The 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles delivered one of its most powerful and emotional moments during the In Memoriam segment. An all-star supergroup—Post Malone on vocals, Slash and Andrew Watt on guitars, Duff McKagan on bass, and Chad Smith on drums—took the stage to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne with a thunderous rendition of Black Sabbath’s iconic “War Pigs.” The performance, part of a broader tribute to music legends lost in the past year, captured the raw energy and rebellious spirit that defined Osbourne’s legendary career, leaving the audience and his family visibly moved.
Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness and co-founder of Black Sabbath, passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 76 from a heart attack complicated by coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s. His death came just weeks after his final live performance at the “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham, England, where he bid farewell to fans amid ongoing health struggles. Osbourne’s influence spanned generations: from pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath in the 1970s to his wildly successful solo career with hits like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” and his reality TV fame on The Osbournes. His fearless persona, biting lyrics, and unrelenting stage presence inspired countless artists across rock, metal, and beyond.
The Grammy tribute assembled a lineup that bridged Osbourne’s classic era with contemporary talent. Slash and Duff McKagan, both Guns N’ Roses icons who had crossed paths with Osbourne through rock’s interconnected world, brought authentic fire to the performance. Slash’s searing guitar solos and Duff’s driving bass anchored the track’s heavy groove. Chad Smith, the longtime Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer known for his explosive style, provided the thunderous backbone on drums. Andrew Watt, the Grammy-winning producer and guitarist who collaborated closely with Osbourne in his later years—including on tracks from Patient Number 9—added modern edge while honoring the original riff-heavy sound. Fronting the supergroup was Post Malone, the genre-defying superstar whose admiration for Osbourne ran deep. Posty had previously paid homage through collaborations and public praise, and his gritty, emotive vocals channeled Ozzy’s signature wail with surprising authenticity.
As the band launched into “War Pigs”—the anti-war protest anthem from Black Sabbath’s 1970 album Paranoid—the stage erupted in pyrotechnics. Balls of fire shot skyward, red lights bathed the arena, and the massive screen displayed archival footage of Osbourne: snarling on stage in the ’70s, biting a bat head, headlining festivals, and sharing tender family moments. The song’s ominous opening riff built to a crushing crescendo, with Post Malone delivering lines like “Generals gathered in their masses / Just like witches at black masses” with fierce conviction. Slash and Watt traded blistering solos, Smith pounded the kit relentlessly, and McKagan locked in the rhythm section. The performance felt reverent yet explosive—a fitting salute to a man who embodied rock’s defiant heart.
In the front row, Osbourne’s family watched with raw emotion. Sharon Osbourne, his wife of over four decades and unwavering partner through triumphs and trials, sat alongside their children Jack and Kelly Osbourne. Kelly’s partner, Slipknot percussionist Sid Wilson, joined them for support. Tears streamed down their faces as the music swelled; Sharon clutched a tissue, Jack bowed his head, and Kelly wiped her eyes repeatedly. The sight of the family—public figures who had shared their lives openly on television and in media—overcome by grief and gratitude moved the audience to applause even before the final notes faded.
Earlier that day, ahead of the telecast, Sharon, Jack, Kelly, and Sid appeared on the Grammy red carpet for an interview with Good Morning America. The family spoke candidly about Ozzy’s enduring legacy and how his influence echoed across generations. Sharon reflected on his pioneering role in heavy metal, noting how he transformed personal struggles into anthems that connected with outsiders worldwide. “Ozzy never pretended to be perfect—he wore his flaws like armor, and that honesty touched people,” she said. Kelly shared memories of growing up with a father whose music was both a soundtrack to chaos and comfort, emphasizing how younger artists like Post Malone drew inspiration from his boundary-pushing style. Jack highlighted the cross-generational appeal, pointing to collaborations that bridged classic rock with modern sounds. Sid, speaking as a metal devotee, praised Ozzy’s fearlessness and how his work shaped entire subgenres.
The tribute arrived at a poignant time. Osbourne’s passing in 2025 left a void in rock music, but his catalog continued to inspire. The Grammy performance served as both eulogy and celebration, reminding viewers of “War Pigs'” timeless message against war and blind authority—lyrics that felt especially resonant in turbulent times. Post Malone’s involvement added a fresh layer; his rise from hip-hop roots to rock collaborations mirrored Osbourne’s own genre-defying path. The supergroup’s chemistry was undeniable—rehearsals had reportedly been intense, with the musicians channeling mutual respect for the man they honored.
Reactions poured in immediately. Social media lit up with clips of the performance, family tears, and praise for the authenticity. Fans called it “the highlight of the night,” “pure heavy metal magic,” and “a perfect send-off.” Critics noted how the choice of “War Pigs”—a Sabbath classic rather than a solo hit—honored Ozzy’s foundational role in the genre. The Osbourne family’s visible emotion underscored the personal stakes: this wasn’t just a musical tribute but a family’s public goodbye amplified on music’s grandest stage.
As the Grammys continued with awards and other performances, the Ozzy tribute lingered in the air. It captured the essence of why Osbourne mattered: his music transcended eras, united disparate artists, and spoke to rebellion, vulnerability, and resilience. In a night celebrating excellence, the moment reminded everyone that some legends leave echoes that never fade.
