With the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, we look back on a moment that captured his spirit and legacy in the best way possible. Back in 2014, the MTV EMAs transformed into a cathedral of rock as a powerhouse supergroup took the stage to honor Ozzy, performing his legendary 1980 track “Crazy Train.” It was the song that launched Ozzy into his solo career after his Black Sabbath departure, with its razor-sharp riff becoming one of metal’s most iconic sounds.
That night, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne sat front row, witnessing a lineup that was the stuff of rock fan dreams: Slash, the guitar wizard from Guns N’ Roses, teamed up with his frequent collaborator Myles Kennedy, the tight and ferocious Conspirators, and Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil. Together, they unleashed a blistering performance of “Crazy Train” that channeled pure, electrifying energy into every note.
Kennedy and Neil traded off vocals with raw passion, while Slash, wielding his Les Paul like a weapon, tore into the signature riffs and solos, paying tribute to the late Randy Rhoads with respect and fire. The stage erupted with pyrotechnics, vivid visuals, and unfiltered rock energy, but nothing could outshine the moment Slash stepped forward for the soaring solo before the outro, shredding with a conviction that left the entire crowd roaring.
If you watched Ozzy’s face during the performance, you might have thought he was simply soaking it all in quietly. But as the final notes rang out, he leapt to his feet, delivering a heartfelt, extended standing ovation that was louder than any pyrotechnic blast that night. It was the ultimate seal of approval from the man himself, a rare moment of genuine emotion on a night otherwise dominated by pop, RnB, and hip-hop.
After the show, Slash took to Twitter to salute Ozzy once more, calling him not just a global icon but a true friend, a sentiment echoed by the countless fans whose lives Ozzy’s music had touched.
In a world constantly chasing the next trend, seeing this 34-year-old anthem reborn with such fiery devotion was a reminder that legends like Ozzy Osbourne don’t fade—they echo on, loud and eternal, in every chord that shakes the ground.
It was a blast honoring @OzzyOsbourne at the #EMAs last night. The man is definitely a Global Icon. & a good friend. iiii]; )’
— Slash (@Slash) November 10, 2014
