Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · July 29, 2025 · Entertainment

Elton John Leads Star-Studded Farewell for Ozzy Osbourne

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 (Ozzy seen on July 5)

ROCK LEGEND OZZY OSBOURNE'S FINAL FAREWELL: CELEBRITIES AND FANS PAY TRIBUTE IN BIRMINGHAM

In a shocking turn of events, the music world is in mourning as rock legend Ozzy Osbourne passes away at the age of 76. The Black Sabbath frontman's funeral procession will take place on Wednesday, with fans and celebrities flocking to Birmingham to pay their respects.

Ozzy's family has announced that they will hold a private funeral after the public procession, but before that, the city where he grew up will give him a farewell befitting a rock god. The Birmingham City Council has confirmed that Ozzy's hearse will make its way through Broad Street from 1 pm, accompanied by his bandmates and family members.

Now the stars who will be paying their respects to the Prince of Darkness has been revealed, with Elton John leading the A-listers (Seen together in 2004)

The procession is expected to draw huge crowds, with fans gathering along the route to leave flowers and tributes for the beloved musician. Bostin' Brass, a popular brass ensemble, will accompany Ozzy's hearse, adding a musical touch to the somber occasion.

WHO'S IN ATTENDANCE?

Sources close to the family have revealed that Elton John is leading the A-list attendees, with Metallica's James Hetfield and Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi also paying their respects. Geezer Butler and Bill Ward will be in attendance, alongside Ozzy's bandmates from his illustrious career.

The Black Sabbath frontman died last Tuesday at the age of 76 - just weeks after performing his final show with the band (Seen with wife Sharon and kids Jack and Kelly)

Elton John has been a longtime friend of Ozzy's and is expected to join the family at the church service. His presence is sure to bring an extra touch of glamour to the occasion.

THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SAYS GOODBYE

The Birmingham City Council has worked closely with Ozzy's family to ensure that the procession is a fitting tribute to the rock legend. The Lord Mayor, Zafar Iqbal, said in a statement: "Ozzy was more than just a music legend – he was a son of Birmingham. We're proud to host this public event and give him the farewell he deserves."

'Elton John is also hoping to join the family at the church,' a source said of the funeral (Seen together in 2007)

The city has been abuzz with tributes since Ozzy's passing, with fans gathering at the Black Sabbath bridge and bench to leave flowers and messages for the beloved musician.

WHAT WILL THE FUNERAL SERVICE BE LIKE?

According to sources close to the family, the funeral service will be a celebration of Ozzy's life rather than a somber occasion. In 2011, Ozzy revealed that he wanted his funeral to be a time to say "thanks" and not a sad affair.

A source told The Sun : 'His Sabbath bandmates, Tony Iommi, Bill Ward and Geezer Butler, will be there, along with James Hetfield from Metallica' (Black Sabbath pictured)

"I don't want my funeral to be a mope-fest," he quipped in an interview with The Times. "I want it to be a celebration of my life." Ozzy even joked about wanting Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle, or We Are the Diddymen played at his funeral – as long as it made his loved ones happy.

However, in a later interview, Ozzy revealed that he would prefer a Beatles number, citing "A Day In The Life" as one of his favorites. Ozzy has often credited The Beatles with inspiring him to become a musician, and it's clear that their music holds a special place in his heart.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR OZZY'S FAMILY?

Fans will be able to pay their final respects to Ozzy as his body is brought back to his home city for a procession (Ozzy seen in 2002)

Ozzy is survived by his wife Sharon and six children – Aimee, Kelly, Jack, Jessica, Louis, and Elliot. The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time, but fans are rallying around them with messages of love and support.

As the rock world mourns the loss of a true legend, one thing is certain: Ozzy's legacy will live on through his music, which has inspired generations of musicians and fans alike.