Key Highlights
- Birmingham posthumously awarded Ozzy Osbourne with the Lord Mayor’s Award on his 77th birthday.
- Kelly Osbourne accepted the award, describing Birmingham as “everything to Dad.”
- Ozzy’s impact on Birmingham’s cultural and musical identity is acknowledged through this honor.
- The airport could potentially be named after Ozzy Osbourne in his memory.
Birmingham’s Tribute: Posthumous Award for Ozzy Osbourne
On what would have been his 77th birthday, the city of Birmingham honored its iconic son, Ozzy Osbourne. The city posthumously awarded him with the Lord Mayor’s Award during a private ceremony, celebrating his outstanding service to Birmingham and its cultural identity.
A Family Tribute: Kelly Osbourne Receives the Honor
Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, was presented with the award by Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood. Reflecting on her father, she expressed the overwhelming love they received from the community. “Birmingham is so special to him and never in my wildest dreams did I expect the outpouring of love that we received,” she told BBC Radio WM. “There is no place like Brum.”
The Impact of Ozzy on Birmingham
Born and raised in Aston, Ozzy achieved global stardom as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath and later in his solo career. He was recognized for his significant contribution to Birmingham’s cultural and musical landscape. In her emotional speech, Kelly highlighted how her father’s character and dedication made him a “working class hero.” “He never thought he was better than anybody else; he just loved what he did so much, entertaining and making people happy,” she added.
Future Honors: Naming the Airport
In discussing potential ways to memorialize her dad in his home city, Kelly Osbourne suggested naming the airport after him. “He deserves that so much he really does,” she said. “I would purposely fly into Ozzy Osbourne Airport every single time and take the two-hour drive back to my house, just so that I could land in an airport named after my father.”
City’s Response: A Proud Son
Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, expressed his honor in presenting the award. “Having achieved worldwide success, he never forgot his Brummie roots,” said Councillor Iqbal. “Ozzy forever” encapsulates the city’s enduring respect and love for its most famous son. This tribute reflects not only Ozzy’s immense influence on Birmingham but also the deep connection between a city and one of its own. As the community continues to celebrate his legacy, it is clear that Ozzy Osbourne will always be remembered as a true Brummie through and through.
