Rod Stewart may have meant well, but fans are fuming over his decision to use artificial intelligence to honor Ozzy Osbourne—just days after the legendary rocker passed away.
During a July 29th concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, Stewart played a controversial A.I.-generated video as a tribute to Ozzy. The clip, intended to celebrate the late Black Sabbath frontman’s legacy, is now going viral for all the wrong reasons.
What the A.I. Tribute Showed
The video, which has since been widely circulated on social media, depicts a digitally-created Ozzy Osbourne holding a selfie stick, smiling and posing with other deceased music legends. We’re talking:
- Prince
- Michael Jackson
- Kurt Cobain
- Freddie Mercury
- Tina Turner
- Tupac Shakur
- Bob Marley
- Aaliyah
- George Michael
- XXXTentacion
In the surreal montage, the stars appear eerily lifelike—but fans say the whole thing feels wrong.
️ Too Soon? Fans Think So.
The biggest issue? The video was shown exactly one week after Ozzy’s passing on July 22. Fans say the timing was deeply insensitive, with many calling it:
- “Disturbing”
- “Tasteless”
- “Tone-deaf and exploitative”
Critics argue that the idea of Ozzy “smiling in heaven with other dead celebs” feels disrespectful, especially considering the rocker’s famously edgy persona and deeply private family.
Social Media Erupts
Twitter and TikTok users didn’t hold back:
“This is not a tribute, it’s a Black Mirror episode.”
“Rod Stewart using A.I. to make Ozzy pose with Michael Jackson & Tupac is WILD.”
“You mean to tell me Rod had real footage of Ozzy… and chose THIS?”
The outrage spans fans of all the artists included. Some are even questioning whether Stewart got permission from the estates of the other stars featured in the video.
A Real Friendship, Questionable Tribute
Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne have shared the stage before, and sources close to both say there’s genuine respect between the two legends. Which is why many are scratching their heads over why Stewart didn’t opt for archival footage, throwback interviews, or even a live speech to honor his late friend.
A.I. and Celebrity Tributes—Where’s the Line?
This controversy comes as A.I. continues to shake up the entertainment world. From deepfake videos to synthetic voices, fans and critics alike are asking: Just because you can use A.I., should you?
When it comes to mourning real people, many say the answer is a hard no.
What’s Next for Rod?
So far, Rod Stewart hasn’t commented publicly on the backlash. No word yet on whether he plans to continue using the A.I. tribute on the rest of his tour.
Fans are now calling on him to pull the video entirely—and maybe go back to basics when it comes to honoring a rock icon like Ozzy Osbourne.
What Do YOU Think?
Was Rod’s tribute innovative or insensitive? Would Ozzy have appreciated the virtual meet-up in the sky, or rolled his eyes?
Drop your thoughts below and stick with The Pop Radar for more on this developing story, fan reactions, and whether Rod responds to the backlash.
