An award for music business students, endorsed by Ozzy Osbourne, is keeping the star’s legacy going as it enters its 13th year.

The famous Brummie, metal vocalist and former Black Sabbath frontman has leant his encouragement for students on the Music Business degree course at Birmingham City University since 2010, with the Ozzy Osbourne Award being presented to one student at the end of each academic year for extraordinary achievements.

News that the Birmingham-born rocker has retired from touring outside the US, where he currently lives with wife Sharon, was greeted with sadness by fans and industry alike.

Dr Matt Grimes, Course Director of the Music Business course at Birmingham City University has said he was still ‘glad that future generations of music professionals can follow in his footsteps whilst studying here’ through the award. He said:

“One of the highlights of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games was the musical extravaganza featuring the city’s own Ozzy Osbourne, who after a long hiatus from live performances honoured the city of his birth with a surprise appearance at the closing ceremony.

“On the back of that performance came an announcement of a long awaited European and UK tour but sadly today it was announced on social media that he is cancelling due an ongoing battle with his mobility after sustaining a spinal injury in 2019.

“As well as a global ambassador for Birmingham’s rich music output, Ozzy has supported the BA (Hons) Music Business course at Birmingham City University, over the last 13 years, by annually honouring one outstanding graduate with the Ozzy Osbourne Award For Academic Development and we’re pleased this will continue into 2023 and beyond.

“The award is given to the student who has shown the most development over the three years of the course; Ozzy’s recognition of both the importance of educational development and also as a nod to his personal and musical relationship with the city of his birth.

“We’re glad that future generations of music professionals can follow in his footsteps whilst studying here.

“Clearly all the staff and students from the BA (Hons) Music Business course, and the wider Birmingham and Midlands music community, send Ozzy their best, and look forward to him returning to the city in the near future.”