Fans Launch Petition to Rename Birmingham Airport After Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy on the "Ordinary Man" music video - Ozzy Osbourne / YouTube
The heavy metal world is still reeling from the death of Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76 earlier this week. Known globally as the Prince of Darkness, Osbourne’s influence transcended music, making him a cultural icon. As tributes continue to pour in, fans are now calling for a permanent way to memorialize him—by renaming Birmingham International Airport in his honor.
The movement to rename the airport was launched by Dan Hudson, co-host of the podcast A Gay And A Nongay. A passionate metalhead, Hudson started a petition on Change.org to campaign for the change. The idea is simple yet powerful: pay tribute to Birmingham’s most famous rock export by placing his name at the literal gateway to the city he helped put on the global map.
Ozzy grew up in the Aston area of Birmingham and famously co-founded Black Sabbath there. His connection to the city runs deep, making the petition feel especially personal to fans. With more than 2,500 signatures already, it’s clear this campaign is striking a chord.
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The Petition Gains Ground
Supporters of the petition have flooded its comments section with emotional tributes. Many describe Osbourne as not just a musician but a part of their personal identity. One signer wrote, “Naming Birmingham Airport after [Ozzy] would be HUGE, and the best nod to him possible. R.I.P. Ozzy!”—a sentiment echoed by hundreds more.
Another fan shared a heartfelt note, saying, “He is the only celebrity I ever shed a tear for. Thank you so much for everything, Ozzy—you are loved and will be missed by the world.” These statements capture the sense of collective mourning and admiration fans feel following his death.
While the petition continues to gain traction online, Birmingham International Airport has yet to respond to the proposal. Still, the momentum suggests that the call for change is more than just symbolic—it’s a reflection of how deeply embedded Osbourne is in the city’s identity.
A Final Bow to Remember
Just over two weeks before his passing, Ozzy gave what would become his farewell performance at Villa Park in Aston. Titled Back To The Beginning, the concert was an all-day celebration of his career, featuring two sets—one solo and one with the original members of Black Sabbath. Fans and fellow musicians saw it as a triumphant send-off.
The charity event raised an estimated $190 million for Birmingham causes, making it the highest-grossing charity concert of all time. The show’s success was a testament to Osbourne’s enduring power and the global love he inspired. It also marked the end of an era in a way that felt deeply personal for Birmingham natives.
A concert film, Back To The Beginning: Ozzy’s Final Bow, is set to hit cinemas next year, ensuring that the magic of that final night will live on. For many fans, renaming the airport would be a way to ensure that Osbourne’s connection to his hometown lives on in more than just memories.
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A Lasting Legacy
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across the music world. Metallica called him a “hero, icon, pioneer, inspiration, mentor, and, most of all, friend.” Gene Simmons of Kiss described him as “a giant. Admired and loved by millions of fans worldwide.” The reverence from peers made it clear: Osbourne wasn’t just a rock star—he was a legend.
Tony Iommi, Osbourne’s longtime bandmate and fellow Birmingham native, described his death as a “shock.” He revealed in an interview that he had received a text from Ozzy just a day before his passing. The suddenness of his death has left fans and collaborators alike grappling with the loss.
Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy began in Birmingham, and many now believe it should be etched permanently into the city’s landscape. Whether or not the airport is renamed, one thing is certain: his music, spirit, and impact will continue to fly high for generations to come.
