Ozzy Osbourne Funeral to Be a Private Family Event Respecting His Wishes for a Non-Traditional Farewell
The late rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, will be laid to rest in a small, private funeral that reflects his personal wishes. A source close to the Osbourne family told People Magazine that Ozzy had long expressed a desire to avoid traditional, sorrow-filled ceremonies.
“He would never want a mope-fest,” the insider said, emphasizing that the Ozzy Osbourne funeral will be a celebration of life rather than a somber gathering. The family, including wife Sharon Osbourne and children Kelly and Jack, have chosen to honour his legacy with a service focused on joy, remembrance, and the unmistakable spirit that defined his decades-long career.
Though the exact location and time of the private funeral are being withheld, it will be held on the same day as the public tribute. Close family members and longtime friends in the music industry are expected to attend.
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Birmingham Prepares to Host Public Procession to Celebrate Ozzy’s Life and Music Legacy
In addition to the private funeral, the Osbourne family is organizing a public procession through Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham on Wednesday, July 30 at 1:00 p.m. BST. The procession will begin on Broad Street, a symbolic location that houses the Black Sabbath Bridge and memorial bench, both of which have become iconic gathering points for fans since the news of his passing.
As reported by BBC, thousands are expected to attend the event, where the hearse carrying Ozzy’s body will move slowly past landmarks tied to his legendary band Black Sabbath. Fans have already placed flowers, letters, and memorabilia near the bench, which will also feature a livestream for those unable to attend in person.
A local band, Bostin Brass, will provide live music throughout the route, and musicians close to Ozzy — including some former Black Sabbath members — may join the procession. This event will be open to the public, offering fans a chance to say their final goodbye.
City of Birmingham Backs Procession and Recognizes Osbourne’s Lasting Influence on Global Music
The city of Birmingham has played a key role in organizing the public elements of the Ozzy Osbourne funeral. According to city officials, the Osbourne family is covering the full cost of the tribute, with logistical support from the local government.
“We are paying our final respects to one of Birmingham’s greatest sons,” said Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal, who noted that Ozzy’s global fame never distanced him from his deep ties to the city. In June 2025, Osbourne and his bandmates were formally awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham, one of its highest civic honors.
The city’s tribute reinforces just how much Ozzy influenced generations of fans and musicians while maintaining his working-class Birmingham roots.
Public Mourning Has Begun with Tributes Pouring in from Celebrities, Artists, and Fans Worldwide
Even before the official Ozzy Osbourne funeral and public procession, tributes have come in from around the globe. Fellow musicians such as Drake, Yungblud, and several rock legends have made private visits to Birmingham. Fans have travelled from across Europe, North America, and Asia to leave their farewells at the Sabbath bench.
Memorials have also appeared across social media, where millions of posts have honoured his music, humor, and influence. Osbourne’s decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease and other health challenges has inspired many, and his resilience has become a central theme of how the public remembers him.
Final Performance in Birmingham Marked the End of an Era for Heavy Metal
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy Osbourne performed his final concert in Birmingham on July 5, 2025, titled “Back to the Beginning.” Held at Villa Park, the show featured a full Black Sabbath reunion and raised funds for Parkinson’s research, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and other local charities.
It was a fitting conclusion to a historic career that began in Birmingham’s working-class neighborhoods and later shaped the sound of heavy metal. Ozzy remained the focal point of the night, his energy undiminished, even as he sang through visible pain. Fans hailed the performance as a “living memorial.”
That event now stands as the final public performance before the Ozzy Osbourne funeral, and many see it as his last gift to the city he loved.
What to Expect on July 30 and How Fans Can Participate in the Farewell
The Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. BST on Wednesday, July 30, starting at the Broad Street entrance and concluding at the Black Sabbath Bridge. Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to expected crowds. Road closures will begin at 7:00 a.m., and public transport will be redirected for the day.
For those unable to attend, a live video stream will be available at the Sabbath bench and through official Black Sabbath fan sites. Fans are encouraged to bring tributes, wear band shirts, or simply walk quietly in remembrance.
The private funeral will take place later that day in a separate location, attended by family and close friends only. Ozzy’s family has requested privacy during the private service.
A Farewell Worthy of the Prince of Darkness
The Ozzy Osbourne funeral serves not just as a final goodbye, but as a lasting celebration of a musical icon whose influence shaped generations. By combining a private, heartfelt family service with a public tribute through Birmingham’s streets, his family has created a farewell that truly captures the dual spirit of the man — private, yet larger-than-life.
Fans across the world now join in honouring Ozzy Osbourne not only for his music, but for his humanity.
