By: Michael Drukarsh
In 1999, following Black Sabbath’s nomination for induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ozzy Osbourne wrote a public letter stating, “Just take our name off the list. Save the Ink. Forget about us.” He went on to say, “The nomination is meaningless. It is not voted on by the fans. It’s voted on by the supposed elite for the industry and the media, who’ve never bought an album or concert ticket in their lives, so their vote is irrelevant to me. Let’s face it, Black Sabbath has never been media darlings. We’re a people’s band, and that suits us just fine.”
In 2006, 11 years after they were first eligible and seven years after Ozzy posted the letter, Black Sabbath were inducted. 18 years later Ozzy Osbourne has become one of a very elite group of artists to have his name in the hall of fame twice, as a member of Sabbath and now as a solo artist.
This year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 19th, 2024 paid tribute to Ozzy who was presented his award by actor/singer Jack Black. As a huge fan of Ozzy, I’ve carried the nickname of “Ozzy” since ‘84 and joked that I knew more about his life than he does since I was sober through it all. I have to say, as proud as I was for this moment, I was also greatly saddened.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Ozzy a couple of times in Toronto in the mid 90s and have seen him in concert across Ontario countless times starting in 1984 with Bark at the Moon at Maple Leaf Gardens. He is a hero, an idol, someone who has been with me through the great times and the worst times. Seeing him look so frail sitting on his throne was very difficult for me.
Ozzy has been through hell and back over his 75 years on this earth. There is no doubt of the toll that drugs and alcohol has taken on his mind and body. Add to that the life changing injury he suffered falling off his ATV and his Parkinson’s diagnosis and you're left with a man who obviously wants to enjoy life but is unable to be the madman he once was.
Ozzy is a legend and himself has stated more of an entertainer than a true singer. He no doubt loved being there on stage, surrounded by those who, like me, grew up with the Prince of Darkness. Over the roar of the crowd and standing ovation you could hear Ozzy say, “I’d like to thank whoever voted me into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for my solo work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.” He thanked the musicians he has played with over the years and ended by thanking his first solo guitarist, another legend and inductee Randy Rhoads and giving true credit to him when he said, “If I hadn’t met Randy Rhoads, I don’t think I’d be sitting here today.”
How special Ozzy truly is and how unique his voice is was showcased when Maynard Keenan, Jelly Roll and Billy Idol traded turns singing three of Ozzy’s hits, "Crazy Train", "Mama, I’m Coming Home", and "No More Tears". Not to knock the talent of each of these singers, but none of them came close to representing the songs as Ozzy sings them.
Ozzy’s frailty was again on display though, as he was unable to get out of his throne and a stagehand needed to turn it so he could watch the concert. For me though, it was the end of the performance that brought a bit of tear to my eye. Coming off stage the artists each stopped to hug Ozzy, who again, was seated. Zakk Wylde, Andrew Watt, Wolfgang Van Halen, Steve Stevens, Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith all bent down to hug him and share a moment. To me, it was a moment you’d see in a movie, where they pay their final respects to the patriarch knowing they may not see him again.
Death is inevitable. As time passes we lose more and more of our beloved heroes. There will be a time when we won’t have Ozzy, and it is going to be a very sad day for rock and roll.
Ozzy Osbourne Online
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