Ozzy Osbourne came closer to taking the stage at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony than many expected.
Inducted as a solo artist, Osbourne’s ongoing health struggles have forced him to retire from touring. However, he had expressed hope of performing at the event. Instead, he observed from a throne while artists like Zakk Wylde, Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Robert Trujillo (Metallica), Jelly Roll, and Wolfgang Van Halen paid tribute to his legendary career.
During an episode of the Shred with Shifty podcast, Wylde revealed a surprising detail about the rehearsal.
“Ozzy sang ‘Mama, I’m Coming Home’ the day before, because Jelly Roll wasn’t there,” Wylde shared. “At rehearsal, Ozzy handled it.”
When asked why Osbourne didn’t perform during the ceremony, Wylde admitted he wasn’t sure.
“I don’t know,” he said. “I think the idea was for everyone to pay tribute to him. Kind of like how Kelly Clarkson sang with Foreigner and Lou Gramm, but Kelly led most of the performance.”
Future Performances and Hopes for a Black Sabbath Reunion
Osbourne’s Hall of Fame absence is part of a string of missed opportunities to return to live performances. He was previously slated for the 2023 Power Trip festival but withdrew due to health complications.
Despite these setbacks, the Prince of Darkness hasn’t abandoned the idea of performing again. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler recently shared that Osbourne floated the idea of a reunion for his final concert.
“He suggested that for his very last show, the four of us could play a few songs together,” Butler revealed. “And that would be the end.”
Osbourne’s enduring passion for music continues to inspire fans, leaving them hopeful for one more unforgettable moment on stage.
