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Before he passed at 76, Ozzy Osbourne was open about how he wanted his funeral. The Black Sabbath frontman once said, “If I drop down dead at the end, I’ll die a happy man.”
© AFP via Getty ImagesWho would have thought that just days after an epic concert where Ozzy gave it his all—and his daughter Kelly Osbourne got engaged right after the final song, in front of her family and her dad—the joy would fade so quickly? The rocker had reunited with his original Black Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward, for the first time since 2005, delivering an emotional farewell to decades of live performances. He died on Tuesday, shortly after that final show. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a public statement. Fans and fellow musicians are remembering Ozzy's past words about his funeral, filled with the humor and bold spirit that defined him.
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© PA Images via Getty ImagesIn his autobiography I Am Ozzy, the rock legend opened up about grief: “They teach you how to handle life in England, but they don’t teach you a thing about death. There’s no book telling you what to do when your mum or dad dies.” It’s a rare glimpse into a more vulnerable side of Ozzy, sharing the quiet confusion that comes with losing someone you love.
© FilmMagicOver the years, Ozzy’s interviews have shown a mix of acceptance, humor, and deep reflection when talking about death. His views were shaped by years of health struggles—including Parkinson’s and multiple surgeries—as well as his battles with addiction. Despite everything, he consistently communicated with clarity and wit, maintaining his unique perspective. More than anything, he wanted to be remembered with joy, not sorrow.
© Getty ImagesEven when facing death, Osbourne stayed true to who he was: bold, unpredictable, and completely original. He didn’t want a sad or traditional goodbye. He envisioned a farewell that was as wild and unforgettable as his life itself. Here's a look at the crazy funeral plans Ozzy left behind.
Ozzy’s Funeral Wishes in His Own Words
Even though his family hasn’t shared the official details, Ozzy was clear about what he wanted. He freely discussed his funeral vision in numerous interviews over the years. He didn’t want a sad or gloomy event or what he called a “mope fest.” Instead, he imagined a joyful celebration of his life and a chance to thank his fans, family, and friends for their support. He often said he felt lucky to have lived the life he did and wanted his farewell to reflect that spirit. He didn’t want a sad funeral. He wanted it to be a moment to say thank you, as he told The Times back in 2011.
© Getty ImagesOzzy’s wild and honest take on funeral songs
Ozzy had strong, often humorous opinions about the music he wanted at his funeral. In a 2016 interview, he expressed a clear preference for The Beatles, saying he’d like “A Day In The Life” or something from Revolver, crediting them as the reason he pursued music. He also made it clear he didn’t want any of his hits played, calling them “embarrassing.” Back in 2011, he joked about including songs like Justin Bieber’s, Susan Boyle’s “I Dreamed a Dream,” and even “We Are the Diddymen” to amuse his loved ones. But he also made one request loud and clear: “No f**king happy song. I’m dead!”
© GettyA final prank from the prince of darkness
As a prankster at heart, Ozzy's desire for a final joke at his funeral was understandable. He didn’t want anything heavy or serious. Along with the coffin-knocking idea he mentioned in Men’s Journal, he also joked about playing a video of himself asking a doctor for a “second opinion” on his death. That kind of dark humor was classic Ozzy. Whether it happens or not, it shows exactly how he wanted to go out.
