Ozzy Osbourne Funeral: Black Sabbath Icon Requested This Song Be Played At Service

Ozzy Osbourne has died at the age of 76, and his funeral details are likely now being finalized. In a prior interview, Osbourne specified a specific song he wanted played at his memorial.

The rock legend was the vocalist of Black Sabbath and died in his hometown of Birmingham, England, Tuesday morning.

“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy has passed away this morning,” the Osbourne family statement read. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”

Why It Matters

Osbourne’s legacy includes many major music hits and a wide mark on the rock and heavy metal genres.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is known for his ‘Crazy Train’ hit alongside other legendary songs like ‘No More Tears,’ ‘Paranoid,’ and ‘Mama I’m Coming Home.’

Musician Ozzy Osbourne performs during half-time of the NFL game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2022 in Inglewood, California.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

What To Know

Osbourne’s death was announced just two weeks after his farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

The rock star who has been dubbed the “Prince of Darkness” was previously diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He had also been battling health issues since a fall in 2019.

What Was Ozzy Osbourne’s Cause of Death?

The cause of death for Osbourne has so far not been disclosed.

However, Osbourne had been struggling with his health for years, cancelling shows in 2019 after a fall required surgery on his neck.

The rock legend was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had major spinal surgery as recently as 2022 and 2023.

Ozzy Osbourne Funeral: What We Know

What has Ozzy Requested For His Funeral?

In 2011, Osbourne made comments to The Sunday Times about how he wanted his funeral to be arranged.

While the Osbourne family has so far not revealed any details about his memorial service, Osbourne previously said he didn’t want his funeral to be sad and instead hoped it would be a way to say thanks.

“There’ll be no harping on the bad times,” Osbourne told The 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.'”

In that interview, Osbourne said he had no preference on which songs would be played at the funeral.

“I honestly don’t care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes ’em happy,” Osbourne said at the time.

Later, however, Osbourne disclosed he’d like “A Day In The Life” to be played by The Beatles.

Who are Ozzy Osbourne’s children?

Osbourne leaves behind six children, including daughters Jessica, Aimee and Kelly and sons Elliot, Louis and Jack. He also left behind his wife, Sharon Osbourne, with whom he had been married for more than 40 years.

What People Are Saying

The artist Yungblud, who was present at Osbourne’s farewell concert, wrote in a tribute: “You will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage.”

Robert Plant, the lead singer of Led Zeppelin wrote on X: “Farewell Ozzy … what a journey … sail on up there .. finally at peace .. you truly changed the planet of rock!”

Gene Simmons, former member of the rock group KISS told BBC Breakfast: “I think it’s fair to say there was never an Ozzy Osbourne before Ozzy. There was never an Ozzy until Ozzy came along. And there never will be another Ozzy.”

Tony Iommi, Black Sabbath’s lead guitarist, wrote on Instagram: “I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park. It’s just such heartbreaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer, Bill and myself have lost our brother.”
Osbourne said during his final moments on stage during his farewell concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England: “It’s the last song ever. Your support has enabled us to live an amazing lifestyle, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”