Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry and Nuno Bettencourt Rock the Stage for Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at 2025 MTV VMAs

Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Performers Rock the Stage at the 2025 MTV VMAs

The 2025 MTV VMAs saw an electrifying tribute performance in honour of the legendary rocker, Ozzy Osbourne. The late Black Sabbath frontman was remembered in a captivating performance by iconic artists including Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt. Together, they took the stage and delivered a powerful medley of Osbourne’s greatest hits, capturing the essence of his music and legacy.

The tribute performance commenced with Yungblud, accompanied by Bettencourt on guitar, belting out renditions of “Crazy Train” and “Changes.” The stage was then graced by Aerosmith members Tyler and Perry, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” with Yungblud joining in on vocals. The performance culminated in a touching moment as the artists embraced, with Yungblud declaring, “Ozzy forever, man!”

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on the red carpet prior to the show, Bettencourt expressed his disbelief at the opportunity to pay homage to the late rock icon, stating that their performance would resonate with fans and potentially evoke tears. The tribute held special significance following Osbourne’s passing at the age of 76 on July 22, marking the end of an era for rock music.

Days before his passing, Osbourne delivered his final concert with Black Sabbath in Birmingham, England, where Tyler, Yungblud, and Bettencourt were in attendance. The news of Osbourne’s passing reverberated through the music industry, prompting heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians, including Aerosmith, who hailed Osbourne’s transformative influence on music with his unique voice and rebellious spirit.

Yungblud, who shared a special bond with Osbourne and his wife Sharon, featured the couple in his music video for “The Funeral” in 2022. He presented Osbourne with a custom necklace before his final show and pledged to honour him by performing Black Sabbath’s “Changes” at every show for the rest of his career. The homage encapsulated the profound impact Osbourne had on generations of musicians.

Bettencourt, who had the privilege of performing alongside Osbourne at a previous show, paid tribute to the iconic rocker with a medley of his hits during a concert in Zürich. The 2025 MTV VMAs, hosted by LL Cool J, showcased a lineup of stellar performances from artists such as Lady Gaga, Post Malone, and Doja Cat, creating a night of musical celebration and remembrance.

The star-studded event culminated in a fitting tribute to Osbourne’s enduring legacy, underscoring his status as a rock music icon. As fans and musicians alike continue to cherish his music and memory, the tribute performance at the MTV VMAs stands as a poignant reminder of Osbourne’s lasting impact on the music industry and beyond.