Finalists for the 16th annual hennemusic Rock News Awards are chosen by readers: the Rock News Story Of The Year is determined by page views, while the Rock News Artist Of The Year is based on the combined total page views of the top 50 hennemusic rock news stories of the past twelve months.
Today we unveil the No. 1 hennemusic Rock News Artist Of The Year!
2025 Rock News Artist Of The Year – Top 10
10 – GUNS N’ ROSES
09 – DAVID LEE ROTH
08 – BILLY IDOL
07 – THE DOOBIE BROTHERS
06 – DAVID GILMOUR
05 – TRIUMPH
04 – JOHN FOGERTY
03 – PINK FLOYD
02 – METALLICA
Rock News Artist of The Year No. 1 – OZZY OSBOURNE
As 2024 came to a close, Ozzy Osbourne was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame as a solo artist, years after being similarly honored as a member of Black Sabbath in 2006.
Despite dealing with an extensive number of health issues in recent years, Ozzy maintained a focus on returning to the live stage to perform for his fans one more time.
In February, Black Sabbath announced plans to reunite for the first time in 20 years this summer when they would regroup with Ozzy Osbourne as part of his final live performance.
Billed as “Back To The Beginning”, the July 5 event will see Osbourne play his own short set before being joined by Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward when they take the stage at Villa Park in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, UK.
“It’s my time to go Back to the Beginning…time for me to give back to the place where I was born,” says Ozzy. “How blessed am I to do it with the help of people whom I love. Birmingham is the true home of metal. Birmingham Forever.”
Just days before the July 5 event, the founding members of Black Sabbath were awarded the Freedom of the City of Birmingham at a ceremony in the Council House; each was presented with their Freedom of the City scrolls and medals by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Zafar Iqbal.
“Back To The Beginning” saw performances by an extensive guest lineup that included Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer and more alongside mixed “supergroups” of musicians who were on hand to play their respects to what is widely considered the founders of heavy metal.
Prior to joining Black Sabbath for the final time, Osbourne played a 5-song set of his own while highlighting some of the most famous songs in his solo catalog.
In just over two weeks later, the world awoke on July 22 to news that Ozzy had passed away from a heart attack at the age of 76.
“It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning,” shared his family in a statement. “He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time. Sharon, Jack, Kelly, Aimee and Louis”
Add some Black Sabbath to your collection here and get some Ozzy here.