Brummies go bats over 'legend' Ozzy; ENTERTAINMENT: Sabbath at Aston Hall is a monster hit with Osbourne fans.

Byline: By Mark Cowan

HE may be foul-mouthed and have a taste for bats, but rocker Ozzy Osbourne is Brum's No.1 son.

That's the view of the scores of music fans who turned out for a day dedicated to him.

Despite pouring rain, more than 1,000 people took part in the Ozzy Osbourne Day at Aston Hall yesterday.

The event was organised by Birmingham City Council after so many people had named the star when talking about what gave them pride about Birmingham.

For James Doris, his music hero has had a major impact.

"I met my wife Dolores at a Black Sabbath gig," he said.

"We've now been married for 27 years and have six children - so you could say Ozzy has a lot to answer for!"

James, a carpenter from Kingshurst, added: "It was the tenth anniversary tour at the Odeon in New Street. I was downstairs and I noticed Dolores in the upstairs balcony."

The 46-year-old, who visited Aston Hall with his family, said the day was the perfect way to honour Ozzy.

An Ozzy fan since he was a teenager, James added: "Ozzy is Birmingham."

Organisers said they were amazed by the public response to the event, which had the Osbourne seal of approval - it was mentioned on the star's website.

Displays of Ozzy's life growing up just a stone's throw from Aston Hall, and his influence on heavy metal music were accompanied by air guitar competitions and a sing-a-long to his greatest hits. Curator-manager Nick Ralls said: "We had a brilliant response, with more than 1,000 visitors.

"It was local people who came up with the idea. Ozzy's name was always mentioned when we talked to people about Aston."

Now there are plans to make it a regular event.

WHITTOCK'S VIEW: PAGE 8

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CAPTION(S):

ROCKERS... Anneka Johnson, Melissa Johnson and Lillith Vickerstaff.: THERE'S A FLAP ON... bat girl Rosy Silvers, from Harborne' Arron Webber and Eric Lindo, from Aston, don Ozzy-style specs' seven-year old Lewis Chamberlain, from Chelmsley Wood, in bat guise' and (right) five-year-old Jack Doris, from Kingshurst, with Ozzy lookalike John Perkins, of Dudley. Pictures: Trevor Roberts