Tribute to a Heavy Metal Legend
The 2025 Video Music Awards took place on Sunday evening, and it was a night to remember as the show paid tribute to the one and only Ozzy Osbourne, just over a month after his passing at the age of 76. Ozzy, also known as the Prince of Darkness, left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of rockers.
A Life of Music and Legacy
Ozzy Osbourne died on July 22, just 17 days after his last show with Black Sabbath. His son, Jack, presented a tribute to his father, along with his four daughters, through a proposed video. Jack expressed his hope that great musicians would continue his father’s legacy and inspire the next generation of rockers. He introduced the four artists who took part in the tribute: Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, singer Yungblud, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The tribute segment ended with Jack and his children quoting their dad’s iconic words: "Let’s go crazy!" This was followed by a video montage of Ozzy’s life and career, showcasing his most memorable moments. Then, Yungblud, Tyler, Perry, and Bettencourt took the stage to perform a medley of Ozzy’s greatest hits. Yungblud started with Ozzy’s solo hit "Crazy Train" from 1980, which was also featured in the MTV reality series "The Osbournes" in the early 2000s.
A Musical Celebration
The tribute continued with Yungblud slowing down the pace with a cover of Black Sabbath’s 1972 song "Change". Then, Tyler joined the stage to sing Ozzy’s 1991 hit "Mama, I’m Coming Home", accompanied by Perry on guitar. Yungblud returned to the microphone, and he and Tyler performed a duet that built into a crescendo, complete with pyrotechnics and a passionate scream of "Ozzy forever!"
The 2025 VMAs
The 2025 VMAs were broadcast live from the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, and were hosted by LL Cool J. The show was aired on CBS, in addition to its long-time home on MTV, and was also streamed live on Paramount+ for subscribers to the premium plan. The event was produced by former MTV boss Van Toffler and his company Gunpowder & Sky, along with the thieves of the thieves.
Reliving the Magic
For those who missed the show, a list of the wildest VMA moments of all time is available, as well as a list of the 2025 VMA winners and photos of the stars’ red-carpet arrivals. The 2025 VMAs were a night to remember, and the tribute to Ozzy Osbourne was a highlight of the evening, celebrating his life, legacy, and contributions to the music industry.
