Ozzy Osbourne Scores Double Induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but who’s inducting him?
Metal icon Ozzy Osbourne, aka the “Prince of Darkness,” is gearing up for his second Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction. Announced on American Idol, Osbourne joins the 2024 inductee class honoring his illustrious solo career. This follows his 2006 induction with BLACK SABBATH.
The ceremony takes place on October 19th at Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, and Ozzy Osbourne has confirmed his attendance. While METALLICA‘s James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich inducted BLACK SABBATH, rumors swirl about actor/musician Jack Black (TENACIOUS D) potentially inducting Ozzy Osbourne this time around.
Ina recent talk with Rolling Stone, Ozzy said “…Sharon’s [Ozzy wife/manager] working on that for me. I think she’d like to have Jack Black from TENACIOUS D. He might not be available, but if he can do it, that would be great.”
When asked if he expects to perform at the induction ceremony, he replied: “If I can. My wife is organizing it. If I did it, I’d start thinking about it now and I’d lie in bed going, ‘Oh, we have to start rehearsing.’ But we’re definitely going along.”
Ozzy Osbourne also touched on his elaborate career and the chaos he endured, stating: “…I’m not that crazy alcoholic, drugged-out fiend anymore. The one thing I’m happy about is I’m alive to see all this. I gave it a good go for so many years. But the thing is I don’t remember most of my past. It’s just like a fucking haze. I’m not proud of it. I don’t want anybody to think that because I survived it, they will survive. I didn’t really survive; it caught up with me in the end.”
Joining Ozzy will be FOREIGNER, guitarist Peter Frampton, R&B queen Mary J. Blige, the ever-glamorous Cher, the infectious DAVE MATTHEWS BAND, the soulful KOOL & THE GANG, and the innovative hip-hop group A TRIBE CALLED QUEST.
The ceremony will be a night to remember, honoring not just performers but also musical excellence. Jimmy Buffett, MC5, the iconic Dionne Warwick, and the songwriting mastermind Norman Whitfield will receive the Musical Excellence Award. Alexis Korner, John Mayall (British blues royalty!), and the legendary Big Mama Thornton (whose song “Hound Dog” inspired Elvis) will be recognized with the Musical Influence Award. Finally, entertainment trailblazer Suzanne de Passe gets the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
Mark your calendars! The ceremony takes place on October 19th at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Catch the excitement live on Disney+, or watch the edited version later on ABC or Hulu.
Want to know how these artists made the cut? Nominees for the Performer category must have released their first single or album by 1999. This year, however, there’s a special case: Ozzy Osbourne, previously inducted with BLACK SABBATH, now receives solo recognition for his enduring impact.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has its own unique way of selecting inductees. While artists become eligible 25 years after their debut release, factors like influence and contribution to the genre also play a role. This explains why some iconic bands like IRON MAIDEN and MOTÖRHEAD haven’t been inducted yet, while GUNS N’ ROSES received the honor in their first year of eligibility.
So, whether you’re a headbanger, a disco queen, or a hip-hop fanatic, there’s something for everyone in the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. Get ready for a night of legendary music and celebrate the artists who shaped the soundtrack of our lives!
Ozzy Osbourne, “Prince of Darkness,” is a heavy metal legend. His impact goes beyond music, shaping the genre with BLACK SABBATH and launching a massive solo career. He’s a Rock Hall of Famer, almost twice now, inspiring generations with his music and outrageous persona.
