Nuno Bettencourt on Ozzy Osbourne: ‘He Was a Godfather to Us
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At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt joined Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Yungblud in honoring Ozzy Osbourne with a medley of his greatest hits. For Bettencourt, the performance was more than just a tribute—it was a deeply personal moment tied to his own journey as a young guitarist. He recalled how his teenage self, inspired by Ozzy’s music, could never have imagined sharing the stage in such a powerful farewell.
Bettencourt described Ozzy as a true “godfather” of rock, someone who shaped the sound of heavy music from his days with Black Sabbath through his legendary solo career. He emphasized that Osbourne wasn’t just a musician but a cultural force who touched lives in many ways, from his artistry to his stint as a reality TV star. For Nuno, celebrating Ozzy’s legacy in front of the world was like paying back a lifelong debt of gratitude.
The timing of the performance made it even more poignant. Having been part of Osbourne’s final concert in Birmingham only weeks earlier, Bettencourt carried the weight of that farewell into the VMA stage. He shared how saying goodbye to Ozzy in person felt special, even though no one knew exactly how little time was left.
The Missed Opportunity and Lifelong Connection
Nuno also looked back on a personal story that tied his career even closer to Ozzy. As a teenager, after Randy Rhoads’s tragic death, Bettencourt dreamed of becoming Ozzy’s guitarist. He even mailed a cassette audition, convinced it was his destiny. Although the call never came, the young guitarist carried that ambition with him for years.
Years later, while touring with Extreme in the mid-1990s, Bettencourt received an invitation from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne to join Ozzy’s band. This time, however, Nuno declined, choosing instead to continue building Extreme’s momentum. Despite the decision, the respect between the two never faded, and the story became a running joke between them.
At the “Back To The Beginning” concert, Ozzy teased Bettencourt about being the only guitarist who had ever turned him down. But the moment ended with mutual affection and gratitude. For Nuno, it was an unforgettable exchange that perfectly captured Ozzy’s humor, warmth, and larger-than-life personality.
A Community United by Ozzy
One of the most striking aspects of the “Back To The Beginning” tribute concert was the sense of unity it created among rock’s biggest names. Bettencourt noted how musicians from legendary bands like Metallica and Guns N’ Roses set aside egos and came together like family. For once, the competitive spirit of the music world gave way to camaraderie.
He described the atmosphere as “heavy metal summer camp,” with Ozzy serving as the guiding presence that kept everyone grounded. Rather than focusing on themselves, the artists poured their energy into celebrating the man who had inspired them all. The performance turned into a hug fest, with mutual respect replacing rivalry.
For Bettencourt, who has spent four decades in the industry, it was unlike anything he had seen before. He credited Ozzy with making it possible, saying that Osbourne’s role as a father figure to generations of musicians fostered a rare sense of love and community.
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A Legacy That Lives On
Ozzy’s family also played a moving role in the MTV tribute. His son Jack and four daughters introduced the performance with a heartfelt video message, celebrating their father’s musical journey and legacy. Ozzy’s granddaughters added a lighthearted touch by signing off with his trademark phrase: “Let’s go crazy!”
The performance itself was a showcase of Osbourne’s lasting impact. Yungblud kicked things off with “Crazy Train,” before slowing the mood with Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” Steven Tyler then stepped in for “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” joined by Joe Perry on guitar. The night ended with fireworks and Yungblud shouting, “Ozzy forever!” into the microphone.
Even after his passing in July 2025, Ozzy’s influence remains undeniable. With more than 120 million albums sold, multiple Grammy wins, and two Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, his mark on music is etched in history. Bettencourt’s words summed it up best: Ozzy wasn’t just a rock star—he was the godfather who gave the entire genre its heartbeat.
