CLEVELAND — “I’ll do what I can, sir.” That’s all Wolfgang Van Halen said when asked to honor Ozzy Osbourne at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on October 19, 2024. His words were polite, humble, understated. But the moment Robert Trujillo’s bass and Chad Smith’s drums unleashed their opening salvo — with Andrew Watt firing up the riffs — the atmosphere shifted. Then came the iron‑fisted voice of Ozzy himself, ripping through “Crazy Train” with the feral ferocity of 1981. The Ramones couldn’t have summoned more chaos.
But the night was only heating up.
“Crazy Train”: The Leviathan Awakens
As the opening churned, Ozzy clawed his way into “Crazy Train”, sending tremors through Cleveland’s Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It was as though time reversed: Lee’s snarling riffs, Osbourne’s primal snarls, all delivered with unhinged spirit. Then, almost theatrically, Maynard James Keenan bounded onto the stage — a wolf in full flight — his throaty howl entwined with Wolfgang’s axe, creating a guitar hurricane that fans will recount for decades .
“Mama, I’m Coming Home”: Haunting Elegy in an Arena
Just when the adrenaline haze threatened to fade, Zakk Wylde and country‑crossover superstar Jelly Roll stepped forward. Together, they delivered a version of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” that transcended genre, blending searing guitar blues and soulful grit. Wylde’s trademark sixth-string cry reminded everyone why he’s Ozzy’s longest‑standing guitarist. Jelly Roll’s vocals—“soulful, pure, and dirty,” in Ozzy’s words—proved a startling, emotional wake‑up, and the audience responded with tears and reverence .
“No More Tears”: When Punk and Metal Collide
The roof nearly lifted when Billy Idol and Steve Stevens exploded into “No More Tears.” Idol’s sneering snarl and punk swagger collided with Stevens’ glinting solos, supported by the unstoppable rhythm combo of Trujillo and Smith. Explosive. Overwhelming. Rock & roll’s connective tissue was on full display — loud and proud .
The All‑Star Backbone: Everything Hinged on “The Rhythm Section”
Behind these thrilling performances lay the night’s true unsung heroes: Robert Trujillo and Chad Smith. Ozzy himself declared they were the perfect rhythm section, providing seismic foundation for each act . Add in Andrew Watt’s musical‑director role — bridging the old with the new — and Wolfgang’s steady hand on guitar, and the ensemble not only honored but redefined Ozzy’s legacy on stage.
A Night of Legends, a Life Celebrated
The ceremony didn’t just honor Ozzy’s 2024 induction — his second, following the 2006 nod as part of Black Sabbath — it reaffirmed his cultural and musical impact . Jack Black delivered a firebrand speech, dubbing the singer “the Jack Nicholson of rock,” urging younger audiences to eschew pop softness and dive headfirst into Ozzy’s catalogue . Then came Ozzy himself, perched atop his signature bat‑themed throne, returning gratitude with humility before the musical cyclone was unleashed .
Breaking Down the Setlist
- Crazy Train – Kicked off by Keenan, Watt, Wolfgang, Trujillo, and Smith — seven minutes of volcanic energy.
- Mama, I’m Coming Home – Transitioning to acoustic‑tinged passion with Wylde, Jelly Roll, and the rhythm section.
- No More Tears – Billy Idol and Steve Stevens delivered a punk‑metal bombshell finale .
What makes this trilogy exceptional is not just the artists, but how their distinct styles were woven into Ozzy’s emotional narrative — madness, longing, defiance — reflecting the art itself.
Why It Matters: The Duality of Chaos and Craft
In an era of disposable viral moments, this performance felt like a tether to rock’s authentic past — a raw, uncut, profoundly emotional rock opera. Here’s what set it apart:
- Intergenerational resonance: From Keenan’s progressive intensity to Jelly Roll’s country grit and Idol’s punk menace, the tribute spanned genres and eras.
- Emotional versatility: The setlist moved from snarling aggression to redemptive beauty and back again — a microcosm of Ozzy’s own artistic journey.
- Understated greatness: Wolfgang’s quiet professionalism, Watt’s cohesion, Trujillo and Smith’s reliability — all allowed headline names to shine without overshadowing unity.
Aftermath: A Legacy Amplified
The performance was broadcast live on Disney+, with a special airing on ABC. Critics praised it as one of the most stirring tributes in recent Rock Hall history. Fans flooded social media: Keenan “set it ablaze,” Idols “punched through the roof,” and the entire night was seen as a declaration — Ozzy’s flame still burns, decades after his debut .
For Wolfgang, these were his first notes under the Hall’s spotlight — understated words preceding volcanic performance. He anchored rock royalty — not overshadow them. And in doing so, he carried a name heavier than most: Van Halen.
Closing Thoughts
In 2024’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Ozzy Osbourne found more than celebration — he found rekindling. It was a night where proper tribute met untamed energy, and where the next generations of rockers stepped in to enshrine an icon’s legacy. The result wasn’t just nostalgia; it was fierce validation — proof that true rock never dies, it just evolves — and when given the chance, it can still rip through the walls like it’s 1981.
Setlist Recap:
- “Crazy Train” — Maynard + Wolfgang + Watt + Trujillo + Smith
- “Mama, I’m Coming Home” — Zakk Wylde + Jelly Roll + Trujillo + Smith + Watt
- “No More Tears” — Billy Idol + Steve Stevens + Trujillo + Smith + Watt
In short: a thunderstorm of sound, sweat, and roaring emotion — a triumph for Ozzy, his collaborators, and the power of rock itself.
—WORD COUNT ≈ 810
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