Post Malone, Slash, and Duff McKagan perform powerful rendition of Ozzy Osbourne’s ‘War Pigs’ at Grammys

The Grammy Awards paid homage to the late heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne on Sunday (Feb. 1) with an electrifying performance led by Post Malone and Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash. The tribute began with a dark and ominous instrumental that seamlessly transitioned into the iconic 1970s hit “War Pigs,” with Malone taking on vocal duties and delivering a powerful rendition of the poignant Vietnam-era lyrics that criticize political leaders for profiting from wars and sacrificing young soldiers for their personal gain.

As Malone sang lines like “Evil minds that plot destruction/Sorcerer of death’s construction,” the camera captured emotional moments with Osbourne’s family in the audience, including his widow Sharon Osbourne and children Kelly and Jack visibly moved by the tribute. The performance featured Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, and producer Andrew Watt, who worked on Osbourne’s final two studio albums, “Patient Number 9” and “Ordinary Man.”

Slash and McKagan both contributed to “Ordinary Man,” while Smith and McKagan appeared on “Patient Number 9.” Malone also collaborated with Osbourne on the track “It’s a Raid” from “Ordinary Man.” A highlight of the performance was a guitar duel between Slash and Watt, with Malone adding his own flair by tapping out notes on Watt’s guitar neck. The tribute concluded with Smith’s thundering drum roll perfectly synchronized with a nostalgic image of Osbourne, bringing the electrifying performance to a dramatic close.

During his lifetime, Ozzy Osbourne received 12 Grammy nominations and won five awards, including Best Rock Album for “Patient Number 9” and Best Metal Performance for the album’s track “Degradation Rules.” He also won Best Metal Performance in 2014 for “God Is Dead?” and for Black Sabbath’s live rendition of “Iron Man” at the 2000 Grammys.

The powerful tribute at the Grammy Awards not only celebrated Osbourne’s musical legacy but also showcased the deep impact he had on the rock and metal genre. The performance was a fitting tribute to a legendary artist who left an indelible mark on the music industry and will forever be remembered for his contributions to the world of rock and heavy metal.