Watch LIMP BIZKIT’s FRED DURST Honor OZZY OSBOURNE And BLACK SABBATH With An Acoustic Cover Of 'CHANGES'

Limp Bizkit’s frontman Fred Durst delivered a surprising and heartfelt performance during the Back to the Beginning tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath, even though he didn’t attend in person.

While the farewell show in Birmingham brought together many icons from the world of rock and metal, not everyone could be onstage. Still, plenty of artists found other ways to show respect. Durst chose one of the more unexpected routes, a stripped-down rendition of “Changes,” a ballad first released on Vol. 4 in 1972.

As part of a series of video tributes shown throughout the event, messages from names like AC/DC, Judas Priest, and Def Leppard were played, thanking Ozzy and the band for shaping the heavy music landscape. Durst’s segment stood out by skipping the talking head routine and going straight into music.

The video started with a short message from Durst:

“I’m here to honor the legend, the maestro, Ozzy Osbourne. I’ve got to say, I love Ozzy’s voice. I love his music. I’ve been listening for most of my life. It’s an absolute honor to be part of this historic event. I can’t imagine a world without Ozzy Osbourne, and I’m just so grateful the world has him. I’ll try to do this for you, Ozzy. Let’s feel this beauty together.”

Fred then launched into an acoustic version of Changes, backed by just guitar and cello. The result was surprisingly intimate, far removed from Limp Bizkit’s usual sound, and maybe that was the point.

It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t ironic. It was Durst showing a rare side of himself, connecting with a song that’s more about reflection than rage.

The tribute was broadcast during the live show on July 5 and came just after YUNGBLUD had performed Changes live on stage (watch below). Durst’s version was presented afterward as a contrasting, more personal interpretation.

About Fred Durst

Fred Durst is the lead vocalist of Limp Bizkit, a band that rose to prominence in the late 1990s as part of the nu-metal wave. Known for mixing rap, metal, and aggressive stage presence, the group found commercial success with albums like Significant Other (1999) and Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water (2000).

Durst became a recognizable figure in the early 2000s, not just for his music but also for public feuds, bold fashion choices, and appearances in pop culture. Outside of Limp Bizkit, he has directed films, including The Education of Charlie Banks (2007) and The Fanatic (2019), and occasionally pursued solo projects.

Though often dismissed by critics, Durst has maintained a loyal following and continues to tour and release music with Limp Bizkit. His involvement in the Back to the Beginning event shows a different side of his career, separate from the confrontational image he built during the band’s peak.

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