Ozzy Osbourne’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction is coming together like two freight trains in the night, with tons of music’s heaviest hitters set to take the stage in tribute to the “Prince of Darkness.”
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During this year’s 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, October 19, Jelly Roll, Jack Black, Billy Idol, Tool's Maynard James Keenan, guitar icon Zakk Wylde, bassist Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Wolfgang Van Halen, drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and tons of others will be hitting the stage to pay tribute to Ozzy and his lasting legacy.
Osbourne’s honors this year in Cleveland will focus on his solo work, after being inducted into the Rock Hall in 2006 as a member of Black Sabbath. The rocker recently told Rolling Stone, “I’m still in shock that I’m getting inducted for a second time. But at the same time, I’m very excited.”
Actor and musician Jack Black will be on hand to formally induct Osbourne at the podium, a perfect choice according to Ozzy, as he admits, “I’ve always been a big fan of his. Jack is one of the few great actors that is also a genuine rock & roller and not acting the part.”
Speaking about some of the high-profile tribute performers set to take the stage in his honor, Osbourne first touched on fellow British singer Billy Idol, calling him a “Rock icon,” whose music is "timeless,” while adding he should also be inducted into Rock’s hallowed halls. “Maynard has been a true family friend since 1997,” Ozzy added about Tool’s enigmatic frontman. “He is such a creative force. There are few artists who can keep three successful bands going for multiple decades,” he says.
However, it’s Country/Rock/Pop crossover artist Jelly Roll who he’s most excited to see perform his songs. “Who doesn’t love Jelly Roll?” Osbourne asked. “His voice is soulful, pure, and dirty. I’m so honored that someone would do this for me who I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting.”
Guitarist Zakk Wylde, who has been performing and recording with Ozzy since the late ‘80s, will lead a pack of exceptional ax men that will be taking the stage as well, including super-producer Andrew Watt, Billy Idol’s longtime guitarist Steve Stevens, Wolfie Van Halen, and more. Rounding out the rhythm section will be bassist Robert Trujillo, a member of Osbourne’s band from 1996 through 2003, and drummer Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Adam Wakeman, who has worked with Osbourne since 2004, will also be part of the band on keys. “The rhythm section is the anchor of the band,” Osbourne told Rolling Stone, “and you honestly couldn’t get a better rhythm section than Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith.”
Finally, Ozzy adds of all of this year’s big name tributees, “It’s a very humbling feeling.”
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 2024 ceremony will take place at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, OH on Saturday, October 19, and will stream live on Disney+ and be available on Hulu following the premiere, along with a special broadcast on ABC.
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