Ozzy Osbourne, the 75-year-old Prince of Darkness, has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist. The induction ceremony took place in Cleveland, Ohio on Saturday, and the singer received a standing ovation from an all-star band and the 20,000-capacity crowd. The other inductees this year included Cher, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, The Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, and Peter Frampton.
Osbourne, who grew up in Aston, Birmingham, was previously inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of the band Black Sabbath which he had formed in 1968. His solo career was transformed by acclaimed guitarist Randy Rhoads, who helped him after he was kicked out of Black Sabbath in 1979. Rhoads died in 1982 at the age of 25. During his induction, Osbourne paid tribute to Rhoads and his loyal fans.
Actor Jack Black presented Osbourne with the award, and described the first time he heard the rock star’s solo album “Blizzard of Oz” (1980) as an experience where “heaven had opened up”. He praised Osbourne for being a “loving father, husband and friend,” despite his “evil alliance with the dark lord, Satan”.
Last year, Osbourne retired from touring though he later stated his desire to perform two final shows in Birmingham. He is still considered a legend in the city, where there have been various honours bestowed on him. He was the first artist to be honoured on Birmingham’s own Hollywood-style Walk of Fame on Broad Street in 2007.
In recent years, Osbourne has experienced bouts of ill health due to Parkinson’s disease. One of the last times he was seen on stage was at the closing ceremony of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. At the ceremony, he watched from a large leather bat-shaped throne, as an all-star band performed his setlist. Country superstar Jelly Roll gave a rendition of Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Coming Home”. Wolfgang Van Halen sang “Crazy Train” and Billy Idol belted out “No More Tears”. The musicians included his long-time guitarist and co-writer Zakk Wylde, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and Osbourne band member Adam Wakeman on keyboards
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