David Lee Roth Pays Wild and Unexpected Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: “He Was One of a Kind”
via Concert Fanatic / YouTube
On the same day the world mourned the loss of Ozzy Osbourne, David Lee Roth kicked off his tour with a heartfelt and unexpected tribute to the Prince of Darkness. Performing at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, Roth didn’t just play music — he honored a fellow legend. It was a fitting venue and moment, merging nostalgia with genuine emotion.
Roth’s 17-song set leaned heavily on Van Halen classics, delivering a high-energy performance. However, what stood out most was the shift in his usual setlist: swapping in Roy Orbison’s “Oh, Pretty Woman” and performing “I’ll Wait” for the first time as a solo artist. But even with these musical surprises, the emotional highlight came when Roth paused the show to reflect on Ozzy.
Van Halen and Black Sabbath’s paths famously crossed in 1978 when Van Halen opened for Sabbath’s Never Say Die! tour. It was during that time that Roth and Osbourne formed a close friendship — a connection that clearly left a lasting mark. His onstage tribute was not just sentimental; it was raw and real, filled with humor, reverence, and personal loss.
View this post on Instagram
“Save Me a Seat in Hell”
Before launching into “Atomic Punk,” Roth paused to tell the crowd a story. He recalled their 1978 UK tour together, where he joked, “I didn’t even know there were 22 cities in the United Kingdom.” His voice took a nostalgic turn as he spoke of their growing friendship during that whirlwind journey — a bond that survived decades.
With classic Roth flair, he turned reflective: “I once asked a Buddhist monk, ‘Do you think there’s laughter in heaven?’ And he told me, ‘No, I don’t think so.’ So, Ozzy Osbourne, save me a seat, and when I get to hell, we’ll have a drink, brother.” That line earned applause and laughter from the crowd — a fitting tribute from one wild soul to another.
Then, in a dramatic gesture, Roth raised his hands skyward and called out, “In the name of Ozz,” before launching into the powerful riffs of “Atomic Punk.” It was theatrical, unexpected, and undeniably David Lee Roth — a salute that only he could deliver, blending rock bravado with genuine affection.
A Toast to the Prince of Darkness
The tribute didn’t end there. Later in the set, during “Hot for Teacher,” Roth paused once more to raise a metaphorical glass to Osbourne. “I propose a toast in the name of rock ‘n’ roll, in the name of Ozzy Osbourne,” he declared during one of the song’s spoken breaks. The crowd, moved and energized, roared in approval.
Throughout the show, Roth struck a rare balance between showman and mourner. It was clear that this wasn’t just a tribute for the cameras — it was deeply personal. The camaraderie, history, and mutual respect between two of rock’s most iconic frontmen were on full display, not in mourning, but in celebration.
Roth’s nod to Osbourne reminded everyone why rock music resonates so deeply — it’s not just about sound, but spirit. In that moment, the stage became more than a performance space; it was a place of remembrance and rebellion, of tears masked by laughter and headbanging.
View this post on Instagram
Legacy, Loud and Unfiltered
While the world remembers Ozzy Osbourne for his role in shaping heavy metal, it’s personal stories like Roth’s that humanize him — that show the man behind the myth. David Lee Roth’s tribute was chaotic, funny, loud, and a little inappropriate — just like Ozzy would’ve wanted.
Their 1978 tour remains a pivotal moment in rock history, marking the passing of the torch from Black Sabbath’s brooding metal to Van Halen’s explosive hard rock. That formative experience laid the foundation for a friendship between two of music’s most eccentric icons. And as Roth reminded everyone, it was a bond forged in sweat, riffs, and backstage insanity.
With Roth continuing his tour through September, fans can expect more of these unfiltered moments — a blend of rock spectacle and heartfelt memory. And while Ozzy may be gone, his spirit lives on — not just in music, but in every raised glass and every wailing guitar solo that screams, “Long live rock ’n’ roll.”
