Sharon Osbourne paid a heartfelt tribute to the crowds gathered to mourn Ozzy Osbourne, making a gesture that had become synonymous with her late husband.
The Black Sabbath legend, who died on July 22 at the age of 76, was honored with a farewell as impactful as the musical legacy he leaves behind. Leading the procession, Sharon offered a deeply personal and symbolic sign to the grieving crowd.
Dressed in black, the 72-year-old was visibly moved, pausing at one point to embrace Birmingham’s Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal amid a sea of floral tributes.
Each family member carried a pink flower wrapped in black paper, placing them at the bench that had become a growing memorial. The poignant moment captured the city’s deep affection for Ozzy — not only as a rock legend but as a beloved hometown figure.
Standing before the iconic Black Sabbath bench — a landmark steeped in the band’s hometown history — Sharon, joined by her children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, lifted a peace sign toward the fans.
A fan shared on Facebook:
“Just an observation from someone who’s been a Sabbath and Ozzy fan since the ’70s. Some might say I’m nitpicking or not respecting other perspectives, but I’ve noticed a lot of posts and billboards showing the devil horns hand sign.
I understand that symbol has become the ‘official’ rock and roll sign, but Ozzy’s trademark gesture has always been the double peace sign. It was Dio who popularized the horns in rock long after Ozzy had been flashing the double peace signs. Let’s remember — this is just one more thing Ozzy gave us!”
Fans lined the streets, calling out Ozzy’s name and tossing roses toward the hearse, which was decorated with purple flowers spelling out “Ozzy.”
The procession passed several landmarks linked to the Black Sabbath legacy, including the Black Sabbath Bridge and the band’s mural. The air was filled with music from local brass ensemble Bostin Brass, performing some of the group’s most iconic songs.
“Ozzy was more than a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham,” Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal told LBC. “Having recently received the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important for the city to give him a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of his private family funeral.
“We know how much this will mean to his fans. We’re proud to host it here, with his loving family, in the place where it all began. We’re also grateful to the family for generously covering the costs so we can give him the farewell he deserves.”
