Ozzy Osbourne Argues for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame To Do the Right Thing and Induct Billy Idol

Ozzy Osbourne is firmly in Billy Idol’s corner when it comes to getting him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Osbourne, who has been inducted twice—once as a member of Black Sabbath and an upcoming induction as a solo artist—is arguing for Idol to be inducted as well.

“Billy Idol is a rock icon,” Osbourne recently told Rolling Stone. “His music is timeless,” he continued, adding a resolute, “Billy Idol should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.”

Idol has been eligible for the Rock Hall since 2007 but has never been nominated, despite an impressive array of accolades and hits in his career. In 2023, he shared that it “would be incredible” to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He spoke about induction as a thank you to his fans for allowing him to have an amazing life and career.

“It’s a big thank you to the fans in lots of ways,” he told Spin. “They really believed and hung in through thick and thin. 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 fucking great. They let me live my dreams. That was incredible. What a gift.”

[RELATED: Ozzy Osbourne, Despite Health Battle, Plans First Performance in Over a Year at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame]

Ozzy Osbourne Will Be Recognized at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony This Year

Meanwhile, at this year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Ozzy Osbourne will be honored for the second time. His first induction came in 2006 with Black Sabbath, where Metallica honored them at the ceremony. Now, he’ll be honored by Jack Black, who recently played an Osbourne song with a School of Rock-style group of students.

“Jack invited my family to the School of Rock movie premiere in 2002,” Osbourne told Rolling Stone.  “I’ve always been a big fan of his. Jack is one of the few great actors that is also a genuine rock & roller and not acting the part.”

At the ceremony, a handful of artists will honor Osbourne by performing his songs. Billy Idol, Maynard James Keenan, and Jelly Roll are among the performers. Additionally, Osbourne will perform for the first time in more than a year.

Featured Image by Harry How/Getty Images