Post Malone, Slash, and other rock legends honored Ozzy Osbourne last night at the 2026 Grammys. The Prince of Darkness received an unforgettable tribute during the In Memoriam segment. Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Andrew Watt joined the performance at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 1, celebrating Ozzy’s nearly six-decade legacy.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Tribute Performance: Post Malone led the all-star band at the 2026 Grammy Awards on February 1.
- Band Members: Slash and Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), and Andrew Watt.
- Opening Song: The group performed Black Sabbath’s 1970 hit “War Pigs.”
- Legacy: Ozzy died at age 76 in July 2025, just 17 days after Black Sabbath’s final performance.
A Rocking Tribute to the Godfather of Heavy Metal
America’s Next Top Model documentary drops today on Netflix with shocking revelations
Dana Eden dies at 52, Tehran producer found dead in Athens hotel
Post Malone’s gravelly vocals opened the tribute with a soulful, powerful rendition of “War Pigs.” The performance brought Ozzy’s family to tears, with his wife Sharon and children Kelly and Jack visibly emotional as they watched from the audience. Post Malone poured a beer to honor the late rock icon, a touching gesture that resonated with viewers worldwide. Each musician onstage had deep connections to Ozzy, having collaborated on his final solo albums.
The Guns N’ Roses icons Slash and Duff McKagan provided legendary guitar and bass support. Chad Smith’s drumming kept the rhythm tight as Andrew Watt’s production expertise shaped the overall sound. The band’s chemistry reflected years of working with Ozzy during his comeback period, making every note count.
Ozzy’s Recent Collaborators Take Center Stage
Tommy Lee Jones’ daughter was pregnant before her tragic death, court docs reveal
J Cole announces The Fall-Off world tour, first global dates in decades
All five performers had direct involvement with Ozzy’s final two solo albums, “Ordinary Man” (2020) and “Patient Number 9” (2022). Post Malone and Ozzy’s 2019 collaboration on “Take What You Want” became iconic, showcasing the rapper-turned-country-artist’s ability to honor rock legends. Andrew Watt played guitar during that memorable American Music Awards performance, cementing his role as Ozzy’s trusted musical partner.
The choice of performers wasn’t random, it was deeply intentional. These were the musicians Ozzy trusted most in his later years, people who helped revive his creative fire. Post Malone has spoken publicly about his reverence for Ozzy, saying “We f—ing love you” during a London tribute performance following Ozzy’s passing.
Performance Details and Industry Recognition
| Element | Details |
| Event | 68th Grammy Awards |
| Date | February 1, 2026 |
| Venue | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles |
| Primary Song | “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath |
| Main Vocalist | Post Malone |
“There will never, ever be another Ozzy f—ing Osbourne in this industry again.”
— Sharon Osbourne, during her Billboard Power 100 acceptance speech
Ozzy’s Unparalleled Impact on Music and Culture
Ozzy Osbourne’s six-decade career fundamentally changed what rock and metal could be. As Black Sabbath’s original frontman since 1968, he pioneered heavy metal’s theatrical, dark aesthetic. His solo career brought unexpected melodic elements to the genre that no one had heard before. Sharon Osbourne revealed at the Grammy weekend festivities that Ozzy was unique for bringing beautiful melody lines to metal, something absolutely revolutionary at the time.
The “Iron Man” and “Crazy Train” legend redefined what a rock frontman could be. His influence extended far beyond music into television with “The Osbournes,” making him a true cultural phenomenon for multiple generations. At age 76, Ozzy left behind an immeasurable legacy that continues inspiring artists across all genres.
Will the Grammy Tribute Change How Metal is Honored at Awards Shows?
The 2026 Grammy performance raised questions about how award shows honor metal and rock pioneers going forward. By assembling this all-star tribute band with genuine collaborators rather than casual guest artists, the Recording Academy demonstrated serious respect for Ozzy’s contributions. Post Malone’s emotional vocal delivery showed that honoring legends requires genuine connection, not just star power.
Will future tributes follow this model of bringing together artists who actually worked with the honoree rather than celebrities seeking exposure? The footage of Ozzy’s family crying suggests audiences respond more powerfully to authentic tributes rooted in real relationships and shared history.
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.