The 2026 Grammy Awards paused on Sunday night (February 1) to pay homage to one of rock music’s most enduring figures, Ozzy Osbourne, with a powerful performance anchored by some of his most famous recent collaborators.
As part of the ceremony’s annual “In Memoriam” segment at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, a supergroup formed specifically for the occasion delivered a thunderous rendition of the Black Sabbath anthem “War Pigs.” The ensemble was fronted by Post Malone, who had worked with Osbourne on two tracks prior to the metal legend’s death.
The backing band was a “who’s who” of rock royalty, featuring Guns N’ Roses icons Slash and Duff McKagan, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, and producer Andrew Watt. This lineup was significant, as Watt, Smith, and McKagan were instrumental in the creation of Osbourne‘s final two studio albums.
The tribute was a deeply emotional moment for the room, particularly for the Osbourne family. Ozzy‘s wife Sharon and their children, Jack and Kelly, were seen in the audience, visibly moved by the salute to their patriarch.
Osbourne passed away on July 22, 2025, following a heart attack. According to death certificates filed in London, the singer had been battling coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease for several years.
However, the “Prince of Darkness” managed one final, historic triumph just two weeks before his death. In a poetic conclusion to his career, Osbourne returned to his hometown of Birmingham, United Kingdom, for the “Back To The Beginning” charity concert.
That night saw a historic reunion of the original Black Sabbath lineup, with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward joining Osbourne to perform four genre-defining classics: “War Pigs,” “Iron Man,” “N.I.B.,” and “Paranoid.”
Prior to the reunion set, Osbourne delivered a five-song solo performance backed by his longtime bandmates Zakk Wylde (guitar), Mike Inez (bass), Adam Wakeman (keyboards), and Tommy Clufetos (drums). The setlist for that portion of the evening included “I Don’t Know,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Suicide Solution,” and “Crazy Train,” alongside the 1991 hit ballad “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
WAR PIGS
— Jen ⚡️ (@TheGNRGiirl) February 2, 2026
A tribute to Ozzy Osbourne – Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt and Post Malone#GRAMMYSpic.twitter.com/d8ey3tWfzv
