Ozzy Osbourne latest: Family and fans to say goodbye to Black Sabbath star at Birmingham funeral procession | Ents & Arts News

By Gemma Peplow, culture and entertainment reporter in Birmingham

Among the thousands here paying their respects is Graham Wright, who was a road manager for Black Sabbath throughout the 1970s and beyond, and also worked on the Back To The Beginning show. 

He said the show and the days since Ozzy’s death had been emotional. 

“I was at rehearsals before Villa Park and Ozzy didn’t look that well but was definitely going to do the show. He did it and did brilliantly. It was a shock he left us so soon afterwards. 

“The show was tough for him but he was determined to say goodbye to his fans, that was the main thing.
It was important for all four of them to get back together and do a farewell – this is it. 

“I came down this morning from the North East where I live to pay my respects.” 

Graham said he had thousands of memories of his time with Ozzy. 

“The tears will be flowing today to see the Ozz man – the Prince of Laughter, not Darkness. He really was. We’ll all miss him.”

 Talking about the importance of Birmingham to Ozzy, he added: “He was proud of his working class heritage, he never lost that.”