Tears blurred every eye when Elton John whispered, “This was the song he wanted when the lights went out,” and lowered himself at the grand piano
In a somber yet electric scene that rocked Blighty and the world beyond, Dame Elton John brought the house—and indeed, the chapel—down in tears yesterday as he stepped up to the mic at the funeral of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne.
The Prince of Darkness’s casket, draped in black velvet, sat center stage. Surrounding mourners included Tony Iommi, Tony’s head bowed, Rob Halford of Judas Priest wiping tears, and Lady Gaga, in a shimmering but respectful ensemble. The juxtaposition of glam and grief was unmistakable—like watching two eras of music collide on one emotional plane. Inside the grand stone walls of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London’s ancient church, what was meant to be a private farewell instantly became an emotional global moment when Elton began his raw, soul-stirring ballad.
With the hush descended and half the world on silent tribute, Elton rode the notes of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road—a song never more fitting, perhaps, for one of rock’s darkest princes. As he sang, his trademark glasses glinted with tears; the congregation included Sharon Osbourne, daughters Kelly and Jack, and a cadre of music royalty—from Joan Jett to Slash.
