Robbie Williams will lead an all-star tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester on February 28th, honouring the late musician with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The performance will close the ceremony, held for the first time outside of London in its 50-year history at the Co-op Live arena.
Osbourne, who died last year following a final Black Sabbath performance at Villa Park in Birmingham, will be celebrated with a special arrangement of his 1991 hit “No More Tears.” The tribute has been curated by Osbourne’s wife and manager, Sharon Osbourne and will feature musicians who have performed with him throughout his career, including Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde.
According to a statement, Sharon Osbourne personally invited Williams to participate, recognizing his long-standing admiration for Osbourne’s music and their family friendship. “Ozzy Osbourne has been a mighty force in modern music,” said Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK. “Possessing an unmistakable voice and unique presence, he reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed. This Lifetime Achievement Award recognises a remarkable legacy built on originality and enduring influence, that continues to connect with fans worldwide.”
The 2026 BRIT Awards will also feature performances by Harry Styles, Olivia Dean, HUNTR/X’s EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI, Wolf Alice, Mark Ronson, and Rosalía. Jack Whitehall will return as host for his sixth consecutive year, and a new trophy designed by Matthew Williamson has been unveiled. Jacob Alon has been named the winner of the 2026 BRITs Critics’ Choice Award.
Other artists being honoured at this year’s ceremony include Mark Ronson, who will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music award, and Noel Gallagher, who has been awarded ‘Songwriter Of The Year’. The show will be broadcast on ITV1 in the UK, with performances shared globally on YouTube.
Sharon Osbourne recently revealed that her husband was aware of his declining health around the time of the Black Sabbath farewell show. Speaking on the Dumb Blonde podcast, she stated that doctors had warned him he could die within weeks, but he was determined to perform. “He wanted to do it so bad,” she said. “He needed it. And [he was] like, ‘Whether I die in two weeks or I die in six months, I’m still dying. And I want to go my way.’ And he did. He went like a rock star.” She also recounted how Osbourne had overcome sepsis earlier in the year, leading him to confront the limited time he had left and prioritize the final performance.
