In Here, James, Sounded Like Till Lindeman When He Said “I Am Ironman” In The Beginning
On March 13, 2006, Metallica had the honor of inducting Black Sabbath into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, where Metallica not only gave heartfelt speeches but also performed a medley of Black Sabbath songs, including “Hole in the Sky” and “Iron Man.”
James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich of Metallica delivered passionate speeches emphasizing Black Sabbath’s monumental influence on heavy metal and their personal musical journeys. Ulrich highlighted that Metallica would not exist without Black Sabbath, stating, “BLACK SABBATH is and always will be synonymous with heavy metal.” Hetfield shared a nostalgic story about how discovering Black Sabbath’s music profoundly impacted him as a child, igniting his passion for music and shaping his path as a musician.
During their performance, Metallica paid homage to Black Sabbath by delivering powerful renditions of “Hole in the Sky” and “Iron Man.” Hetfield’s vocal performance aimed to replicate Ozzy Osbourne’s distinctive style, a tribute that resonated deeply with the audience. The performance underscored Metallica’s deep respect for the pioneering band that laid the groundwork for heavy metal.
Black Sabbath’s induction was a moment of recognition for their groundbreaking contributions to rock and metal music. Despite initial reluctance from the Hall of Fame voters, the induction solidified Black Sabbath’s legacy. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward, and Ozzy Osbourne expressed gratitude and reflected on their journey, which included overcoming critical backlash to become one of the most influential bands in rock history.
The night was a celebration of Black Sabbath’s enduring impact on music and the countless bands they inspired, including Metallica. The event highlighted the interconnectedness of the rock and metal communities, with Metallica’s performance serving as a bridge between generations of heavy music fans.
