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Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The celebrity guest list at Ozzy Osbourne's homecoming funeral is revealed as Elton John leads A-listers set to offer condolences
Celebrities and fans will pay their final respects to Ozzy Osbourne on Wednesday as the rock icon returns to his home city for a procession ahead of his private funeral. The Black Sabbath frontman died last Tuesday at the age of 76 - just weeks after performing his final show with the band. Fans will be able to pay their final respects to Ozzy as his body is brought back to his home city for a procession. The star's hearse will make its way through Birmingham, travelling alongside his family to Broad Street from 1pm, the city council announced on Tuesday. Now the stars who will be paying their respects to the Prince of Darkness has been revealed, with Elton John leading the A-listers. A source told The Sun: 'His Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, will be there, along with James Hetfield from Metallica. 'Elton John is also hoping to join the family at the church. 'Sharon and his family have been so touched by messages they received not only from Ozzy's friends, but also his fans around the world.' Birmingham Lord Mayor Zafar Iqbal said the city where Osbourne grew up will give him the 'farewell he deserves'. He said: 'Ozzy was more than a music legend - he was a son of Birmingham. 'Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, 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. 'We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves.' The city council said it had worked 'at pace' to co-ordinate a respectful and safe public event in co-ordination with the Osbourne family ahead of a private funeral. Broad Street will be closed to traffic from 7am and buses and trams will be diverted. Ozzy previously revealed he didn't want his funeral to be a sad occasion but a time to say 'thanks'. 'There'll be no harping on the bad times,' he told The Times back in 2011. '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. 'That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad, I want it to be a time to say ''thanks''.' Ozzy insisted he wanted it to be a celebration rather than a 'mope-fest' and that he didn't care what music was played as long as it made his loved ones happy. '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 quipped. However, in another interview a few years later, Ozzy narrowed down his song choice to A Day In The Life by The Beatles. Ozzy has previously credited The Beatles for inspiring him to become a musician himself, revealing he became an avid fan after hearing their 1964 hit She Loves You. When asked about his funeral song, Ozzy insisted he would want a Beatles number being played rather than any of his own music on the day. 'I really need a few more years to think this over, but probably something from 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver,' he told NME in 2016. 'I definitely don't want my f**king greatest hits album - I never ever play that thing, I'm f**king embarrassed about it. And I definitely don't want a f**king happy song - I'm dead.' Ozzy's hearse will be accompanied by musicians Bostin' Brass and will stop at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench, where thousands of fans have been gathering since the heavy metal icon died last week aged 76 to leave flowers and tributes. The funeral is expected to draw huge crowds as fans gather to say goodbye to the pioneer of heavy metal, giving his family an opportunity to see the memories and tributes left by those who loved him. The rock star died last Tuesday morning with his family confirming the news in a statement. '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,' they shared. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.' He is survived by his wife Sharon and his six children. He shares three kids - Aimee, 41, Kelly, 41, and Jack, 40, with Sharon. Ozzy also welcomed two children - Jessica and Louis - from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, while he also adopted her son Elliot from her previous relationship. The musician had undergone seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal operation in 2023, and had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2003.
