The petition for rock legend Ozzy Osbourne to receive a Knighthood has officially reached its goal, crossing the 21,000 signature mark on Causes. Ozzy is certainly one of England’s most recognizable figures as well as one of the country’s most popular and long-lasting rock singers. Loudwire commented the news saying: “Here’s a cause we can all get behind! No matter your political, social or religious views, you surely would love to see Black Sabbath‘s legendary vocalist to become Sir Ozzy Osbourne.” [1] He and BLACK SABBATH arguably invented the sound of modern heavy metal and were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2006. But to the point to welcome him into the high spheres of the British Aristocracy? Really? According to a report by the Birmingham Mail, Maidiotis’ cause has reached Buckingham Palace! “Our campaign has reached Buckingham Palace,” claims Maidiotis, “as a friend of mine had sent off letters explaining about our battle for Ozzy’s knighthood – and they have replied positively.” [2] One thing is sure, Ozzy, big time aristocrats and the Royal Family, it would be a strange mix. The only thing Ozzy have in common with big British Aristocrat’s is…. Satan! So we can seriously wonder if it’s Ozzy Osbourne the musician the Aristocrats would welcome in their ranks or Ozzy Osbourne the “satanist.” Addressed to Honours and Appointments Secretariat – Cabinet Office (UK) David Spooner, the pettition goes like this:
I am petitioning for Ozzy Osbourne, frontman for Black Sabbath to receive a Knighthood after over 40 years of service to the music industry. Birmingham born John Michael Osbourne, has been entertaining and inspiring a great many throughout his life, he has been a huge success world wide with many successful albums with both Black Sabbath as well as in his solo career. Now in his mid 60’s, I believe the time has come for him to receive a Knighthood. Please consider Mr Osbourne for this honour as it is well deserved and long over due… Signed, Helen Maidiotis.” [3]
The campaign’s head originally aimed to get Sabbath legends Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward knighted as well, but according to Maidiotis, “David Spooner (who is in charge of honors in the UK) said that it is highly unlikely the whole band would get a knighthood and that I would have a better chance with a single member of the band. So I chose Ozzy Osbourne as he is the voice of Sabbath.” [4] Nevertheless, the goal was reached, and hopefully the suggestion will reach the officials. Maidiotis has launched the petition, saying that the BLACK SABBATH singer deserves the honor for “his significant contribution to the music industry.” [5] She added that he deserves to be knighted “not only for all his charity work but for all his years entertaining us and helping make a difference to peoples’ lives who have looked up to him for his strong will and determination to get through the many obstacles that he has come across and for that we thank you Ozzy! Helping to get him Knighted would be our gift to him.” The Black Sabbath frontman said he’d heard about the campaign and that it was a possibility he could seriously get used to. “Getting knighted? I can’t imagine anything better. [6] Ozzy also said that to see Sharon becoming a Lady would be ‘cool’ [7] The Prince of darkness is humbled and honnored of the opportunity but he’s not going to loose sleep over it: “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],” he told Time Out. [8] Maidiotis‘ campaign and her Facebook page, entitled ‘The Knighthood of Ozz’, has also gotten the endorsement of Ozzy‘s daughter, TV personality Kelly Osbourne. [9]
