Rod Stewart’s current tour has sparked conversation and a fair share of raised eyebrows, thanks to an unexpected (and slightly surreal) use of AI technology during his performance of “Forever Young.” In a visual segment designed as a tribute, Stewart showcases an AI-generated video of Ozzy Osbourne and a host of deceased music icons, including the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson, taking selfies together… in Heaven.
The video, intended as an homage, features AI versions of late legends such as Kurt Cobain, Tina Turner, Prince, Bob Marley, Tupac Shakur, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, George Michael, and of course, MJ, gathered in the clouds, smiling for a celestial group selfie, with Osbourne holding up a selfie stick.
While the sentiment may be heartfelt, the execution has left many fans feeling uneasy. The uncanny AI depictions of beloved stars in a selfie scenario, especially in the age of deepfakes and digital resurrections, toe a fine line between tribute and discomfort.
At his show in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 29, Stewart addressed the segment directly, acknowledging the tragic losses of many depicted. “Very sad. A lot of those people died ’cause of drugs,” he told the audience, somberly. Then, with a touch of his trademark wit, he added: “I’m still here, though!”
The clip resurfaced again at Stewart’s Georgia concert on August 1, where fans captured footage of the “Heaven Selfie” moment. While reactions have been mixed, for MJ fans, seeing Michael included in such tributes, even AI ones, has sparked few negative comments on social media.
But the question remains: how far is too far when it comes to AI tributes in live performances?
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