From Queen Elizabeth to Michael Jackson: The Most Epic Funerals Of All Time

Funerals can display the riches or influence of those who are gone, and elaborate rituals are often held to ensure that the deceased’s legacy is as strong after death as it was during life. Some funerals are so large-scale that they develop their own culture.

From Queen Elizabeth II to The Pope, from Michael Jackson to Princess Diana: Here are the most epic funerals in history.

PRINCESS DIANA’S FUNERAL WAS WATCHED BY BILLIONS

When Diana, Princess of Wales, married Prince Charles at the age of 20, she was immediately catapulted into the spotlight. She worked with organizations that supported the treatment of AIDS and the clearance of land mines during the 1980s and 1990s, at which time she rose to fame. She continued to have enormous global popularity even after her divorce from Prince Charles. It came as a surprise when she passed away in a vehicle accident in 1997 at the age of 36.

A large number of mourners lined the streets of London for Diana’s burial. The event was also live televised throughout the globe, which was still unique at the time. According to History, almost 2.5 billion people watched in total. It was a sensation, and images like the young Princes William and Harry following her coffin turned into cultural touchstones.

TUPAC SHAKUR WENT UP IN SMOKE

Tupac Shakur, a trailblazing artist, passed away at the age of 25 without a public burial. Tupac was cremated in a private ceremony at the request of his mother, Afeni Shakur. That would have been the end of the matter, but The Outlawz, one of Tupac’s most trusted partners, was able to obtain some of his ashes.

NME claims that the trio traveled to a beach in Los Angeles and scattered the ashes everywhere. Then they lit Tupac Shakur’s ashes on fire. They allegedly then dumped additional cannabis into the water along with other of Tupac’s favorite items, such as chicken wings and orange drink. The Outlawz could only have accomplished this by taking part in Tupac’s ashes, according to Afeni, who reportedly said she would never have consented to it. It’s not apparent who is giving the complete story in this instance.

KIM JONG-IL’S MEMORIAL STATUE COST MORE THAN MOST CELEBRITY FUNERALS

After the death of his father, Kim Il-sung, in 1994, Kim Jong-il assumed control of North Korea. Because the North Korean government is organized around its Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-il is essentially in charge of the country. Being the center of a cult of personality developed by the North Korean regime around its leaders is a significant component of this. When Kim Jong-il passed away in 2011, the North Koreans planned to hold a similarly huge official celebration as they did for Kim Il-sung.

A 20-meter-tall bronze monument of Kim Il-sung was erected in his honor on Pyongyang’s Mansu Hill in 1972. A similar one was created by Kim Jong-il after his passing. The fact is that a bronze monument that is 20 meters tall now costs a lot more money than one that was made in 1972.

WILLIE MCCOY HAD A MEATY MEMORIAL

Willie “Wolf Johnson” McCoy may not be a name you are familiar with, but you have undoubtedly heard his voice. One of Chili’s most well-known advertisements from the 1990s had chefs singing a song about their baby back ribs while working in the kitchen. The deep bass repeat of “Barbecue sauce” was one of the most memorable elements of the famed commercial. Willie McCoy was that deep voice.

McCoy was a professional singer for most of his life, and the Chili’s commercial was by far his most well-known recording. He also reportedly enjoyed the song. Enough so that when he passed away in 2012, he was buried in a casket resembling a barbeque smoker. According to Gawker, his funeral event featured ribs for visitors, a barbecue sauce fountain, and even a few real pigs roaming the area.