Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne has returned to his native Birmingham to launch a new tram named after the veteran rocker.

Ozzy, whose solo hits include Crazy Train from 1980, unveiled the tram in front of a packed crowd on Corporation Street in the city centre.

Workers in buildings overlooking the ceremony peered from windows to catch a glimpse of the Prince of Darkness, while fans chanted “Ozzy Ozzy Ozzy, Oi Oi Oi” over his speech.

Ozzy Osbourne (PA)
Ozzy Osbourne (PA)

Standing next to the tram bearing his name, he said: “It’s great to be here. Thank you very much.

“We never thought when we started in 1968 that we’d be here. It’s been an incredible journey.”

Asked how he felt to return to his home city, he said: “Once a Brummie, always a Brummie.”

Ozzy Osbourne (PA)
Ozzy Osbourne (PA)

He added: “When I was a kid there were trams in Birmingham and I always wondered why they stopped.

“Every time I come (to Birmingham) there’s something different. It takes me a minute or two to guess where I am. It changes all the time, it’s great.”

Asked by reporters if he would consider buying a tram, he said: “Not a tram, a crazy train maybe…”

Ozzy then boarded the tram – which had Midland Metro Welcomes Ozzy on the destination board – to head to New Street station.