Nuno Bettencourt on Performing Ozzy Osbourne's Tribute at the VMAs

A Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: Nuno Bettencourt's Deep Connection

As the music world mourns the loss of a legend, guitarist Nuno Bettencourt shared heartfelt reflections on his relationship with the late rock icon, Ozzy Osbourne. Ahead of his performance at the 2025 VMA Awards, where he joined forces with Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry of Aerosmith for a special tribute, Nuno opened up about the profound impact Ozzy had on his life and career.

The tribute performance featured a powerful medley of some of Ozzy’s most iconic tracks, including “Changes,” “Crazy Train,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” This moment was not only a celebration of his music but also a tribute to a man who shaped the rock and metal landscape for decades. Ozzy passed away at the age of 76 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Nuno spoke about his long-standing admiration for Ozzy, recalling their connection that dates back to the mid-1990s when he was asked to join Ozzy’s band. Though the opportunity never materialized, the bond between them remained strong. He described Ozzy as the “godfather” of rock and metal, emphasizing how he touched everyone in the industry. “He was the godfather. You know? Everyone who played grew up knowing him,” Nuno said.

During a festival in Birmingham, Nuno reflected on the experience of performing alongside Ozzy. “It felt like we were at heavy metal summer camp. No egos. Everybody pulled together. It felt surreal because we all became kids again around Ozzy because he was our grandfather.”

Nuno also shared a touching memory of Ozzy’s final performance, where he gave everything despite his physical limitations. “He was up there when he could barely get out of a chair. He still performed for everybody when he could barely sing – that's how much that meant to him.” The last words they exchanged were filled with emotion, centered around the significance of the day for Ozzy.

“He was the crazy Ozzy, the funny Ozzy, but also the sentimental Ozzy who had a heart,” Nuno added. “Now that he's gone, we have a bit of a responsibility to make sure we conjure his spirit in there.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Nuno shared a story from his youth when he tried to replace Ozzy’s guitar player at the age of 14 or 15. He sent a cassette, hoping for a call, but it never came. Years later, when he was on tour with Aerosmith, Ozzy finally reached out, offering him a spot in his band. Nuno declined, explaining that he was already committed to his own career. “That was the last thing Ozzy said to me. I was telling him thank you for everything, and he pulled me in and said, 'You are the only guitar player that said no to me,' and then he laughed.”

As the tribute performance approached, Nuno expressed his emotional readiness. “We did it a run-through earlier and all of us were a little bit like butterflies. Like this is really special because nobody on stage is performing their own songs.” He highlighted the unique nature of the event, where artists like Steven Tyler and Yungblud chose not to perform their own hits, instead coming together to honor Ozzy.

When asked about his favorite Ozzy song, Nuno chose “Diary of a Madman,” calling it a deep-cut that resonates with him. His tribute performance was more than just a musical act; it was a heartfelt homage to a man who changed the course of rock history.