Global News
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Ozzy Osbourne to be honoured with funeral procession in Birmingham, England
Ozzy Osbourne will be honoured with a funeral procession in his hometown of Birmingham, England. The rock icon, who died on July 22 at the age of 76, will ride through the streets of Birmingham in a hearse on Wednesday, July 30, according to the Birmingham City Council. 'The city of Birmingham is to pay its final respects to one of its most cherished cultural icons Ozzy Osbourne as his cortege and family visit Broad Street in the city that he loved,' city council announced in a press release on Tuesday. The hearse carrying Osbourne's body and accompanying vehicles will make their way down Broad Street from 1 p.m. local time to the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench, where thousands of fans have left heartfelt messages and tributes in recent days for the War Pigs singer. Story continues below advertisement The cortege will be accompanied by a live brass band performance — local musicians Bostin' Brass — a final musical moment to honour the legacy of Osbourne, according to the press release. The event is expected to draw large crowds of fans as they gather to say goodbye to 'the man who helped shape the global heavy metal genre and who proudly carried the spirit of Birmingham throughout his career, whilst allowing his family a chance to see the many memories of his loyal fans have left alongside flowers and tributes.' 6:36 Ozzy Osbourne was 'ground zero' for heavy metal: Musicians, fans mourn loss of Black Sabbath icon 'Ozzy was more than a music legend — he was a son of Birmingham. Having recently been awarded the Freedom of the City and following his celebrated appearance at the Back to the Beginning concert at Villa Park earlier this month, it was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,' Coun. Zafar Iqbal, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement 'We know how much this moment will mean to his fans. We're proud to host it here with his loving family in the place where it all began, and we are grateful that they have generously offered to pay to enable this to happen and support the city is giving him the farewell he deserves,' Iqbal added. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Birmingham City Council worked with partners over the weekend to coordinate the 'respectful and safe public event' in collaboration with the Osbourne family, 'who have kindly funded all of the associated costs.' For those unable to attend, there will be a livestream of the Black Sabbath bench online for viewing. 2:06 Remembering Ozzy Osbourne: 5 times he truly reigned as the Prince of Darkness Just over two weeks before his death, Osbourne delivered his last-ever live performance with the original lineup of Black Sabbath at Villa Park soccer stadium in their home city of Birmingham, central England, on July 5. Story continues below advertisement The singer sang from a black throne that rose up from under the stage. 'Let the madness begin!' he urged as he took the stage. Later, he paid tribute to fans. 'I don't know what to say, man, I've been laid up for like six years. You have no idea how I feel — thank you from the bottom of my heart,' the Crazy Train singer said. 'You're all … special. Let's go crazy, come on.' Osbourne performed several songs solo before being joined onstage for the first time in 20 years by Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Terence 'Geezer' Butler and Bill Ward. The band ended a short set with Paranoid, one of its most famous songs. On July 22, his family announced that Osbourne had died, saying, '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.' He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and his six children. 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. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and… — Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) July 22, 2025
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ozzy Osbourne's rarely-seen daughter Aimee 'will appear alongside her family in documentary about the metal star in emotional on-screen tribute'
Aimee Osbourne will reportedly appear in a documentary about her rocker father Ozzy following his death aged 76. Ozzy had been filming a feature-length documentary for Paramount Plus, called Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, before his death on July 22. The special, which had been filming for several months, is believed to airing later this year and Ozzy's famous family will appear in the release. According to The Sun, Ozzy's rarely-seen daughter Aimee, 41, will also feature in the documentary alongside her mother Sharon and siblings Kelly, 40, and Jack, 39. A TV insider told the publication: 'Aimee never wanted to be in the spotlight, she was never comfortable with the attention. 'However, she believed the documentary about her father's life was a fitting way to break cover, as the special has a deep and emotive angle.' It will also feature appearances from other major stars including his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, and other rock legends. Aimee has lived away from the limelight and never appeared on their reality TV show, The Osbournes, in the 00s, instead choosing to move out of the family home at 16. But Aimee has followed in her father's musical footsteps behind the scenes and works as a singer, promoting her ventures on her Instagram page. Ozzy also has two other children - Jessica and Louis - from his first marriage to Thelma Riley, while he also adopted her son Elliot from her previous relationship. Daily Mail has contacted The Osbournes' representatives for comment. The upcoming documentary will follow Ozzy's health battles as well as the lead-up to his farewell show at Villa Park, which took place just weeks before his death. Ozzy had undergone seven surgeries in the past five years, including a fourth spinal operation in 2023, and had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2003. In February, Sharon said of the documentary: 'This film is an honest account of what has happened to Ozzy during the last few years. Aimee has followed in her father's musical footsteps behind the scenes and works as a singer, promoting her ventures on her Instagram page 'It shows how hard things have been for him and the courage he has shown while dealing with a number of serious health issues, including Parkinson's. 'It's about the reality of his life now. We have worked with a production team we trust and have allowed them the freedom to tell the story openly. 'We hope that story will inspire people that are facing similar issues to Ozzy.' Before his death, Ozzy had also penned a memoir, titled Last Rites, chronicling his life and career, and it is expected to hit shelves in October of this year. Ozzy performed at his last ever concert on July 5 in his native Birmingham, reuniting with his Black Sabbath bandmates on stage for the first time since 2005. Though it marked his retirement from live performing, he had planned to continue recording new music and was eyeing up releasing a new album later in the year. However, Ozzy heartbreakingly died before he was able to do so, with his family announcing his death on July 22, sending the music world into mourning. '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,' they shared. 'He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis.'
