Ozzy Osbourne honored with funeral procession in his hometown of Birmingham
The 'Crazy Train' singer died July 22 following years of health struggles. He was 76.
The world is saying its final goodbyes to heavy metal legend and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne.
Thousands have gathered in Birmingham, England, on Wednesday for Osbourne's funeral, as he takes one last ride through his beloved hometown.
Many of them lined the procession route as they paid their respects to the former frontman of Black Sabbath.
The city of Birmingham in England announced on Tuesday that it planned "to pay its final respects to one of its most cherished cultural icons Ozzy Osbourne as his cortege and family visit Broad Street in the city that he loved" on Wednesday.
The announcement included details of a funeral procession that will culminate at the Black Sabbath Bench and Bridge, "where thousands of fans have left heartfelt messages and floral tributes in recent days."
The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band performance by local musicians, "bringing a final musical moment to honour the extraordinary life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne."
The "Crazy Train" singer died July 22 following years of health struggles. He was 76.
His death came weeks after he reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates in Birmingham for a concert billed as his "final bow," according to the band's official website.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, JP, called Osbourne "more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham" as part of the city's official statement.
"It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral," Iqbal said in the statement. "We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is (sic) giving him the farewell he deserves."
CNN has reached out to reps for the Osbourne family for comment.
WPVI contributed to this post.
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