Former Van Halen frontman David Lee Roth has shocked fans and media alike with a fiery and controversial tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, claiming the legendary metal vocalist is now “in hell.”

During a recent concert in California, Roth paused mid-set to reflect on his friendship with Ozzy, who passed away on July 22, 2025. His comments, both humorous and unsettling, quickly began circulating on social media.

“I didn’t even know there were 22 cities in the United Kingdom,” Roth joked to the crowd. “Ozzy Osbourne and I became very, very good friends on that tour. And the sad news is that he has departed.”

But it was what he said next that sent the rock world into a frenzy.

“I once asked a Buddhist monk, ‘Do you think there’s laughter in heaven?’ And he told me, ‘No, I don’t think so.’ So Ozzy Osbourne, save me a seat, and when I get to hell, we’ll have a drink, brother.”

Roth’s statement drew both applause and confusion from fans, with many questioning whether it was a tribute, a joke, or a reflection of his personal beliefs on the afterlife. Regardless of interpretation, it’s undeniably on-brand for two of rock’s most legendary rule-breakers.

Ozzy Osbourne, best known as the frontman of Black Sabbath, was not only a fellow rock icon but a longtime friend of Roth’s. The two toured together during the height of their careers, often bonding over a shared love for loud music, wild crowds, and the darker edges of rock ‘n’ roll.

“They were both larger than life,” one fan wrote online. “If Ozzy’s in hell, it’s probably just a backstage lounge with Marshall stacks and unlimited Jack Daniel’s.”

Though Roth’s comments are likely tongue-in-cheek, they’ve added a raw, rebellious tone to the wave of tributes pouring in since Ozzy’s passing.

As the world continues to mourn, one thing’s for sure: Ozzy Osbourne’s legacy lives on not just in his music, but in the memories and mayhem he left behind — even in the words of his wildest friends.