We all know that Ozzy Osbourne is metal royalty. Even the most-unmetal of bitches knows it. As royalty, Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a second time this Saturday, October 19, for all that he’s done for music as a solo artist. His first was with Black Sabbath back in 2006.
And, as rock and metal’s resident fun uncle, actor, and frontman of Tenacious D, Jack Black had the privilege of giving the induction speech. He very accurately proclaimed Osbourne as “the greatest frontman in the history of rock ‘n’ roll,” before going on to talk about how the cover of Osbourne’s solo debut Blizzard of Ozz was the most metal thing I had ever seen, and I didn’t even know what metal was. Then I went back to Ozzy’s earlier albums, to BLACK SABBATH. And I was, like, unholy shit, this motherfucker invented heavy metal … the darkest, heaviest shit the world had ever heard.”
In true regal fashion, Osbourne accepted his award while perched on a throne. His words were very true to him, as well:
“Well, here we are. You know what? I can’t believe I’m here myself. Let me get the thank yous out of the way, because I’m not going to bore you with a long, drawn-out fucking monologue. I’d like to thank whoever voted me into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for my solo work. A great thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
“My fans have been so loyal to me over the years, I cannot thank them enough. I’ve been fortunate over the years to play with some of the world’s greatest guitar players, drummers, bass players, and a few of them are here tonight. But I’ve got to say one thing for a guy by the name of Randy Rhoads. If I’d hadn’t have met Randy Rhoads, I don’t think I’d be sitting here now. And moreso more than that, my wife Sharon. Saved my life. And my grandbabies and my babies. I love them all.
“So with all that, I’m gonna get on with the show and hand it back to Jack.”
Following the speeches, a few musicians took the stage for a tribute medley. With a house band featuring bassist Robert Trujillo (Metallica, ex-Ozzy), Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer and Will Ferrell doppelganger Chad Smith, keyboardist Adam Wakeman, and multi-instrumental master Andrew Watt, musicians rotated in on vocals performing some of Osbourne’s biggest hits.
Wolfgang Van Halen and Tool’s Maynard James Keenan started by covering “Crazy Train,” country star and random addition Jelly Roll performed “Mama I’m Coming Home” with Zakk Wylde, with Billy Idol closing out the tribute set by doing “No More Tears” with his longtime guitarist Steve Stevens.
Watch some of the induction below, courtesy of Rock N Roll Experience.