Steven Tyler is back doing what he does best.
At Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards, the 77-year-old rock icon — joined by Joe Perry, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt — paid a moving tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne with a heartfelt rendition of “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” This marked Tyler’s first award-show performance since Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring, following Tyler’s larynx injury sustained onstage.
“This is what a rock show should be,” a fan wrote on X.
Despite performing at charity events, Tyler has confirmed he will not be touring again, according to a former Guns N’ Roses drummer.
Steven Tyler took the stage at the 2025 MTV VMAs to honor the late Ozzy Osbourne with a heartfelt tribute performance. (Getty Images)
“Yup, tears in my eyes for Ozzy again. Absolutely incredible performance from Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno, and the whole crew at the VMAs. OZZY FOREVER,” a fan wrote, celebrating the late singer, who passed away in July.
Yungblud, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry performed a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on Sept. 7, 2025, in Elmont, N.Y. (Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for MTV)
A representative for Tyler did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
In August 2024, Aerosmith announced they would retire from touring after more than 50 years, following Tyler’s vocal cord injury.
“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,” the band wrote in a statement on their official X account.
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
“It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour, and in moments both grand and private, you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives. We’ve always aimed to blow your mind with every performance,” the statement continued.
The band also addressed Steven Tyler’s current health.
“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working to regain his voice after his injury,” the statement read. “Despite having the best medical team by his side, we’ve seen him struggle.”
“Sadly, it has become clear that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. After much deliberation, we have made the heartbreaking but necessary decision — as a band of brothers — to retire from touring.”
In August 2024, Aerosmith announced they would retire from touring after more than 50 years, following Steven Tyler’s onstage larynx injury. (Kevin Mazur)
“We are beyond grateful to everyone who was excited to hit the road with us one last time,” the band’s statement continued. “Thanks to our expert crew, our incredible team, and the thousands of talented people who made our historic runs possible. A final thank you to you — the best fans on the planet. Play our music loud, now and always. Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true.”
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The band previously stated that a full recovery from Tyler’s vocal cord injury was simply “not possible.” (Robyn Beck)
Earlier this year, Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum confirmed that despite performing at a recent charity concert, Tyler will not be touring again.
“It was a really big moment for him because he hurt himself badly,” Sorum told WBAB radio, referring to Tyler’s performance at the Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party, which benefits his charity, Janie’s Fund, following his larynx injury last year.
“Is he going to tour again? No, he’s not. I explain this to people: Steven cannot endure the rigors of a full worldwide tour. It’s a lot of pressure, and if you’re not a singer, you wouldn’t understand what he goes through. He’s 77, a perfectionist, and if he doesn’t sing correctly, it bothers him.”
Sorum also noted that Tyler refuses to prerecord his voice, unlike some other artists.
“He’s not going to put it on tape like 80% of people out there taking your money. He won’t change the keys, either,” Sorum said. “That’s just who he is. He’s an artist, a singer. This is his band. He’s been doing this for 50 years, and if he can’t do it perfectly, he won’t do it. I respect that.”
