Ozzy cortege to make final trip through Birmingham

Fans will be given a chance to pay their respects to heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne when his cortege travels through his home city of Birmingham.

The Black Sabbath singer’s body will be brought back for a procession that will travel along Broad Street in the city centre from 13:00 BST on Wednesday.

The news was revealed by BBC WM presenter Ed James who said a hearse will make its way to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench where thousands of fans have left messages and floral tributes.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal said: “We’re going to pay our last respects and homage to one of the greatest living legends of Birmingham.” Osbourne died aged 76 on 22 July.

His death came less than three weeks since he took part, along with his band mates, in Black Sabbath’s farewell gig, Back to the Beginning. Dozens of musicians, including members of Metallica and Aerosmith, performed at the Villa Park concert.

The event, which takes place ahead of a private funeral, will allow his family a chance to see the many memories his loyal fans have left alongside flowers and tributes, the council said.

Local musicians Bostin’ Brass will accompany the procession.

Describing him as a “son of Birmingham”, Iqbal said: “He put Birmingham on the map. He put Aston on the map.”

The city was proud to host the event, he said, and added he was grateful the family had offered to pay to enable it to happen.

source: BBC

HA SZERETNÉD TE IS ÉLŐBEN KÖVETNI AZ ESEMÉNY, ITT MEGTEHETED.

Questions:

1. What is the purpose of Ozzy Osbourne’s cortege travelling through Birmingham?
2. Where will the cortege travel through in Birmingham?
3. What will the cortege pass by during its journey?
4. Who will accompany the procession?
5. How did the Lord Mayor of Birmingham describe Ozzy Osbourne?
6. What event took place shortly before Ozzy Osbourne’s death?

Correct answers:

1. The purpose of the cortege is to allow fans to pay their respects to the heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne.
2. The cortege will travel along Broad Street in Birmingham city centre.
3. The cortege will pass by the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, where fans have left messages and floral tributes.
4. The local musicians Bostin’ Brass will accompany the procession.
5. The Lord Mayor described Ozzy Osbourne as “one of the greatest living legends of Birmingham” and a “son of Birmingham” who put the city and Aston on the map.
6. Black Sabbath’s farewell gig, Back to the Beginning, took place less than three weeks before Ozzy Osbourne’s death.