Jack Black to induct Ozzy Osbourne into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
With the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony set to take place on October 19th in Cleveland, it’s been confirmed that Ozzy Osbourne will be inducted by Tenacious D frontman Jack Black.
In addition to Osbourne, the other headline inductees for the class of 2024 are Cher, Peter Frampton, Mary J. Blige, Kool and the Gang, the Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner and A Tribe Called Quest. The ‘Musical Excellence Award’ will also be given to MC5, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield and the late Jimmy Buffet.
Furthermore, the ‘Musical Influence Award’ will be given to the deceased trio of Alexis Korner, Big Mama Thornton and John Mayall. Suzanne de Passe, who spearheaded Motown Productions, is set to receive the ‘Ahmet Ertegun Award’.
Osbourne has previously been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006 with Metallica frontman James Hetfield overseeing the induction. Although Osbourne has been eligible to be inducted as a solo artist since 2006, it has taken until 2024 for him to be recognised.
Following news of his induction earlier this year, Osbourne shared his joy in a statement, remarking: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this news from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. To be one of the few musicians who’s being considered for a second entry, now as a solo artist, is something I could never have imagined.”
Now, in a new interview with Rolling Stone, Osbourne confirmed Black’s involvement, and provided an insight into their relationship, revealing, “Jack invited my family to the School of Rock movie premiere in 2002. 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.”
While it’s not been confirmed whether Osbourne will be involved in the ceremony in a singing capacity, he will be in attendance. Furthermore, Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan and Jelly Roll will be part of a star-studded tribute to his career.
“Billy Idol is a rock icon. His music is timeless. Billy Idol should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,” he said of Billy Idol. Meanwhile, he added of Jelly Roll, “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.”
Zakk Wylde, who has performed alongside Osbourne for over 35 years, and will be on lead guitar duties at the ceremony in Cleveland. The band will be completed by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo on bass, who previously played in Osbourne’s band for a number of years, and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. The former Black Sabbath singer said of their inclusion: “The rhythm section is the anchor of the band, and you honestly couldn’t get a better rhythm section than Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith.”
Who else is involved in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony?
Last month, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame revealed that artists such as Dua Lipa and The Who frontman Roger Daltrey will be involved in the ceremony. However, apart from Dua Lipa inducting Cher, they are yet to reveal whether each individual is set to perform or to induct one of the many revered acts that are set to be celebrated on October 19th.
Dr Dre, Busta Rhymes, James Taylor, Demi Lovato and Hollywood star Julia Roberts are among other notable figures set to feature. Taylor was previously inducted in 2000 by Paul McCartney, and Dr Dre was inducted as part of the N.W.A. by Kendrick Lamar in 2016.
Slash, who was inducted with Guns N’ Roses in 2012, and vocalist Sammy Hagar, who was part of the 2007 class thanks to his work with Van Halen, are also confirmed for the October 19th bash. Additionally, Ella Mai, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Lucky Daye, Mac McAnally, Method Man, and The Roots will be in Cleveland.
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