Rod Stewart is facing growing backlash after airing a surreal AI-generated tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his live show, with fans calling the clip “sick and weird”.
The rocker 80-year-old singer of using late stars’ likenesses in inappropriate ways. The concert video, shown on screen during Stewart’s current tour, depicts the Black Sabbath frontman in a cartoon-like version of heaven.
He is seen cheerfully taking selfies with a string of deceased music icons, including Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, Tina Turner, Bob Marley and slain rapper XXXTentacion.
While Stewart seemingly intended it as a tribute, the reaction online has been anything but reverent and shows no signs of dying down.
Adding to the unease, Stewart reportedly told the crowd after the video played: “Very sad. A lot of those people died 'cause of drugs… I'm still here, though!”
@iamsloanesteel Last night I went to a Rod Stewart concert and he played this “tribute” to Ozzy. The selfie sticks in heaven?!! XXXTentacion?! #ozzyosbourne #rodstewart #XXXTentacion
♬ original sound - Sloane Steel
“This is sick and weird. Rod Stewart using AI to show Ozzy in heaven with dead celebs?” one fan posted on X..
Many were particularly incensed that the likenesses of the stars, several of whom died tragically young or amid controversy, were used without apparent permission.
“I hope several estates of several artists that are no longer here SUE ROD STEWART,” read one furious comment. “That was disgusting and pathetic. Using AI for their likeness at your concert. Without permission,” said another.
Others pointed out that Stewart and Osbourne actually performed together in real life, making the AI spectacle feel even more unnecessary. “Another wrote: “Instead of blasting AI images of Ozzy in heaven, they could’ve just used an actual picture of him and Rod together,” a fan commented.
Still, not all the reactions were negative. One fan defended the tribute, calling it “such a beautiful video” that “makes you think he’s reunited legendary musicians we’ve lost.” Another admitted: “Distasteful, yes. Do I hate it? No. The gesture’s coming from a good place, it just could’ve been done in a better way.”
Meanwhile, if Stewart is hoping the storm might blow over he shouldn’t hold his breath. The backlash is only intensifying as the clip, which surfaced earlier this week, continues to trend and go viral.
However, in a sign that the Osbourne family may not be offended, Ozzy’s official social media account reposted a tribute Stewart shared following the rock legend’s recent death. “Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner,” the post read.
Rod Stewart’s representatives have not yet commented on the controversy.
Osbourne died on 22 July 2025, at age 76, at his Buckinghamshire home surrounded by family, just 17 days after his emotional final concert,
Back to the Beginning, in Birmingham. His death certificate cited “cardiac arrest” and “acute myocardial infarction,” with coronary artery disease and Parkinson’s disease as contributing factors.
A public funeral procession through Birmingham followed on July 30, with crowds lining Broad Street to pay tribute as his cortege passed landmarks like the Black Sabbath Bridge and bench.
The next day, a private family funeral was held at his Buckinghamshire estate where he was laid to rest by a peaceful lake, according to his wishes.
Attendees included Sharon Osbourne, their children, and rock luminaries such as Marilyn Manson, James Hetfield, and Ozzy’s Black Sabbath bandmates
