Ozzy Osbourne laid to rest in grounds of his mansion after massively popular Birmingham procession
Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has been buried in the grounds of his Buckinghamshire mansion where he spent his final weeks.
Yesterday (July 30) 27 million people tuned in from across the world logged onto the live stream of his coffin making its way down Broad Street after snaking its way from his native Aston.
Today his family were joined by very close friends for a private service as he was laid to rest.
According to his autobiography I Am Ozzy, the wildman of heavy metal asked his wife Sharon for a burial in a garden.
He wrote more than 10 years ago: "'Don't get me wrong: I don't worry about that kind of heavy-duty stuff on a daily basis.
"I've come to believe that everything in life is worked out in advance. So whenever bad s**t happens, there ain't nothing you can do about it. You've just gotta ride it out. And eventually death will come, like it comes to everyone."
He added: "I've said to Sharon: 'Don't cremate me, whatever you do.' I want to be put in the ground, in a nice garden somewhere, with a tree planted over my head.'"
Sharon was visibly upset on Broad Street yesterday as they stopped at the Black Sabbath Bench to read messages of tribute and goodwill.
An estimated 15,000 descended on Birmingham city centre to honour their hometown hero who never forgot his humble roots. He gave his last-ever performance at the epic Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park, which was dubbed the Live Aid of heavy metal due to its star-studded lineup.
Westside BID, which broadcast the livestream, said technical difficulties were caused by more than 27 million people from across the world logging on to watch the procession.
Thousands of flowers have been laid at the Black Sabbath bench and discussions are now taking place to decide what to do with the messages of goodwill sent with them.
The concert raised more than £140m for Birmingham Children's Hospital, Acorns Hospice and other good causes with ticket sales and other profits all going to charity.
