AI video of Ozzy Osbourne with deceased artists sparks controversy at Rod Stewart’s show

An AI-generated video shown during Rod Stewart’s “One Last Time” tour on August 1 at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia, sparked controversy by depicting Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22, 2025, taking selfies in the sky with other deceased artists like Prince, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse. The tribute, played during the performance of “Forever Young,” drew criticism from fans on social media, who called it disrespectful and tasteless. Stewart, who initially honored Osbourne with a single photo, switched to an AI video featuring names like Michael Jackson and XXXTentacion, leading to mixed reactions. His comment in Charlotte, North Carolina, about many artists dying from drugs while he remains alive fueled further backlash. The tour continues across the U.S., with upcoming dates in Brandon, Mississippi, and the issue remains a hot topic online.

Stewart’s decision to use AI technology to create a posthumous visual narrative raised ethical and cultural debates. The video, showing Osbourne with a selfie stick in a celestial setting, was described as “bizarre” and “disrespectful” by some, while others defended it as a creative way to celebrate the heavy metal icon’s memory. The controversy highlights the growing impact of artificial intelligence in entertainment and the boundaries of its use in posthumous tributes.

• Artists featured: Besides Osbourne, the video includes Prince, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Tina Turner, Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, George Michael, Freddie Mercury, and XXXTentacion.
• Initial reactions: Clips of the video went viral, amassing over three million views on social platforms.
• Tour context: The “One Last Time” tour runs through October in the U.S., with international dates until December.

Reactions divide fans and critics

The AI video’s display triggered a wave of polarized reactions. On social media, many fans expressed outrage, labeling the tribute “tasteless” and “embarrassing.” A viral comment compared the video to a disrespectful take on the legacies of the featured artists, particularly for including controversial figures like Michael Jackson and XXXTentacion. Another user noted that Prince, known for rejecting AI technology, would likely disapprove of the portrayal.

Conversely, some defended Stewart’s approach. Mopreme Shakur, Tupac’s half-brother, praised the tribute as a touching way to honor deceased musicians. A fan wrote that the video offered a joyful vision, showing the artists “smiling in a better place.” The split opinions reflect the complexity of using new technologies for posthumous tributes, especially without the consent of those depicted.

Stewart’s remark in Charlotte about drug-related deaths and his own survival was seen as insensitive by many. Recorded by a local newspaper, the comment added fuel to the controversy, with critics pointing to a lack of tact in addressing such a sensitive topic.

• Ethical concerns: Using AI to depict deceased artists without permission.
• Creative defense: Some view the video as a celebration of musicians’ memories.
• Social media impact: Posts about the video have garnered thousands of interactions.
• Comment context: Stewart’s remark was made after the July 29 performance.

AI use in entertainment

Stewart’s choice of an AI-generated video underscores the growing role of technology in the music industry. Artificial intelligence has been used for virtual performances, like holograms, but its application in posthumous tributes remains a new and controversial frontier. Experts note that while AI can create realistic visuals, the “uncanny valley” effect—discomfort from near-real but slightly artificial images—was evident in Stewart’s video.

Including artists like XXXTentacion, whose career was marked by controversy, and Michael Jackson, subject to unadjudicated allegations, raised questions about the video’s curation. Fans argued the selection felt random and disrespectful, while others highlighted the challenge of depicting public figures in fictional contexts without dishonoring their stories.

• Technological advance: AI enables visual recreations but sparks ethical debates.
• Uncanny valley: Artificial images cause unease for some viewers.
• Controversial choices: Including figures like XXXTentacion drew criticism.
• Industry trend: AI use in concerts is rising but lacks regulation.

History of Stewart and Osbourne’s relationship

Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne shared notable moments in the music industry. In 2002, they performed together, alongside Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard, at Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in London. Their friendship was well-known, and Stewart was among the first to pay tribute after Osbourne’s death, posting on Instagram: “Bye, bye, Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. See you up there—later rather than sooner.”

Stewart’s initial tribute, a single photo of Osbourne during “Forever Young,” was well-received. The shift to an AI video, however, changed many fans’ perceptions. The “One Last Time” tour, celebrating Stewart’s career at 80, has been marked by nostalgic moments, but the AI video stood out as an unexpected and divisive choice.

• 2002 performance: Stewart and Osbourne shared a stage at a royal event.
• Initial tribute: A photo of Osbourne was used before the AI video.
• Ongoing tour: Stewart continues U.S. shows with global dates planned.

Debate over ethics and legacy

Using AI-generated images to portray deceased artists raises profound ethical questions. Without explicit consent from the depicted or their families, such initiatives risk being seen as commercial exploitation. In Osbourne’s case, the absence of an immediate response from his family or representatives left the debate to the public and media.

Critics argue that the technology, while innovative, can trivialize significant legacies. Depicting artists in a fictional setting like the sky may seem like an attempt to capitalize on their images, especially when paired with comments like Stewart’s about drugs. Conversely, AI advocates in entertainment see it as a way to keep icons’ memories alive, provided it’s done sensitively.

• Lack of consent: No depicted artist authorized their image’s use.
• Risk of trivialization: The video may reduce legacies to a visual spectacle.
• Innovation defense: AI can create meaningful tributes if executed well.
• Family response: Osbourne’s family has not yet commented officially.

Tour’s future and ongoing impact

Rod Stewart’s “One Last Time” tour continues across the United States, with confirmed dates through October, before heading to Europe and Abu Dhabi in December. The AI video controversy hasn’t visibly impacted ticket sales, but its online reach keeps the topic prominent. Clips have surpassed three million views on social platforms, with comments ranging from outrage to support.

Ozzy Osbourne’s death at 76, after a battle with Parkinson’s, prompted global tributes. In Birmingham, his hometown, thousands of fans left flowers and messages at the Black Sabbath Bench, and his family held a private ceremony. Stewart’s tribute, though well-intentioned, was overshadowed by its format, sparking discussions on how to honor icons without crossing ethical lines.

• Upcoming dates: Shows in Brandon, Mississippi, and other U.S. cities.
• Online reach: The video has over three million views.
• Osbourne tributes: Birmingham saw thousands honor the singer.
• Ongoing debate: AI use in tributes remains under scrutiny.