2024
Jack Black
Ozzy Osbourne co-pioneered and repeatedly reshaped heavy metal. As a solo performer, he brazenly plunged into shadowy themes, articulating darkness as no prior artist had. An unabashedly theatrical lead singer, he expanded the possibilities of rock performance. His solo material cracked the Top 40, his (and wife Sharon’s) Ozzfest became the most successful metal festival ever, and his reality TV work brought millions into the metal fold.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Beginning his ‘80s solo journey with the gleefully dark, yet commercially successful Blizzard of Ozz, Ozzy Osbourne pioneered a more melodic brand of metal. Unafraid of synthesizers and accessible power ballads, he broadened the possibilities of the genre, ushering it into the wider landscape of the ‘90s and beyond.
Although this iconic anthem did not chart upon release, following Ozzy’s 2025 passing, it hit No. 39 on the Hot 100. His second mainstream solo hit.
From the Museum
OzzySpecs
Round, purple-tinted sunglasses are Ozzy Osbourne’s signature accessory. This key aspect of Osbourne’s look, known as “teashades,” emerged during his final days with Black Sabbath.
He can be seen wearing these Oliver Peoples sunglasses in his interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2007, during which he promoted the release of his album Black Rain.
From the Museum
OzzySpecs
Round, purple-tinted sunglasses are Ozzy Osbourne’s signature accessory. This key aspect of Osbourne’s look, known as “teashades,” emerged during his final days with Black Sabbath.
He can be seen wearing these Oliver Peoples sunglasses in his interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live in 2007, during which he promoted the release of his album Black Rain.
Plumber. Car horn tuner. Slaughterhouse worker. The greatest frontman in the history of rock & roll.
Jack Black
2024 Hall of Fame Essay
"Ozzy Osbourne remains the Godfather of Metal and its devilishly grinning Prince of Darkness."
– Parke Puterbaugh
Influence
The Crazy World of Arthur Brown
Ozzy Osbourne
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
More from
the Hall
