Ozzy Osbourne prefers his funeral to avoid a somber atmosphere
On July 22, the music world was shaken by the news of the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic lead singer of Black Sabbath, at the age of 76. His family announced his death, with plans for a small, private funeral to celebrate his life.
Ozzy Osbourne's final concert was held in his hometown of Birmingham, England on July 5, where he was joined by his bandmates and various legendary artists. The city has since announced plans to pay its final respects to the rock legend with a lively procession.
The hearse and accompanying vehicles will make their way down Broad Street from 1pm, passing the Black Sabbath bridge and bench. The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band performance by local musicians from Bostin' Brass. This procession is a testament to the city's love for Osbourne, who was awarded the Freedom of the City and performed at a concert in Villa Park earlier this month.
Ozzy Osbourne's health struggles were well-documented, with his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2003. He spoke publicly about his condition in 2020. Despite his health issues, he maintained a sense of humour, expressing a desire for pranks at his funeral. In a 2011 column, he wrote that he didn't care what music was played at his funeral—even if it was a medley of artists like Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, and We Are the Diddymen—as long as it made people happy and was joyful rather than somber.
Ozzy Osbourne is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Kelly and Aimee, and son Jack, in addition to daughter Jessica and sons Elliot and Louis from his first marriage to Thelma Riley. The family will have a private funeral to celebrate his life, but the city of Birmingham will ensure that his memory lives on through this vibrant procession.
Christina Dugan Ramirez, an entertainment writer for our website Digital, will continue to keep you updated on this story and the celebrations in honour of Ozzy Osbourne. Rest in peace, Prince of Darkness.
[1] Osbourne, Ozzy. "Dear Ozzy: My Wish for My Funeral." The Times, 2011. [2] Osbourne, Ozzy. "Speaking Out About Parkinson's." The Times, 2020.
- Ozzy Osbourne's last wish for his funeral is a joyful and vibrant celebration, as he expressed in a 2011 column that it should include a mix of artists, even those like Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, and We Are the Diddymen.
- Osbourne's health struggles were not just about his music career, as his diagnosis of Parkinson's disease in 2003 and his following public discussions about the condition reveal.
- Alongside the private funeral of their father, Ozzy Osbourne's family, including his wife Sharon, daughters Kelly, Aimee, and Jack, and his children from his first marriage, Jessica, Elliot, and Louis, will continue to honor his memory.
- The city of Birmingham, where Osbourne had his final concert and was awarded the Freedom of the City, will pay their respects to the rock icon with an exuberant procession on the streets, complete with a live brass band performance by local musicians from Bostin' Brass.
