Marilyn Manson led a somber procession of rock royalty as Ozzy Osbourne was laid to rest in the grounds of his own sprawling Buckinghamshire mansion. The Black Sabbath frontman, who died aged 76 on July 22, was buried as per his wishes—under a tree near the lake at the heart of the family’s 250-acre estate.
The private service drew in some of the biggest names in heavy metal, including Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, Ozzy’s longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, and Rob Zombie, who arrived in true gothic style. Marilyn Manson, clad in black, was joined by wife Lindsay Usich. Meanwhile, cars carrying guests including Metallica’s James Hetfield and reportedly Sir Elton John were seen arriving at the estate.
A massive floral tribute spelled out “OZZY F***ING OSBOURNE” beside the Osbourne lake, while another “Ozzy” display from the previous day’s Birmingham memorial procession decorated the fountain. Guests sheltered under white marquees set up near the pond, where a stage and catering tents were erected for the occasion.
Security was tight, with bodyguards and dog handlers patrolling the area and traffic marshals guiding vehicles. Despite the exclusive guest list, fans left flowers outside the estate gates, adding to the sea of tributes that had already grown in Birmingham.
Ozzy’s widow Sharon, joined by children Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and son Louis from his first marriage, was visibly emotional as she thanked fans with a peace sign. Sharon had helped fulfil her husband’s last wish—no “mope-fest,” but a celebration of life.
Ozzy once joked he’d like pranks at his funeral—“maybe the sound of knocking inside the coffin”—and wanted a tree planted over his grave so kids could “make wine out of me.” He had insisted on a burial, not cremation.
Just weeks before his passing, Ozzy performed for one final time at Villa Park stadium, reuniting with Black Sabbath bandmates before more than 42,000 fans. In his final speech, he thanked the crowd from “the bottom of my heart.”
The Prince of Darkness leaves behind a legacy that spans decades, with fans of all ages grieving across the world. Fittingly, as his hearse passed through his native Birmingham, fans chanted “Ozzy! Ozzy! Ozzy!”—a roar of love for the icon who bit the head off a bat, but stole the hearts of millions.
