Sir Rod Stewart's Recent Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne Sparks Heated Debate

Rod Stewart's tribute to Ozzy Osbourne was meant to honor the rock legend, but an AI-generated video shown onstage has left fans sharply divided.

Sir Rod Stewart's tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne has ignited mixed reactions, with some calling it heartfelt and others labeling it disturbing. During recent performances, Rod has been dedicating his 1988 track "Forever Young" to the Black Sabbath frontman, who died on July 22, aged 76.

The tribute includes a video displayed on-screen behind him — created using artificial intelligence. The AI-generated clip depicts Ozzy in heaven, smiling and posing with a selfie stick alongside other late music icons.

Among those featured are Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Prince, Freddie Mercury, Tupac Shakur, Kurt Cobain, and Bob Marley, among others.

While the intention appeared to be celebratory, the execution has sparked debate online. "I liked it. He’s home now. We are just visitors here on Earth," one supporter commented. Another agreed, writing, "Nothing wrong with this tribute."

But not all responses were positive. "It is awful," one critic wrote. "Beyond Ozzy, having Jimi, Tupac, Kurt, etc all look like puddy-faced extras in a Soundgarden video is disgusting. These were all real people."

Others expressed concern over how Osbourne's family might react. "I doubt Ozzy would be offended but it's really tacky, and I could imagine the family not appreciating it," one person said.

"A lot of people are laughing about it online but it really is one of the most disturbing things I've ever seen," another added. Someone else wrote, "This is disrespectful."

Some specifically wondered about Sharon Osbourne's response. "I'd like to hear what Sharon makes of this tbh," one fan wrote. "I'd like to think she wouldn’t want Ozzy’s image used in this way." As the conversation continues, Stewart has not publicly addressed the criticism.

We previously reported that following the passing of Ozzy, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media from celebrities and fans alike.

Sir Rod Stewart took to Instagram to remember his friend, bidding him farewell with a heartfelt message. "Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I'll see you up there — later rather than sooner."

The way the legendary British singer ended his tribute sparked an emotional wave of responses from fans.

One person wrote, "My heart hurts Sir Rod. Don't you go anywhere yet." Another commented, "Rest in peace, Ozzy. And Rod, this is the fate of all of us, but please, find him later, much later." A third said, "DONT [sic] EVEN START ROD."

Another individual questioned, "Double edged that is....later rather than sooner???" "Great words Sir Rod!!! And you keep on staying with us!!!!" one person added.

Tributes continued to roll in from across the entertainment industry, with fellow celebrities sharing their personal memories and condolences.

Melissa Rivers posted a message to Ozzy's daughter, Kelly Osbourne, "My darling Kelly. I'm at a loss for words. Your dad, and his art, will be so deeply missed."

The "Aquaman" star Jason Momoa also shared his thoughts, writing, "Love you @ozzyosbourne All my aloha @sharonosbourne and ohana. So grateful. RIP."

Jon Bon Jovi expressed his sorrow on Instagram. "Much luv to Sharon and the beautiful Osbourne Family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Rest easy Ozzy [sic].." The post featured two poignant images, one from their early music careers and another from more recent times.

Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale reflected on his brief but memorable interactions with Ozzy. "RIP OZZY - a great man -a true legend - i met ozzy through jack just a few times but he was so warm and kind and funny and i love that memory .sending much love to his family at this difficult time. Rest in power [sic]."

Elton John paid tribute to his friend with a touching message. "So sad to hear the news of @ozzyosbourne passing away. He was a dear friend and a huge trailblazer who secured his place in the pantheon of rock gods - a true legend. He was also one of the funniest people I've ever met. I will miss him dearly. To Sharon and the family, I send my condolences and love."

Actor and comedian Adam Sandler remembered Ozzy's cultural impact across generations, "Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover….Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness - Ozzy Osborne!"

"Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP," concluded Adam.

Ozzy passed away on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. The Osbourne family confirmed the tragic news in a public statement.

"It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time," the statement read.

No cause of death was disclosed. However, the rock icon had faced several health challenges in recent years.

John Michael Osbourne, known globally as Ozzy, rose from a working-class background in Aston, Birmingham, to become one of rock music's most influential figures. He fronted the heavy metal band Black Sabbath, lending his eerie vocals to a new sound that revolutionized the genre.

The group's debut album, Black Sabbath (1970), laid the foundation for heavy metal. Follow-up albums such as Paranoid and Master of Reality cemented their status in music history.

Ozzy's personal life was marked by both notoriety and resilience. He battled substance abuse, experienced legal troubles, and faced serious health issues.

Despite being dismissed from Black Sabbath in 1979 due to his drug and alcohol use, he went on to a successful solo career beginning with Blizzard of Ozz in 1980. His solo work included thirteen studio albums, with Patient Number 9 released in 2022.

Among the most infamous moments of his career was a 1982 incident in Des Moines, Iowa, where he bit the head off a dead bat on stage. Another occurred in 1981, when he bit the heads off two doves at a record label meeting. These episodes, though controversial, became part of his mythos.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he continued to chart with singles such as "Bark at the Moon" and "Perry Mason." In 2003, he reached No. 1 with "Changes," a duet with his daughter Kelly.

Ozzy was a father of six children. He had three kids — Elliot, Jessica, and Louis — with his first wife, Thelma Riley. He later welcomed three more children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack, with his second wife, Sharon Osbourne.

His marriage to Sharon in 1982 was a turning point both personally and professionally, as she became his manager and later founded Ozzfest, a touring metal festival that expanded his influence.

His personal struggles continued into the 2000s. In 1989, he was arrested for attempting to murder Sharon while intoxicated. The couple later reconciled but briefly separated in 2016. Ozzy also survived a near-fatal quad biking accident in 2003 and was diagnosed with Parkin syndrome in 2005.

More recently, he suffered a fall in 2019 that required extensive spinal surgery and other treatments. By 2023, he had canceled several tours due to physical weakness and underwent cutting-edge therapy, including Cybernics (HAL) treatment.

In May 2025, Ozzy gave a rare interview describing the toll of his prolonged treatments. He spoke candidly about his depression and physical pain. Sharon later encouraged him to participate in a farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, held on July 5, 2025, at Villa Park in Birmingham.

Performing seated on a throne, Ozzy reunited with his Black Sabbath bandmates for the first time in two decades. Addressing the crowd, he said, "I've been laid up for six years, and you've got no idea how I feel… Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Ozzys death marks the end of a groundbreaking era in rock music. His influence, both as the frontman of Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, leaves a lasting legacy across generations of fans and musicians alike.