Post Malone led an all-star tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the 68th Grammy Awards that left the rock legend’s family in tears. The emotional performance of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” featured five legendary musicians and honored the late rocker who passed in July 2025. Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne watched from the audience as this powerful In Memoriam moment became one of the night’s most talked-about performances.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Performance Song: Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” from the 1970 album “Paranoid”
- Musicians Involved: Post Malone, Slash (Guns N’ Roses), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Andrew Watt (producer)
- Ozzy’s Death: Rock icon passed away at age 76 in July 2025 after battling Parkinson’s disease
- Family Reaction: Sharon Osbourne, Kelly Osbourne, and Jack Osbourne were visibly emotional during the tribute
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Post Malone commanded the stage as lead vocalist during the tribute, joined by some of rock’s most celebrated musicians. Slash’s iconic guitar work drove the performance alongside Duff McKagan’s bass and Chad Smith’s drumming. Producer Andrew Watt, who had worked extensively with Ozzy on his final albums, rounded out this supergroup. The chemistry between these five musicians created a powerful rendition that captured the spirit of the original composition.
Each performer had deep connections to Ozzy’s legacy. Post Malone had recorded duets with the Black Sabbath frontman on “Take What You Want” and “It’s a Raid.” Andrew Watt served as executive producer on Ozzy’s last two studio albums, 2020’s “Ordinary Man” and 2022’s “Patient Number 9.” Slash had featured Osbourne on the 2010 track “Crucify the Dead,” while McKagan and Smith contributed to his most recent recordings.
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“War Pigs” holds special significance in rock history as Black Sabbath’s powerful anti-war protest song from their second studio album “Paranoid.” Released in 1970, the track has endured as one of the most iconic heavy metal compositions ever recorded. The song’s opening riff and confrontational lyrics about war and corruption made it a fitting choice to honor Ozzy’s legacy of speaking truth to power.
The performance brought the track’s original message to life while celebrating Ozzy’s role in shaping rock music. The rendition stayed true to the classic arrangement while allowing each musician to contribute their unique artistry. The emotional weight of performing this tribute at the Grammys gave the performance a historic reverence that transcended a typical awards show moment.
Family’s Tearful Response Captures Ozzy’s Impact
| Detail | Information |
| Tribute Song | War Pigs (Black Sabbath) |
| Year Released | 1970 |
| Album | Paranoid |
| Musicians | 5 legendary rockers |
Sharon Osbourne, the rock legend’s widow, observed the performance alongside their children Kelly and Jack Osbourne. The family’s visible emotional response throughout the tribute demonstrated the deep impact Ozzy had on those closest to him. Tears flowed as the musicians powered through the iconic song, creating an unforgettable moment of remembrance that resonated throughout Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The tribute acknowledged Ozzy’s singular place in rock history. Few artists have influenced generations of musicians and fans the way the Prince of Darkness did during his decades-long career. His willingness to push boundaries and redefine what rock music could be left an indelible mark on popular culture that extended far beyond his own performances.
“Post Malone honors Ozzy Osbourne with a heartfelt cover of ‘War Pigs’ at the Grammys, as Sharon, Kelly, and Jack watch in tears.”
— Variety, Entertainment News
Ozzy’s Health Struggles And Final Years
Ozzy Osbourne passed away at age 76 in July 2025 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis had significantly impacted his ability to tour and perform in recent years. Despite his health challenges, Ozzy made a remarkable effort to participate in what turned out to be Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, billed as “Back to the Beginning,” in their hometown of Birmingham, England.
That final performance showcased Ozzy’s determination and love of music. He performed a five-song solo set and a four-song Black Sabbath set at the festival, which also featured tributes from legendary artists including Slayer, Tool, Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, and Sammy Hagar. This last major appearance became a poignant farewell that celebrated his extraordinary career. His legacy continues through his influence on countless musicians who have followed in his groundbreaking footsteps.
Was This Grammys Tribute Ozzy’s Greatest Honor Yet?
The 2026 Grammy Awards In Memoriam segment delivered one of the most unexpected and powerful tributes in awards show history. The combination of Post Malone’s emotional vocal performance, Slash’s legendary guitar mastery, and the collective star power created something truly special. This wasn’t just a perfunctory remembrance but a genuine celebration of Ozzy’s cultural significance and musical genius.
Previous tributes have honored the rock legend over the years, including an MTV Video Music Awards performance in September featuring Steven Tyler and Yungblud with “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama I’m Coming Home.” However, the Grammy version stood out for its raw emotion and the star-studded lineup. The moment proved that Ozzy’s influence transcends generations. Will this performance be remembered as the defining tribute to the Prince of Darkness?
Sources
- Variety: Post Malone Led All-Star Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at Grammy Awards
- People Magazine: Ozzy Osbourne Gets Star-Studded Tribute During 2026 Grammys In Memoriam Segment
- Pitchfork: Post Malone, Slash, and Duff McKagan Honor Ozzy Osbourne at 2026 Grammys
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.