Ozzy Osbourne and Foreigner were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame on Saturday night (October 19, 2024).
Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy was inducted as a solo artist, making it the second time the institution honored him, following his 2006 induction as a member of BLACK SABBATH.
Osbourne was inducted into the Rock Hall by actor and TENACIOUS D frontman Jack Black, who hailed him as “the greatest frontman in the history of rock ‘n’ roll.” Black also reflected on the impact of the cover of Ozzy’s debut solo album, “Blizzard Of Ozz”, calling it “the most metal thing I had ever seen,” despite not yet knowing what metal was. He then explored Ozzy’s earlier work with BLACK SABBATH, exclaiming, “unholy shit, this guy invented heavy metal… the darkest, heaviest stuff the world had ever heard.
After Black’s induction speech, Osbourne accepted the award while seated on a throne. He told the crowd: “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”.
An all-star performance followed the induction, featuring a backing band that included RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS drummer Chad Smith, METALLICA and former Ozzy bassist Robert Trujillo, producer and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Watt, and keyboardist Adam Wakeman. TOOL frontman Maynard James Keenan and Wolfgang Van Halen joined them for the opening song, “Crazy Train”. Next, Zakk Wylde and country star Jelly Roll took the stage for “Mama I’m Coming Home”, while Billy Idol stepped in for vocals on the final song, “No More Tears”, accompanied by his longtime guitarist, Steve Stevens.
photo by Chris Pizzello
Foreigner
Original vocalist Lou Gramm, keyboardist Al Greenwood, and bassist Rick Wills were in attendance to accept the award, while Mick Jones and Dennis Elliott were absent from the ceremony. Mick Jones’s daughter, Annabelle Dexter-Jones, was present to assist in accepting the honor. Former band members Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi passed away in 2022 and 2014, respectively.
Sammy Hagar had the honor of inducting FOREIGNER into the Rock Hall, expressing his sadness over Mick Jones’ absence by saying, “I’m really sad [Jones] isn’t here tonight. Mick, we love and miss you, and congratulations”. Hagar also praised FOREIGNER’s iconic track “Jukebox Hero,” calling it “one of the greatest rock vocal performances ever”.
In his acceptance speech, Gramm said: “First, I’d like to thank all of my former bandmates: Mick Jones, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Dennis Elliott, Ed Gagliardi and Rick Wills for 30-plus years of great music and a wild ride. Now, right from the start, Mick and I hit it off in our first songwriting session. The chemistry for many of our biggest hits was the Jones-Gramm collaboration. Although the band went through some changes as time went on, I believe the original band encompassed what FOREIGNER was all about. As I think back about those times, I’m convinced that Ian McDonald and Ed Gagliardi, who have passed on to a better place, were pivotal players and personalities in FOREIGNER’s early success. Lastly, I’d like to close by thanking my friend and songwriting partner Mick Jones. Along with the many triumphs and accolades, we didn’t always agree about FOREIGNER’s musical directions, but all told we were very fortunate to have been in FOREIGNER together, and our music continues to stand the test of time”.
Wills said: “I love these guys and I love the guys who are doing what we did — and they’re still doing it today, 47 years later. It’s amazing. So, I want to thank you all, and thank the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame for giving us this opportunity to finally be Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame people. Thank you!”
Greenwood added: “Wow, and a very, very special thanks to Mick Jones, the founder, the visionary and the creative force behind FOREIGNER. We wish that you were here with us tonight. And to all of our fans who have been with us for 47 years, spanning generations: We love you all and we thank you”.
The night also featured an all-star performance of FOREIGNER’s music, including Sammy Hagar, Slash, Chad Smith, Demi Lovato, and Kelly Clarkson. Lovato, Slash, Smith, and FOREIGNER’s current touring band delivered “Feels Like The First Time”, with Lovato on lead vocals. Hagar joined the group for “Hot Blooded”, sharing vocal duties with current FOREIGNER frontman Kelly Hansen. Later, Kelly Clarkson and Lou Gramm teamed up for a duet of the classic “I Want To Know What Love Is”.
photo by Dia Dipasupil
