Is Birmingham City Airport Set To Go Through (Name) Changes?

Let it never be said that when an icon of rock music leaves the building, that their followers and fans don't come out in the only way they know how, with their loyal support to try and fittingly mark their memory.

That certainly seems to be the case for Ozzy Osbourne, the founder and lead vocalist of pioneering heavy metal band Black Sabbath, who passed away last week at the age of 76, just mere weeks after he and the band performed their final ever shows at Villa Park in his native Birmingham in the West Midlands.

Aside from the usual activity that surrounds the passing of a music legend (last week's Official UK Charts have seen an according surge in streams and sales of Ozzy's back catalogue both with Black Sabbath and from his solo career, resulting in the return of three of his singles and albums apiece to the charts) so too has there been more unusual activity.

On Change.org, the online petition and campaigning site, a petition has been launched, with the aim of having Birmingham City Airport renamed as Ozzy Osbourne International Airport in his honour, citing how he "was the most important musician ever to hail from Birmingham … [his] influence on music and culture is undeniable. Naming our international airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his extraordinary career and contributions to the arts."

At time of writing, the petition has amassed over 42,000 signatures and counting since it was launched last Friday (25th July). Indeed, if this happens, then it will be part of a turn of events which has precedence. Liverpool John Lennon Airport, for instance, was renamed in 2001, in honour of one of the city's most iconic sons from The Beatles. Similarly, Belfast City Airport was renamed as George Best Belfast City Airport in honour of the legendary Manchester United football player in 2006.

A spokesperson for Birmingham City Airport has subsequently spoken to ITN over the weekend, saying in a statement "Ozzy Osbourne is an inspiration to so many in our region proving that talent, hard work, and commitment can take you to all corners of the world … In [the] coming weeks, we will be looking at how we can celebrate his heritage and contribution to the region via terminal artwork, creating a greater sense of place for Birmingham and his fans."

For someone who has indisputably left a legacy and impact in the way Ozzy has for a generation of music fans, it is without question that he is likely to be rightly honoured in some way by his home city's airport - something that will be a comfort and fitting tribute to both his audience and also his family, who we are sending our condolences to at this time.