“It Was Awe-Inspiring”: Louis Osbourne Opens Up About the “Insane” Turnout for Father Ozzy’s Funeral

Following the passing of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, the world watched as thousands flooded the streets of Birmingham to pay their respects. Now, in an emotional and candid interview, Ozzy's eldest son, Louis Osbourne, has shared his personal perspective on that historic day.

Louis, the son of Ozzy and his first wife Thelma Riley, appeared as a guest on his half-brother Jack Osbourne’s podcast, Trying Not To Die. The two discussed the surreal reality of mourning a father who belonged not just to them, but to the world.

A Hero’s Farewell in Birmingham

While the funeral service itself was a private affair held at the singer's UK estate—attended by rock royalty including members of Metallica and Elton John—it was the public procession through Birmingham that left the biggest mark on the family.

Speaking to Jack, Louis admitted he had vastly underestimated how many fans would show up to bid farewell to the Black Sabbath frontman.

"I just thought it was going to be two or three people deep for half a kilometre before where the Black Sabbath bridge was and it would be a throng," Louis confessed on the podcast.

The reality, however, was far more intense. "As we came towards the street and turned onto the street — I’m getting goosebumps thinking about it now, it was fucking insane!" he recalled. "People climbing up lampposts, hanging out of windows, standing on top of bus stops to get a look at it. It was awe-inspiring."

Realizing the Cultural Impact

For Louis, the procession was a moment of realization. He noted that while he always knew his father was famous, the sheer scale of the adoration was a revelation.

"I knew people loved him, but I didn’t have a sense of how many and how much," Louis said, describing the experience as "quite humbling." He also touched on his own musical connection to his father's legacy, admitting, "Honestly, personally I’m more of a Sabbath fan than I am of his solo work... Sabbath’s in my bones, in my genes."

The Final Days

The interview comes alongside new details regarding the timeline of Ozzy’s final months. The family has revealed that the 76-year-old icon had been secretly hospitalized just two weeks prior to his final performance at Villa Park.

According to Jack Osbourne, Ozzy's health had taken a turn for the worse following a fall in early December 2024. Despite battles with Parkinson's Disease and other ailments, Ozzy managed to deliver one last historic show in his hometown before his death.