In Pictures: Birmingham honours Ozzy Osbourne as hearse passes through his hometown

The "home of metal" is honouring its cherished and fallen son.

Thousands of Black Sabbath and music fans paid their respects today to Ozzy Osbourne as his hearse made its way through the streets of Birmingham, the English city where The Prince of Darkness grew up and where the band was formed in 1968.

The hearse carrying Osbourne, who died last Tuesday at the age of 76, made its way down Broad Street to the Black Sabbath bench.

“Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, oi, oi, oi,” fans screamed as the hearse arrived.

Six vehicles carrying the Osbourne family, who paid for the procession, followed. The family emerged briefly, with Ozzy's wife of 43 years Sharon visibly moved.

Check out some of the pictures of today's tribute to Ozzy:

Since Osbourne's death was announced, fans have made pilgrimages to sites around Birmingham, which has embraced its reputation as the birthplace of heavy metal.

“Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham," said Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal. “We know how much this moment will mean to his fans."

RIP Ozzy Osbourne: 1948 - 2025