What we know about Ozzy Osbourne's funeral plans

Yahoo

3 days ago

What did Ozzy Osbourne want for his funeral?
Ozzy Osbourne's family and closest friends are preparing to give the rock legend a special send-off in Birmingham on Wednesday.
He died aged 76 at his Buckinghamshire home, surrounded by his family. The family statement said: "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."
His death came three weeks after he gave his farewell gig, Back to the Beginning, at Villa Park in Birmingham alongside his bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler.
Born in Birmingham, Osbourne was a father of six and a grandfather to 10. He had three children from his first marriage to Thelma Riley – Jessica, Louis and Elliot (he adopted Elliot, Thelma's son from a previous relationship) – and another three with his wife Sharon: Aimee, Kelly and Jack.
His daughter Kelly Osbourne has spoken out to share a tribute to her dad. "I feel unhappy, I am so sad," she wrote. "I lost the best friend I ever had."
Where will Ozzy Osbourne's funeral be held?
The Black Sabbath singer's funeral will be held on Wednesday in Birmingham.
His hearse will make its way along Broad Street in the city centre from 1pm, heading to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench. It is the location where many Black Sabbath fans have paid tribute to the musician with flowers and pictures of the legend. Some have travelled as far as Mexico, the USA and Poland to lay out tributes.
Local musicians Bostin' Brass will join the procession to give Osbourne a final send-off. The event takes place ahead of a private funeral.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham Zafar Iqbal said: "Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham.
"Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral.
"We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves."
Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7am on Wednesday. It is expected to reopen after Osbourne's funeral has finished.
Those unable to attend in person can watch a live stream of the Black Sabbath bench.
There is a book of condolence open at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where the Ozzy Osbourne Working Class Hero exhibition is.
What did Ozzy Osbourne want for his funeral?
Osbourne had previously shared some of the ideas he would like to see in his funeral.
He said it was a good idea to do a "bit of planning" when it came to your own funeral before you die. Back then, the Prince of Darkness shared his desire for his funeral to be a time to "say thanks".
In 2011, Osbourne told The Times: "I do want to make sure it's a celebration, not a mope-fest.
"I'd also like some pranks: maybe the sound of knocking inside the coffin; or a video of me asking my doctor for a second opinion on his diagnosis of 'death'. 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."
Initially, Osbourne said he didn't care what music they played at his funeral — whether it was Justin Bieber or Susan Boyle. However, he had a change of heart five years later when he named The Beatles' song 'A Day In The Life' as the tune he wanted played.
In 2016, he told 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 f**king greatest hits album – I never ever play that thing, I'm f**king embarrassed about it. And I definitely don't want a f**king happy song — I'm dead."