"Initiative underway to change Birmingham airport title in honor of Ozzy Osbourne"
In the wake of the passing of heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne on Tuesday morning, aged 76, a petition to rename Birmingham International Airport in his honour has garnered significant support. The petition, started by Dan Hudson, co-host of the podcast A Gay And A Nongay and a metalhead, has amassed over 64,000 signatures on Change.org by August 2025 [4].
However, Birmingham Airport has ruled out officially changing its name, instead choosing to celebrate Osbourne's legacy through terminal artwork and other commemorations within the airport [3]. This approach aligns with the airport’s intention to honour his heritage while maintaining its established branding.
Ozzy Osbourne, who grew up in the Aston area of Birmingham and co-founded the heavy metal band Black Sabbath in the city, played his retirement show, Back To The Beginning, just over two weeks before his passing. The all-day extravaganza at Villa Park in Aston on July 5 featured a bill rounded out by a who's-who of hard rock and heavy metal artists [5].
Countless musicians and celebrities have paid tribute to Osbourne following his death, with Gene Simmons of Kiss describing him as "a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide." Metallica called him a "hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend." Tony Iommi, another Black Sabbath co-founder, expressed his shock at Osbourne's passing and revealed that he received a text message from the singer the day before he died [1].
One supporter wrote that naming the airport after Osbourne would be "HUGE" and the best tribute possible. Another expressed that Osbourne was the only celebrity they ever cried for and thanked him for everything [2]. Supporters of the petition have posted tributes to Osbourne in the comments section, expressing their love and appreciation for him.
The charity concert is estimated to raise more than $190 million, making it the highest-grossing charity gig of all time. A concert film featuring the best bits from the show, entitled Back To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow, is set to come out in cinemas next year [6].
As of now, representatives for Birmingham International Airport are yet to comment on the petition. Despite the airport's decision not to change its name, the petition continues to gather support, reflecting the deep love and appreciation the public has for the late heavy metal icon.
References: 1. [Source 1] 2. [Source 2] 3. [Source 3] 4. [Source 4] 5. [Source 5] 6. [Source 6]
- The petition to rename Birmingham International Airport after Ozzy Osbourne has gathered over 64,000 signatures.
- Ozzy Osbourne, co-founder of Black Sabbath and heavy metal icon, played his retirement concert, Back To The Beginning, at Villa Park in Aston.
- Countless musicians and celebrities have paid tribute to Osbourne following his passing, with Metallica calling him a "hero" and Gene Simmons describing him as "admired and loved by millions."
- Birmingham Airport has chosen to honor Osbourne's legacy through terminal artwork and other commemorations rather than officially changing its name.
- A charity concert in honor of Osbourne is estimated to raise more than $190 million, making it the highest-grossing charity gig of all time.
- A concert film titled Back To The Beginning: Ozzy's Final Bow is set to come out in cinemas next year.
- Supporters of the petition have posted tributes to Osbourne in the comments section, expressing their love and appreciation for him.
- Despite the airport's decision not to change its name, the petition continues to gather support, reflecting the deep love and appreciation the public has for the late heavy metal icon, who played a significant role in the development of pop-culture and entertainment, particularly in the domains of metal and rock music.
