WATCH: Rock Legends Unite as Ozzy Osbourne Receives Powerful All-Star Tribute at the Grammys

Rock music took center stage at the 68th annual Grammy Awards as an all-star group of performers delivered a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. The moment came during the show’s in memoriam segment, which honored artists who died over the past year. Country star Reba McEntire opened the section with her song “Trailblazer” while photos of late musicians appeared on large screens across the arena.

As McEntire finished, a giant image of Osbourne filled the venue, leading into the tribute performance. Guns N’ Roses members Slash and Duff McKagan took the stage with guitarist and producer Andrew Watt, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and singer Post Malone. Together, they launched into Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” turning the awards show into a loud salute to the heavy metal legend.

Ozzy Tribute Brings Arena to Its Feet

The performance featured bright flames and dramatic lighting, matching the force of the song. At the end, instruments were smashed on stage, a classic rock image that drew cheers from the crowd. In the audience, Sharon, Kelly, and Jack Osbourne watched closely. Cameras showed them wiping away tears while also clapping and shouting in support of the musicians.

Each performer on stage had worked with Osbourne during his career. Watt produced the singer’s final two albums, 2020’s Ordinary Man and 2022’s Patient Number 9. McKagan and Smith both played on those records, while Slash and Malone appeared on Ordinary Man. Most of the artists, except Malone, also joined the Back to the Beginning concert in Birmingham, U.K., which celebrated Black Sabbath and Osbourne shortly before his death.

A Career Marked by Grammy Success

Osbourne’s career was recognized many times by the Recording Academy. He won five Grammy Awards from 12 nominations, covering both his solo work and his role in Black Sabbath. His first win came in 1994 when “I Don’t Want to Change the World” earned Best Metal Performance. Decades later, he received more honors for Patient Number 9 and the song “Degradation Rules.”

The musicians who honored him shared long ties with his music. Their performance served as a reminder of Osbourne’s impact across rock and metal, from early Black Sabbath days to his later solo releases. The tribute stood out as one of the night’s most talked-about moments, bringing together different generations of artists to play a song closely linked to his legacy. Fans online reacted quickly, praising the raw sound and the choice of song. Many said “War Pigs” captured the anger and power that defined Osbourne’s style. Others pointed to the presence of younger artists on stage as proof that his influence continues to reach new listeners. The arena fell silent for a moment before applause rose again loudly.