Who’s performing the Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the 2025 MTV VMAs? Music fans around the world are asking this burning question as the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards prepares to honor the legendary “Prince of Darkness” with an all-star performance featuring Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, punk sensation Yungblud, and Extreme’s guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt.
What Makes This Ozzy Osbourne Tribute So Special?
This isn’t just any ordinary tribute performance. The four musicians will join forces for a “once-in-a-lifetime performance,” honoring the Prince of Darkness with a medley of his greatest hits during the LL Cool J-hosted event. What makes this Ozzy Osbourne tribute even more poignant is that three of the four musicians tapped for the VMAs Ozzy tribute previously helped celebrate the singer at his Back to the Beginning farewell concert on July 5, held less than three weeks before his death on July 22 at the age of 76.
When will the Ozzy Osbourne tribute air? The 2025 VMAs will air live from New York’s UBS Arena on Sunday at 8 p.m. EST on the CBS Television Network, simulcast on MTV and streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.
Why This Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Matters to Classic Rock Fans
Classic rock news rarely brings together such diverse generations of musicians for one performance. The Ozzy Osbourne tribute represents more than just a memorial – it’s a celebration of how one man’s music transcended decades and influenced countless classic rock artists.
Ozzy has a long, storied history with MTV. The singer hosted Headbangers Ball in the ’80s, judged the short-lived Battle for Ozzfest show in 2004 and starred in the beloved reality TV series The Osbournes along with his family. He also received the MTV Europe Music Awards’ Global Icon Award in 2014.
The Star-Studded Lineup Behind the Ozzy Osbourne Tribute
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry – The Aerosmith legends bring decades of rock experience to this Ozzy Osbourne tribute. Their chemistry with Ozzy dates back to numerous collaborations and mutual respect within the classic rock community.
Yungblud – The British punk-rock sensation represents the new generation inspired by Ozzy’s rebellious spirit. Yungblud and Bettencourt teamed up with Sleep Token II at the show in Birmingham, U.K. for a moving cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes”.
Nuno Bettencourt – Extreme’s guitarist brings technical mastery and emotional depth to the Ozzy Osbourne tribute, having worked closely with the metal legend in recent performances.
What Songs Will Be Featured in the Ozzy Osbourne Tribute?
While the exact setlist remains under wraps, fans can expect the Ozzy Osbourne tribute to feature his most iconic tracks. Given the performers’ history, classics like “Crazy Train,” “Mr. Crowley,” “Shot in the Dark,” and potentially Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid” could make the cut. <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/watch?v=a39dBeWsqyQ” title=”Powerhouse Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Set for 2025 MTV VMAs” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>
How This Ozzy Osbourne Tribute Honors His Legacy
With more than 120 million albums sold worldwide, Ozzy stands as a five-time Grammy Award winner, a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (with BLACK SABBATH in 2006 and as a solo artist in 2024), and a recipient of countless other honors, including stars on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Birmingham Walk of Stars.
The Ozzy Osbourne tribute represents the passing of the torch from classic rock veterans to modern artists who continue to be inspired by his groundbreaking work. This performance shows how authentic rock music continues to resonate across generations.
What Classic Rock Fans Can Expect
This Ozzy Osbourne tribute promises to be one of the most emotionally charged moments of the 2025 MTV VMAs. The combination of seasoned performers and rising stars ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers to classic rock will experience something truly special.
Ozzy’s late-in-life health setbacks and battle to return to the stage will be chronicled in the feature-length documentary Ozzy Osbourne: No Escape From Now, which will debut on Paramount+ later this year.
The performance will serve as both a celebration of life and a reminder of why Ozzy Osbourne remains one of the most influential figures in rock history. For classic rock enthusiasts, this Ozzy Osbourne tribute represents the perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary artistry.
Don’t miss this historic Ozzy Osbourne tribute when the 2025 MTV VMAs air live on Sunday, September 7th at 8 PM EST on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.
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Sources:
- https://ultimateclassicrock.com/ozzy-osbourne-vmas-tribute-2025/
- https://www.loudersound.com/bands-artists/yungblud-steven-tyler-joe-perry-and-nuno-bettencourt-to-honour-ozzy-osbourne-with-performance-at-mtv-video-music-awards
- https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/ozzy-osbourne-tribute-2025-mtv-vmas-performers-1236059734/
- https://www.aol.com/entertainment/ozzy-osbourne-mtv-vmas-tribute-144520057.html
- https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/vmas-2025-yungblud-aerosmith-members-ozzy-osbourne-tribute-1235422182/
- https://metaladdicts.com/steven-tyler-joe-perry-yungblud-and-nuno-bettencourt-to-pay-tribute-to-ozzy-osbourne-at-2025-mtv-vmas/
