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Birmingham has honoured its celebrated native, Ozzy Osbourne, with the city’s highest civic distinction posthumously, coinciding with what would have been his 77th birthday.
Kelly Osbourne, daughter of the late musician, accepted the Lord Mayor’s Award on her father’s behalf, presented by Deputy Lord Mayor Ken Wood.
During the private ceremony, Ms. Osbourne also received the city’s books of condolence, containing thousands of messages penned in the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s passing in July.
“It’s been quite emotional,” Kelly Osbourne told BBC Radio WM. “Birmingham held such a special place in his heart, and the outpouring of love we’ve received has been overwhelming. There truly is no place like Brum.”
Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife of 43 years, commemorated his birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post.
“I will hold your hand until we meet on the other side,” she wrote. “Happy birthday to my darling husband.”
The Lord Mayor’s Award recognizes individuals and groups for outstanding achievements or exceptional contributions to the city of Birmingham and its residents.
Ozzy Osbourne is being recognized for his significant contributions to Birmingham, notably his lasting impact on the city’s cultural and musical heritage.
Born and raised in Aston, Osbourne found international fame and acclaim as a musician, both as the frontman of influential heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and through his subsequent solo career.
“He was a man of the people, always authentic and a working-class hero,” Kelly Osbourne stated.
“He never considered himself superior to anyone; his passion was entertaining and bringing joy to others.”
“My father has shown the world, and especially Birmingham, that a boy from Aston can achieve anything.”
Asked about future tributes to her father within Birmingham, Kelly Osbourne suggested naming the airport in his honour.
“He truly deserves that,” she said. “I would make it a point to fly into Ozzy Osbourne Airport every time, even if it meant a two-hour drive home, just to land at an airport named after my father.”
This civic honour follows the Freedom of the City of Birmingham being bestowed upon all four original members of Black Sabbath, prior to their farewell “The End” concert at Villa Park on 5 July.
Kelly Osbourne described the award as a bittersweet moment.
“I wish my father could be here to accept this award himself,” she noted. “It was a moment of immense pride for him, and he knew he was to receive it before his passing.”
“I don’t believe my father ever imagined Birmingham would show him the depth of affection it has.”
The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal MBE, stated that Ozzy Osbourne will always be “a proud and greatly missed son of Birmingham”.
“Despite achieving global success, he never forgot his Birmingham roots. It is an honour to present this award to his family as a fitting tribute to all he has contributed to our city,” he remarked. “Ozzy forever.”
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