Ozzy gets Birmingham’s Commonwealth Bull named after him
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The enormous mechanical bull from last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham will be named in honour of Ozzy Osbourne, following the Prince Of Darkness' performance at the closing ceremony in his home city with Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.
The gigantic animal (the bull, not Ozzy) will soon be moved to its permanent home at the city's New Street Station, following outcry at the original plans to scrap it following the games. In a public vote, Ozzy won by the thickest of margins, beating other suggestions of 'Brummie', 'Bostin' and 'Boulton' to take the honour.
"When I was asked last year to close the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, they didn't have to ask me twice," said the Double O. "I jumped on the next plane and flew back to England. I was honoured to close the games, and this year I've just been told they've chosen my name to name the bull, which is going to be in the station. I can't believe it, I'm absolutely blown away. I don't know what to say anymore, I'm just absolutely thrilled to bits. God bless you all."
"Like people right across our region, I cannot wait to see Ozzy take pride of place in New Street Station in a triumphant homecoming this summer - proudly bearing the name of the Prince of Darkness himself," added West Midlands mayor Andy Street.
"It truly shows how much affection people have for this star of the Commonwealth Games," said Network Rail chair Lord Peter Hendy. "I can't wait for it to be unveiled on the station concourse in time for the first anniversary of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games."
"It's quite emotional for us that people in Birmingham wanted the bull become a permanent fixture," said Mike Kelt of bull designers Artem.
This isn't the first time Ozzy and Black Sabbath have been honoured by the city. Previous salutes include a star on Broad Street, a metal bench, and a tram named after the singer.
