Ozzy Osbourne to Be Buried in Birmingham, Confirm Royal and Black Sabbath Families
“He’s going home.” With these poignant words, the royal family, alongside the Osbourne and Black Sabbath families, confirmed that the late Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness and one of the most iconic figures in the history of rock music—will be buried in his beloved hometown of Birmingham, England.
The news was announced this morning through a joint statement issued by the Osbourne estate, the remaining members of Black Sabbath, and a spokesperson for the royal family, acknowledging the profound cultural legacy of Osbourne and his lifelong connection to the city that shaped him.
A Homecoming Fit for a Legend
Ozzy Osbourne, born John Michael Osbourne in Aston, Birmingham, in 1948, was widely known not only for pioneering heavy metal music with Black Sabbath but also for remaining fiercely loyal to his working-class roots. Though he lived in Los Angeles and traveled the world, Birmingham was always his emotional anchor.
“Birmingham was never just a city to Dad,” said daughter Kelly Osbourne in an emotional tribute. “It was where his soul lived—even when his body was far away.”
According to the official announcement, Ozzy will be buried at a private family plot in Birmingham’s historic Witton Cemetery, a site chosen for its quiet dignity and proximity to Aston, the neighborhood where he grew up. Plans are already underway for a public memorial at St. Philip’s Cathedral, followed by a procession through the streets of Birmingham, allowing fans to pay their final respects.
Royal Endorsement of a Cultural Icon
In an unprecedented move, Buckingham Palace issued a statement honoring Osbourne’s “contributions to British music and global culture.” King Charles III, known for his appreciation of the arts, reportedly signed off on a special posthumous honor that acknowledges Ozzy’s impact on British identity and the international music scene.
“Though his music was dark, his spirit was bold, and his legacy is everlasting,” the royal statement read. “John Michael Osbourne, known to millions as Ozzy, is a son of Britain whose influence will echo through the ages.”
Sources close to the Palace confirmed that a royal envoy will attend the burial, making Osbourne the first rock musician of his genre to receive such recognition.
Black Sabbath: Brothers to the End
Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, and Bill Ward—the surviving members of Black Sabbath—gathered in Birmingham for a candlelight vigil at Aston Park on the eve of the announcement. In a tearful address, Iommi said, “We always knew this day would come, but nothing prepares you for losing your brother.”
Black Sabbath has long been considered one of the founding fathers of heavy metal, and their global success has always been rooted in their shared experience growing up in industrial Birmingham. That spirit of brotherhood remained strong through five decades, tumultuous tours, breakups, and reunions.
“Even at the end,” said Butler, “Ozzy was dreaming of home. We will bury him where it all began, because that’s what he wanted.”
Public Farewell in the Works
In the coming days, Birmingham City Council will collaborate with the Osbourne family to host an official public farewell ceremony. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent Ozzy Osbourne Museum and memorial statue in the city center. Mayor Sharon Thompson issued a statement expressing the city’s deep gratitude:
“Ozzy Osbourne is not just Birmingham’s son—he’s our spirit. We will honor him not just with grief, but with celebration, music, and memory.”
Fans have already begun leaving flowers, candles, and handwritten letters outside Ozzy’s childhood home in Lodge Road, Aston. Messages like “Thank you for the music, the madness, and the magic” line the fences.
Sharon Osbourne: “He Belongs to Birmingham”
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife and manager of over four decades, addressed the public from their Buckinghamshire estate, saying through tears:
“He always said, ‘When I go, take me home.’ And home for him was never Hollywood. It was never the mansions. It was always Birmingham. That’s where we’ll lay him to rest.”
Sharon also hinted at the possibility of a final tribute concert featuring members of Black Sabbath, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and other rock luminaries who considered Ozzy a mentor and friend.
Legacy of the Prince of Darkness
From his early days as a metal pioneer to his solo stardom and even his second life as a reality TV icon, Ozzy Osbourne’s journey was anything but conventional. He battled addiction, survived near-fatal accidents, and lived through decades of stardom with grit and humor. Despite his title as the “Prince of Darkness,” those who knew him best always described him as gentle, hilarious, and deeply human.
“Ozzy’s real magic,” said longtime friend and guitarist Zakk Wylde, “was making millions of people feel like they were part of something bigger, something loud and real.”
Final Words
As plans for Ozzy Osbourne’s burial unfold, one truth rings louder than any amp ever could: his legacy is immortal.
He may have screamed “I am Iron Man,” but today, he rests as a mortal legend in the hearts of millions.
Rest in power, Ozzy.
Forever the Prince of Darkness. Forever Birmingham’s son.
