Rock Legends Unite: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt Deliver Emotional Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at the 2025 VMAs

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards will forever be remembered not only for its star-studded performances but also for one profoundly moving tribute that brought the audience to tears. On a night filled with glamour, spectacle, and pop culture highlights, the spotlight turned toward rock’s “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne. With Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, British rocker YUNGBLUD, and virtuoso guitarist Nuno Bettencourt joining forces, the VMAs delivered an emotional homage that resonated far beyond the stage.

A Night of Mixed Emotions

The VMAs are typically known for dazzling lights, bold fashion, and boundary-pushing performances. Yet on this September night, the mood shifted as the arena dimmed and a montage of Ozzy Osbourne’s life and career played on the big screen. Introduced by Ozzy’s son Jack Osbourne and his granddaughters, the video showcased not only his pioneering role in heavy metal but also the warmth of his family legacy. The audience, already buzzing with anticipation, grew silent as generations of Osbourne’s loved ones reminded everyone that this tribute was both a farewell and a celebration.

YUNGBLUD Opens with Fire

The performance began with YUNGBLUD stepping into the spotlight, shirtless and fierce, unleashing the immortal riffs of “Crazy Train.” His raw energy carried the spirit of Ozzy, blending youthful defiance with emotional vulnerability. As he transitioned into “Changes,” donning a leather jacket and standing shoulder to shoulder with Nuno Bettencourt, the performance became intimate, almost prayer-like. Bettencourt’s soaring guitar lines added texture and depth, weaving seamlessly with YUNGBLUD’s trembling voice. Together, they captured the duality of Ozzy’s music—chaotic rebellion and aching tenderness.

Aerosmith Legends Take the Stage

Just when the crowd thought the tribute had reached its peak, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry emerged. Their presence electrified the arena, instantly transporting fans back to an era where rock ‘n’ roll ruled the world. With YUNGBLUD by their side, the trio delivered a powerful rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” Tyler’s iconic rasp, Perry’s unmistakable riffs, and YUNGBLUD’s passionate energy created a performance that felt both timeless and urgent. It was more than a cover—it was a farewell letter sung with love, gratitude, and reverence.

The Backbone of the Band

Behind the stars stood the unsung heroes of the tribute: drummer Kevin Figueiredo and bassist Derek Frank. Their steady rhythm provided the heartbeat of the medley, allowing the legends up front to shine. Though their names may not dominate headlines, their contribution ensured that the tribute was tight, powerful, and resonant, mirroring the raw drive of Osbourne’s original sound.

Symbolism in Every Detail

One of the most poignant moments came when YUNGBLUD kissed the gold cross necklace Ozzy himself had given him. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes—an acknowledgment of the mentor who had shaped him, and a promise to carry the torch forward. Earlier in the evening, YUNGBLUD had shared that Ozzy once told him, “Never compromise. They’ll get it later.” That advice echoed through his performance, making the tribute not just a goodbye, but also a continuation of Ozzy’s legacy.

Remembering the Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne’s death earlier in 2025 left a void in the music world. At 76, his passing came shortly after what would be his final appearance with Black Sabbath. But his influence extends far beyond heavy metal. From his wild antics to his heartfelt ballads, from the raw power of “Paranoid” to the vulnerability of “Dreamer,” Ozzy embodied contradictions that made him endlessly compelling. He was a pioneer, an icon, and, to his family, a father and grandfather whose love was quieter but no less powerful.

The VMAs tribute underscored this duality. It wasn’t simply about the legend who bit the head off a bat on stage or shocked audiences with his reality TV escapades. It was about the man whose music gave generations of outsiders a voice, whose presence on stage felt dangerous yet oddly comforting. In honoring him, the performers reminded the world that rock ‘n’ roll is as much about heart as it is about noise.

Emotions Overflow

As the final notes of “Mama, I’m Coming Home” faded, Steven Tyler raised his mic toward the heavens, YUNGBLUD shouted “Ozzy forever!” and the crowd erupted into a standing ovation. Tears flowed freely in the audience, from longtime rock fans to younger music lovers who had only recently discovered Osbourne’s music. It was a communal moment of grief and gratitude, where generations connected through a single voice—the voice of Ozzy that will never truly fade.

Reflections from the Performers

Backstage, the emotions were just as raw. Nuno Bettencourt admitted that his younger self would never have believed he would one day stand on a global stage honoring his hero. Steven Tyler called the performance “one of the most meaningful moments” of his career. And YUNGBLUD, still clutching his cross necklace, described it simply: “He’s with me. He always will be.” Their words reflected what fans around the world felt—that Ozzy’s presence was larger than life, and that even in death, his spirit continues to unite.

More Than a Tribute

What made the performance extraordinary was its sincerity. Tributes can sometimes feel staged or performative, but this one radiated authenticity. Every artist on that stage had been touched by Ozzy’s music, his personality, or his mentorship. Their grief was real, but so was their joy in celebrating a life that redefined what it meant to be a rock star. In that sense, the VMAs tribute became something greater than a segment in an awards show—it became a living memorial.

A Legacy That Lives On

Ozzy Osbourne’s influence cannot be measured by record sales alone. His true legacy lies in the artists he inspired, the fans he gave a voice to, and the family he loved fiercely. The 2025 VMAs captured that legacy in a way no statue or award ever could. By uniting legends of rock with a new generation, the tribute showed that his spirit continues to breathe through the music we play, the stories we tell, and the lives he touched.

In the end, the performance was not just about mourning—it was about carrying Ozzy forward. And as the lights dimmed and the arena roared, one truth was clear: Ozzy Osbourne may be gone, but the echoes of his music and his influence will remain eternal.