Yungblud Leads Powerful Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at 2025 VMAs

NEW YORK, Sept. 8 - British rocker Yungblud honored his late mentor Ozzy Osbourne with a stirring medley of Black Sabbath classics at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena, donning Iggy Pop’s iconic low-rise leather pants on the red carpet and delivering a heartfelt on-stage performance.

The rocker’s tribute underscored the deep creative bond between the two artists and spotlighted Yungblud’s role as a torchbearer for modern rock.

Nut Graf

Yungblud’s VMAs performance marked a high-profile homage to Osbourne, who passed in July 2025. Tasked with kicking off the evening’s tribute, he bridged generational divides by channeling Sabbath’s raw energy and reaffirming his commitment to preserving the Prince of Darkness’s legacy.

Tribute Performance Highlights

  • Opening with “Crazy Train”: Backed by Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, Yungblud launched into the energetic anthem, setting an electrifying tone for the tribute.
  • Soulful “Changes”: Shifting gears, he delivered a poignant rendition of Sabbath’s ballad “Changes,” having previously performed it during the Back to the Beginning concert earlier this summer.
  • Collaborative Finale: Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined Yungblud for “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” blending their storied rock legacies in a unifying finale.

Red Carpet Statement

Arriving shirtless under a fur-trimmed leather coat, Yungblud revealed Iggy Pop’s vintage leather pants-held aloft by a statement belt-before striking poses that showcased tattoos symbolizing his rock heritage. He credited girlfriend and designer Jesse Jo Stark for his coat and revealed he would honor Osbourne by wearing the late icon’s cross necklace.

Why It Matters

Yungblud’s performance transcended a mere awards show spot: it served as a public affirmation that rock’s past and future remain in dynamic conversation. By channeling Sabbath’s classics with authenticity and showmanship, he reinforced rock’s enduring cultural relevance and the personal impact Ozzy Osbourne had on his artistic journey.