Even in Death, Ozzy Osbourne Wanted to Make You Laugh
The world lost the “Prince of Darkness” on July 21, 2025, but Ozzy Osbourne’s sense of humor endured — even in death.
The legendary Black Sabbath frontman made it clear he wanted his funeral to be a celebration, not a “mope-fest.” In a 2011 interview with The Times, Ozzy joked that he didn’t care what music played — even a medley of Justin Bieber and Susan Boyle — as long as it made people happy. He even suggested coffin pranks, like a knock from inside or a video demanding a “second opinion” on his death.
“It’s worth remembering that a lot of people see nothing but misery their whole lives,” he said. “I want my funeral to be a time to say ‘thanks.’”
In 2016, Ozzy told NME he’d want “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles played at his funeral, though he also mentioned other tracks from Sgt. Pepper or Revolver, adding that he never really listened to his own music.
Then in 2020, on Good Morning Britain, he gave a classic answer when asked how he’d like to be remembered: “Bats taste like s—.”
Despite the humor, grief following his death was real. His sisters, Jean Powell (85) and Gillian Hemming (80), shared their sorrow with The Mirror. Jean last saw him at Black Sabbath’s farewell concert and remembered him as frail but still full of plans and jokes.
“In his last text, he said he’d be coming back,” she said. “He was still our John.”
Gillian added, “What the public saw was exactly who he was. It wasn’t an act.”
Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but he made sure even his farewell would be unforgettable — and maybe, just a little funny.