbath fans lined the main Broad Streets thoroughfare as memorials took place throughout the UK’s second city, where Osbourne was born and where the band was formed. As chants of “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy” was rung out, his wife Sharon was seen in images to be visibly emotional.
Ozzy’s death was announced last week, with no cause given at the time. But he did have a number of health issues in recent years. Born John Michael Osbourne, in 1948, he co-founded the ever influential and controversial Black Sabbath in 1968 with guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward.
Draped in demonic lyrical themes and often-foreboding music, the quartet was a near-instant success and helped the birth of and define the then new ‘Heavy Metal’ genre, with many of its songs, as well as Osbourne’s solo hits, remaining as staples on classic rock radio.
He rejoined Iommi, Butler and Ward for a well-publicized farewell show for 40,000 fans at his beloved Aston Villa’s Villa Park stadium, in his home city, alongside greats like Metallica, Alice in Chains and Guns N’ Roses.
He was 76.
