Ozzy Osbourne 'deeply honoured' by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honour
Ozzy Osbourne is "deeply honoured" to have been nominated for a second spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The 75-year-old rocker was already inducted as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006, and he's on the shortlist of potential honourees for this year, meaning if he is voted in, he will become the 27th person to have multiple places, joining the likes of Sir Rod Stewart, all four Beatles, Jeff Beck, Stevie Nicks and Jimmy Page in having two, while Eric Clapton has three, one on his own and others as a member of both the Yardbirds and Cream.
Speaking after the nominations were announced, Ozzy said in a statement: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this news from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
“To be one of the few musicians who’s being considered for a second entry, now as a solo artist, is something I could never have imagined. After 44 years as a solo artist the fact that I can continue to record music and receive this recognition is something I am incredibly proud of.”
The late Sinead O'Connor - who died last July, aged 56 - is also nominated, alongside the likes of Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Cher, and Oasis.
The list of nominees also includes Dave Matthews Band, Eric B. and Rakim, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Jane’s Addiction, Kool and the Gang, Lenny Kravitz, Ozzy Osbourne, Sade and A Tribe Called Quest.
John Sykes, the chairman of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement: "This remarkable list of nominees reflects the diverse artists and music that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honours and celebrates.
"Continuing in the true spirit of rock and roll, these artists have created their own sounds that have impacted generations and influenced countless others that have followed in their footsteps."
Honourees will be announced in April and the ceremony will be staged in the autumn of 2024.
Ozzy's wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne, called for him to be honoured as a solo artist by the organisation last year.
Speaking on 'The Adam Carolla Show' in November, she said: “They know that Ozzy deserves to be there.
"They know he’s been a solo artist. You’ve gotta be doing it for 24 years. He’s been 43 years as a solo artist. He sold nearly a hundred million albums as a solo artist. So where is he? Induct him!”