The Black Sabbath singer died last week, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019.
Confirming his sad passing, a statement from the singer’s family said: “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. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Ozzy left behind his wife, Sharon, and their children, Aimee, Kelly and Jack. He is also survived by Jessica and Louis, from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, as well as his grandchildren.
What was Ozzy Osbourne famous for?
Ozzy was of course best known for being the frontman of Black Sabbath – a heavy metal rock band that many say defined the genre during its heyday in the 1970s.
Ozzy Osbourne died aged 76 last week (Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
His theatrical stage presence, including once biting off the head of a bat, and styling himself as the Prince of Darkness marked him out as a somewhat divisive figure.
However, after starring in the hilarious reality TV show The Osbournes, fans grew to love Ozzy due his relationship with Sharon being played in front of the cameras.
What did Ozzy Osbourne request for his funeral?
In a column for The Times back in 2011, Ozzy explained how he wanted his funeral to be a genuine celebration of his life, rather than a day filled with sadness and grief.
“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 told the publication back then.
“But I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest.”
Ozzy continued: “I’d also like some 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.”
Ozzy’s funeral is taking place in Birmingham on Wednesday (July 30) with a procession traveling down Broad Street.
Flowers have been laid in Birmingham (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
The procession will pause at the Black Sabbath bench and bridge, as a live brass band performance by musicians from Bostin’ Brass will take place.
You can watch a livestream of the funeral procession, which starts at 8am EST/5am PT, here.
The event will take place ahead of a private funeral.
What has Ozzy Osbourne’s family said since his death?
Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, shared lyrics from the Black Sabbath song ‘Changes’ in the days after the rock star’s death.
The pair recorded the track as a duet together in 2003, and Kelly paid tribute to her father with a post to her Instagram Stories.
“I feel unhappy I am so sad,” Kelly wrote. “I lost the best friend I ever had.”
A family statement initially confirmed Ozzy’s passing.
Featured Image Credit: Dave Hogan/MTV 2014/Getty Images for MTV
