Ozzy Osbourne’s family plans small and private funeral true to his spirit: ‘He’d never want a mope-fest’

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22 at the age of 76, will be honored by his family with a funeral befitting the star’s infectious spirit.

The family is determined to send him off with a tribute full of love and light.

Sharon Osbourne and children to hold intimate farewell for Ozzy Osbourne

The Osbourne family is keeping funeral plans small and personal, according to a source close to the family who spoke to People.

"They're very grateful for the special family time they had together before Ozzy passed,” the source said. “They're planning a small, private funeral that will be a celebration of his life. Ozzy would never want a mope-fest.”

The family, including wife Sharon Osbourne, 72, and children Aimee Osbourne, 41, Jack Osbourne, 39, and Kelly Osbourne, 40, has been deeply moved by the outpouring of support.

The insider added that the Osbournes are “touched by all the love and support pouring in from around the world.”

Ozzy Osbourne opposed the idea of having a sad funeral 14 years ago

Ozzy Osbourne shared some thoughts about his funeral 14 years ago.

In a 2011 'Dr Ozzy Osbourne' column response for The Times, Osbourne answered a fan’s question about what he wanted his funeral to look like. 

"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 began, "but I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest."

"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,' " the Black Sabbath musician quipped. "There’ll be no harping on the bad times." 

"So to answer your question, yes, a bit of planning is the right thing to do for the family you leave behind. It’s worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives."

"So by any measure, most of us in this country, especially rock stars like me, are very lucky," he concluded. "That’s why I don’t want my funeral to be sad. I want it to be a time to say 'thanks.'"

Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral procession will pass through Birmingham city centre

On Wednesday, 30 July, Ozzy Osbourne's cortege will reportedly travel through the streets of Birmingham, where fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects.

Birmingham brass band Bostin' Brass will accompany the cortege, before Osbourne's family and closest friends lay him to rest in a private service.

Council chiefs said they had worked "at pace" with wife Sharon, 72, to make the public procession happen.

The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, said: "Ozzy was more than a music legend, he was a son of Birmingham.

"It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral. We know how much this moment will mean to his fans," he said.

"We're going to pay our last respects and homage to one of the greatest living legends of Birmingham," he added.

Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert was an emotional farewell in Birmingham

Despite ongoing health challenges, including a 2020 Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, Ozzy Osbourne’s death still came as a shock.

Just two weeks before his death, he delivered a final performance during a farewell concert with Black Sabbath, the band he helped launch in 1968.

The show in Birmingham, England, served as a symbolic return home for the star. Sitting on a throne topped with a bat, Osbourne addressed the crowd during what would be his last performance.

“You have no idea how I feel,” he said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”