The world is remembering the life and legacy of Ozzy Osbourne after news broke of his passing on July 22, 2025, at age 76. While many recall him as the Prince of Darkness, legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, and a pioneer in heavy metal, the Hornets at Alabama State University remember him a little differently.
In 2018, the Mighty Marching Hornets delivered one of their most unique performances ever—right in front of Ozzy himself.
As part of an episode of Ozzy & Jack’s World Detour, which aired on A&E, Ozzy and his son Jack made a stop at Alabama State University. The visit turned into a cultural crossover moment: HBCU marching band excellence met heavy metal royalty. The Hornets performed a bold, brassy tribute to Black Sabbath’s greatest hits, transforming the sound of “War Pigs” and other classics into a powerful, Southern-style celebration.
It wasn’t just entertainment. It was a meeting of musical worlds that showed the range, precision, and cultural weight that HBCU marching bands bring every time they step onto the field or the stage.
With Osbourne’s passing, ASU’s band community has been reflecting on that moment—one that continues to resonate years later. Videos of the performance resurfaced online this week, with fans on social media praising the Hornets for their versatility and showmanship.
“This wasn’t just for show,” one Reddit user wrote. “It was Black excellence and rock history in the same room.”
The clip, now archived and shared across platforms, captures a visibly impressed Ozzy Osbourne, standing in awe as the band brought his music to life in a way he had likely never seen before. The horns, the drums, the energy—it was the HBCU touch applied to a genre that many wouldn’t expect to see it fused with.
For students in the band at the time, it was more than a performance. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their university, their culture, and the timeless impact of HBCU music on the global stage.
Osbourne’s legacy in the world of music is untouchable. But thanks to the Hornets, there’s now a unique chapter in that story that includes a stop in Montgomery, Alabama—proof that HBCUs continue to shape the culture, no matter the genre.
As fans and artists around the world honor Ozzy Osbourne’s life and impact, the Mighty Marching Hornets stand as a living tribute to how far his music reached—and how HBCU pride made the moment unforgettable.
Great Job HBCU Editors & the Team @ HBCU Buzz Source link for sharing this story.
