Ozzy Osbourne’s Solo Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
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Ozzy Osbourne sat in a large black leather bat-shaped chair with Jack Black during his induction on Saturday
Rock icon Ozzy Osbourne has been officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. The 75-year-old Birmingham native, often referred to as the “Prince of Darkness,” received an enthusiastic standing ovation from an all-star band and a packed crowd of 20,000 at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Saturday.
In a heartfelt moment, Osbourne expressed his gratitude, stating, “I’d like to thank whoever voted me into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for my solo work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” His emotional acknowledgment came after actor Jack Black presented him with the prestigious award.
This year’s induction class featured a diverse lineup, including Mary J. Blige, Cher, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, and the Dave Matthews Band. Osbourne took a moment to recognize his dedicated fans, saying, “My fans have been so loyal to me over the years. I cannot thank them enough.”
He attributed much of his success to his collaborations with some of the best musicians in the industry, remarking, “I’ve been fortunate to play with some of the world’s greatest guitar players, drummers, and bass players, and a few of them are here tonight.” He particularly honored guitarist Randy Rhoads, stating, “If I hadn’t met Randy Rhoads, I don’t think I’d be sitting here now.” Rhoads, who played a pivotal role in revitalizing Osbourne’s career after his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, tragically passed away in 1982 at the young age of 25.
The induction ceremony was also a family affair, with Osbourne’s wife Sharon, daughter Kelly, and grandson Sidney present in the audience. He shared, “More than that, my wife Sharon saved my life. And my grandbabies and my babies. I love them all.”
Jack Black, who had the honor of introducing Osbourne, reminisced about the first time he listened to the rocker’s groundbreaking solo album “Blizzard of Oz” (1980), saying it felt like “heaven had opened up.” He noted the contrast between Osbourne’s on-stage persona and his true character, stating, “You know a lot has been made of his evil alliance with the dark lord, Satan, but in truth, Ozzy is a loving father and husband and friend.”
Osbourne, who previously entered the Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath, has achieved remarkable success over his lengthy career, selling over 100 million records both as a solo artist and with the band. Despite concerns about his health—he has been battling Parkinson’s disease—Osbourne made an appearance at the ceremony.
One of his most recent public performances took place at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he sat on a large leather bat-shaped throne while an all-star band performed his classic hits. Country artist Jelly Roll delivered a powerful rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” while Maynard James Keenan sang “Crazy Train” with Wolfgang Van Halen, and Billy Idol performed “No More Tears.” The band included Osbourne’s longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith, and keyboardist Adam Wakeman.
Despite retiring from touring last year, Osbourne has expressed a desire to perform two final shows in Birmingham, his hometown, to say farewell to his fans. His connection to Birmingham remains strong, and he famously declared, “Birmingham until I die” during his last performance there.
Osbourne’s legacy in the city is celebrated with several honors. He was the first artist to receive a star on Birmingham’s Hollywood-style Walk of Fame in 2007. Additionally, a giant mechanical bull named “Ozzy” was unveiled during the Commonwealth Games’ opening ceremony, and it now resides at Birmingham New Street railway station. A bench in honor of Osbourne and Black Sabbath has also been installed on the renamed Black Sabbath Bridge.
His musical journey began in his teenage years, heavily influenced by The Beatles. During the induction ceremony, several artists, including Paul McCartney, paid tribute to Osbourne’s remarkable career through a special video presentation. Artists become eligible for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first recording, and Osbourne’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark, showcasing his enduring legacy after 55 years in the industry.
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