Campaign launched calling for Ozzy Osbourne to be knighted

Started by avid Ozzy Osbourne fan Helen Maidiotis, the change.org petition says that Ozzy should be made a Sir in the Queen’s list to celebrate his contribution to music with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist over the past 50 years.

Testament to Ozzy’s massive popularity, the target of 5,000 signatures has already been obliterated and, at the time of writing, 7,200 people have signed it.

Under the title 'Knight Mr John Michael 'Ozzy' Osbourne', Maidiotis writes in the petition blurb: “For 5 decades Mr Osbourne has entertained the world with his music. He has worked tirelessly in bringing us the very best in entertainment from the days as the original front man for Black Sabbath in 1968, till the present day with his endless stamina, drive and commitment in the music business.

“From the days growing up in a large family in industrial Birmingham, he has never forgotten his roots and always speaks proudly of his motherland, he resides in his Buckinghamshire estate whenever he's in the UK and makes every effort to visit the charities that he's involved in as well as paying a visit to the wounded soldiers at Headley Court. 

“He has won countless awards and accolades. He was the first to receive a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars in Broad street. He was also honoured with a star along Hollywood Walk of Fame. He had been asked by Buckingham Palace to play for them on two occasions - The Queen's Jubilee and at The Royal Variety Performance. His name is synonymous in the entertainment industry from the very young to the older generation.

“His music can be heard playing in major sports arenas and many have made a living by creating their own tribute bands and playing both cover versions of his music or playing their own influenced by Mr Osbourne's music. Many musicians had launched their careers from the most successful music festival to date that he founded in the 90's called 'Ozzfest'. (Having turned 70 at the end of 2018), he is still going strong with many more projects planned.”

You can sign the petition right here. 

This petition is Maidiotis’ third attempt to get Ozzy knighted, with an earlier appeal in 2014 picking up more than 21,000 signatures.

Asked by Time Out at the time whether he’d like to become a Sir, Ozzy enthused: “Getting knighted? I can’t imagine anything better.

“And my wife (Sharon) would become a Lady, which would be pretty cool. But I’m not gonna get upset if it doesn’t happen. I never thought I’d get further than Aston (in Birmingham, where he was born).”

Ozzy is currently on the road to recovery after being hospitalised with pneumonia last month.