Years before his death at 76, Ozzy Osbourne shared his one wish for his funeral.
Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and one of rock’s most enduring figures, died on July 22.
His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt 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.”
As tributes continue to pour in from around the globe, fans are revisiting the 'War Pigs' musician's own words about how he wanted to be remembered - a wish he made clear long before his passing.
In a 2011 column for The Times of London, Osbourne was asked about his thoughts on his 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,” he wrote. “But I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest.”
Known for his wicked sense of humor, he even suggested a few 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.
“That’s why I don’t want my funeral to be sad,” he added. “I want it to be a time to say ‘thanks.’”
Now, his beloved hometown of Birmingham will give the 'Crazy Train' icon the send-off he wanted.
On Wednesday (July 30), at 13:00 BST, a public funeral procession will make its way down Broad Street. The hearse will pause at Black Sabbath Bridge and the commemorative bench that has become a focal point for mourning fans, many of whom have traveled from as far as the U.S., Mexico, and Poland.
“We're going to pay our last respects and homage to one of the greatest living legends of Birmingham,” said Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, per BBC News. “He put Birmingham and his hometown of Aston on the map.”
The city council confirmed the route will be accompanied by local band Bostin’ Brass, and Broad Street will be closed from 07:00 BST, with diversions in place.
The late star's family covered all associated costs for the event, and a live stream of the Black Sabbath bench will be available for global fans.
Just weeks before his death, Osbourne fulfilled another final wish: one last performance.
On July 5, he took the stage at Villa Park for the Back to the Beginning farewell concert, joined by bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, along with members of Metallica and Aerosmith. Seated on a black throne, he performed for more than 40,000 fans.
In a 2023 interview, Ozzy had said: “If I can’t continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, ‘Hi guys, thanks so much for my life.’ That’s what I’m working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I’ll die a happy man.”
Osbourne is survived by Sharon, 72, their children Aimee, 41, Kelly, 40, and Jack, 39, and ten grandchildren.
A source close to the family told PEOPLE that the 72-year-old is “heartbroken but very proud of the life the family built together,” adding: “She’s been the rock of this family for decades, and now it’s her turn to be held up.”