Ozzy Osbourne Thinks Billy Idol Should Be in the Rock Hall
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has many blindspots and other omissions from its list of inductees, and Ozzy Osbourne has one artist he’d like to see inducted: Billy Idol.
The Prince of Darkness talked to Rolling Stone recently about his upcoming Rock Hall induction for his solo career. As previously reported, Idol is among a stacked lineup of artists booked to perform in tribute to Ozzy. Other artists taking part in the Ozzy tribute are Jelly Roll, Chad Smith, Wolfgang Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Maynard James Keenan, Robert Trujillo, Steve Stevens and Andrew Watt. Doing the honors of inducting Ozzy is Jack Black.
In speaking with Rolling Stone, Osbourne referred to Idol as “a rock icon.” He added, “His music is timeless. Billy Idol should be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.”
It’s an honor that Idol is open to receiving. In December 2023, he said in an interview with Spin that being inducted into the Rock Hall would be “incredible.” He also views induction as a sort of “thank you” to his fans.
“They really believed and hung in through thick and thin,” said Idol. “Towards the end of your career or life, you get a chance to say thanks to everybody because somehow or other, they’ve made my life f—ing great.”
Idol has been eligible for induction into the Rock Hall since 2007. However, he has yet to be nominated.
Details About the 2024 Rock Hall Induction Ceremony
The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. As previously reported, the 2024 ceremony will live stream on Disney+. An edited special will air on ABC at a later date, which will be available on Hulu the next day.
In addition to those honoring Osbourne, here’s a breakdown of the guest lineup:
- Julia Roberts will be doing the honors of inducting Dave Matthews Band. The Academy Award-winning actress starred in the band’s music video for “Dreamgirl.”
- Foreigner will be honored by an all-star tribute band featuring Slash, Sammy Hagar, Chad Smith and Demi Lovato. (Foreigner is also set to perform)
- Jimmy Buffett will also receive the all-star tribute with a performance by James Taylor, Kenny Chesney and Mac McAnally.
- Inductee Peter Frampton will be inducted by Keith Urban and Roger Daltrey. (Frampton has been confirmed to perform.)
- Chuck D will do the honors of inducting Kool & the Gang.
- Inductee Mary J. Blige will be performing at the ceremony. Honoring Blige and helping induct her into the Rock Hall are Method Man, Dr. Dre, Ella Mai and Lucky Daye.
- Busta Rhymes will be performing at the Rock Hall ceremony in honor of inductees A Tribe Called Quest.