Ozzy Osbourne’s halftime performance at the Rams season opener was a thunderous return to form—an electrifying seven-minute spectacle that reminded fans why he’s still the Prince of Darkness.
On September 8, 2022, the Los Angeles Rams kicked off their NFL season at SoFi Stadium, but it wasn’t just football that had fans buzzing. During halftime of the Rams vs. Bills game, Ozzy Osbourne took the stage for a rare live performance, marking one of his first major public appearances since undergoing surgery and battling health issues. The timing was perfect—just one day before the release of his new album, Patient Number 9.
Ozzy opened the set with the album’s title track, backed by a powerhouse lineup: Andrew Watt on guitar (also the album’s producer), Chris Chaney on bass, Tommy Clufetos on drums, and longtime collaborator Zakk Wylde, who joined midway through to shred on “Crazy Train.” The performance was tight, loud, and full of energy—exactly what fans hoped for from a rock legend.
Though the live audience at SoFi Stadium got the full experience, viewers at home were left disappointed. NBC aired only about 10 seconds of the performance during the broadcast, cutting away before Ozzy could even finish the first chorus. Fans took to social media to vent their frustration, especially after the network had promoted Ozzy’s appearance heavily in the lead-up to the game.
Still, those lucky enough to be in the stadium witnessed something special. Ozzy, dressed in black and standing tall despite his recent health battles, delivered vocals with grit and passion. The stage was bathed in deep red and purple lights, with smoke effects and pyrotechnics adding drama to the set. It was a visual and sonic throwback to his glory days, but with the added weight of survival and resilience.
The performance wasn’t just a promo for the new album—it was a statement. Ozzy had spent the previous year recovering from major surgery and dealing with Parkinson’s disease. Many fans feared he might never perform again. But here he was, defying expectations, proving that his fire hadn’t gone out.
“Patient Number 9” showcased Ozzy’s newer sound—dark, melodic, and introspective—while “Crazy Train” brought the crowd to its feet with its iconic riff and rebellious energy. Zakk Wylde’s guitar solos were blistering, and the chemistry between the band members was undeniable. It felt less like a halftime show and more like a mini rock concert dropped into the middle of a football game.
After the backlash over the short TV broadcast, Ozzy’s team released the full performance video online, allowing fans everywhere to experience the show in its entirety. The video quickly went viral, racking up millions of views and reigniting excitement around the album. It also served as a reminder of Ozzy’s enduring legacy—not just as a musician, but as a performer who knows how to command a stage.
The Rams season opener may have ended in a loss, but for rock fans, the night belonged to Ozzy. His halftime show was a celebration of survival, artistry, and unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll. It proved that even after decades in the spotlight, Ozzy Osbourne can still steal the show.
From “Patient Number 9” to “Crazy Train,” Ozzy’s halftime set was more than music—it was a declaration: he’s still here, still loud, and still legendary.
