Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/Ian Gavan
Topics: Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Music
Joe Yates
As millions of Black Sabbath fans worldwide prepare for the legendary frontman Ozzy Osbourne to be laid to rest, his wife Sharon has made a heartwarming gesture to those making the trip to his hometown.
The rockstar passed away last Tuesday (July 22), having gotten on stage at Villa Park, in Birmingham, England, for his farewell gig with all the original members of his band for the first in 20 years, just 17 days prior to his death.
The singer's appearance came amid ongoing health concerns, and following his time in front of a crowd of 40,000 heavy metal fans, he retired to his family home in the UK - and was surrounded by family when he passed.
Ozzy's funeral is set to take place in his hometown of Birmingham tomorrow (July 30).
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However, with the city council struggling for funds - a January report noted that the authority had to make 'savings' of $204 million - and a garbage collection strike having taken place in the city since the start of the year, with no end currently in sight, Sharon has intervened.
The TV personality has offered to pay for road closures to be put in place, as well as security, for her controversial yet much-loved husband's procession in the heart of Birmingham - and notably over the Black Sabbath bridge.
"Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham," the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal, announced.
"Having recently been awarded 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 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."
He added: "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 giving him the farewell he deserves."
Following the procession, a private ceremony will be held for the family.
The Osbournes issued the following statement to confirm his death last week: "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.
"We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time."
Tomorrow (July 30), Ozzy's hearse will travel along Broad Street, Birmingham, to the Black Sabbath bridge and bench at 8am EST.
Those wishing to livestream this section of the funeral procession can do so here.