Ozzy Osbourne had very specific plans for his funeral before his death on July 22, 2025, aged 76. The Black Sabbath frontman previously expressed his desire for a celebration rather than a sombre occasion, saying he did not want a "mope-fest".
In a 2011 interview with The Times, he said: "There'll be no harping on the bad times. It's worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives, so by any measure, most of us in this country – especially rock stars like me – are very lucky. That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad, I want it to be a time to say 'thanks'." He added that he did not care what music was played, joking: "They can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes 'em happy – but I do want to make sure it's a celebration, not a mope-fest."
However, by 2016 he appeared to have changed his mind, telling NME: "I really need a few more years to think this over, but probably something from Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver. I definitely don't want my greatest hits album – I never ever play that thing, I'm embarrassed about it. And I definitely don't want a happy song – I'm dead." He had also joked about having "the sound of knocking inside the coffin; or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death'."
His family announced his death in a 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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time." He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Sharon, and children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, Jessica, Louis and Elliot. His death came after a farewell performance with the original Black Sabbath lineup on July 5, their first reunion in 20 years.
Tributes poured in from across the music world, including Sir Elton John, who said: "He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met." Lady Gaga paid tribute by playing "Crazy Train" at her Mayhem Ball show. Elsewhere, it was recalled that Ozzy got his driving licence at 60 after 19 attempts, and that his nickname was originally a schoolyard taunt.
