Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary rockstar, passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spanned decades. His funeral, held in private and attended by close family and friends, was intended to be a reflection of his wishes for a celebratory farewell.
Now, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, a longtime member of Osbourne’s backing band, is shedding light on some of the remarkable and even humorous moments from that day, painting a picture of a funeral that was both emotional and filled with laughter.
A Windy Moment During Kelly Osbourne’s Performance
Among the more memorable events at Ozzy’s funeral was the performance by his daughter Kelly Osbourne, who sang during the ceremony. According to Trujillo, the weather played a key role in creating a somewhat amusing moment.
“It had been raining at the beginning of the service… and then as it sort of progressed through the service, the weather would change and different things would happen,” Trujillo shared on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk on August 7.
As Kelly sang, the wind began to pick up, causing her lyrics to be literally blown away. “When Kelly was singing, her lyrics flew. Like the wind blew her lyrics away. It was almost like Ozzy was having fun with her,” Trujillo recalled with a smile.
This lighthearted moment fit perfectly with the spirit Ozzy had envisioned for his funeral: a celebration, not a solemn affair. For those present, it felt as if Ozzy’s playful nature had made its presence known one last time.
A Tearful Eulogy and the Sun Coming Out
Trujillo also reflected on the emotional moments that accompanied the lighter ones. One such moment was when Geezer Butler, Osbourne’s fellow Black Sabbath co-founder, delivered an emotional eulogy. Trujillo recalled, “Geezer broke down in tears.
He had a hard time, obviously, speaking. And then he came back up and he delivered an amazing eulogy.” As if on cue, the sun emerged after a period of rain, bathing the ceremony in warm light, which Trujillo described as a beautiful moment following the emotional speech.
A Funeral Filled with Both Tears and Laughter
Although the funeral was undeniably emotional, Trujillo emphasized that it also contained many “magical moments” filled with humor. “It was a small group of people, but it was very, very beautiful… It was very sad, but at the same time, some of the speeches were, as you could imagine, pretty funny,” he explained.
There was a balance of tears and laughter, with people sharing stories of Ozzy that sparked spontaneous moments of joy. Trujillo and his wife Chloe were among those who shared in these special moments, offering their condolences to the family while also reflecting on the laughter Ozzy had inspired during his life.
Ozzy Osbourne’s Funeral Wishes: A Celebration, Not a “Mope-Fest”
Ozzy had always made it clear that he wanted his funeral to be a celebration of his life, as opposed to a sad and somber occasion. In a 2011 column for The Times, he wrote, “I do want to make sure it’s a celebration, not a mope-fest.”
Ozzy’s wishes also included some mischievous elements, like pranks that would ensure the atmosphere wasn’t too heavy. He even suggested that there be a video of him asking for a second opinion on his “death” diagnosis, or the sound of knocking coming from inside his coffin.
His request for laughter and lightheartedness was honored by his family and friends during the ceremony, with the mixture of tears and joy perfectly embodying the rocker’s desire for a farewell that would reflect his larger-than-life personality.
A Funeral Procession Through Birmingham
Ozzy’s funeral was followed by a procession through his hometown of Birmingham, England, on July 30, 2025. The streets were lined with fans who had come to pay their respects to the man who had shaped the world of rock music.
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, and their children—Kelly, Jack, Aimee, and Louis—joined the procession, taking a moment to view the many tributes left by fans on the Black Sabbath bridge. The outpouring of love from the public spoke volumes about the immense impact Ozzy had on the world.
Ozzy Osbourne’s funeral was more than just a farewell; it was a celebration of his remarkable life, filled with both emotional moments and touches of humor, just as he had wanted.
From the playful wind that blew Kelly’s lyrics away to the powerful eulogy delivered by Geezer Butler, the day was a fitting tribute to a man who lived life to the fullest. Ozzy’s unique legacy lives on not only in his music but in the memories and stories shared by his family, friends, and fans alike.
