Seventeen days after taking his final bow at Back to the Beginning, Ozzy Osbourne, the godfather of heavy metal and voice of Black Sabbath, died at 76. The shocking news has left fans, peers, and the music world in mourning. Now, as tributes pour in from across the globe, conversations have begun about how to honor the Prince of Darkness.
A Fitting Tribute For Ozzy: Celebration of Life May Be Held in Birmingham
According to The Sun, Ozzy’s family and inner circle are considering a public celebration of life in Birmingham. It’s a city where Ozzy’s career was launched, and it meant the world to him. “There are conversations about a celebration of his life in Birmingham,” a source told the outlet.
“Artists like Yungblud, who was seen by Ozzy as a musician who could carry on the mantle of what he started all those years ago, is expected to have a role in it.”
The insider added that hundreds of artists and thousands of fans would likely turn out to celebrate the icon’s life and legacy.
“Back to the Beginning” Was the Goodbye Fans Needed
(Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)For many fans, though, Ozzy’s last live show already felt like a fitting farewell. “He got to say goodbye and we got to say goodbye back,” said Jake Brookes, who attended the Back to the Beginning concert earlier this month.
“There was not a dry eye at Villa Park. And for him to do it at home meant the world to him, meant the world to fans, and it was a mutual thank you and respect.”
The final performance, held in his hometown, has taken on even more emotional weight following his death.
Ozzy Once Said He Wanted No “Morbid Crying People” at His Funeral
In a candid interview with Playboy back in the early 2000s, Ozzy made it clear that he didn’t want his funeral to be a dark or depressing affair.
“When I go, I don’t want there to be morbid, crying people,” he told the magazine. “I want people to celebrate my life. Get me in the ground as soon as you can. You can cry all you want. But I ain’t coming back. I don’t think there are any return tickets.”
Sharon Osbourne Considering Private Burial at Their Estate
While there are talks of a public tribute, Ozzy’s wife, Sharon Osbourne, may opt for a private burial on their 350-acre estate in Welders, Buckinghamshire, where the rocker passed away. A source told MailOnline that Sharon is “too frail” to handle a large public memorial at the moment.
“In the end, he died peacefully at home with all the family with him,” the insider said. “It’s a lovely house, and Sharon wanted to bring him back from LA… We think she may want to bury him privately at home, in the garden.”
Sharon met Ozzy in 1979 when her father was managing Black Sabbath. They married in 1982, beginning a rollercoaster relationship that would span more than 40 years.
Despite public struggles, health battles, and personal lows, Sharon remained by Ozzy’s side through it all. Her devotion never wavered—and she was there beside him at the end.
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Rock Legend Ozzy Osbourne’s Celebration of Life: Report