Ozzy Osbourne, Birmingham’s 75-year-old “Prince of Darkness,” was inducted as a solo artist into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, to roaring applause on Saturday.
The sold-out 20,000-capacity Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse arena, along with an all-star band, celebrated Osbourne’s legendary career as he accepted the prestigious honor.
“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,” Osbourne shouted over deafening cheers.
The award was presented by actor Jack Black, who praised Osbourne’s monumental contribution to music.
This year’s diverse group of inductees also included Mary J. Blige, Cher, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest, and the Dave Matthews Band.
Reflecting on his long career, Osbourne expressed his deep gratitude to his loyal fanbase, saying, “My fans have been so loyal to me over the years. I cannot thank them enough.” He also paid tribute to the musicians he has worked with over the decades. “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.”
Osbourne gave special thanks to his late guitarist Randy Rhoads, whose talent transformed Osbourne’s solo career after his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979.
Rhoads, who tragically died in 1982 at just 25, was a pivotal figure in Osbourne’s rise as a solo artist.
“If I hadn’t met Randy Rhoads, I don’t think I’d be sitting here now,” Osbourne remarked emotionally.
The legendary rocker reserved his most heartfelt thanks for his family, with wife Sharon, daughter Kelly, and grandson Sidney in the audience.
“More than that, my wife Sharon saved my life. And my grandbabies and my babies. I love them all,” he added.
During the ceremony, Jack Black shared how Osbourne’s 1980 solo album “Blizzard of Ozz” marked his entry into the world of heavy metal.
“Heaven had opened up,” Black reminisced. “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 grew up in Aston, was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath, the iconic heavy metal band he co-founded in 1968.
Over his career, he has sold over 100 million records both as a solo artist and with the band.
Despite recent bouts of ill health, including Parkinson’s disease, Osbourne appeared at the ceremony.
One of his last performances was at the closing ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he famously declared, “Birmingham until I die!”
While he did not perform at his induction, Osbourne’s music was brought to life by an all-star lineup.
Country star Jelly Roll delivered a powerful rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” Maynard James Keen sang “Crazy Train,” and Billy Idol rocked the crowd with “No More Tears.”
The band included Osbourne’s longtime guitarist Zakk Wylde, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and Adam Wakeman on keyboards.
Osbourne remains a cherished figure in his hometown, despite moving away to pursue his career.
The city of Birmingham has honored him with multiple tributes, including the first star on Birmingham’s Walk of Fame and a mechanical bull, named “Ozzy,” from the Commonwealth Games, now displayed at New Street railway station. There is also a bench on Black Sabbath Bridge dedicated to the band.
During the induction, a video tribute showcased Osbourne’s 55-year career, featuring praise from Paul McCartney and other legendary artists.
The tribute highlighted his immense influence on rock music, which began with the inspiration he drew from the Beatles as a teenager in Aston.
Osbourne’s induction is a testament to his lasting legacy, cementing his place as one of rock’s greatest icons.
As he once said in the documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, “[I] was going to be a rock star for the rest of [my] life.”
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