Ozzy Osbourne will reportedly be laid to rest in a “small, private funeral.”
The late Black Sabbath frontman’s loved ones are planning a “celebration of his life,” a source close to the late rocker’s family revealed to People on Tuesday.
“Ozzy would never want a mope-fest,” the insider noted of the singer, who died last week at age 76.
Osbourne made this clear in a 2011 column, telling Times readers that he wanted a “celebration, not a mope-fest.”
He joked, “I honestly don’t care what they play at my funeral; they can put on a medley of Justin Bieber, Susan Boyle and We Are the Diddymen if it makes ’em happy.
“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,’” the Grammy winner continued. “There’ll be no harping on the bad times.”
In addition to the private funeral, Osbourne’s hometown of Birmingham, England, will honor him with a public procession on Wednesday.
“It was important to the city that we support a fitting, dignified tribute ahead of a private family funeral,” the city’s lord mayor, Zafar Iqbal, wrote in a statement Monday.
Osbourne’s hearse will journey down Broad Street, followed by vehicles containing his family members.
The Prince of Darkness, notably, is survived by wife Sharon Osbourne and their three children — Aimee Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne and Jack Osbourne.
Additionally, the musician was the father of Elliot Kingsley, Jessica Osbourne and Louis Osbourne from his previous marriage to Thelma Riley.
His family announced his passing on July 22, writing, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love.”
People reported Monday that Osbourne’s family members have been “touched by all the love and support pouring in from around the world.”
The source added, “They’re very grateful for the special family time they had together before Ozzy passed.”
The official cause of death for Ozzy, who suffered from a myriad of health issues including Parkinson’s disease, has yet to be revealed.
