Ozzy Osbourne Remembered in Emotional Tribute at the 2026 Grammys

The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered one of the night’s most moving moments with a tribute honoring the late Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025, just 17 days after his farewell concert. The ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena shifted tone as Post Malone took the stage to perform Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” a song closely tied to Osbourne’s legacy and voice.

Posty was joined by an all-star lineup that reflected Ozzy’s wide influence across generations of rock. Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses added weight and history to the performance, while the Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith powered the drums. Producer and guitarist Andrew Watt, a longtime collaborator of Ozzy’s later career, rounded out the group.

As the performance unfolded, the broadcast cut to Ozzy’s family in the audience. Sharon Osbourne, alongside her children Kelly and Jack, were visibly emotional, underscoring how personal the moment was for those closest to him.

The tribute also highlighted the creative bond between Post Malone and Ozzy Osbourne. Their collaboration on “Take What You Want” marked a rare and successful bridge between modern hip hop and classic metal, introducing Ozzy to a younger audience while reinforcing Post Malone’s respect for rock history. That partnership helped frame Post’s role at the Grammys not as a novelty, but as a sincere continuation of a shared musical relationship.

Andrew Watt’s presence carried its own meaning. Watt worked closely with Ozzy during the final chapter of his recording career and was involved in tribute efforts following Ozzy’s death, including performances in the UK that brought together friends and collaborators to honor his life and music. His role at the Grammys served as a connective thread between Ozzy’s last studio work and this public farewell.

For Slash, Duff, and Chad, the performance reflected decades of mutual respect within the rock world. Black Sabbath’s influence on Guns N’ Roses and the Red Hot Chili Peppers has long been acknowledged by the musicians themselves, and sharing the stage in Ozzy’s honor felt less like a guest spot and more like a family gathering rooted in shared history.

The tribute followed another nod to Ozzy’s legacy earlier in the evening. During the Grammy pre-show, YUNGBLUD won Best Rock Performance for his cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes,” further signaling how deeply Osbourne’s work continues to resonate across generations.

In a night often defined by spectacle, the Ozzy Osbourne tribute stood out for its restraint and sincerity. It was not about excess or shock, but about respect, grief, and gratitude. For a few minutes, the Grammys slowed down and let the weight of Ozzy’s legacy speak for itself.