In a new interview with The Allison Hagendorf Show, Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan shared his thoughts on his upcoming performance at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction ceremony in Cleveland. Keenan will perform songs by Ozzy Osbourne alongside Billy Idol and country artist Jelly Roll. They will be accompanied by a band including Zakk Wylde, Andrew Watt, Steve Stevens and Wolfgang Van Halen on guitar, with Robert Trujillo (Metallica) on bass and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers) on drums. Actor Jack Black will deliver Osbourne’s induction speech.
Ozzy Osbourne, already inducted with Black Sabbath in 2006, is this time awarded an induction as a solo artist, rewarding a musical career spanning nearly six decades.
An intimidating performance for Maynard James Keenan
When asked by Allison Hagendorf about his feelings before this performance, Maynard admitted: “It’s terrifying — extremely terrifying. Yes, because it’s for him, and his song is beyond my reach. I’m going to struggle to hit certain marks, but I got the call and I answered.”
Concerning the rehearsals, Maynard clarified that these were planned “in a few days — tomorrow, in fact”.
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A symbolic tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
This evening will be particularly symbolic for Keenan, who revealed that the album Black Sabbath had marked his musical career. Although singing in Ozzy’s place is “depressing” (given that the Prince of Darkness apparently won’t be fit enough to perform), Keenan says he’s honored to help with this induction: “I’m glad I got the call. I’m sure many other people were contacted, but I think I responded first.”
Ozzy Osbourne, for his part, expressed his admiration for the artists involved in this performance, calling Billy Idol a rock icon and emphasizing the creativity of Maynard James Keenan. “Maynard has been a family friend since 1997. He is an incredible creative force”he declared.
The ceremony of the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2024
The 2024 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held October 19 at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. It will be broadcast live on Disney+ and a special broadcast will be offered later on ABC, as well as on Hulu the following day.
For Ozzy, this second induction is an important moment: “It means a lot. I am more than honored”he told Billboard. Reflecting on his solo career, he added: “It’s like I was invited to a party in 1980, and it never stopped. Not bad for a guy who got kicked out of his last group.”
