Ozzy Osbourne Honoured at Mardi Gras
Ozzy Osbourne was celebrated at this year's Mardi Gras in New Orleans, where more than 200 people paraded through the streets dressed as the Prince of Darkness.
The Black Sabbath frontman, who passed away last July shortly after his final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, was honoured as part of an annual tradition recognizing rock stars who have died in the previous 12 months.
Stephen Rea, a friend of Osbourne's for over 40 years, participated in the event.
Before the parade, Rea told BBC Radio WM that 225 individuals would march wearing matching Ozzy costumes, complete with wigs, blue glasses, and crosses.
"There was only ever going to be one choice this year," he said. "The greatest rock singer the world's ever seen."
Mardi Gras Celebrations and Tribute Details
This tribute was part of a week-long series of parades attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to the streets of New Orleans.
Mardi Gras, meaning Fat Tuesday, features floats, marching bands, and dance crews over several days of free parades.
Rea described how the marchers danced and sang as they moved through the streets, noting that members of the Osbourne family had traveled from England to attend.
"I would love to get everybody across for Ozzy's celebration in July in Birmingham," he said. "With the one-year anniversary, I think there are plans for that."
Stephen Rea's Book and Friendship with Ozzy
Rea recently published a book titled Ozzy and Me, which is based on notebooks Osbourne gave him during their tours together.
The book recounts their friendship, loyalty, and what Rea describes as wild times.
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