Sharon Osbourne believes her husband, Ozzy Osbourne, deserves to be inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo performer based on his body of work
In a recent interview on “The Adam Carolla Show,” Sharon Osbourne delved into the topic of Ozzy‘s non-inclusion in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo performer. While the original BLACK SABBATH lineup, including Ozzy Osbourne, received induction in 2006, the iconic heavy metal vocalist has not yet been acknowledged for his individual contributions to the music scene.
When Sharon was asked by Carolla how the nomination process works and if she has to lobby to get Ozzy in as a solo artist, she replied (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “There are people on the board, and the people on the board have to go in, and it has to be on their list, and it has to be on more than, I think, half of the votes. More than half.”
Sharon added that she doesn’t like to “beg” for anything. “I will never beg, and I will never ask for favors,” she explained. “I’ve never asked anyone for a favor. So, my thing is fuck you if you don’t realize that somebody really deserves to be here. And you don’t recognize that? Then, see ya.”
When asked again if she had done “any lobbying” to get Ozzy into the Rock Hall, Sharon said: “We went to a dinner last year for the people who had been inducted in last year. They invited us to the dinner and we went. And people were saying to Ozzy, ‘Oh, you’ve been inducted in,’ and we were, like, ‘No, actually. We were just invited for the food, so we’re here.’ That’s as near as we’ve got, but no.”
Sharon added: “They know that Ozzy deserves to be there. They know he’s been a solo artist. You’ve gotta be doing it for 25 years. He’s been 43 years as a solo artist. He sold nearly a hundred million albums as a solo artist. So where is he? Induct him.”
Artists are eligible to be inducted into the Rock Hall after at least 25 years have passed since their first record was released.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a prestigious institution honoring musical legends, has been both a source of celebration and controversy. In 2006, BLACK SABBATH, along with LYNYRD SKYNYRD, Mike Davis, and BLONDIE, received well-deserved induction. However, the Rock Hall‘s eligibility criteria and selection process have sparked discussions and debates, particularly in the realms of hard rock and heavy metal.
The Rock Hall’s eligibility rules dictate that artists are eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first album or single. This rule, while seemingly straightforward, has left notable bands like IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD without recognition. These iconic figures, whose influence on the hard rock and metal genres is undeniable, have yet to receive the honor despite meeting the eligibility timeline.
GUNS N’ ROSES, on the other hand, was inducted in its first year of eligibility, showcasing the subjective nature of the selection process. This decision raised questions about the Rock Hall’s interpretation of criteria, which includes considering the “influence and significance of the artists’ contributions to the development and perpetuation of rock ‘n’ roll.”
The Rock Hall’s criteria, while providing a framework for evaluation, also leave room for interpretation. The influence and significance of an artist’s contributions are inherently subjective concepts, opening the door to differing opinions and potential oversights.
Hard rock and metal, with their distinctive sound and rebellious spirit, have often found themselves on the fringes of mainstream recognition. As a result, deserving acts within these genres may face challenges in securing their well-earned spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stands as a symbol of recognition for artists who have made indelible contributions to the world of music. However, the institution’s eligibility rules and criteria, though providing a guideline, leave room for debate and scrutiny.
As fans and critics continue to advocate for the inclusion of influential acts like IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD, the Rock Hall faces the ongoing challenge of balancing its traditions with the evolving landscape of musical genres. The journey towards recognizing all facets of rock and roll history remains a dynamic and intriguing aspect of the music industry’s ongoing narrative.