Pub Closes for Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral as Thousands Prepare to Line Streets for Hometown Legend
BIRMINGHAM, UK – July 30th, 2025* — A beloved local pub near Birmingham has closed its doors today in an emotional tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away earlier this week, calling it “a mark of respect” for the Prince of Darkness. As the city prepares to bid farewell to one of its most iconic sons, the closure is one of many heartfelt gestures sweeping across the region.
Ahead of a private funeral service to be held in Buckinghamshire later this afternoon, a public funeral procession will pass through Birmingham—Ozzy’s birthplace—allowing fans, friends, and family to celebrate his extraordinary life and legacy.
The procession is set to begin at 1 PM on July 30th, traveling along Broad Street to the now-famous “Black Sabbath Bridge,” a site that has become a pilgrimage destination for rock fans across the globe. Crowds began gathering as early as sunrise, many wearing vintage Sabbath tour t-shirts and clutching flowers, candles, and even vinyl records of their favorite Ozzy moments.
A Mark of Respect”: Pub Shutters for the Day
One local pub, *The Crown & Castle*, located just off Broad Street, announced on social media this morning that it would not be opening its doors today.
As a mark of respect to our local hero, Ozzy Osbourne, and to allow our staff and regulars to attend the procession, we’ll be closed today. Ozzy wasn’t just a rock legend—he was one of us,” the post read.
Locals praised the decision, many commenting that Ozzy had always supported the local music scene and had, over the years, quietly donated to nearby schools and youth centers.
“He never forgot where he came from,” said pub regular and longtime fan Darren Foley, 53. “He was the heart and soul of Brum, and today we honour him like he deserves.”
The Procession: From Prince of Darkness to Hometown Hero
Though his persona on stage was often theatrical, wild, and chaotic, those who knew Ozzy personally describe him as humble, loyal, and deeply connected to his roots.
The funeral procession will feature a poignant moment at Black Sabbath Bridge, where a brass band—Birmingham’s own *Bostin’ Brass*—will perform moving renditions of some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “Iron Man” and “Changes,” arranged specially for the occasion.
A massive video screen is being erected nearby to replay clips of Ozzy’s most legendary performances, alongside rare interview footage and personal tributes from fellow musicians, including Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Sharon Osbourne herself.
Crowd estimates are already in the tens of thousands, with fans arriving from across the UK and beyond.
He Was Birmingham”: Global Icon, Local Treasure
Ozzy Osbourne’s rise from working-class Aston to global rock superstardom is the stuff of music legend. Born in 1948, he formed Black Sabbath in 1968 with fellow Birmingham natives Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward. Together, they pioneered a darker, heavier sound that would become the foundation of heavy metal music.
But beyond the devil horns, the bat incident, and reality TV antics, Ozzy’s legacy in Birmingham remains deeply personal.
“He never lost touch with the city,” said Birmingham City Councillor Lorna Davies. “He came back often—sometimes quietly, sometimes with fanfare—but always with love for his people. He put Birmingham on the global music map.”
Ozzy’s music has been credited with saving lives, inspiring generations, and uniting fans from wildly different walks of life. His fans range from battle-jacketed metalheads to office workers, students, bikers, and retirees.
A City in Mourning, a Legacy That Will Live Forever
Across Birmingham, tributes have been pouring in all week. The Library of Birmingham set up a memorial wall for fans to leave messages. The University of Birmingham lowered its flag to half-mast. Even the local football club, Aston Villa, held a moment of silence before kickoff this weekend.
Global stars including Metallica, Foo Fighters, and even Paul McCartney have posted tributes, calling Ozzy a “true original,” a “pioneer,” and a “once-in-a-generation voice.”
At a pre-procession vigil held last night, fans lit candles and sang along to “No More Tears” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The sound of thousands of voices echoing through the streets created a surreal and emotional atmosphere.
Sharon’s Quiet Presence
While the main funeral service will be private, sources close to the Osbourne family have confirmed that Sharon, along with children Kelly and Jack, will be watching the procession from a private area near Black Sabbath Bridge.
In a statement released earlier this morning, Sharon wrote:
Ozzy loved his fans more than anything. He was always in awe of the support he received throughout his life. Today is not goodbye—it’s a celebration of a life lived on his own terms. Thank you, Birmingham, for loving him like you did.”
What’s Next?
Rumors are already swirling that a permanent statue will be erected near the bridge later this year. City council members are reportedly in talks with local artists and the Osbourne family about a lasting tribute—something that goes beyond the music, and captures the man behind the myth.
In the meantime, fans can pay tribute at the procession route throughout the day, or online via a live stream set up by the BBC.
Final Bow
Today, Birmingham doesn’t just say goodbye to a rock star—it says goodbye to a son, a legend, and a symbol of working-class resilience, chaos, creativity, and raw, undeniable talent.
As the brass band plays the final notes and Ozzy’s coffin makes its slow journey down Broad Street, there will be tears, but there will also be laughter, headbanging, and the unmistakable sound of love from a city that will never forget its Prince of Darkness.
Rest in Power, Ozzy. You were always one of us.
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