Slash, Post Malone and More Tapped For 2026 Grammys In Memoriam Tribute
It feels like the music world has been spinning a little differently since we sadly lost the Prince of Darkness in July 2025. Ozzy Osbourne wasn’t just a frontman; he was a cultural shift, a reality TV pioneer, and arguably the most lovable figure in heavy metal history. As we approach the 2026 Grammys, the question on everyone’s mind has been: how do you possibly pay tribute to a man who lived a thousand lives in one lifetime? Well, it looks like the Recording Academy has found the answer, and it involves volume. Heavy volume.
Tribute Performances that Capture Musical Legacies
On Sunday, February 1, the Grammys are set to deliver a tribute performance that promises to be as loud (and chaotic) as Osbourne himself would have wanted. This isn’t just a somber memorial; it is a celebration of a legacy that defined the genre, led by a supergroup of friends, collaborators, and rock royalty.
A Lineup Fit For Heavy Metal Royalty (Slash!)
The list of performers tapped for this tribute reads like a fantasy draft for rock fans. Leading the charge is none other than guitar God Slash, whose top hat and Les Paul are as iconic as Osbourne’s round glasses. He will be joined by his Guns N’ Roses bandmate, bassist Duff McKagan. The rhythm section gets even heavier with Red Hot Chili Peppers’ powerhouse drummer Chad Smith behind the kit. Nice.
But what makes this lineup truly fascinating (and distinctively modern) is the inclusion of Post Malone. While some purists might scratch their heads, anyone who has paid attention to Osbourne’s final years knows that Malone and the Dark Prince shared a genuine, creative bond. Their collaboration on “Take What You Want” introduced Osbourne’s haunting vocals to an entirely new generation, proving that Osbourne’s influence transcended genre boundaries until the very end.
Rounding out the group is Andrew Watt, the super-producer who helmed Osbourne’s final masterpiece, Patient Number 9. Watt isn’t just a guy behind a mixing board; he was a driving force in getting Osbourne back into the studio during his health struggles, acting as both a collaborator and a cheerleader. Seeing him on stage collaborating alongside these music giants adds a layer of personal intimacy to the spectacle.
This particular grouping of musicians carries a heavy emotional resonance. McKagan, Smith, and Watt were all present for what became Osbourne’s final major bow – the “Back to the Beginning” charity concert last year. To have them return to the stage, this time without the man they were supporting, is likely to be a gut-wrenching moment for fans and the artists alike.
The Sentimental Weight Of The Tribute Performance
Reports suggest the group will be tearing into a rendition of Black Sabbath’s anti-war anthem “War Pigs.” If there is any song that can shake the walls of the Crypto.com Arena and wake the spirits, it’s that one. Expect pyrotechnics, expect screaming guitar solos from Slash, and expect a few tears in the audience. It is a chance to say goodbye properly, with the kind of decibel levels that Osbourne lived for.
A Night Of Remembrance At The Grammys
While the Osbourne tribute is sure to be the loudest moment of the night, the 2026 Grammys “In Memoriam” segment will also honor other titans we’ve lost. The segment will be led by country legend Reba McEntire, alongside Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson.
The evening will also see a soulful tribute from Ms. Lauryn Hill, who is set to honor the incredible legacies of D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. Losing D’Angelo to cancer and Flack to ALS in the same year was a double blow to both the R&B and soul communities, and having an artist of Hill’s caliber pay homage feels entirely appropriate.
However, for the rock and heavy metal community, an emotional part of Sunday night belongs to Osbourne. Whether you’re tuning in for the awards or just to see Post Malone trade licks with rock legends, this is definitely going to be television history.
Tune in Live
The Grammys will be hosted by Trevor Noah for his final year; the ceremony airs live at 8 pm EST on CBS and Paramount+. Get your devil horns ready.
