After the death of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, there has been much speculation about his funeral. So far, the singer’s family has not revealed when or how it will take place, or whether it will be public. However, years before his passing, the frontman of the British band Black Sabbath shared how he wanted to be laid to rest. But what exactly did he say? Here’s what we know.
How did Ozzy Osbourne want his funeral to be?
The iconic singer had very specific plans for his funeral. In a 2011 interview with The Times, Ozzy said he didn’t want his funeral to be a disappointment, but a celebration. He even mentioned that he didn’t care what kind of music was played, as long as it made his loved ones happy.
“Honestly, I don’t care what they play at my funeral; they can play a medley of JustinBieber, Susan Boyle, and We Are the Diddymen if it makes them happy, but I want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a wake,” he said at the time.
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However, in 2016, he seemed to have changed his mind. When asked again about his funeral playlist, Ozzy replaced his previous choices with songs from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver, though he admitted he needed more time to think about it.
“I definitely don’t want my greatest hits album; I never listen to it, it embarrasses me. And I definitely don’t want a cheerful song; I’m dead,” he stated.
When did Ozzy Osbourne die?
According to his family, the Black Sabbath frontman died on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.
What did Ozzy Osbourne die of?
So far, the cause of Osbourne’s death has not been disclosed. The legendary singer’s family only stated in a release that he died surrounded by love; however, in recent years, he had experienced several health issues.
For decades, Ozzy struggled with substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs. After getting clean, he began suffering from health problems related to neck injuries, and was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He also experienced a bout of COVID-19.
How old was Ozzy Osbourne?
At the time of his death, the Black Sabbath frontman was 76 years old.
Who Was Ozzy Osbourne?
John Michael Osbourne, better known as Ozzy Osbourne, was born on December 3, 1948, in Birmingham, England, into a large family. Nicknamed “Ozzy” from a young age, he found inspiration to pursue music after discovering the Beatles. He left school at 15 and held various jobs before starting his music career. His first venture was with the band Rare Breed, which was short-lived but led to the formation of what would become Black Sabbath with Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward.
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Black Sabbath grew into one of the most influential heavy metal bands in history. Although their early albums were poorly received by critics, they achieved significant commercial success. With records like Paranoid and Master of Reality, they cemented their legacy. After years of success, Osbourne was fired in 1979 due to substance abuse issues. Shortly afterward, he launched his solo career with Blizzard of Ozz, the first in a long line of successful albums.
Throughout his life, Osbourne sold over 100 million records and was honored both as a member of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received numerous awards for his contributions to music. In addition to his music career, he became a television icon with the hit reality show The Osbournes, as well as Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour. Alongside his wife Sharon, he also founded Ozzfest, a metal festival tour that redefined the genre’s live experience and cemented his status as a successful entertainment entrepreneur.
Osbourne expanded his presence in pop culture through commercials, video games, and online casinos. In 2009, he released his autobiography I Am Ozzy, sharing personal and professional stories. In recent years, he faced health challenges that led him to retire from touring in 2023, though he expressed a desire to continue performing in a more limited capacity.
On a personal note, he was married to Thelma Riley, with whom he had two children. Since 1982, he had been married to Sharon Osbourne, his manager and partner in many ventures. They had three children and split their time between England and the United States. Ozzy became not only a rock legend but also an influential figure in popular culture.
