A petition has been launched calling for the “Prince of Darkness” to get a formal send off as thousands of people around the world mourn his death
Fans of Ozzy Osbourne are demanding a state funeral and a national day of mourning for the rock legend.
Petitions have been launched calling for the “Prince of Darkness” to be given the formal send-off for his contributions to music and culture. Others say his home city of Birmingham should rename its airport Ozzy Osbourne International.
Further petitions are calling for a statue near Birmingham Children’s Hospital to mark the Black Sabbath icon’s charity work. His charitable efforts included raising £140million for Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Acorns Children’s Hospice at his last ever gig less than three weeks ago.
One petition on Change starts here said: “Ozzy Osbourne, the founder and pioneer of metal music, has touched the hearts of many.
“It is fitting that our nation honours not just his musical contributions, but the deep cultural impact he has had.
“Granting a state funeral and a national day of mourning would not just celebrate his life and achievements but would also acknowledge his role in shaping the music industry and in fostering a sense of community among fans.
“State funerals are reserved for distinguished individuals who have served the nation with great merit.
“Ozzy Osbourne’s illustrious career and international influence certainly meet this criterion.
“Moreover, a national day of mourning would give citizens the time and space to remember and honour the legacy of a true legend.”
Ozzy died on Tuesday at the age of 76 following a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He gave his final performance during a reunion show with Sabbath in Birmingham on July 5.
‘He’ll be with pal Lemmy’
An Ozzy lookalike says the singer will be enjoying a pint and smoke in heaven with his best pal Lemmy.
Dave Allen-Cooper, front man of Black Sabbath tribute band Darkmoor, said Ozzy had earned his place as a music legend.
And he had an idea of how he’d been spending his time on the other side.
“I’m gutted,” Dave said. “He is a rock legend – easily up there with the likes of Freddie Mercury. “He’s probably in heaven now having a drink and cigarette with Lemmy of Motörhead. “Ozzy lives on in people’s hearts.”
The best of Brum
THE Lord Mayor of Birmingham said Ozzy put the city “on the world map”.
Zafar Iqbal said: “He was very important and he was a proud Brummie. He loved the city. He will be much missed. I think he put Birmingham, and especially Aston, on the world map.
“He’s done so much for the city and we honoured him with the freedom of the city…he never forgot his roots.”
A hero’s welcome
A museum hosting an exhibition dedicated to Ozzy has opened up a book of condolence.
Ozzy Osbourne: Working Class Hero, at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, celebrates the achievements of the rock star and the album art of the original Black Sabbath line-up.
Senior staff said they “want to continue to celebrate Ozzy, his legacy and what he means to the city and beyond”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
