The procession through the heavy metal star's hometown started at 13 local time and passed roads lined with fans of all ages. When it passed, the fans poured in over the streets at the memorial sites.
Near the flower sea, where black balloons shaped like Ozzy Osbourne's name and purple balloons in bat shape waved, Osbourne's family stopped. The star's wife Sharon Osbourne cried as she took part in the tributes, with children and grandchildren by her side. The fans shouted "We love you Sharon" and chanted:
Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy!
Already at 7 in the morning, hundreds of devoted participants sat down at the Black Sabbath bridge, some with chairs and brought picnic. One of them was the musician Ben Alexander from the trash metal band Mount Slatra, who met fans from all over the world.
It's almost like a pilgrimage, he says to BBC.
Private funeral
The funeral itself will be a private event and will be held on Thursday, according to BBC's reporter.
One of those who will attend is Robert Trujillo, now bassist in Metallica, according to NME. He played early with Osbourne – and recently stood on stage when Black Sabbath reunited for a final concert together, 20 years after the band's last performance.
"He gave us everything he had in his final days", he writes on social media, and further:
"Ozzy and Black Sabbath were, and are still, the soundtrack to our lives. They were the first real alternative rock band, in my opinion".
No depressing party
Ozzy Osbourne himself said in 2011 that he does not care whether Justin Bieber or Susan Boyle is played at his funeral – as long as it becomes a party and not a depressing event.
When the funeral procession passed through Birmingham, the atmosphere was described as positive and warm.
The band Bostin Brass played Black Sabbath songs in the procession, and the band leader Aaron Diaz was both proud and nervous.
The last few days have been fantastic to see the feelings the city has for Ozzy – the pride. He is one of Birmingham's own, he said.
