(WARNING: what you’re about to read sounds too crazy to be real)

When rock legend Rod Stewart turned his arena stage into a surreal “Heaven selfie” montage, fans were left stunned, furious—and frankly a little scared.

It all started innocently enough. Stewart, on his One Last Time Tour, has been dedicating his classic 1988 ballad “Forever Young” to the late Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22, 2025, at age 76. A heartfelt Instagram post (“Bye bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there – later rather than sooner”) earlier captured that sincerity.

But then, on July 29 in Charlotte, North Carolina, things took an unexpected (and bizarre) turn. As Rod performed, the jumbo screens flickered to life with an AI‑generated video depicting Ozzy floating in heaven with a selfie stick in hand, smiling alongside a literal “who’s‑who” of deceased music legends — Prince, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Tupac, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Whitney Houston and more. Everyone looked ecstatic in the clouds… like they were on some eternal reunion cruise.

Cue the Panic

This was meant to be a tribute, a final salute to Ozzy. Instead, fans erupted on social media—in disbelief, disgust, and dark humor. One user wrote: “man made horrors beyond my comprehension… Ozzy Osbourne with a selfie stick in heaven…” .

Another commenter demanded, “JAIL IMMEDIATELY,” while many bemoaned the inclusion of certain icons—especially Prince, who famously hated AI and guarded his copyright fiercely.

Disrespect or Art?

The backlash? Catastrophic.

Critics called it:

““Disrespectful,” “tone‑deaf,” and downright “cringe.”
AA mockery of solemn memory turned into cartoonish spectacle.
The likenesses of those gone, repurposed without consent or sensitivity. Especially Prince, who had taken steps in life to prevent digital usage of his image.
Then Stewart doubled down on weirdness. After the video, he reportedly quipped:

““Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though!”
That comment, juxtaposed with the dancing dead in the background? For many fans, it was the straw that broke the memorial-drama camel’s back.

But not everyone is mad…

AA vocal minority called it “a beautiful tribute”, saying the montage showed the legends as they should be—in joy, together again in the afterlife.

““FAR from DISrespectful. I loved it… he actually was showing RESPECT,” one comment said.
““Why on earth is this disrespectful???” asked another.
““Only people that have passed on are enjoying each other again. It’s great to see smiling faces…”

Viral, Polarizing, Unforgettable

The video blew up online within hours. Clips shared on Instagram, TikTok, and X quickly racked up millions of views. Many called it the “worst tribute in music history”—others a strangely touching meditation on legacy.
The Charlotte concert version wasn’t even the first appearance of the AI segment. Fans report similar visuals at earlier shows in Atlanta and North Carolina, as part of what Stewart branded the “Eternal Stars” overlay during multiple tour stops.

What’s At Stake? The Debate You Didn’t See Coming

1. AI’s controversial role in culture

Using AI to resurrect dead icons without permission? That’s a legal and ethical minefield. Critics slammed Stewart’s team for weaponizing pumped‑up nostalgia into something grotesque.

2. Consent and copyright

Prince’s estate has to receive permission for any usage of his likeness—but here he’s dancing in heaven without sign-off. And the families of other icons may also object. It’s a potential legal nightmare.

3. Genre of memorial vs. spectacle

Fans expected respect. Instead they got cartoons. Some art critics argued Stewart’s team confused theatrical homage with a digital circus.

4. Tone‑deaf commentary

Calling out drug‑related deaths mid-performance while his digital heavenscape played? It’s a messaging mismatch that could have been avoided—or at least re-thought.

Was Stewart Insensitive or Brave?

Supporters argue:

Stewart meant well—celebrating Ozzy alongside his musical peers in a fantastical afterlife.
It was creative, emotional, and yes—edgy.
Detractors argue:
It trivializes death.
It’s disrespectful to icons and families.
Stewart’s instant commentary clashed with the visual gag.

Rod Stewart’s Damage Control?

SoSo far—crickets. When People.com reached out, neither Stewart nor Osbourne’s estate responded. And there has been no follow‑up explanation or apology from Stewart or tour management.### What Happens Next?

Will the video get pulled from future shows?
Could Ozzy’s family or estates of other artists launch copyright claims or object publicly?
Will Rod Stewart speak out to clarify intent—or defend artistic license?
Fans will be watching—and tweeting.

Final Thoughts

In the age of AI, memorializing someone has become a dangerous game. Rod Stewart’s “Heaven selfie” tribute may have intended to honor Ozzy Osbourne—but its execution collided spectacularly with public perception. In trying to fuse old‑school rock nostalgia with futuristic visuals, the tribute may have crossed an ethical line no one expected.

Whether this will define Stewart’s legacy—or simply become a weird footnote—remains to be seen. One thing is clear: nobody will forget it anytime soon.