A string of rock musicians honored Ozzy Osbourne at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night, performing a medley of the late singer's best-known songs at the UBS Arena in New York.
The tribute opened with a pre-recorded video message from Osbourne's son, Jack, and the singer's grandchildren. Jack said, "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." His grandchildren invoked the singer's signature call to action, saying, "In the words of our papa, 'Let's go crazy.'"
The onstage portion featured English singer Dominic "Yungblud" Harrison alongside Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt and Black Sabbath keyboardist Adam Wakeman performing "Crazy Train" and the Black Sabbath ballad "Changes." Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry joined the group later to perform "Mama, I'm Coming Home." The set concluded with performers shouting, "Ozzy forever, man!"
Osbourne, the former Black Sabbath frontman who became a household name through his music and the reality series The Osbournes, died July 22 at age 76 following a heart attack, prompting tributes across the music world. The VMAs tribute came months after Osbourne's farewell concert in Birmingham, where some of the same musicians appeared amid the singer's declining health.
Yungblud, who publicly announced he would participate in the VMAs tribute on Instagram, had formed a close relationship with Osbourne after meeting him in 2022. He delivered a reading at Osbourne's funeral and has described their relationship as a deep personal bond. In social media posts and interviews following the singer's death, Yungblud said he was texting Osbourne shortly before being informed by Jack Osbourne that the singer had died.
Yungblud also shared images of a cross necklace Osbourne had given him in 2022 and posted a photograph of a cross he later gave to Osbourne before Black Sabbath's final show. In announcing his role at the VMAs, Yungblud wrote that he would "try my best to do you proud Oz. Tune in from up there. I love you forever."
Osbourne's career spanned decades and genres, from pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath to a solo career that produced enduring singles such as "Crazy Train" and "Mama, I'm Coming Home." He and members of his family remained visible figures in popular culture after the early 2000s reality series, and Osbourne also received recognition on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The VMAs tribute reflected both the generational reach of Osbourne's influence and the personal connections many contemporary artists said they shared with him. Performers and family members emphasized continuity of Osbourne's musical legacy and the personal affection that informed the evening's tribute.