Rod Stewart Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: ‘We’ve Lost One of the Greatest’
via Shonana / YouTube
When news broke on July 22 that Ozzy Osbourne had passed away, the rock world collectively mourned. One of the most vocal tributes came from fellow British icon Rod Stewart, who began dedicating his live rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” to the late Prince of Darkness. Initially, the tribute featured a respectful slideshow of photographs showing Osbourne throughout his career, both solo and with Black Sabbath.
Audiences responded warmly to the gesture, appreciating the sincerity behind Stewart’s nod to one of heavy metal’s most enduring figures. Osbourne’s legacy, after all, spans decades and touched countless lives through his music, stage presence, and unmistakable persona. Stewart’s use of “Forever Young,” with its lyrical themes of resilience and remembrance, proved to be a fitting choice.
But as Stewart’s tour continued, so did the evolution of his tribute — and not without controversy. What started as a traditional homage quickly turned into something more experimental, drawing mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
The Bizarre AI Twist
In a recent show near Atlanta, fans witnessed a transformed version of Stewart’s tribute — this time, with a surreal twist. Instead of photos, the big screen now displayed AI-generated footage of Ozzy Osbourne in heaven, mingling and snapping selfies with departed music legends like Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain, Tina Turner, and Michael Jackson. The video attempted to create a virtual afterlife jam session, but the execution left many scratching their heads.
During a show in Charlotte on July 29, Stewart introduced the updated tribute by saying, “Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though!” While the comment drew some chuckles, the combination of heartfelt sentiment and oddly artificial imagery was jarring. The AI-rendered faces carried the typical unsettling digital sheen, prompting viewers to question the tone of the tribute.
More troubling for some was the inclusion of Michael Jackson, a figure whose legacy remains polarizing due to years of abuse allegations. Though never convicted, his presence alongside other musical legends raised ethical questions — and overshadowed the tribute’s original purpose. Fans voiced their discomfort online, calling the video “soooo weird” and even “hell nah.”
Tribute or Misstep? Fans React
Rod Stewart’s intentions seem rooted in admiration and respect. At 80 years old, he continues to tour the globe, and his desire to honor those who’ve passed — especially a cultural force like Ozzy — is understandable. But the blending of emerging tech like AI with emotionally charged moments isn’t always seamless, and in this case, it may have gone too far.
Some fans found the updated tribute touching in its ambition, interpreting the AI imagery as a modern way to visualize heaven’s rock lineup. Others, however, viewed it as a distraction — a digital gimmick that clashed with the raw emotion of the song and the loss it aimed to acknowledge. The sentiment was there, but the medium felt mismatched.
As Stewart continues his world tour through 2025 — from small-town Mississippi to the stages of Abu Dhabi — one thing is clear: the tribute has people talking. Whether the conversation leans toward admiration or bewilderment, it’s a reminder that even in mourning, the way we honor our idols is evolving — sometimes beautifully, sometimes awkwardly.
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