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to watch Ozzy Osbourne's Birmingham cortege procession from home ahead of funeral
If there's one thing the last month has shown, it's that people from all over the globe will come to Birmingham in honour of Ozzy Osbourne. They came for fan get-togethers at the city's murals and tourist spots ahead of his last performance at Villa Park Stadium on Saturday, July 5 and, in the days since he died aged 76, they've been flocking to town to sign the books of condolence at the museum and to lay flowers, cards and tributes at Black Sabbath bench. The star died on Tuesday, July 22 and now it's been confirmed that he will be returning to Birmingham for one last time, with his cortege journeying to Broad Street to pass those tributes. Read more: Ozzy Osbourne funeral procession live stream details Read more: Birmingham Airport confirms Ozzy Osbourne memorial plans amid call to rename BHX Once again, fans are expected to head to the city in honour of the singer and to show support for his family who are expected to travel with him. They're encouraged to head into town early via public transport, with stewards and security on hand to help steer people safely along the route. The costs of this are being covered by the Osbourne family with Birmingham City Council involved in the planning. READ MORE: Pictures show raw emotion of Ozzy Osbourne fans laying Birmingham tributes For those who can't make it into town to secure their place along the short route from Five Ways to the bridge, there is a live camera set up which streams views of Black Sabbath bridge around the clock. You can tune in to it here, so you'll be able to see the cars as they pass. We'll be reporting live from Broad Street tomorrow too. Birmingham City Council has an online book of condolence that fans from around the world can sign if they're not in the city to take part but wish to leave a message of support for Ozzy and his family. You can find it on the council website here. The physical books of condolence can be located at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, where the Ozzy Osbourne exhibition Working Class Hero is currently on too.
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Ozzy Osbourne's one funeral demand revealed
Legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne said he didn't want his funeral to be a 'mope fest' — but instead a celebration of his life. More than a decade before his death at age 76 last week, the Black Sabbath icon divulged on wishes for his funeral when the time eventually came, reports the New York Post. In a Dear Ozzy column for the UK's Times newspaper in 2011, the 'Prince of Darkness' was asked if he had any plans for his own memorial. '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 wrote. '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.' There'll be no harping on the bad times.' The Crazy Train hitmaker went on, 'So to answer your question, yes, a bit of planning is the right thing to do for the family you leave behind'. Osbourne added that 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. 'That's why I don't want my funeral to be sad. I want it to be a time to say thanks,' he concluded. In 2023, Ozzy said he would 'die a happy man' if he could express his gratitude to loyal fans ahead of his farewell show. Speaking to Rolling Stone, the musician admitted that his final wish was to feel 'well enough' for one more live performance before his time was up. 'If I can't continue doing shows on a regular basis, I just want to be well enough to do one show where I can say, 'Hi guys, thanks so much for my life,'' he told the outlet. 'That's what I'm working towards, and if I drop down dead at the end of it, I'll die a happy man.' The rocker's wish came true on July 5 when he took to the stage for the final time at his Black Sabbath farewell concert, titled Back to the Beginning, in Birmingham, UK. Osbourne wowed the 42,000-person crowd at Villa Park for what turned out to be his last performance in his lifetime. Elsewhere in his 2023 interview, the rocker insisted that he 'doesn't fear death' and was well aware that he had 'at best 10 years left'. 'I don't fear dying, but I don't want to have a long, painful and miserable existence. I like the idea that if you have a terminal illness, you can go to a place in Switzerland and get it done quickly. I saw my father die of cancer.' He went on, 'But look, I said to Sharon [Osbourne] that I'd smoked a joint recently and she said, 'What are you doing that for? It'll f**king kill you!' I said, 'How long do you want me to f – king live for?!' 'At best,' he said, 'I've got 10 years left, and when you're older, time picks up speed. 'Me and Sharon had our 41st wedding anniversary recently, and that's just unbelievable to me,' he added. The rocker is survived by his wife, Sharon Osbourne, six children and 10 grandkids.
