David Lee Roth paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his concert at the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles, California. He shared memories of their friendship and made a heartfelt promise for the afterlife. The tribute was captured in a video posted by a fan on YouTube.
The Van Halen frontman reflected on their bond formed during Van Halen’s 1978 UK tour supporting Black Sabbath.
‘I didn’t even know there were 22 cities in the United Kingdom,’ Roth said. ‘Ozzy Osbourne and I became very, very good friends on that tour. And the sad news is that he has departed.’
Roth then shared a philosophical conversation that led to his touching farewell message.
‘I once asked a Buddhist monk, Do you think there’s laughter in heaven? And he told me, No, I don’t think so,’ he continued. ‘So Ozzy Osbourne, save me a seat, and when I get to hell, we’ll have a drink, brother.’
The friendship between these two rock icons began during a transformative period for both artists. It marked a significant chapter in rock history that would shape their careers for decades to come.
iHeart Radio reported that the 1978 ‘Never Say Die!’ tour was particularly significant as it marked Ozzy’s final performances with Black Sabbath before launching his legendary solo career. The tour also served as Van Halen’s first major international exposure. It catapulted the California band onto the world stage and established them as rising stars in the rock scene.
Despite their eventual friendship, the initial meeting between the two frontmen was marked by mutual bewilderment. iHeart Radio documented that Ozzy once recalled his first impression of Roth with characteristic bluntness, saying ‘What’s wrong with him? He’s like somewhere else.’ This observation highlighted Roth’s eccentric and unpredictable personality that often left peers scratching their heads.
The dynamic between the two performers reflected the broader cultural shift happening in rock music during the late 1970s. Far Out Magazine noted that while Ozzy represented the darker, heavier sound of British metal, Van Halen brought a more flamboyant, party-oriented approach that would define much of 1980s rock music.
‘He’s lost a couple of nuts and bolts,’ Ozzy later remarked about Roth’s unconventional behavior. WRAT captured this comment.
The tribute highlighted how their unlikely friendship endured through decades of rock history. It demonstrated that even the most different personalities can form lasting bonds through shared experiences on the road.
