Rod Stewart’s AI Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne: Heartfelt or Just Plain Weird?

Rod Stewart took a rather unconventional route to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne, and let’s just say it’s sparked quite the debate. During his concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, Stewart showcased an AI-generated video featuring Osbourne mugging for selfies with other deceased music legends like Prince and Michael Jackson. While the intention may have been heartfelt, the execution left many scratching their heads and wondering if Stewart might be taking AI too far—or maybe just introducing a new genre: hologram nostalgia?

Commenters online were quick to express their opinions about the tribute, ranging from cheeky critiques to outright condemnation. Some viewers found it had “Weekend at Bernie’s” vibes, suggesting the tribute drifted too far toward the bizarre. Others were left to ponder whether any of these immortal icons would even approve of this posthumous tech wizardry. After all, would Prince want his likeness available for selfie moments in heaven, or would he be more inclined to keep his legacy pristine?

In the sea of mixed reactions, it’s clear that Stewart’s dedication to “Forever Young” in memory of Ozzy is genuine. He even went so far as to talk about their friendship during his concerts, reminiscing fondly about Osbourne’s impact and the tragedy of lost lives in the music industry. But is it possible to cross the line when trying to honor someone? If you could create a tribute for your favorite artist, would you choose virtual tech, or lean toward something more traditional?

This latest event in the world of music raises fascinating questions about the intersection of technology and tribute, not to mention the tastefulness of such tributes. As we look forward to what’s next in the performance world, maybe it’s best to leave the virtual selfies to the kids on social media.

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