Ozzy Osbourne fans launch petition for Birmingham airport to be renamed as hundreds pledge support
Ozzy Osbourne fans have called for Birmingham International Airport to be renamed in his honour following his unexpected death on Tuesday.
Osbourne died at the age of 76 in the UK, surrounded by his family and prompting heartfelt tributes from around the world.
Some superfans have also called for the heavy metal star to be memorialised through a Birmingham airport by renaming it to Ozzy Osbourne International.
Change.org petition organiser Dan Hudson argued that the city’s airport should follow the example of John Lennon Airport in Liverpool.
“Ozzy’s influence on music and culture is undeniable. Naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts,” he wrote.
“Other airports in the UK are named after their famous children (George Best International Airport in Belfast, John Lennon Airport in Liverpool) so it is only right that we do this here in Birmingham, in honour of Ozzy.”
Hudson’s petition isn’t the only one that has come about since news of The Prince of Darkness’ death was announced.
Others have called for the main stage at Download Festival to be named after Osbourne, with organised Oleg Nikolenko writing: “From founding Black Sabbath to headlining global stages for over five decades, Ozzy shaped the very sound and spirit that Download Festival celebrates every year.
“With the passing of this true legend, it’s only right that we honour his immeasurable contribution to music by renaming the main stage at Download Festival as ‘The Ozzy Osbourne Stage’ or simply ‘The Ozzy Stage.'”
A third has argued a statue of the Black Sabbath star should be placed near Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Rebecca Swan proposed the statue could highlight Osbourne’s charitable work.
“Ozzy has been an inspiration not only for the people of Birmingham but for the entire world,” she wrote.
“It would be wonderful to immortalise and celebrate his amazing musical legacy but also his charitable contribution to BCH and other charities.”
There are even calls for Osbourne to be given a state funeral and for there to be a national day of mourning.
Emma Richards is urging the government to grant the honour, stating: “Ozzy Osbourne… has touched the hearts of many…
“It is fitting that our nation honours not just his musical contributions, but the deep cultural impact he has had.
“Granting a state funeral and a national day of mourning would not just celebrate his life and achievements but would also acknowledge his role in shaping the music industry and in fostering a sense of community among fans across generations.”
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Osbourne, who suffered from Parkinson’s for the last few years of his life, performed his final concert just this month, where he remained seated as he took to the stage but put on an energised show.
He and former X Factor star wife Sharon had been in the process of moving back to the UK permanently after having lived in LA since the 1990s.
As of Wednesday, 278 signatures have been added in total to the petitions.