Ozzy: the memorable tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Ozzy Osbourne’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 was one of the most important moments of the entire ceremony. Ozzy, sitting on a throne, never sang, but enjoyed the tribute of a very long line of colleagues. Zakk Wylde, Maynard James Keenan, Wolfgang Van Halen, Billy Idol, Robert Trujillo, Chad Smith, Jelly Roll, Steve Stevens, Adam Wakeman and Andrew Watt they played his great classics such as “Crazy Train”, “Mama I’m Coming Home” and “No More Tears”. It wasn’t the first time that Ozzy entered the Rock Hall: he had already received this honor together with Black Sabbath in 2006. But this time, at the center, was his solo journey. The evening kicked off with a funny yet moving speech by Jack Blackwhich Ozzy described as “The Prince of Darkness” and remembered his triumphs. A perfect entry, between anecdotes and humour.

When Ozzy took the stage, he did so in an equally significant way: he sat down a bat-shaped leather chairdedicated his short speech to the late guitarist Randy Rhoads and his wife Sharon. Then the performances started. Maynard James Keenan of Tool led the first part of the performance with “Crazy Train”, supported by a special band: Wolfgang Van Halen on lead guitar, Chad Smith (Red Ho Chili Peppers) on drums, Robert Trujillo (Metallica) on bass, producer Andrew Watt on rhythm guitar and Adam Wakeman (Headspace) on keyboards. The performance continued with Jelly Roll and Zakk Wylde, who performed “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” followed by Billy Idol who brought things full circle with a rendition of “No More Tears.”