Ozzy Osbourne may have left this world at the age of 76, but true to his legacy as the “Prince of Darkness,” he made sure his final curtain call would reflect the humor and defiance that defined his life. Even in death, Ozzy wasn’t one for tradition or sorrow. The iconic Black Sabbath frontman had always been candid about his mortality, frequently sharing with fans that he wanted his funeral to be anything but gloomy.
Throughout his later years, he openly joked about his own end and often turned funeral talk into moments of levity. Back in a 2011 interview with The Times, Ozzy responded to a question from a reader named Macy, who wondered whether it was morbid to plan your own funeral. Citing Peter Sellers’ ironic music choices, she prompted a response only Ozzy could deliver. He said he truly didn’t care what was played during his service — whether it was Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, or “We Are the Diddymen.” The important thing, he emphasized, was that people leave the service with smiles, not tears. He wanted it to be a celebration of life, not a somber affair.
He even floated the idea of stage tricks, such as having a knock come from inside the coffin or airing a pre-recorded video of himself cracking jokes or questioning the finality of his death by demanding a “second opinion.” He explained that many people live lives filled with hardship, and that he, as a rock star, had been fortunate. That sense of gratitude, he said, is why his funeral should reflect appreciation, not grief. Ozzy’s love for the Beatles also played a role in his funeral planning. During a 2016 interview with NME for their “Soundtrack of My Life” series, he revealed that he would want “A Day in the Life” by the Beatles to be played at his service.
He considered other options too, mentioning songs from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver, but he firmly believed that Beatles music captured the right energy. He ruled out using any of his own songs, saying he never listened to them, so they wouldn’t feel appropriate for the occasion. Then, during a 2020 appearance on Good Morning Britain, Ozzy was asked by Piers Morgan how he’d like to be remembered. Without missing a beat, Ozzy responded, “Bats taste like s—,” in reference to his notorious stunt of biting a bat’s head off onstage — a moment that would haunt and define his public image forever.
Even when reflecting on death, Ozzy never stopped being Ozzy. Though he maintained his humor to the end, the loss of such a towering figure has left his loved ones reeling. Just days after the news of his death broke, Ozzy’s sisters, Jean Powell and Gillian Hemming, opened up about their heartbreak. Jean, 85, said she last saw her brother at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in Birmingham on July 5. She noted that although he appeared frail, his death still came as a shock. Ozzy had expressed future plans, including a return visit to Birmingham, and his final text to her promised he’d be back. That short message, she said, was classic Ozzy — ever the joker, even in the face of life’s end. Gillian, 80, shared her pride in her brother’s life and legacy.
She emphasized that the public image of Ozzy — irreverent, hilarious, and bold — wasn’t an act. That was who he truly was, both on stage and behind closed doors. As Ozzy’s health declined in recent years, his spirit remained undiminished. Fans remember his final performances where he sang seated on stage, still giving it his all, still finding humor in every moment. While the specifics of his funeral remain private, one thing is certain: Ozzy made sure his farewell would be as unforgettable as his life. Whether it was through musical choices, practical jokes from beyond the grave, or memories shared by loved ones, he orchestrated a goodbye that would reflect the man he truly was — outrageous, heartfelt, and always ready with a punchline. Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but he left behind not just a legacy of music and mayhem, but a reminder to laugh even when life — or death — gets dark.
