A petition to rename Birmingham International Airport in honour of Ozzy Osbourne has gained more than 5,000 signatures following the rock star's death. The Black Sabbath frontman passed away on Tuesday at his home in Buckinghamshire, aged 76.
The campaign, launched by radio host Dan Hudson, calls for the airport to be renamed Ozzy Osbourne International. Hudson, who fronted the BBC documentary Sashay To Hell, argues that Birmingham should follow the example of Belfast and Liverpool, which have airports named after George Best and John Lennon respectively.
“Naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts,” the petition states. It adds that the move would celebrate Osbourne's legacy and the influence Birmingham has had on the world stage thanks to him.
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Zafar Iqbal, expressed support for the idea, describing Osbourne as a “proud Brummie” who put the city on the world map. Iqbal presented Osbourne and other Black Sabbath members with the freedom of the city in June, recognising their role as pioneers of heavy metal.
Osbourne's death came just two weeks after he performed a farewell gig in his hometown. He is survived by his wife Sharon and their children.
