Ozzy Osbourne Revealed the One Song He Wanted Played at His Funeral

Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness and iconic frontman of Black Sabbath, once shared the one song he wanted played at his funeral—and it wasn’t one of his own. The rock legend revealed that the only track he’d request for his farewell would be The Beatles’ haunting masterpiece, “A Day in the Life.”

In a 2016 blog post for NME, Osbourne wrote:

“I really need a few more years to think this over, but probably something from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Revolver. I definitely don’t want my f—ing greatest hits album – I never ever play that thing, I’m f—ing embarrassed about it. And I definitely don’t want a f—ing happy song – I’m dead.”

Eventually, he settled on “A Day in the Life,” the final track from Sgt. Pepper’s—a song that, in his words, took him “back to a magical time” in his life.

A Lifelong Obsession with The Beatles

Ozzy’s connection to The Beatles began at the age of 14. He was listening to a small blue transistor radio when he first heard “She Loves You.” The song completely changed his world.

“It floored me,” he told Rolling Stone. “It was as if you knew all the colors in the world. Then someone shows you a brand-new color, and you go, ‘F—in’ hell, man.’”

That early encounter sparked a lifelong admiration that would influence not only his musical style but also his personal journey.

No Greatest Hits, No Happy Songs

Osbourne made it clear he didn’t want a “greatest hits” playlist or upbeat tracks to be part of his funeral. He didn’t want to hear “Crazy Train” or “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” He wanted a song that captured depth, sadness, and introspection—emotions that defined both his life and artistry.

In a 2021 interview with The Sunday Times, he even 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.”

A Farewell Fit for a Legend

Ozzy Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76—just weeks after his final performance with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in his hometown of Aston, Birmingham.

On July 30, the city of Birmingham honored his legacy with a public funeral procession. According to the New York Times, local brass band Bostin Brass led the tribute down Broad Street, ending at the iconic Black Sabbath Bridge and Bench, a tourist landmark dedicated to the band that started it all.

The Legacy Lives On

Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but his voice, his spirit, and his passion for music live on. By choosing “A Day in the Life” for his final farewell, he left fans with a raw, emotional reminder of the era that shaped him—and the band that inspired his path to greatness.

Conclusion:
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering his story for the first time, Ozzy’s unique funeral request reminds us that even rock gods have humble beginnings—and their final goodbyes can be just as powerful as their greatest performances.