The huge mechanical bull which was the main attraction at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony has been named after Black Sabbath star Ozzy Osbourne.
The 33ft. tall sculpture, which was due to be dismantled at the end of the Games, is now set to have a new permanent home at Birmingham New Street railway station and will be housed under the atrium of the station after a large, ongoing petition – which exceeded over 28,000 public votes - was cast to save and name the sculpture. Previously known informally as Raging Bull it won a reprieve after the public outcry.
Local boy, the ‘Prince of Darkness’ Ozzy, who was the star attraction at the Games' closing ceremony, proved to be overwhelmed at the news, when he simply said: "I'm absolutely blown away.
"Thank you for all your votes. Birmingham forever!" West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, added: “I cannot wait to see Ozzy take pride of place in New Street Station this summer - proudly bearing the name of the Prince of Darkness himself."
Network Rail chair Lord Peter Hendy said: "It just shows how much affection people have for this star turn at the Commonwealth Games. I can't wait for it to be unveiled on the station concourse in time for the first anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."
