Ozzy Osbourne's Final Journey Begins After Being Laid To Rest In England

Ozzy Osbourne, the incomparable frontman of Black Sabbath and one of rock music's most beloved figures, was buried July 31 at his estate in Buckinghamshire, England. This private adieu followed an emotional public memorial in his hometown of Birmingham, England, a city that both influenced and worshipped him as its very own Prince of Darkness. Ozzy's death on July 22, at the age of just 76, ended a long and fearless fight against Parkinson's.

As fans around the world grieved, his family and close friends paid homage with a private burial featuring love, music, and memories. The procession on Thursday, for the public, provided that opportunity a day earlier, on July 30. A hearse with Ozzy's coffin made a stop at Birmingham's Black Sabbath Bridge and memorial bench, erected in honor of the heavy metal godfather. The air sang with a live brass band, featuring local musicians as well as the singer Yungblud and members of Black Sabbath, and turned the street into something like a living requiem.

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Ozzy's wife Sharon Osbourne, children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, and Louis Osbourne marched single file behind the procession. They were accompanied by many longtime friends and collaborators, including Zakk Wylde and Marilyn Manson, who went on to attend the family's private funeral service at their country home. In a statement, Birmingham's mayor, Zafar Iqbal, said the city was proud to extend an appropriate send-off: "It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans."

His family released a statement that said Ozzy passed away peacefully, having been surrounded by his loved ones in recent days. "We have with more sadness than mere words can convey," they wrote, "but Ozzy was with his family and surrounded by love." From the streets of Birmingham to the rolling fields of quiet Buckinghamshire, Ozzy's last journey was filled with reverence, remembrance, and a sprinkling of rock-and-roll magic. But even in death, his voice and rebellion will continue to reverberate long after he is laid to rest.