Rock legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry reunited for a heartfelt tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 7, honored Osbourne, who died in July at age 76.
The tribute roared to life as Yungblud stormed the stage with a fiery rendition of “Crazy Train.”
Shirtless at first, he later slipped into a jacket for a raw, emotional take on “Changes.”
Before long, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith stepped into the spotlight, drawing a thunderous ovation as they joined Yungblud for a soul-stirring version of “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
Guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt added his signature flair, heightening the electricity in the arena.
Once on stage, Yungblud closed the tribute by shouting, “Ozzy forever, man!”—a rallying cry that sent chills through the audience.
Held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, the performance united generations of rock stars on one stage to honor the Prince of Darkness with a medley that had both fans and performers visibly emotional.
Tyler Returns After Retiring From Touring
This was no ordinary performance for Tyler.
The 77-year-old rocker returned to the award-show stage for the first time since Aerosmith retired from touring in 2024 due to his vocal-cord injury.
His raspy yet powerful delivery brought an extra layer of poignancy to the moment, his voice breaking slightly as the crowd sang along.
In August 2024, the band issued a heartfelt statment when announcing they would be no longer touring.
“Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury,” it read. “We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.”
Jack Osbourne Introduced the Tribute
The segment began with a touching video from Ozzy’s son Jack Osbourne, joined by his children wearing “Ozzy” shirts.
“I wish we could be there with you all tonight as you celebrate my dad’s amazing musical journey,” he told viewers. “I know for sure it would make him incredibly happy to see these great musicians carry on his legacy and help inspire the next generation of rockers.”
He added, “We love you, dad.”
The grandchildren added, “In the words of our papa, ‘Let’s go crazy!’”
Their heartfelt words set the tone for the night, reminding the world that while the Black Sabbath frontman was a cultural icon, he was also a devoted father and grandfather.
