TransLogistics

Transport and Logistics Network

Ozzy Osbourne ‘blown away’ after public pick raging bull’s name

Black Sabbath's Ozzy Osbourne[1] said he was 'absolutely blown away' after the public named the raging bull 'Ozzy'. The mechanical bull from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is due to be unveiled at Birmingham New Street Station[2] next month.

Around 28,000 online public votes were cast from four options - Ozzy, Bostin, Brummie or Boulton after they were whitted down to a shortlist. But in the second round of polling almost 20,000 votes went to Ozzy alone.

"I've just been told that they've chosen my name to name the bull, which is going to be in the station I believe in Birmingham,"[3] said frontman Ozzy, 74. "I can't believe it. I'm absolutely blown away.

"Thank you for all your votes. I don't know what to say any more. I'm thrilled to bits. God bless you all. I'm Birmingham forever."

Ozzy said he "didn't have to think twice" about being part of the Games and was "honoured" to perform in the closing ceremony. In the public poll, Ozzy received 19,762 votes, Brummie got 3,853, Bostin had 2,902 and Boulton got 1,789 votes.

The Raging Bull during the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium The Raging Bull during the opening ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at the Alexander Stadium

BirminghamLive also carried out its own poll with hundreds of votes for Ozzy as the readers' clear favourite, with Brummie second and Bostin third.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, chair of Network Rail, said: “Firstly I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to at first send in their name suggestions and then vote for their favourite in final four – it truly shows how much affection people have for this star of the Commonwealth Games[5].

“It also proves to us how much of an honour it is for Network Rail to be the custodian of Ozzy the bull, and for New Street station to be its home. 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.”

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “So the public have had their say on what we should name the Bull and they couldn’t have made a clearer choice. Ozzy won by a resounding margin with a whopping 70% after more than 28,000 votes were cast.

The Commonwealth Games’ ‘Raging Bull’

“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!

“My huge thanks once again to Network Rail for bringing the Bull home to Birmingham. The iconic symbol of the 2022 Commonwealth Games is back where it belongs.”

Once complete, Ozzy will be shipped from Artem’s workshop in West London to the West Midlands and rebuilt behind huge hoardings on the concourse at Birmingham New Street station. While this work won’t cause any disruption to trains, passengers are advised that the look and feel of the concourse will be different. A grand unveiling will take place ahead of the first anniversary of the Commonwealth Games.

Stay up to date with the very latest from your Birmingham with our Birmingham News[6] Email Updates[7]

References

  1. ^ Ozzy Osbourne (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  2. ^ Birmingham New Street Station (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  3. ^ Birmingham," (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  4. ^ Birmingham Bull name decided after public vote (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  5. ^ Commonwealth Games (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
  6. ^ Birmingham News (data.reachplc.com)
  7. ^ Email Updates (data.reachplc.com)

Tags: