Robbie Williams led a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at the 2026 BRIT Awards in Manchester on Saturday, performing a special arrangement of “No More Tears” as Osbourne was posthumously honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The performance, curated by Osbourne’s wife Sharon, closed the show, according to reports.
Sharon and Kelly Osbourne accepted the award on behalf of the “Black Sabbath” frontman, with both expressing profound gratitude for the recognition. “I understand he would be so proud to win this tonight,” Sharon Osbourne said. Kelly Osbourne added, “It’s so special. It’s all his friends – all his close friends that are up there playing in his honour, in tribute to him.”
Kelly Osbourne highlighted the significance of Williams’ participation, noting his previous gesture of bestowing Osbourne with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. “It just shows the longevity of their friendship. And then everyone from my dad’s band and it’s just nice for all of us to be together as well,” she said.
Sharon Osbourne expressed appreciation for the decades of support her husband received. “We want to thank everybody for their love that they have shown for Ozzy over so many years. It’s not taken lightly,” she stated. Kelly Osbourne echoed this sentiment, adding, “We couldn’t have got through this time without the support we received and we are forever in debt.”
The tribute performance included musicians who had previously played with Osbourne, including Adam Wakeman, Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Tommy Clufetos, and Zakk Wylde. Williams was personally invited by Sharon Osbourne to lead the tribute, as a “long-standing fan of the music and friend of the family,” according to the BRIT Awards organization.
Ozzy Osbourne died in July 2025, following a farewell performance in his hometown of Birmingham. He had previously hosted the BRIT Awards in 2008 alongside Sharon and their children, Kelly and Jack. A separate tribute was also held at the US Grammys, featuring a performance of “War Pigs” by Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith, and Andrew Watt.
Stacey Tang, Chair of the 2026 BRIT Awards Committee and Co-President of RCA Records at Sony Music UK, described Osbourne as “a mighty force in modern music,” possessing “an unmistakable voice and unique presence” that “reshaped the sound and spirit of rock, inspiring generations of artists who followed.”
Prior to Williams’ performance, the Osbourne family was surprised by a pre-recorded video message from Dolly Parton, speaking from Nashville, acknowledging Osbourne’s dedication to music and his lasting impact.
