
Title: Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Plans Revealed Following Rock Legend’s Death at 76
Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Wishes Revealed as Music World Mourns His Death at 76
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic Black Sabbath frontman, passed away on Tuesday at 76, leaving fans and the music world in mourning. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement: “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
A Celebration of Life
Known for his humor and rebellious spirit, Ozzy had long envisioned his funeral as a joyous celebration rather than a somber affair. In a 2011 interview with The Times, he insisted, “I don’t want my funeral to be sad. It’s worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives… I want it to be a time to say ‘thanks.’” He joked about playing a prank, like a video of him asking a doctor for a “second opinion” on his death, and even quipped that attendees could blast a medley of Justin Bieber or Susan Boyle if it brought smiles.
However, he later narrowed his musical choice to The Beatles’ A Day In The Life, calling the band his lifelong inspiration. “I definitely don’t want my greatest hits album—I’m embarrassed about it,” he told NME in 2016.
Ozzy in 2016, reflecting on his legacy and funeral plans.
Final Bow with Black Sabbath
Just weeks before his death, Ozzy delivered an emotional farewell performance with Black Sabbath at Birmingham’s Villa Park Stadium. Reuniting with original bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward for the first time since 2005, he told 42,000 fans, “Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Fireworks lit the sky as the screen displayed: “Birmingham Forever.”
Ozzy’s final stage appearance during Black Sabbath’s farewell show.
Health Battles and Legacy
Ozzy faced significant health challenges, including Parkinson’s disease (diagnosed in 2020) and seven surgeries over five years, including spinal operations. Despite setbacks, he released his final solo album, Patient Number 9, in 2022, featuring legends like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck.
Born in Birmingham, Ozzy co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968, pioneering heavy metal with hits like Paranoid and Iron Man. The band’s dark, riff-driven sound reshaped rock music, earning them global acclaim.
Black Sabbath in their prime (Ozzy far right).
Family and Cultural Impact
Ozzy is survived by wife Sharon, their children Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, plus three children from previous relationships. Sharon, a TV personality, famously documented their chaotic family life in MTV’s The Osbournes (2002–2005), which won an Emmy but drew criticism for its rawness. The show highlighted Sharon’s cancer battle and Ozzy’s near-fatal quad bike accident.
The Osbourne family at the 2015 Pride of Britain Awards.
In his final years, Ozzy focused on recovery, even adding a rehab wing to his Buckinghamshire home. Though he retired from touring, he vowed to keep recording music. His death marks the end of an era, but his irreverent spirit and thunderous legacy will live on.
“I still enjoy doing my own work,” he told Metal Hammer in 2022. “For the foreseeable future, I will keep on recording if the projects interest me.”
Ozzy in later years, battling health issues with resilience.
The Prince of Darkness may be gone, but his music—and his wish for a laughter-filled farewell—ensures he’ll never be forgotten.