At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, the late Mr. Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away in July at the age of 76, was posthumously honored with a tribute performance.
The tribute featured Mr. Steven Tyler, aged 77, and Mr. Joe Perry, aged 74, of Aerosmith, performing alongside Mr. Yungblud, aged 28, and Mr. Nuno Bettencourt, aged 58, guitarist of Extreme. The performance was introduced with a video montage in which Mr. Osbourne’s children — Jack, Kelly, Aimee, and Jessica — appeared wearing shirts bearing his image while sharing personal recollections of their father.
Mr. Tyler appeared on stage notwithstanding a permanent vocal cord injury sustained two years earlier, which resulted in a fractured larynx in September 2023 and subsequently caused Aerosmith to cease touring indefinitely.
The tribute commenced with Mr. Yungblud’s rendition of Mr. Osbourne’s iconic ‘All Aboard’ call, followed by performances of Changes and Crazy Train from Black Sabbath’s repertoire. Mr. Tyler and Mr. Perry then joined to perform Mama, I’m Coming Home, receiving significant applause from the audience.
Prior to the event, Ms. Taylor Momsen expressed to Page Six her admiration for Mr. Osbourne and Black Sabbath, stating that his music was foundational to her artistic identity. She described his influence as ‘ingrained in my psyche and being,’ adding that she felt a personal connection to him and his family.
Mr. Bettencourt also emphasized the significance of his participation in the tribute, describing Mr. Osbourne as a ‘godfather’ figure to rock and metal guitarists, and further noting that Mr. Osbourne’s cultural impact had touched countless individuals across generations.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards were convened at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.
The event featured the highly anticipated return of Ms. Lady Gaga following a five-year absence. Additional performances were delivered by Ms. Doja Cat, Ms. Mariah Carey, Mr. Jelly Roll, Ms. Sabrina Carpenter, Mr. Post Malone, Ms. Tate McRae, and Mr. J Balvin.
Presenters included Ms. Ciara, Ms. Ashlee Simpson Ross, Ms. Drew Barrymore, Ms. Jessica Simpson, Ms. Nikki Glaser, Ms. Paris Hilton, Ms. Livvy Dunne, and Ms. Ice Spice.
The ceremony was hosted by rapper and actor LL Cool J and, for the first time, was broadcast on the major network CBS, with simultaneous streaming available on Paramount+ Premium and MTV.#newsafro_
