Ozzy Osbourne latest to back campaign to save Birmingham's Station Street
The Black Sabbath legend has added his voice to concerns about the potential loss of the city's most famous cultural venues.
Last updated 25th Apr 2024
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne are the latest big names to back a campaign to save Birmingham's Station Street - home to the iconic Electric cinema.
They follow in the footsteps of Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and actor Brian Cox, who have both voiced their concerns over the future of the street, which is home to some of the city’s most famous cultural venues.
In a video recorded for the ‘Save Station Street’ campaign, Black Sabbath legend Ozzy said he was concerned that people "not from Birmingham want to knock it all down."
The Crown pub on Station Street is best-known for being the venue where Black Sabbath performed their first-ever gig.
Concerns were first raised about the future of Station Street following the closure of the Electric Cinema - known as the UK's oldest working cinema - in February.
The Crown pub and The Old Rep - Britain's oldest rep theatre - are also on the same street.
There are proposals to develop the site and surrounding area, although these are yet to be brought forward for planning application.
Over 20,000 people have now signed an online petition, calling for Station Street to be protected.
Other Birmingham celebrities have added their names to the list, including actor David Harewood, comedian Joe Lycett, TV personality Alison Hammond, and musician Toyah Willcox.
Darren John, who started the campaign, said: “Station Street has had an incredible impact on global popular culture, so many superstars of the arts world have walked through the doors of these historic venues as unknowns and emerged as world-leading artists.
"The fact that Ozzy and many others have spoken out in horror at potential plans to destroy what makes this street so special speaks volumes of its importance."