Rod Stewart’s AI-generated tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his One Last Time tour has sparked controversy among fans, with some criticizing it as tacky and others defending it as a respectful gesture. The tribute, which included visuals of Osbourne with other deceased musicians, has divided opinions on social media. Following Osbourne’s death on July 22, Stewart has been dedicating his classic hit, ‘Forever Young,’ to the late rock legend during his shows. However, his most recent tribute – which featured AI visuals of Osbourne posing with late musicians such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Tina Turner, Bob Marley, Freddie Mercury, Kurt Cobain, George Michael, and Amy Winehouse – has sparked a debate among fans. Some people on social media dubbed the tribute as ‘tacky’ and ’embarrassing,’ with one person on X writing, ‘most distasteful thing I’ve seen.’ However, others have come to Stewart’s defense, with one fan writing, ”If this is Rod’s way of showing respect to those people that passed away that’s his way. Everyone is gonna show respect their own way everyone is different everyone isn’t gonna do it the same way.”
Meanwhile, the late rock icon’s funeral has drawn significant attention. Osbourne, who passed away at 76, was laid to rest in the grounds of his own mansion in Buckinghamshire, England. The funeral was a private affair, with close friends and family gathering to say their final goodbye. Among the attendees were Zakk Wylde, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, James Hetfield, and Sir Elton John. A floral tribute on the grounds of the mansion spelled out the words ‘OZZY F—ING OSBOURNE’ on the banks of the Osbourne lake, according to The Daily Mail. In a