The British musician was honored as a solo artist after being recognized with Black Sabbath
Singer Ozzy Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday night (10/19), in a ceremony marked by his physical frailty. Sitting on a throne due to health problems, the 74-year-old singer suffers from Parkinson’s disease and last year announced his retirement from the stage, but traveled to Cleveland, Ohio, in the United States, to receive the honour.
In his speech he remembered guitarist Randy Rhoads, who accompanied him at the beginning of his solo career and who died in a plane crash in 1982. “If I hadn’t met Randy, I wouldn’t be sitting here today,” the musician said, who also thanked his wife, Sharon Osbourne, for “saving my life”, dedicating the honor to his family.
Special show
Ozzy had already been recognized as part of Black Sabbath in 2006, when he performed with the group. This time, however, health problems prevented him from singing. In his place, very different artists have performed his hits, such as country star Jelly Roll and rockers Billy Idol and Maynard James Keen (Tool, A Perfect Circle). The backing band included guitarist Zakk Wylde, Ozzy’s longtime partner, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and Ozzy’s band keyboardist Adam Wakeman (who is the son of Rick Wakeman , ex-Yes).
Other winners
The veteran rocker wasn’t the only honoree of the evening, which also celebrated the Hall of Fame inductions of singers Cher and Mary J. Blige, singer and guitarist Peter Frampton and the bands Foreigner, Dave Matthews Band, Kool & the Gang and A Tribe Called Quest in the Performance category, as well as MC5, Dionne Warwick, Jimmy Buffett and Norman Whitfield in the Musical Excellence category. The event also paid special homage to late blues musicians Alexis Korner, John Mayall and Big Mama Thornton with musically influential trophies.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
