A Night of Legends, A Night of Legacy
The MTV Video Music Awards are known for spectacle—glittering stages, shocking outfits, and viral moments. But on September 7, 2025, the biggest shock wasn’t a wardrobe malfunction or a controversial speech. It was the roar of guitars, the crack of drums, and the unmistakable echo of songs that defined generations.
This year’s VMAs carved its name into history with an emotional, powerhouse tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. In one unforgettable set, Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt came together to honor the Prince of Darkness in a performance that bridged decades of rock.
The Tribute Begins: Yungblud Lights the Fuse
The tribute opened with a video montage introduced by the Osbourne family—Jack Osbourne and loved ones reflecting on Ozzy’s legacy. Clips from Black Sabbath’s early days, wild stage antics, and candid family moments rolled across the screen, reminding the audience why this man was more than just a rock star—he was a cultural phenomenon.
Then, in a burst of light and fire, Yungblud stormed the stage. Shirtless, electric, and uncontainable, he launched into “Crazy Train”. The opening riff ripped through the arena like a thunderclap.
His performance wasn’t an imitation—it was a reinterpretation. Yungblud’s manic energy and raspy snarl carried Ozzy’s rebellious spirit into 2025. The crowd, a mix of Gen Z fans and lifelong metalheads, rose instantly to their feet.
Without pause, he pivoted into “Changes”, one of Ozzy’s most vulnerable songs. Where “Crazy Train” had been ferocious, “Changes” was stripped raw. With his voice cracking, Yungblud turned the song into a confession of grief and resilience, the perfect segue for what was about to come.
When Rock Royalty Walks In: Steven Tyler & Joe Perry
As the final chords of “Changes” faded, the arena erupted again—this time for the unmistakable silhouette of Steven Tyler.
The Aerosmith frontman, clad in a flowing jacket and clutching a scarf-wrapped microphone stand, sauntered to center stage with guitarist Joe Perry at his side. Together, they began “Mama, I’m Coming Home”, one of Ozzy’s most beloved solo ballads.
Tyler’s raspy, emotional delivery carried the song into new territory. Perry’s guitar soared, crying with every note. In that moment, the tribute wasn’t about copying Ozzy—it was about channeling the emotions his music unlocked.
The crowd swayed, some with hands over hearts, others holding up their phones like modern-day lighters. Tears streamed down faces. For many, it felt like a goodbye—but also a celebration of a man who changed rock forever.
The Final Charge: Nuno Bettencourt and a United Cry
The tribute’s climax came when Nuno Bettencourt—the virtuoso guitarist from Extreme and longtime friend of Ozzy—took the stage. Known for his blazing solos, Bettencourt added fire to the performance, tearing into a guitar break that left jaws on the floor.
Before the closing moments, Bettencourt took a pause to share a personal reflection:
“Playing with Ozzy was like summer camp for heavy metal. He made us all feel like family. Tonight, we’re his family one more time.”
The final notes swelled, and then—shoulder to shoulder—Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Bettencourt shouted together:
“Ozzy Osbourne forever!”
The crowd answered back in unison. The chant thundered through the Prudential Center in New Jersey, vibrating through every seat and shaking the night to its core.
Why It Mattered: Beyond a Performance
This wasn’t just another VMA stunt. It was a cultural moment, a reminder of rock’s place in a world dominated by pop, rap, and streaming-era stars.
- Inter-generational power: Yungblud represented the new guard, Tyler and Perry embodied classic rock royalty, and Bettencourt stood as a bridge between eras.
- Song choice: “Crazy Train” captured Ozzy’s chaos, “Changes” his vulnerability, and “Mama, I’m Coming Home” his tenderness. It was a curated portrait of a complex legend.
- Emotional depth: Unlike flashy performances, this one leaned into authenticity—raw voices, heartfelt dedications, and an audience that felt less like spectators and more like participants.
Fan Reactions: Social Media in Flames
Within minutes, the tribute dominated social feeds.
- On X (formerly Twitter), #OzzyForever trended worldwide.
- Fans praised Yungblud for “carrying Ozzy’s fire into the future,” while others marveled at Tyler’s ability to command a stage even in his late 70s.
- Clips of the final shout racked up millions of views overnight, with comments like:
- “This is how you honor a legend.”
- “I cried, I screamed, I remembered why I fell in love with rock.”
Even artists outside the rock world chimed in, applauding the set as one of the night’s defining moments.
Critical Response: Standing Among the Night’s Best
Music critics quickly hailed the tribute as a highlight of the 2025 VMAs.
- Pitchfork praised Yungblud’s “feral yet vulnerable energy,” calling it a bold choice that worked.
- Page Six dubbed it “a powerful rock tribute that united generations.”
- Cosmopolitan ranked it among the top five performances of the night, applauding the seamless blending of youthful chaos and veteran polish.
In a show that featured Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, and Tate McRae dominating the pop conversation, this tribute cut through the noise with raw authenticity.
Ozzy’s Spirit: Larger Than Life, Larger Than Death
Ozzy Osbourne’s impact is impossible to quantify. From pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath to carving a solo career filled with anthems, he earned his title as the Prince of Darkness.
But beyond the music, Ozzy became a cultural icon—the reality TV dad, the unpredictable wild man, the survivor of countless battles with addiction and illness. His story is one of chaos, resilience, and reinvention.
The 2025 VMAs tribute wasn’t just about honoring a man who passed—it was about proving his influence is immortal. Every scream, every riff, every tear in the arena testified: Ozzy’s spirit will never fade.
Conclusion: A Legacy Cemented in Song
When the lights dimmed and the crowd’s roar finally quieted, there was a lingering sense that something historic had just happened. This wasn’t nostalgia—it was legacy.
Yungblud lit the fire. Steven Tyler and Joe Perry poured in soul. Nuno Bettencourt added virtuosity. Together, they built a shrine of sound, a reminder that music is the closest thing we have to immortality.
The VMAs 2025 may have crowned winners and sparked headlines, but the moment everyone will remember is when the arena stood as one, fists in the air, screaming:
“Ozzy Osbourne forever!”
And forever, indeed, he will be.
Leave a Reply