Fans, family bid final farewell to Osbourne

Agencies Birmingham

Tens of thousands of fans gathered in Ozzy Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England on Wednesday for the funeral procession of the legendary rocker and Black Sabbath frontman, who died on July 22 at the age of 76.

The hearse holding Osbourne’s coffin made its way down Broad Street and past the Black Sabbath Bridge, where his widow, Sharon, and children Jack and Kelly got out to look at the overwhelming amount of goodbye messages left there, Variety reported. Sharon was visibly emotional and leaned on her children for support as they walked hand in hand. After spending about five minutes at the bridge, they turned to the crowd and Sharon flashed Ozzy’s signature peace sign gesture.

It was a tearjerking moment for members of the crowd as well, who cheered on the Osbourne family and chanted “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, oi oi oi!” as well as “Thank you, Ozzy.” As the family got back into the hearse, purple flowers spelling out “Ozzy” sitting on top of his coffin could be seen. A private funeral service is being held for Osbourne’s family and close friends later in the day at an undisclosed location. Before the family arrived, a local brass band kicked off the procession, playing Osbourne hits including “Iron Man.”