Steven Tyler is doing what he does best—captivating audiences with his voice and presence. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, the 77-year-old Aerosmith frontman returned to the stage for the first time since announcing the band’s retirement, performing a heartfelt Ozzy tribute at the VMAs alongside Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt. Together, they honored the late Ozzy Osbourne with a powerful rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” leaving fans visibly moved.
The appearance marked a bittersweet moment in music history. Tyler’s return comes after Aerosmith declared in August 2024 that touring was no longer possible due to his vocal cord injury. According to Fox News, the band shared a farewell statement thanking fans for decades of support while acknowledging that Steven Tyler’s recovery could not restore his voice to full strength. Fans who grew up with Aerosmith classics like “Dream On” and “Sweet Emotion” felt the nostalgia deeply as Tyler took the stage once more.
Steven Tyler Honors Ozzy Osbourne With Tribute
The Ozzy tribute at the VMAs performance was more than a simple return—it was a celebration of two rock legends. Tyler’s voice, though marked by age and injury, carried a raw emotional power that resonated throughout the arena. Fans flooded social media with tributes of their own, many saying they were brought to tears as Steven Tyler honored Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July.
It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history.
It has been… pic.twitter.com/og43Q8Lwbt
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) August 2, 2024
While Aerosmith’s touring chapter has closed, Steven Tyler proved he still embodies the spirit of live rock and roll. His decision to join fellow musicians in honoring Osbourne reflected the deep respect and brotherhood shared among performers of their era. For fans of both artists, the performance felt like a closing of one chapter and the beginning of another, where legacy takes center stage.
Aerosmith’s Retirement And Tyler’s Resilience
Aerosmith’s official statement emphasized the difficulty of stepping away after more than 50 years. They reminded fans of their beginnings in 1970 and thanked their “Blue Army” for being part of the band’s historic journey. Central to that decision was Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury, a setback that made it impossible to meet the demands of a full-scale tour.
Even so, Steven Tyler continues to show resilience. At earlier charity events, he performed in support of his Janie’s Fund foundation, demonstrating his commitment to using music for causes greater than himself. Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum confirmed Tyler would not tour again but praised him for refusing to rely on prerecorded vocals or key changes, calling his dedication to authenticity “the mark of a true artist.”