Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the flight hub at Birmingham Airport to be renamed the ‘Ozzy Osbourne International’, in honour of the Black Sabbath front man, following his death last month, and whose funeral took place earlier this week.
The petition, which was started by Ozzy superfan Dan Hudson, reached over 70,000 signatures almost immediately, as it officially called for the honour in tribute to the Heavy Metal icon. The airport did confirm that plans to celebrate Osbourne through additional of artwork in its terminal.
But ‘Sabbath fans are looking for more, with Hudson saying: "Ozzy's influence around the world is undeniable.
“So, naming his city’s international airport after him is a fitting tribute to his career and contributions to the place he was born and bred. Other airports in the UK are named after their famous ‘son’, like George Best International Airport in Belfast and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool.
“It’s only right that we do this here in Birmingham, in honour of Ozzy. Together, we can celebrate the legacy of Ozzy Osbourne and the incredible influence our city has had on the world stage, thanks to him."
In response to the ever-growth petition, a Birmingham Airport spokesperson said: “We are aware of the legacy and love that Ozzy Osbourne has in the city. And he’s someone who needs to be celebrated and remembered by his fans, long after he has left us.
"We are following the petition closely, although, in the immediate future, we are looking at options that are quicker and easier to deliver than a renaming of an international airport.
“Ozzy Osbourne is an inspiration to so many and has proved that talent, hard work, and commitment can take you to all corners of the world. We will be looking at ways celebrate his heritage and contribution to his city and the wider region through artwork in the terminal, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans.”
Osbourne died on Tuesday, July 22, just weeks after his last performance at Villa Park Stadium in front of 40,000 fans. He was 76.
