"Regrettably missing Ozzy Osbourne, Wolfgang Van Halen pays tribute with an emotional rendition of Mama, I'm Coming Home."
In a poignant moment of remembrance, Wolfgang Van Halen, the son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne during a concert in Hartford, Connecticut, on July 22, 2025. The performance, a heartfelt live cover of Ozzy's ballad "Mama, I'm Coming Home", took place shortly after the news of Ozzy's passing was announced earlier that day.
Addressing the audience, Wolfgang expressed his grief and explained that just mentioning Ozzy's passing was not enough—they wanted to do something meaningful. The rendition, played on Wolfgang's green EVH SA-126 Special guitar, was emotionally charged, with Wolfgang's voice and guitar work earning praise from the crowd who enthusiastically joined in singing.
Mammoth, the band led by Wolfgang, was on tour supporting Creed at the Xfinity Theatre during the tribute concert. The performance marked a significant moment in the career of the young musician, showcasing his deep respect for Ozzy Osbourne and recognizing Ozzy's influential role in shaping heavy metal music.
Ozzy Osbourne, who faced serious health challenges in recent years, including Parkinson's disease and injuries from a fall in 2019, passed away at the age of 76. His death was mourned by the rock community, with tributes pouring in from various sources.
The performance by Wolfgang Van Halen was not the first tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. In 2024, an All-Star Tribute took place, where Wolfgang also appeared. The tribute by Wolfgang highlights a poignant connection between two generations of rock musicians, with Wolfgang honoring Ozzy's legacy through a powerful and authentic musical homage on a significant day of mourning for fans worldwide.
Before ending the performance, Wolfgang said "Love you, Ozzy", a heartfelt sentiment that resonated with the crowd. The caption on the Instagram post sharing the performance reads "Legend. Thank you for everything, Ozzy."
As Wolfgang Van Halen and Mammoth continue their US tour, they are also readying their third album, The End. According to Wolfgang, not all songs on the new album will be laden with shred, indicating a diverse range of musical styles to come.
The performance of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" by Wolfgang Van Halen serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Ozzy Osbourne and his contribution to the world of rock music.
- Wolfgang Van Halen, emotionally charged by Ozzy Osbourne's passing, performed a live cover of "Mama, I'm Coming Home" on his green EVH SA-126 Special guitar at the Xfinity Theatre.
- During the rendition, Wolfgang's voice and guitar work, amplified by an undisclosed amp, earned praise from the crowd who enthusiastically joined in singing, making the tribute a significant moment in his career.
- The enduring influence of Ozzy Osbourne, who played a crucial role in shaping heavy metal music, was celebrated not only by this performance but also through diverse musical styles hinted in Wolfgang's upcoming third album, The End.
