MACHINE HEAD Honors OZZY OSBOURNE With Emotional On-Stage Tribute In Europe

The passing of Ozzy Osbourne sent shockwaves through the music world, but for Machine Head, the news arrived just moments before they were set to walk on stage. The band, who has long paid homage to the Prince of Darkness through both influence and tradition, learned of Ozzy's death from Sky News only 20 minutes before launching the opening night of their European tour.

In response, Machine Head made a split-second yet deeply heartfelt decision: to abandon their usual setlist and honor Ozzy in the most fitting way possible — through his music.

"We found out that Ozzy had passed away from Sky news 20 minutes before we walked on stage to the opening night of our European tour," wrote Machine Head. "In a state of sadness and shock we made the decision to forgo our usual opening setlist. Following our intro of Ozzy's 'Diary of a Madman' (that we've opened every Machine Head show with for the last 30+ years) we started the show with two Black Sabbath songs. 'War Pigs' and 'Children of the Grave', everyone sang, everyone knew tonight meant something, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

"There's so much more to say about the power of the Ozzy's songs, but for now, we'll let his music do the talking. Our deepest condolences to Black Sabbath, Ozzy's band, and the Osbournes."

Ozzy Osbourne's impact on Machine Head — and metal as a whole — is immeasurable. His raw honesty, theatrical flair, and pioneering sound laid the foundation for generations of musicians to follow. Machine Head's spontaneous, passionate homage is a testament to that legacy: a moment where grief turned into music, and mourning into meaning.

That night in Europe, Ozzy wasn't gone. He was louder than ever.