Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Headlines Ozzy Osbourne Tribute at MTV VMAs

Steven Tyler joined Joe Perry, Yungblud and Nuno Bettencourt on stage Sunday at UBS Arena in New York to deliver a powerful medley honoring the late Ozzy Osbourne at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards. Tyler’s return follows a vocal injury that sidelined him and prompted Aerosmith’s farewell tour postponement.

In a night dedicated to rock heritage, Tyler fronted an all-star lineup to celebrate Ozzy’s legacy, blending classic hits and modern energy. The performance underscored Tyler’s resilience and cemented his status as a bridge between rock’s past and present.

Highlights of the tribute included:

• A rousing rendition of “Crazy Train,” kicked off by Yungblud’s shirtless entrance and Nuno Bettencourt’s searing guitar riffs
• A dramatic staging featuring stained glass imagery and candelabras during “Changes”
• Tyler and Perry joining Yungblud for “Mama, I’m Coming Home” on the catwalk amid fireworks and neon crosses

Ozzy Osbourne, who died July 22 at 76, was lauded in a joint statement by Aerosmith as “a voice that changed music forever” and “a true pioneer of heavy rock”. Hosted by LL Cool J, the ceremony celebrated the ceremony’s star-studded moments with Tyler’s tribute already cited as one of the night’s defining highlights.