Rock Royalty Unite: Marilyn Manson Leads Ozzy Osbourne's Grand Funeral
The Ultimate Rockstar Sendoff: Ozzy Osbourne's Private Funeral
In a dramatic and star-studded ceremony, Marilyn Manson led the pack of heavy metal royalty attending the private funeral of legendary Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne at his Buckinghamshire estate. The 76-year-old rock icon, who passed away on July 22, was laid to rest in the grounds of his own mansion, surrounded by a sea of floral tributes and mournful fans.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy's wife of over four decades, and their children were joined by an A-list crowd, including Manson's wife Lindsay Usich and former guitarist Zakk Wylde. The atmosphere was electric as the rock stars arrived in their finest gothic attire, with Rob Zombie donning a skull-adorned scarf and Marilyn Manson sporting a long black jacket.
But what really stole the show were the elaborate floral arrangements, which spelled out an affectionate tribute to Ozzy on the banks of his estate's lake. A massive display featuring the words "OZZY F*ING OSBOURNE" was placed near the Osbourne family home, while another version was erected atop a fountain.
The private ceremony followed a public funeral procession through Birmingham city centre on Wednesday, which drew thousands of fans and a live brass band playing Black Sabbath classics like "Iron Man." The Bostin' Brass ensemble had also performed at the earlier memorial service in Birmingham's city centre.
As the rain poured down, guests were seated under giant awnings while catering facilities provided sustenance for the mourners. A massive security operation was in place to ensure the ceremony remained strictly invitation-only, as per Sharon's wishes. But die-hard fans still managed to leave flowers outside the gates of Ozzy's estate, paying their respects to the Prince of Darkness.
Ozzy himself had spoken candidly about his funeral desires in a 2011 interview with The Times: "I 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'." It seems that his family and friends took those words to heart, organizing an unforgettable sendoff for the rock legend.
A star-studded lineup was assembled to pay tribute to Ozzy, including Yungblud, who read a heartfelt passage at the ceremony. Other notable attendees included Metallica's James Hetfield, Elton John, and Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Bill Ward, and Geezer Butler.
The day before, thousands of fans had gathered in Birmingham city centre to pay their respects as Ozzy's cortege passed through the streets, accompanied by a live brass band. The hearse carrying Ozzy's coffin – adorned with purple flowers spelling out "Ozzy" – drove slowly along Lodge Road, where Ozzy spent his childhood.
As we reflect on Ozzy's life and legacy, it's clear that his impact on rock music will be felt for generations to come. From Black Sabbath's debut album in 1970 to his last performance at Villa Park stadium just three weeks before his passing, Ozzy Osbourne lived a life truly larger than life.
The Scholarly Note reported earlier this week that an air ambulance had been called to Ozzy's grand country home as paramedics battled to save his life for two hours. Now, with the rock legend finally at peace, his family can focus on celebrating his remarkable life and legacy.
Born John Michael Osbourne in Birmingham in 1948, Ozzy dropped out of school at age 15 and eventually landed in prison after a stint as a burglar. But it was music that truly set him free – by the time he was 22, Black Sabbath had gained a massive following in both the US and UK.
Ozzy's tumultuous personal life made headlines over the years, including his substance abuse problems and two marriages (to Thelma Mayfair and Sharon). However, it was Ozzy's family reality TV show "The Osbournes" in 2001 that introduced him to a whole new audience of fans.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ozzy continued to defy expectations, even as he battled Parkinson's disease. His final concert at Villa Park stadium on July 5 saw an estimated 42,000 fans packing the venue for what would be his last performance with Black Sabbath.
As we bid farewell to this rock icon, let us remember the words of Ozzy himself: "You've no idea how I feel – thank you from the bottom of my heart." Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne.
