Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud Pays Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne In 2025 MTV VMAs

Steven Tyler, Yungblud and joe Perry performing on stage

cvia MTV / youtube

A powerhouse group of rock legends and rising stars came together at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for a thunderous, emotional tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. The performance—featuring Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud—stood out as one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.

A Generational Anthem

The tribute opened with British rocker Yungblud tearing into a high-energy version of “Crazy Train,” shirtless and fearless. He quickly shifted gears into a stirring rendition of “Changes,” putting his own stamp on the classic ballad. As the energy built, Steven Tyler entered to deliver a soaring duet on “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” while longtime bandmate Joe Perry handled guitar duties with his signature swagger.

The performance also featured Nuno Bettencourt, best known as Extreme’s guitar virtuoso, adding layers of texture and finesse. The set ended with Yungblud shouting, “Ozzy forever, man!”—a simple but powerful send-off for the metal icon.

Ties That Bind

All four artists had performed at Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath concert in Birmingham weeks before his passing in July. For Tyler, this marked his first award-show performance since Aerosmith retired from touring in 2024. Bettencourt described the night as “a dream come true,” while Yungblud wore Osbourne’s gold cross on the red carpet—a gift from the Prince of Darkness himself.

A Legacy Cemented

Introduced by Jack Osbourne, the segment was a reminder of how deeply Ozzy’s music cut across generations. From Yungblud’s youthful fire to Tyler’s timeless vocals, the performance captured not just Ozzy’s sound—but his spirit. For one night, the VMAs became a cathedral of rock, built on the legacy of a true original.

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