Fans gathered in front of the Ozzy Osbourne memorial area. Photo: Reuters

According to AP, the funeral of "the godfather of metal," Ozzy Osbourne, took place in his hometown of Birmingham on 30/7. Crowds lined Broad Street – one of the roads leading to the Black Sabbath bench – to pay their respects. They chanted the rock icon's name as the hearse carrying his coffin passed by.

The singer passed away on 22/7 at the age of 76, leaving a void in the global rock music community. Numerous colleagues and artists, including former soccer star David Beckham, actor Jason Momoa, rapper Flavor Flav, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, and members of Black Sabbath, offered their condolences to his family. On Instagram, singer Elton John called Ozzy Osbourne "a great pioneer who cemented his place in the pantheon of rock gods."

Thousands took to the streets to "welcome Ozzy Osbourne back home". Video: X/Jonathan Savage

Speaking with the news agency, Antony Hunt, a longtime fan of Ozzy Osbourne, described it as an "emotional day," expressing his amazement at the large turnout of fans of all ages, from young children and teenagers to those in their 60s and 70s, who came to bid farewell to the artist.

Katie Brazie, head of events at Birmingham City Council, stated that Ozzy Osbourne was "everything" to the city. Recently, the artist and his band members received the Freedom of the City award for their contributions to the local community.

A fan at the Black Sabbath bench – the artist's memorial. Photo: PA

According to CNN, fans have been making a "pilgrimage" to Birmingham – known as the "birthplace of heavy metal" – since news of the artist's passing broke.

"Ozzy was not just a legend, he was a son of Birmingham. We know how much this moment means to those who loved him," a senior city official said.

Sharon, 73, Ozzy Osbourne's wife, and their two children, Jack and Kelly (right), were moved as they read messages from fans at the memorial area. Photo: PA Wire

Sharon and her eldest daughter Aimee made peace signs to greet fans at the funeral. Photo: The Image Direct

The final resting place of legend Ozzy Osbourne. Photo: SplashNews

International media reported that Ozzy Osbourne was buried by a lake at his Birmingham home on 31/7. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and acquaintances only. Black Sabbath members Terence "Geezer" Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward were reportedly present, along with James Hetfield (Metallica), singer Yungblud, and singer Elton John.

A few weeks before his passing, the artist gave his final performance at the Back to the Beginning concert with Black Sabbath in his hometown on 5/7. According to the band's website, the live show was Ozzy Osbourne's "final goodbye."

Two rockers, Rob Zombie, 60, and Marilyn Manson, 56, on their way to the ceremony at Ozzy Osbourne's home. Photo: SplashNews

Artist Zakk Wylde, 58, Ozzy Osbourne's longtime guitarist, led the funeral procession on 31/7. Photo: SplashNews

The Sun reported that around 110 people attended, receiving black invitations printed with a cross and the words: "In Memory of Ozzy Osbourne". Security was deployed around the ceremony area to protect the guests. An attendee said photos of the "No More Tears" singer were displayed throughout the house. Each guest was given one to take home.

The public memorial for Ozzy Osbourne prepared by his family. Photo: SplashNews

Ozzy Osbourne in a 2005 photoshoot. Photo: Redux

Born in 1948, the artist was a famous vocalist in the early 1970s with the heavy metal genre. He formed Black Sabbath in 1968, gaining recognition with songs like "Parnoid" (1970), "Iron Man" (1970), and "War Pigs" (1970). In 1978, he embarked on a solo career, achieving success thanks to his unique voice and aesthetic.

International media recognize Ozzy Osbourne as one of the most influential names of his generation, a key figure in shaping the metal genre. The rocker was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024. Over his 50-year career, he won five Grammy Awards out of 12 nominations and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Phuong Thao (according to AP, CNN, NY Post)