Rod Stewart is facing backlash after airing AI tribute to Ozzy Osbourne partying in heaven with dead icons

Rod Stewart is facing growing backlash after airing a surreal AI-generated tribute to Ozzy Osbourne during his live show, with fans calling the clip “sick and weird”.

The rocker 80-year-old singer of using late stars’ likenesses in inappropriate ways. The concert video, shown on screen during Stewart’s current tour, depicts the Black Sabbath frontman in a cartoon-like version of heaven.

He is seen cheerfully taking selfies with a string of deceased music icons, including Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, Tina Turner, Bob Marley and slain rapper XXXTentacion.

While Stewart seemingly intended it as a tribute, the reaction online has been anything but reverent and shows no signs of dying down.

Adding to the unease, Stewart reportedly told the crowd after the video played: “Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though!”

This is sick and weird. Rod Stewart using AI to show Ozzy in heaven with dead celebs?” one fan posted on X..

Many were particularly incensed that the likenesses of the stars, several of whom died tragically young or amid controversy, were used without apparent permission.

“I hope several estates of several artists that are no longer here SUE ROD STEWART,” read one furious comment. “That was disgusting and pathetic. Using AI for their likeness at your concert. Without permission,” said another.

Others pointed out that Stewart and Osbourne actually performed together in real life, making the AI spectacle feel even more unnecessary. “Another wrote: “Instead of blasting AI images of Ozzy in heaven, they could’ve just used an actual picture of him and Rod together,” a fan commented.

Still, not all the reactions were negative. One fan defended the tribute, calling it “such a beautiful video” that “makes you think he’s reunited legendary musicians we’ve lost.” Another admitted: “Distasteful, yes. Do I hate it? No. The gesture’s coming from a good place, it just could’ve been done in a better way.”