It was a day that Birmingham will never forget. Streets packed. Banners waving. Black Sabbath blasting from every direction. And at the heart of it all—Ozzy Osbourne. The Prince of Darkness made an emotional return to his hometown, and the city responded with pure, undying love. Tens of thousands lined the streets in a procession that was equal parts rock concert, public tribute, and hometown celebration.
Ozzy, 76, who’s been battling serious health issues in recent years, was visibly moved. But it was his family—wife Sharon, children Kelly and Jack—who couldn’t hold back the tears. Cameras caught Sharon dabbing at her eyes as fans chanted “Ozzy! Ozzy!” while holding aloft signs, album covers, and even inflatable bats (a nod to that infamous moment in rock history).
This wasn’t just a celebrity sighting. This was a full-blown hero’s welcome. Birmingham didn’t just show up; it showed out. The city had organized an official motorcade procession, starting from Aston—Ozzy’s old stomping ground—and winding through key sites in his early life before arriving at the main stage in Victoria Square. Fans from across the UK—and even some diehard metalheads from as far as Germany and Brazil—flew in just to be part of history.
Ozzy, wearing his trademark black coat and cross necklace, gave a short but heartfelt wave to the crowd. “I love you all,” he said through a raspy voice. “Birmingham is in my blood. Always has been.”
Local officials also confirmed that a bronze statue of Ozzy will be erected near the Bullring as a permanent tribute to his legacy. The news brought another round of cheers from the crowd—and more tissues from the Osbourne family.
In recent interviews, Ozzy has spoken candidly about his declining health, expressing a deep desire to reconnect with his fans while he still can. “If this is the last time I can do this kind of thing,” he said recently, “I want to do it in Brum.”
The procession wasn’t just a farewell. It was a thank-you, a celebration, and a symbol of the unbreakable bond between a city and its most iconic son. The sheer outpouring of emotion, support, and nostalgia turned this event into something far bigger than just one man—it became a rock-and-roll pilgrimage.
Long live the Prince of Darkness. And long live the spirit of Birmingham.