Birmingham Honors Ozzy Osbourne with Civic Award and Calls for Airport Renaming
Ozzy Osbourne, the iconic “Prince of Darkness” and a true son of Birmingham, is being celebrated with a prestigious civic award. The honor comes as a testament to his enduring legacy and deep connection to his hometown. His daughter, Kelly Osbourne, accepted the award on his behalf, sharing heartfelt sentiments and a bold suggestion for further memorializing her father.
A City’s Affection for a Rock Legend
Floral tributes still adorn the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street, a poignant reminder of the outpouring of grief following Osbourne’s passing in July. This outpouring speaks volumes about the impact he had, not just on the music world, but on the heart of Birmingham itself.
Kelly Osbourne expressed how much this recognition meant to her father, noting he was aware of the impending award before his death. She shared a touching wish: “He deserves that so much, he really does.”
She playfully envisioned herself repeatedly flying into a renamed “Ozzy Osbourne Airport,” even enduring a two-hour drive, simply to land in honor of her father. This sentiment underscores the profound love and pride birmingham holds for its native son.
Freedom of the City and a Lasting Legacy
This civic honor follows a notable milestone achieved earlier this year. All four members of Black Sabbath - Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer butler, and Bill Ward – were granted the Freedom of the city of Birmingham. This recognition occurred ahead of their farewell concert at Villa Park on July 5th, marking the end of an era for the legendary band.
Accepting the award was a bittersweet experience for Kelly.She wished her father could have been there to receive it personally, acknowledging it as one of his proudest moments. It’s clear that Birmingham’s embrace of Ozzy Osbourne exceeded even his wildest expectations.
“Ozzy Forever” – A City’s Enduring Sentiment
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor zafar Iqbal MBE, beautifully summarized the city’s feelings. He stated that Ozzy Osbourne will always be remembered as “a proud and much missed son of Birmingham.”
Councillor Iqbal emphasized Osbourne’s unwavering connection to his roots,despite achieving global success. He expressed his honor in presenting the award to the family,viewing it as a fitting tribute to everything Osbourne has contributed to the city.
Ultimately, the sentiment resonated throughout the ceremony: “Ozzy forever.” This isn’t just a tribute to a rock star; it’s a celebration of a man who embodied the spirit of Birmingham and left an indelible mark on the world.
here’s what this recognition signifies for you, the fans:
* A lasting tribute: This award ensures Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy will be forever enshrined in the city he loved.
* Community pride: it highlights Birmingham’s rich musical heritage and its connection to global icons.
* Continued inspiration: Ozzy’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and a reminder that dreams can come true, no matter where you start.
This is more than just an award; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music and the unbreakable bond between a city and its heroes.
