Ozzy Osbourne, the lead singer of Black Sabbath, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at a star-studded event in Cleveland, Ohio on October 19, 2024. The 75-year-old Birmingham-raised rock legend received the induction as a solo musician before a crowd of 20,000 people.
Osbourne’s Enduring Legacy
Known as the “Prince of Darkness”, Ozzy Osbourne’s heavy metal career spans more than five decades. Outside of his work with Black Sabbath and his successful solo stint, Osbourne has also earned fans for his unique persona. Interest in Osbourne surged after the release of “The Osbournes”, a 2000s reality show tracking the domestic life of Ozzy, his wife Sharon, and his adult children.
Osbourne has made numerous cameos in films and TV shows, including comedic roles in “Austin Powers” and Adam Sandler’s “Little Nicky”. There have even been two online slots based on the artist, both of which are rich in bonus rounds, have a rock soundtrack, and utilize a 5 reel by 3-row format. This is similar to the popular Rainbow Riches game, which has earned fans for its diverse special features and simple format. Considering Ozzy’s impact, it was only a matter of time before the artist was gifted with rock music’s highest honour.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony
Ozzy Osbourne was inducted with rapturous applause from the crowd at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, presented the award by mega-fan Jack Black. Describing his first experience with Osbourne’s first solo album “Blizzard of Oz,” Black said it was as if “heaven had opened up”.
Osbourne profusely thanked the voters of the award above loud cheers from the audience, as well as his family, former bandmates, and deceased guitarist Randy Rhoads for helping him navigate his solo career. The artist, who grew up in Aston, was last inducted into the Hall of Fame along with other Black Sabbath bandmates in 2006.
The singer was unable to perform as is customary on the night due to a recent injury, but as Rolling Stone reported, he kicked off a tribute performance by shouting, “All aboard.” The tribute started with “Crazy Train”, with Maynard Keenan on vocals backed by Wolfgang Van Halen on guitar. The band was later joined by Jelly Roll, Zakk Wylde, and Billy Idol, as Ozzy watched from a giant bat-shaped throne.
Ozzy’s was the last in a five-hour lineup of inductions, with pop artist Cher, soul singers Mary J. Blige and Dionne Warwick, and Foreigner also honoured on the night. The concert was attended by the biggest names in Hollywood, including actress Julia Roberts.
Since his ascent to fame in the 1970s, Osbourne has always expressed pride in his West Midlands roots. He famously shouted, “Birmingham until I die,” during his Commonwealth Games performance with Black Sabbath in 2022, and was the first artist to receive an honour on Broad Street’s Walk of Fame. According to BBC News, there is also a current petition to award the artist the freedom of the city, an honorary award that recognises what a recipient has achieved for Birmingham.
His other honours include the Black Sabbath Bridge on Broad Street and the Commonwealth Games’ mechanical bull, which was named “Ozzy” after a public vote and is now on display at Birmingham New Street railway station. His Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction now places him alongside other legendary British artists such as Paul McCartney and David Bowie.
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