Starting with a siren to call attention to the abundance of talent we lost in 2025, the Ozzy Tribute lit up the Grammys stage. We had Slash, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Andrew Watt, and Post Malone singing “War Pigs.” An energized performance brought the audience to their feet – and a left few in tears.
Grammys: Making the Past Year of Loss About Hope in 2026
Too many people passed away last year. In particular, the music world took a hit with losses like Ace Frehley, Mick Ralphs, and the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne. The choice of “War Pigs” – a song about rebellion and uprising – truly personifies what rock ‘n roll is really about.
Black Sabbath will always (and rightfully) be known as the band who pioneered heavy metal. Just listening to their songs, the chord progression, and their down-tuning proves the band knew what would stir the soul and entice listeners to visit “the dark side.” It’s an amazing and magnificently abysmal side to be on.
Post Malone Leads “War Pigs” Ozzy Tribute
With Slash and Watts playing off each other on the guitars, McKagan and Smith held the rhythm steady, Post Malone gave an emotional performance. Sharon Osbourne watched, crying. It was a moving and powerful moment for fans, other musicians, and the Academy to appreciate the musicians – and pay tribute with an electrifying rendition of the song.
Malone and Osbourne had teamed up for the song “Take What You Want” and “It’s a Raid,” with the two forming a strong bond through music and friendship (and rebellion!). Malone’s vocals paid proper homage to Prince of Darkness alongside Slash’s shrieking guitar solos. It really resonated with fans – no matter if they were into metal – or not. There is absolutely no denying Osbourne’s indelible mark on the music world.
Looking Towards the New Year and What It Brings
It’s always hard to let music legends go, particularly when they are so beloved and influential. Osborne and Frehley, among many others, have rocked us for years. While they have passed on to the great recording studio in the sky, we fortunately have other artists to celebrate and cherish them and to create. Whether it’s a well-deserved tribute or the birth of new material, 2026 will be the year we remember, discover, and forge on.
