Ozzy Osbourne’s loved ones have been joined by the Black Sabbath legend’s celebrity friends, and fellow musicians, as they prepared to lay him to rest today.
The rocker died aged 76 on July 22, after a long battle with Parkinson’s and other health problems – although no official cause of death has been announced.
The family confirmed the news just weeks after his final show called Back to the Beginning, at which his frailty shocked even his bandmates.
Following an emotional funeral procession through the streets of Birmingham yesterday – where his widow, Sharon Osbourne, was seen sobbing alongside their children – they are gathering to say a final goodbye.
According to reports, his’s bandmates are among those making the journey to Buckinghamshire for a private church service, before he will be buried on the grounds of his mansion.
The Sun reports that Yungblud and James Hetfield will be there, with Sir Elton John also thought to be in attendance.
Devastated fans have also left flowers, signs, cards and gifts outside the property in tribute.
An insider previously told the outlet of the plans: ‘Sharon and the family want to celebrate Ozzy’s life with his fans, with plans for the cortege to travel through Birmingham.
‘Tomorrow they will have a closed service at a church in Gerrards Cross, Bucks.
‘Singer Yungblud, who became close with Ozzy in recent years, is going to give a reading.
‘His Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, will be there, along with James Hetfield from Metallica.’
With tributes pouring in for the music icon from around the world, here who is expected to be attending the private funeral.
Sir Elton John
The Crocodile Rock singer was friends with Osbourne for decades, even collaborating on music together over the years.
Marking Osbourne’s death, Sir Elton shared on social media: ‘So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne passing away.
‘He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods – a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I’ve ever met.
‘I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love.’
Yungblud
Yungblud has become Osbourne’s unofficial protégé over the years, with Osbourne even gifting the star his necklace in a sweet moment.
He said news of Osbourne’s death had left him ‘truly heartbroken’ in a heartfelt message on social media.
‘I didn’t think you would leave so soon the last time we met you were so full of life and your laugh filled up the room,’ he wrote. ‘But as it is written with legends, they seem to know the things that we don’t.
‘I will never forget you – you will be in every single note I sing and with me every single time I walk on stage.
‘Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You asked me once if there was anything you could do for me and as I said then and as I will say now for all of us the music was enough.
‘You took us on your adventure – an adventure that started it all. I am truly heartbroken. You were the greatest of all time.’
Black Sabbath
The band, consisting of Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler, formed in 1968 and worked together on and off for decades.
A few hours after his loss, Iommi said he ‘can’t really find the words’.
‘I just can’t believe it! My dear dear friend Ozzy has passed away only weeks after our show at Villa Park,’ he posted.
‘It’s just such heart-breaking news that I can’t really find the words, there won’t ever be another like him. Geezer (Butler), Bill (Ward) and myself have lost our brother. My thoughts go out to Sharon and all the Osbourne family. Rest in peace Oz. Tony.’
Not long after, bassist Butler commented: ‘Goodbye dear friend – thanks for all those years- we had some great fun. 4 kids from Aston- who’d have thought, eh? So glad we got to do it one last time, back in Aston. Love you.’
Ward, that band’s drummer, posted a photo of himself and Osbourne on X, writing: ‘Where will I find you now? In the memories, our unspoken embraces, our missed phone calls, no, you’re forever in my heart.
‘Deepest condolences to Sharon and all family members. RIP Sincere regrets to all the fans. Never goodbye. Thank you forever. Bill Ward.’
Metallica
James Hetfield was rumoured to be attending, and the rest of the bandmates attendance was confirmed on social media.
A shared post between Robert Trujillo and Metallica read: ‘Sadly, we’re heading back to London today for Ozzy’s funeral. I just want to say…
‘Ozzy was the conduit for so many new relationships both creative collaborations and real, lasting friendships.
‘I mean, Joe Holmes is Lullah’s godfather, and Mike Bordin is Tye’s godfather both of those connections came directly from my friendship with Ozzy.
‘Because of Oz, Infectious Grooves was able to tour back in ’91 as a brand-new band and at the time, it wasn’t even really a band, just some fun songs we had recorded. We weren’t ready to hit the road, but he made us step up and make it happen.’
The lengthy post concluded: ‘Now it’s time to pay our respects, share our love, and offer our support to Sharon and the family. It’s heartbreaking but we know Ozzy gave us everything he had in his final days.
‘I’m so honored that Lars, James, Kirk, and I (Metallica) got to celebrate with him, to share our music and Sabbath’s music on such a special day in Birmingham. Being part of that meant so much to us.
‘Ozzy, RIP brother. We love you. @ozzyosbourne.’
This article was first published on July 30.
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