A Star-Studded Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the 2025 MTV VMAs
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards featured an emotional tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, as rock legends and rising stars came together on stage at Long Island’s UBS Arena.
Introduced by Osbourne’s son Jack and his family, the tribute began with Yungblud delivering a fiery, shirtless performance of “Crazy Train”. He then put on a jacket to perform “Changes”, honoring one of Osbourne’s most emotional tracks.
The performance grew more powerful as Yungblud and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler joined voices for a heartfelt rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home”, while Joe Perry provided the soaring guitar work. Nuno Bettencourt of Extreme also took part in the tribute, helping bring the medley to life.
Yungblud closed the segment with a passionate declaration: “Ozzy forever, man!”, sending a wave of emotion through the crowd.
A Farewell Connected to His Final Show
The tribute carried extra weight, as Tyler, Yungblud, and Bettencourt had all joined Osbourne for his final concert in Birmingham, England, in July 2025. Just over two weeks later, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman and reality TV star of MTV’s The Osbournes passed away, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in rock and heavy metal.
Adding a personal touch, Yungblud arrived at the 2025 VMAs wearing one of Ozzy Osbourne’s necklaces, further underlining the deep impact the singer had on him and on generations of artists.
Other Rock Legends Say Goodbye
The night also reminded fans of other recent farewells in rock. Aerosmith had announced their retirement from touring the previous year, though many of their farewell shows were canceled due to a vocal cord injury suffered by Steven Tyler.
Legacy of a Metal Icon
Osbourne’s influence as the Prince of Darkness shaped not only heavy metal but also modern rock and alternative music. His ability to blend theatricality, darkness, and vulnerability made him one of the most unique figures in music history.
His passing marked the end of an era, but his songs—spanning from Black Sabbath classics to solo anthems—will continue to inspire future generations.
As John Darnielle reflected in his obituary, “For the Back Street Kids,” Osbourne’s legacy isn’t just about the music—it’s about the countless lives his songs touched, and the rebellious spirit he embodied.
Watch the Full Tribute