Rod Stewart's AI Ozzy Osbourne Video Sparks Disgust & Controversy
During a recent stop on his “One Last Time” tour, musician Rod Stewart stirred controversy by featuring an AI-generated video of the late Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away on July 22. The video, displayed at Stewart’s August 1 concert in Alpharetta, Georgia, depicted an AI rendition of Osbourne smiling and using a selfie stick to pose with several other deceased musicians.
The digital assembly included figures such as Prince, Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, and Tupac Shakur. Notably, the video also featured rapper Jahseh “XXXTentacion” Onfroy, who faced accusations of violent crimes before his death in 2018, a detail that amplified public criticism.
As the 80-year-old Stewart performed his cover of Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young,” the AI footage played on a large screen behind him. An audience member’s recording of the scene captured audible reactions to the unexpected appearances, including an exclamatory “no, not 2Pac!”
The clip quickly went viral across social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram, drawing widespread condemnation. Many viewers expressed discomfort, with some describing the display as “ghoulish” or “disrespectful.” One individual who filmed the video commented on witnessing “man-made horrors beyond my comprehension,” a phrase that has become a popular meme.
Reports indicate that this AI video segment is not an isolated incident but a recurring feature of Stewart’s tour, having been observed at other concert stops. During the performance, Stewart reportedly commented on the deceased artists, stating, “Very sad. A lot of those people died 'cause of drugs,” before adding, “I’m still here, though!”
The origins of the AI video and the specific reasons for its inclusion in the tour remain unclear. While it was broadcast during Stewart’s performance, no details regarding its creation or purpose have been publicly disclosed. Prior to this AI presentation, Stewart had paid tribute to Osbourne in more traditional ways following his death at age 76, including displaying photos of him on stage and sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram.
The use of AI to digitally resurrect recently deceased public figures, especially in a performance context, continues to raise ethical questions and provoke strong reactions from both fans and the wider public.