OZZY Osbourne’s little-known son from his first marriage made a rare public appearance at the rock legend’s funeral procession.
Louis, the son Ozzy shared with his first wife Thelma Riley, was pictured saying his final goodbyes to his father alongside Sharon and her children.
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The 50-year-old stood side-by-side with Jack, 39, Kelly, 40 and Aimee, 41, as the family followed behind the Black Sabbath icon’s hearse through the streets of Birmingham.
Before tying the knot to Sharon, Ozzy had married his first wife Thelma Riley in 1971 after meeting her in a Birmingham nightclub.
Together, they welcomed children Jessica and Louis, who have been largely away from the limelight.
But today Louis – who works as a DJ – appeared front and centre in a purple tie as he joined the Osbournes to pay respects to his late father.
His tie matched the vibrant flowers in Ozzy’s hearse, as well as the family’s purple floral tributes for the late rock star.
Last week, Louis paid a heartwarming tribute to the Black Sabbath legend by changing his Facebook profile picture to an all-black screen.
Brave Sharon hugged daughter Kelly and held son Jack’s hand as she broke down in tears while laying flowers and reading heartfelt messages penned by fans.
Thousands gathered to pay their respects to the Black Sabbath legend earlier today.
Stoic Sharon and Aimee waved to the emotional crowds and gave peace signs to fans.
Chants of “Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy” rang out, with many shouting messages of support for Sharon.
One could be heard saying “we love you Sharon” as she laid flowers next to the cortege.
The procession was lead by a live brass band formed with local musicians from Bostin’ Brass in honour of Ozzy’s legacy.
The Jaguar hearse carrying the singer’s coffin went by his childhood home, where tributes also mount, just before 1pm.
It was accompanied by six Mercedes funeral cars, police motorcycle riders and a police car, on Lodge Road, before making its way to Broad Street.
Fans began gathering from early this morning, with touching floral tributes left by the Black Sabbath bench in the centre of the city.
Some have displayed hand-painted banners, while others are holding Prince of Darkness themed balloons.
Many in the crowd are showing off their Ozzy tattoos in honour of the late rock legend.
The singer, who died last Tuesday aged 76, will be laid to rest tomorrow in a private family service on grounds of his home after today’s procession.
A source said: “Sharon and the family want to celebrate Ozzy’s life with his fans, with plans for the cortege to travel through Birmingham.
“Tomorrow they will have a closed service at a church in Gerrards Cross, Bucks.”
Black Sabbath fan Goose said they discovered heavy metal as a teenager.
“That’s when I found, like millions of people around the world, that there was music that was for us, something that understood us,” they said.
“We knew that there was somebody out there that felt the way that we did and it was a constant presence.
“Ozzy helped give that to the world. He was a family member. He felt like a family member to so many people and he touched so many people’s lives.”
Fellow fan Evie Mayo said the heavy metal star inspired her and everyone in Birmingham.
She said: “I think he was so influential, he was such an inspirational person. I think he really impacted everyone here, especially in Birmingham as well.
“Now that he’s not here any more, you can feel the impact of it. He inspired a lot of people and he was a great person.”
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She added: “He inspired me by, I love his music, absolutely love his music. I’m learning guitar so that I can learn some of his songs.”
There will be a closed service on Thursday at a church in Gerrards Cross, Bucks, where singer, a friend of the Osbourne’s, Yungblud will be giving a reading.
Ozzy died at home in his stunning mansion in Welders, Buckinghamshire “surrounded by love”.
The icon became known as the “Prince of Darkness” in his six-decade career thanks to his on-stage antics that attracted a legion of heavy rock fans.
His death drew condolences from stars including Sir Rod Stewart, Noel Gallagher and Sir Elton John.
More on Ozzy Osbourne…
He last graced the stage in July when he reunited with his bandmates Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi and Bill Ward and played a five-song set in a farewell to music.
The legend cemented his place in rock history early in his career with controversial displays such as biting the head off a bat.
Although his wild behaviour would have been enough to see some artists blacklisted, Ozzy became a loveable rogue who captured fans’ hearts across the globe.
In 2001, Ozzy appealed to a whole new audience after appearing in reality TV show The Osbournes with his family.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, the star had a string of jobs including labourer, plumber and abattoir worker after dropping out of school aged 15.
He was raised by his parents Lilian and John, with three older sisters and two younger brothers, in a humble two-bed house.
Ozzy became entangled with petty crime and served two months in prison for burglary.
The singer then pursued his love of music after hearing The Beatles hit She Loves You in 1963.
Ozzy joined bassist Geezer Butler in their first group in 1967 at the age of 19, and would later go on to form Black Sabbath.
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