Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rock musician and frontman of Black Sabbath, died July 22. He was at his residence in the United Kingdom, with his wife, Sharon Osbourne. His death marks the end of an era for many fans who admired his contributions to music and his larger-than-life persona. Following his death, Ozzy was buried at his beloved home in Buckinghamshire. Family and friends, including his beloved SVDOT family, came together on July 31 to celebrate his memory.
The legendary rockers’ funeral procession cut through the streets of Birmingham. Tens of thousands of fans lined up to offer their respects. Floral tributes adorned the Black Sabbath Bench in Birmingham city centre, illustrating the profound impact Ozzy had on his city and his fans.
During the private funeral, attended by family and close friends including Marilyn Manson and Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, Sharon Osbourne expressed the family’s grief.
“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,” – Sharon Osbourne (and Ozzy’s children)
Ozzy’s kids—Kelly, Jack, Aimee and Louis—stood alongside their mom, requesting for privacy as they mourn and process their loss. As they experienced the last goodbye from their father’s beloved house.
In a fitting salute, Buckingham Palace celebrated Ozzy by dedicating the Changing of the Guard ceremony to him. The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed “Paranoid,” one of Black Sabbath’s most famous songs, in recognition of Ozzy’s contributions to British music. Fans reacted positively to this gesture.
“Ozzy’s digging this and probably can’t believe his country is honoring him like this,” – Fan (on TikTok)
As one fan put it, “This is Britishness at its best,” 3 well reflecting the pride that many felt in rolling out the crimson carpet for Ozzy.
Osbourne had fought demons of addiction, depression and illness throughout his life, but he will be remembered for his sense of humor and one-of-a-kind personality. He had long told his family he wanted his funeral to be a happy occasion, not a sad one.
“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. But I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest,” – Ozzy Osbourne
Fans and musicians alike are sending in tributes to Ozzy Osbourne. To many, he will always be remembered not only as a rock legend, but a national treasure who fought for the beauty of this world, touched millions of lives.
