Ozzy Osbourne’s poignant remarks about his funeral plans resurface: “A celebration, not a mope-fest”
Following the tragic news of Ozzy Osbourne‘s death, his poignant remarks about his funeral in 2011 have resurfaced.
The musical world is currently in a state of mourning after the Osbourne family confirmed that the Black Sabbath icon had died aged 76. The statement, signed by his wife Sharon and four children, said the news was delivered with “more sadness than mere words can convey” and it was also revealed that he died “surrounded by love”.
While no cause of death has been confirmed, and his family have pleaded for privacy at this time, Osbourne’s sisters have since stated they are “just thankful he died in England”.
Now, as social media is flooded with videos of Ozzy on The Osbournes as well as classic musical performances he delivered, the late singer’s comments about his plans to ensure his funeral is a “celebration” have also resurfaced.
During a Q&A with The Times in 2011, Osbourne said: “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.”
Osbourne also humorously stated: “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. So to answer your question, yes, a bit of planning is the right thing to do for the family you leave behind.”
In another conversation, Osbourne, on a more serious note, picked ‘In My Life’ by The Beatles as the song he wants played at his funeral and ruled out his own songs, stating, “I definitely don’t want my fucking greatest hits album — I never ever play that thing, I’m fucking embarrassed about it. And I definitely don’t want a fucking happy song — I’m dead.”
While the global musical community mourns Osbourne’s death, his native Birmingham is also a city united by grief in the wake of the sad news. Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street has become a shrine to the late vocalist, and Birmingham City Council has created a book of condolence, which fans can sign at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery.
Additionally, a petition has been launched to rename Birmingham International Airport after Osbourne, which has already gained hundreds of signatures. It describes the Black Sabbath singer as “the most important musician ever to hail from Birmingham” and says that “naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts”.
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