Ozzy Osbourne has once again been honored with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving tributes from artists such as Maynard James Keenan, Zakk Wylde, Wolfgang Van Halen, and Billy Idol.
The induction ceremony took place on Saturday night, featuring an all-star ensemble that included Wylde, Keenan, Wolfgang, Idol, Robert Trujillo, Chad Smith, Jelly Roll, Steve Stevens, Adam Wakeman, and Andrew Watt. They delivered a powerful tribute performance of classics like “Crazy Train,” “Mama I’m Coming Home,” and “No More Tears.”
Osbourne is now the 27th artist to receive multiple inductions into the Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of legends such as John Lennon, Stevie Nicks, and Neil Young.
His first induction occurred in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath. This latest honor recognizes his illustrious solo career, which began in 1980 with the release of “Blizzard of Ozz,” following his departure from the band he co-founded.
The induction was presented by actor and Tenacious D leader Jack Black, who praised Osbourne as “the greatest frontman in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.” Black recalled, “[The cover of ‘Blizzard of Ozz’] was the most metal thing I had ever seen, and I didn’t even know what metal was.”
He further remarked, “Then I went back to Ozzy’s earlier albums, to Black Sabbath. And I was like, Unholy sh*t, this motherf*cker invented heavy metal … the darkest, heaviest sh*t the world had ever heard.”
Accepting the award from a throne amid a standing ovation, Osbourne expressed his disbelief at the honor. “I can’t believe I’m here myself. My fans have been so loyal to me over the years, I can’t thank them enough,” he stated.
He also took a moment to honor his late guitarist, saying, “I’ve been fortunate over the years to play with some of the world’s greatest guitar players, drummers, bass players. … I [want to say] one thing tonight for a guy by the name of Randy Rhoads. If I hadn’t met Randy Rhoads, I wouldn’t be sitting here tonight.”