Birmingham’s Ozzy Osbourne inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

The Prince of Darkness, 75, of Birmingham received a standing ovation from an all-star band and a crowd of 20,000 in Cleveland, Ohio, on Saturday.

“I want to thank those who voted me into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for my solo work,” he shouted to deafening cheers after actor Jack Black presented him with the award. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

diverse This year’s group of inductees Also included: Mary J Blige, Cher, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, A Tribe Called Quest and Dave Matthews Band.

“My fans have been so loyal to me over the years. I can’t thank them enough,” said Osborne, who plays at Rockets Mortgage Arena.

“I have [also] We’ve been lucky enough to play with some of the greatest guitarists, drummers and bassists in the world, some of whom are here tonight.

“But I have to say one thing for a guy named Randy Rhodes. If I hadn’t met Randy Rhodes, I don’t think I would be sitting here right now.”

Rhoads was an acclaimed guitarist who helped transform Osbourne’s solo career after being fired from Birmingham heavy metal band Black Sabbath in 1979.

Osborne expressed his sincerest gratitude to his family. His wife Sharon, daughter Kelly and son Sidney were in the audience.

“More importantly, my wife Sharon saved my life. And my grandchildren and children. I love them all.”

During the induction ceremony, Black described the first time he heard the rocker’s solo hit album Blizzard of Oz (1980) and said “heaven had opened up.”

“I didn’t realize I was entering a whole new world of heavy metal.”

He added: “You know there was a lot of fallout from his evil alliance with the dark lord Satan, but the reality is that Oz was a loving father, husband and friend.”

Osborne grew up in a large Aston family and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006 as a member of the band Black Sabbath, which he formed in 1968. Whether as a solo artist or collaborating with other singers.

It is uncertain whether he will perform on Saturday due to his failing health. He has Parkinson’s disease.

He was last seen on stage at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

At the event, he sat on a large leather bat-shaped throne on stage and watched an all-star band perform a playlist he had set. Country superstar Jelly Roll performed a stellar rendition of Osbourne’s “Mama, I’m Back.” Wolfgang Van Halen sang “Crazy Train” and Billy Idol belted out “No More Tears.”

Musicians include his long-time guitarist and co-writer Zakk Wylde, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and keyboardist Adam Wakeman.

Osborne, who feels a strong connection to his West Midlands roots, retired from touring last year, although he later said he wanted to play two final shows in Birmingham to say farewell to fans.

Two years ago, while performing with Black Sabbath at the Commonwealth Games, he shouted: “Birmingham until the day I die.”

Although he left years ago to pursue his career, he is still considered a legend in the city.

The city government awarded him various honors. In 2007 he was the first artist to be honored on the Hollywood-style Walk of Fame on Broad Street, Birmingham.

The giant mechanical bull that appeared at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games was named “Oz” after a public vote. It is now on display at Birmingham New Street railway station.

There is also a bench dedicated to the band on the Broad Street Canal, which was renamed the Black Sabbath Bridge.

Osbourne grew up in a large family in Aston and was introduced to the music industry as a teenager by the Beatles.

Paul McCartney was one of many artists who paid tribute to him and looked back on his career in a video played during the inauguration.

Artists are eligible for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years after the release of their first record.

In the 2011 documentary God Bless Ozzy Osbourne, he said the band made him realize “[he] Will be a rock star for the rest of time [his] Life”.

Osbourne showcased his illustrious legacy during Saturday’s five-hour performance in front of some of the world’s best musicians – 55 years after he began his career.