Rod Stewart criticized for using AI to create tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Rod Stewart is generating controversy following his recent performance at the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia, where he showcased an AI-generated tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne. The tribute, which features the iconic Black Sabbath frontman appearing to enjoy an afterlife celebration alongside other deceased music legends, has drawn mixed reactions from concert attendees and social media users alike.
During the show, the 80-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer performed his classic track “Forever Young,” while an elaborate montage displayed Osbourne engaging in seemingly whimsical activities in heaven, accompanied by notable figures such as Prince, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain, 2Pac, Aaliyah, XXXTentacion, and Freddie Mercury. The AI-generated video notably included imagery of Osbourne using a selfie stick to capture moments with these famous personalities.
This peculiar montage was also presented at Stewart’s previous concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier that week. Following the screening, Stewart reportedly reflected on the losses suffered in the music industry, acknowledging the struggles many artists faced. He stated, “Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs… I’m still here, though.” However, despite his intentions, the tribute left many fans feeling unsettled.
Social media reactions have expressed a broad range of sentiments, with some viewers characterizing the tribute as reminiscent of the film “Weekend at Bernie’s,” a dark comedy about keeping a deceased man alive for an extended time. One user humorously suggested that the tribute could have been more effective if it included figures who are still living.
Others criticized the choice to use AI-generated images rather than showcasing personal moments with Osbourne, especially given Stewart’s history of friendship with the artist. One fan pointed out that a more genuine tribute could have included their own photo together, enhancing the emotional connectivity of the tribute.
The tribute was a nod to Osbourne, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 76 after a prolonged battle with health issues, including Parkinson’s disease. Stewart previously expressed his sorrow over Osbourne’s death at a concert in Mansfield, Massachusetts, remarking on the significant loss to the industry. As fans continue to discuss the implications of blending technology with tributes to iconic artists, the mixed reception of Stewart’s homage raises important questions surrounding the ethics of AI in memorializing cultural figures.
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