Rod Stewart’s controversial AI tribute of Ozzy Osbourne posing with late stars has sparked backlash from fans who claim the rocker’s performance was a ‘new low’.
The Scottish singer, 80, who is currently on tour, displayed a bizarre AI-generated video earlier this week which showed Ozzy in heaven taking selfies with other late, legendary singers.
Celebrities included Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, XXXTentacion, Tina Turner and Bob Marley.
Fans have shared their disgust on X over the last few days after discovering the ‘disrespectful’ clip.
Comments read: ‘This is bizarre for many reasons, not the least of which being the fact that Rod Stewart has performed with Ozzy Osbourne.
‘Instead of blasting AI images of Ozzy in heaven, they could show this real & quite lovely picture of Rod Stewart with his arm around the actual Ozzy Osbourne’,
Rod Stewart’s controversial AI tribute of Ozzy Osbourne posing with late stars has sparked backlash from fans who claim the rocker’s performance was a ‘new low’
The Scottish singer displayed an AI-generated video earlier this week which showed Ozzy in heaven taking selfies with other late, legendary singers
‘Rod Stewart could’ve literally just put up a photo of him with Ozzy, instead of this weird AI video’,
‘This is… definitely a choice. Rod Stewart using AI to show Ozzy in heaven with dead celebs? Wild, weird, and kinda hauntingly poetic’,
‘I hope several estates of several artists that are no longer here. SUE ROD STEWART! That was disgusting, and pathetic. Using Ai for their likeness at your concert. Without permission. SMDH!’
Adding to the tribute, Rod reportedly told the crowd after the performance: ‘Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though!’
Not everyone was offended, however, with one user posting: ‘This is such a beautiful video. One that makes you think that he has reunited by legendary musicians who we have lost.
‘There’s not a single ounce of disrespect in it. There’s already a bunch of videos that have been made following his passing with musicians, Jesus, with his dogs / cats, on bikes with bat wings but this one is the best version I’ve seen so far.
‘Why the hate. People would criticise anything till they can criticise Thank you Rod ❤️HATE THE WAR not a peaceful happy video’.
Another added: ‘Distasteful, yes. Do I hate it? No. The gesture is coming from a good place, but it could have been done in a better way.
Celebrities included Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Prince, XXXTentacion, Tina Turner and Bob Marley
Fans have shared their disgust on X over the last few days after discovering the ‘disrespectful’ clip
While many had feared that Ozzy’s family would be offended by the video, after its release, the late star’s official account reposted a tribute shared by Rod on July 22
‘I would have preferred it each each of their pictures get added one by one to a group picture like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band.’
While many had feared that Ozzy’s family would be offended by the video, after its release, the late star’s official account reposted a tribute shared by Rod on July 22.
The post read: ‘Bye, bye Ozzy. Sleep well, my friend. I’ll see you up there — later rather than sooner.’
MailOnline has contacted Rod’s representatives for comment.
