Legendary rock figure Ozzy Osbourne was celebrated with a moving tribute at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, as music’s biggest night paid homage to the late Black Sabbath frontman more than six months after his death at age 76. The tribute brought together top artists with personal and creative ties to Osbourne and highlighted his vast influence across decades of rock and metal music.
Held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the tribute was part of the evening’s In Memoriam segment and featured a powerful performance of Black Sabbath’s classic “War Pigs.” Post Malone took the lead on vocals — a collaborator of Osbourne’s on tracks like “Take What You Want” — joined by Slash and Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers and producer/songwriter Andrew Watt, all of whom had played with or worked closely with Osbourne during his career. Sharon Osbourne and their children Kelly and Jack Osbourne watched from the audience as the performance unfolded, visibly moved by the tribute.
More than just a performance, the moment underscored Osbourne’s role as a pioneer of heavy metal and a cultural icon whose reach extended far beyond his own music. With heavy riffs and a rousing delivery of “War Pigs” — one of Black Sabbath’s most enduring protest anthems — the Grammy tribute celebrated both the man and the genre he helped define.
Earlier in the evening, Yungblud also paid his own tribute to Osbourne in a different but equally heartfelt way. Winning his first Grammy for Best Rock Performance with his rendition of “Changes” — recorded at Osbourne’s final concert Back to the Beginning — the British rocker brought Sharon Osbourne onstage and dedicated the award to the late legend. In his acceptance speech, Yungblud pointed to Osbourne’s impact on his life and career, expressing gratitude for the connection between generations of rock musicians.
The Grammys tribute stood alongside emotional reflections from Osbourne’s family. On the red carpet, Kelly Osbourne described her father’s passing as the “hardest thing” she’s ever experienced, yet said she was honored to see his legacy celebrated by peers and fans alike.
Osbourne’s influence on rock and metal was profound — from his early days fronting Black Sabbath through a solo career that spanned six decades and sold over 100 million records worldwide. His legacy was acknowledged not only by the musicians on stage but by the broader rock community in attendance, as peers and protégés joined together to honor a figure whose sound, spirit and stubborn individuality helped shape the direction of modern music.
