Yungblud’s Heartfelt Rock Tribute: Honoring Ozzy Osbourne at the VMAs
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held on September 7, the late Ozzy Osbourne was honored in a moving rock tribute. The segment featured powerhouse performances by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, modern rock figure Yungblud, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. A pre-recorded video introduction by Ozzy’s son Jack and his daughters—wearing “Ozzy” T-shirts—set a deeply personal tone, with Jack concluding, “In the words of our Papa, let’s go crazy!” (Page Six, People.com, BLABBERMOUTH.NET)
The musical tribute started with Yungblud delivering a stirring rendition of “Crazy Train,” followed by a soulful take on Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” Steven Tyler then took center stage with “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” joined by Yungblud in a powerful duet. The performance culminated in a group embrace amid dramatic pyrotechnics, as Yungblud declared, “Ozzy forever man!” (Page Six, People.com, BLABBERMOUTH.NET)
Ozzy & Yungblud: A Bond Forged in Icons and Icons-to-be
Their relationship was rooted in mutual admiration and symbolized by a powerful exchange of gifts:
- Ozzy’s gift to Yungblud (2022): During the filming of Yungblud’s 2022 music video for “The Funeral,” Ozzy presented him with one of his signature gold cross necklaces. Yungblud has since described it as “the most precious thing I own.” (The Independent, HELLO!, Wikipedia)
- Yungblud’s reciprocation (July 5, 2025): At Black Sabbath’s farewell concert, Back to the Beginning, Yungblud presented Ozzy with a custom-made chain featuring a cross crafted from gold and diamonds, encased in a wooden box engraved: “To Oz, I hope this brings you luck. Love always, Dom.” Ozzy, visibly moved, called it “f—— unbelievable,” and responded with a warm hug and words of encouragement to “conquer America.” (New York Post, NME, Rock News, Yahoo Lifestyle, Loudwire, The Tab, Metal Injection)
This exchange underscored the depth of their connection, one built on mentorship and a shared love for unapologetic individualism. Yungblud famously looked up to Ozzy as his “North Star,” citing him as a symbol of being utterly yourself, no compromise. (The Independent, NME)
Infusing Your Segment with Emotion and Context
1. Set the Scene
Begin with visuals or narration about the emotional VMAs tribute: Ozzy’s family, the iconic performances, and Yungblud’s declaration of “Ozzy forever.”
2. Explore the Bond
Delve into the backstory of their unique friendship:
- Show Yungblud wearing Ozzy’s cross and explaining its deep meaning.
- Describe the emotional gift exchange at Villa Park and how it symbolized a passing of the torch.
- Use quotes like:
- “Ozzy was my North Star…”
- Ozzy’s response: “That is f—— unbelievable.”
3. Close with Legacy
Emphasize how Yungblud’s performance and gestures reflect Ozzy’s impact on the next generation. Mention Yungblud’s vow to perform “Changes” nightly and how their story brings rock heritage into the future.
