In a groundbreaking musical convergence that spans generations of rock royalty, Yungblud and Aerosmith legends Steven Tyler and Joe Perry will unite to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on September 7 at New York’s UBS Arena.
The tribute, designed to celebrate Osbourne’s legacy as the “Prince of Darkness” following his July 17 passing at age 76, will feature guitarist Nuno Bettencourt alongside the supergroup ensemble during the ceremony hosted by LL Cool J.
Yungblud’s inclusion carries particular emotional resonance, as he performed Osbourne’s classic ballad “Changes” at the metal icon’s final Black Sabbath concert on July 5, 2025. Following Osbourne’s death, the young rocker pledged to perform the song nightly in tribute, bridging contemporary music with rock’s storied past while honoring a foundational heavy metal pioneer. Yungblud is currently touring the US in support of his latest album IDOLS, which released on June 20, 2025, via Locomotion/Capitol Records.
For Aerosmith members Tyler and Perry, the performance marks a significant return to the spotlight since their retirement from touring in August 2024. The band’s farewell “Peace Out Tour,” announced in May 2023, was ultimately canceled due to Tyler’s fractured larynx sustained during their September 9, 2023 show at the same UBS Arena where the VMAs tribute will occur, lending symbolic weight to the performance venue. Tyler previously demonstrated his versatility when he performed Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” at the “Back to the Beginning” benefit concert in Birmingham, England.
The tribute stands as a centerpiece amid a star-studded lineup featuring Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin, Post Malone, and Doja Cat.
The ceremony will broadcast live on CBS and MTV while streaming on Paramount+ at 8 p.m. Eastern, promising wide viewership for this cross-generational homage.
Osbourne’s imprint on MTV extends beyond his musical contributions, having starred in the Emmy-winning reality series “The Osbournes” while maintaining his status as heavy metal’s most recognizable figure.
His ability to blend metal with mainstream appeal through hits like “No More Tears” mirrors the VMAs’ own approach to showcasing diverse musical traditions, making this tribute a fitting celebration of his enduring cultural significance. The event also highlights the importance of sync deals for artists, as Osbourne’s catalog continues to generate substantial revenue through licensing in film, television, and commercials long after their original release. Many independent artists are now following Osbourne’s business model by leveraging streaming platforms to distribute their music and build lasting careers that transcend generational boundaries.
