Tributes to Ozzy Osbourne removed from bench will be handed to family
A sea of flowers, messages and tributes left in Birmingham in memory of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne are being moved today.
Thousands of fans have visited Black Sabbath Bench on Broad Street in the musician's home city to lay bouquets, wreaths, posters, balloons, candles and cards since he died at the age of 76 on July 22. They are now being handed to his family, who are still coming to terms with the legend's death.
Earlier, Birmingham City Council began gathering up the tributes so they can be stored before being delivered Osbourne family, who visited the bench on Wednesday to lay their own flowers during a cortege procession.
A handful of fans watched on from behind barriers, took photographs and hugged each other as officials in hi-vis jackets collected all the flowers and tributes which had been laid in front of the bench and on the railings behind it. It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes.
The council said the mementos would be gathered and preserved 'respectfully' in agreement with the rock star's relatives and then stored 'with the utmost care at a secure location, ensuring they are protected and treated with dignity'.
The council said: 'In due course, they will be passed on to the Osbourne family, so they may keep them as a lasting reminder of the public's affection and support.'
In a statement released through the city council, the Osbourne family said: 'We are deeply moved by the heartfelt tributes that have been placed at the Black Sabbath Bridge and at the Black Sabbath mural on Navigation Street in recent days.
'These expressions of remembrance reflect the profound impact that Ozzy had on the city and its people, as well as fans from around the world – BIRMINGHAM FOREVER!'
Kelly Osbourne has today paid an emotional tribute to her late father nearly two weeks on from his death. His loved ones announced the sad news via a family statement signed by Sharon Osbourne and four of the Black Sabbath frontman's six children.
The singer, who had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2019, was "with his family and surrounded by love". The statement read: "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."
Kelly has this afternoon taken to social media to share a personalised tribute to her beloved dad, with whom she shared an incredible bond.
She said: "I've sat down to write this a hundred times and still don't know if the words will ever feel like enough... but from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
"The love, support, and beautiful messages I've received from so many of you have truly helped carry me through the hardest moment of my life. Every kind word, every shared memory, every bit of compassion has meant more than I can ever explain.
"Grief is a strange thing—it sneaks up on you in waves-I will not be ok for a while-but knowing my family are not alone in our pain makes a difference.
"I'm holding on tight to the love, the light, and the legacy left behind. Thank you for being there. I love you all so much."
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