Robbie Williams led a star-studded tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the 2026 Brit Awards in Manchester on Saturday, performing a powerful rendition of “No More Tears” as Osbourne was posthumously honored with the demonstrate’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Williams, described as a long-standing fan and friend of the Osbourne family, was joined onstage by a supergroup of musicians who had previously collaborated with the heavy metal icon. The performance featured Zakk Wylde on guitar, Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, Black Sabbath reunion drummer Tommy Clufetos, and Adam Wakeman on keyboards, according to reports from Rolling Stone and the BBC.
The tribute took place just weeks after the first anniversary of Osbourne’s death last July, following a farewell performance in his hometown of Birmingham. Sharon and Kelly Osbourne accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of their father, with Sharon reflecting on his remarkable 56-year career at the peak of his creative powers. “We all know how fickle this industry can be, and my old man was blessed with a one-in-a-million career,” she said, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Sharon Osbourne further characterized her father as “authentic, gifted, totally unpredictable, a wild man. A true artist,” noting his rise from a working-class background in Birmingham to international recognition.
The Brit Awards’ tribute followed similar acknowledgements of Osbourne’s legacy in the United States. The Grammy Awards featured a performance of “War Pigs” by Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and Andrew Watt, while Osbourne was likewise honored at the MTV Video Music Awards. The BBC noted that Osbourne himself previously hosted the Brit Awards in 2008 alongside Sharon and their children, Kelly, and Jack.
Stacey Tang, chair of the 2026 Brit Awards Committee and co-president of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, stated that Osbourne “reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed,” according to the BBC. The award recognizes a legacy built on originality and enduring influence, she added.
