Ozzy Osbourne gets raucous and emotional send-off in Birmingham

Ian YoungsCulture reporterWatch: Sharon Osbourne arrives at tribute to husband Ozzy in BirminghamOzzy Osbourne’s household have accompanied the rock legend’s coffin on an emotional remaining journey via his residence metropolis, watched on by hundreds of followers who cheered and chanted his title.A tearful Sharon Osbourne added a pink rose to dozens of tributes left by followers in Birmingham, consoled by members of the family together with kids Kelly and Jack.The big crowd of onlookers created a highly-charged environment, giving the heavy metallic star a respectful however fittingly raucous send-off as they chanted: “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!”The funeral procession was led by a brass band enjoying Black Sabbath songs, with Ozzy’s physique transported in a hearse topped by a purple floral tribute within the form of a cross.A non-public funeral is anticipated to happen on Thursday.”Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!” Crowd chants and Sharon responds with peace signThe procession occurred every week after Ozzy’s dying on the age of 76, and fewer than a month after his triumphant farewell live performance for 40,000 followers at Villa Park soccer floor.On Wednesday, the cortege drove previous the stadium and his childhood residence earlier than heading into Birmingham metropolis centre, the place followers carrying Ozzy and Sabbath T-shirts and scarves lined Broad Road. Some threw flowers, and spontaneous chants and singalongs erupted within the crowd.PA MediaSharon was supported by Jack and KellyPA MediaShe laid a flower alongside dozens of others which were left by fansThe procession stopped on Black Sabbath Bridge, the place a bench bearing photos of the band’s members has been was a makeshift memorial.Over the previous week, followers have been leaving flowers, messages, empty beer bottles and even bat-shaped balloons – a reference to the notorious 1982 incident when the rock hellraiser bit the top off a bat on stage.EPAA purple bat balloon flew over the tributes on Black Sabbath BridgeGetty ImagesKelly, Sharon and Jack considered the tributes on the bridgeWhen Sharon emerged from her automobile, she had assist – each bodily and ethical – from Kelly and Jack, who had been both facet as she positioned her rose on the present mattress of floral tributes. Kelly and Jack additionally laid flowers, as did sister Aimee, and Louis, Ozzy’s son from his first marriage.They had been joined by different household together with his grandchildren and Kelly’s fiancé, Slipknot DJ Sid Wilson.Relations hugged as they spent 5 minutes wanting on the tributes and taking within the crowd.Followers shouted their assist, with cries of “We love you Ozzy!”, “Ozzy endlessly!” and “Sharon we love you!”Sharon acknowledged the followers by elevating her arms and giving peace indicators earlier than getting again right into a folks provider and the cortege continued previous extra mourners.PA MediaPurple flowers spelled “Ozzy” within the hearseOne fan, Pete Coles, from Nuneaton, mentioned there have been combined feelings within the crowd.”Some persons are right here to have fun and keep in mind the nice instances and their previous reminiscences of him. However respect for Ozzy, I believe, is the principle factor that I felt right here,” he informed BBC Information.”Simply to be here’s a pleasure, to embrace the environment that is right here, with all of the feelings and other people simply right here to sing the praises of this legend in music.”ReutersAdvertising screens confirmed the message “Ozzy endlessly, Birmingham Will All the time Love You”Eddie Hayes, 19, travelled from Newcastle for the occasion. “Individuals like Ozzy won’t ever be round once more,” he mentioned. “He is purely a person. No-one like him, no-one will ever be like him music-wise and personality-wise.”I’ve travelled three or 4 hours, nevertheless it’s all value it only for these 5 minutes.”One other fan, Will Mind, 27, from Worcester, mentioned the procession was “fairly poetic”.”It exhibits how many individuals beloved him and what number of lives he touched along with his music,” he mentioned.”It was actually emotional. Seeing the household and seeing Sharon and the way upset they had been, that was fairly laborious to see.”