Rod Stewart’s latest tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne has left fans scratching their heads, with reactions ranging from laughter and confusion to praise and outrage.
During his July 29 concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, the 79-year-old singer honored the late rock icon by performing Forever Young—but it was the AI-generated video playing behind him that stole the show… and divided the internet.
An AI Afterlife: Ozzy in Heaven with a Selfie Stick?
The tribute featured a surreal animated scene: Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76, is shown in heaven taking selfies with other late music legends using a selfie stick.
Appearances included the likes of Tina Turner, Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Prince, Tupac, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse—all digitally recreated through AI.
Stewart added commentary mid-performance, saying,
“Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though!”
While meant to be light-hearted and sentimental, the strange scene hit different notes for different people—some calling it deeply moving, others labeling it creepy, tone-deaf, or just plain weird.
The Internet Reacts: “JAIL IMMEDIATELY”
Social media quickly lit up with fan-recorded clips and fierce commentary. On Instagram, one concertgoer wrote:
“Yes, the rumors are true: I went to a Rod Stewart concert last night (lol) and witnessed man made horrors beyond my comprehension.”
Other reactions ranged from playful to harsh:
“This is a crime that should be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
“JAIL IMMEDIATELY.”
“Do we genuinely think Amy Winehouse would be smiling at a selfie stick even in heaven?”
Some called it disrespectful to include certain artists, particularly Prince, who was famously against the use of digital recreations of deceased artists.
“Prince was 100% against this type of technology. He made that very clear while he was alive.”
Others mocked the choice of tech itself. One joked,
“Being buried with my selfie stick like a modern-day pharaoh so I can join in,”
while another posted a GIF of Larry David breaking a selfie stick in half.
Boomer Humor or Beautiful Tribute?
While many viewers slammed the video for being insensitive, some fans came to Stewart’s defense, seeing it as a heartfelt nod to lost legends.
“I think this is great!! I see NO disrespect… only people that have passed on and are enjoying each other again.”
“Why on earth is this disrespectful? Meeting with all those stars in heaven is a good thing to wish!”
“FAR from disrespectful. I loved it. He was showing respect. You should try it!”
Still, others questioned who the tribute was really for.
“Boomers love AI,” someone joked.
“You know someone like 65 is filming this at the other side of the venue and crying.”
Another said it had “Live, Love, Laugh vibes.”
No Comment from Stewart… Yet
As of now, Rod Stewart has not commented publicly on the mixed reaction to the tribute. However, he previously honored Osbourne on Instagram the day of his death, writing:
“Bye, bye, Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.”
It’s clear Stewart meant to honor his fellow rocker with love and humor—but whether or not it landed that way is a different story.
Rod Stewart’s AI tribute to Ozzy Osbourne was intended as a moving, modern memorial to a fallen friend—but for many, it missed the mark.
While some found it touching and joyful, others were quick to call it tone-deaf or even disrespectful, especially given how some of the deceased musicians felt about technology like AI while they were alive.
In the end, it’s a reminder that while tech can bring back familiar faces, it can’t always capture the spirit—or respect—the real people deserve.
