Beloved heavy metal pioneer Ozzy Osbourne was laid to rest on the grounds of his Buckinghamshire, UK mansion today, July 31st, as part of a private funeral ceremony held by his family and friends. Adding some levity, a floral arrangement spelling out ‘Ozzy Fucking Osbourne’ was featured on the grounds of the estate during the invite-only affair.
Various rock and metal royalty attended the gathering for the departed Prince Of Darkness, including his longtime compatriot Zakk Wylde, who was spotted attending with acoustic guitars in hand. Other attendees included Ozzy‘s bandmates in Black Sabbath: Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward, as well as Sir Elton John, Marilyn Manson, Metallica‘s James Hetfield and Robert Trujillo, Slipknot‘s Corey Taylor, Rob Zombie and more. TMZ have shared some photos of the guests arriving to the final farewell to the indelible metal icon, who passed away last Tuesday, July 22nd at the age of 76.
The Sun report that around 110 mourners attended the service, with Osbourne having been laid to rest near a lake on the Osbourne family property. Manson has since publicly commented on attending today’s service, stating:
“Today we laid to rest a beloved friend. I am eternally grateful that you let me into your life Ozzy. Your inspiration and love will always be with me. Thank you Sharon and family for a reverent, beautiful ceremony. Your legacy lives on.”
Alice In Chains‘ Mike Inez, who served a lengthy stint as Osbourne‘s solo bassist, offered: “Today we said goodbye to the greatest of all time.” Yungblud, who was said to have spoken at the memorial service, said on social media today, “goodnight Ozzy your life will forever shine. I love you.” Yungblud‘s social media tribute was particularly moving, as it showcased the crucifix chain he and Osbourne exchanged.
Ozzy‘s burial follows yesterday’s public funeral procession which was held in Ozzy and Black Sabbath‘s stomping grounds of Birmingham, UK. Tens of thousands of fans attended that procession to express their grief over the heavy metal patriarch’s passing and share their gratitude for his life and legacy.
That procession, which was attended by Ozzy‘s family for a stop at Black Sabbath Bridge, was livestreamed yesterday. Osbourne and Black Sabbath performed a final live farewell on July 05th in Birmingham, UK, with the all-star gala raising over $190 million for several charities.
