Rock icons Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne have joined the growing chorus of musicians criticising the rise of AI-generated music, branding it as "a bloody joke" and a threat to artistic integrity.
In a recent interview, Stewart didn’t mince words, calling AI music "soulless" and expressing his disdain for technology attempting to replicate human creativity. "It’s all a bit silly, isn’t it?" he remarked, questioning whether AI could ever capture the raw emotion of live performance.
Meanwhile, Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne echoed similar sentiments, warning that AI could "destroy the essence of music." The Prince of Darkness, known for his decades-long career, argued that true artistry comes from human experience—not algorithms.
Why Are Musicians Pushing Back?
The backlash against AI in music has been gaining momentum, with artists fearing:
- Loss of authenticity – AI lacks the emotional depth of human musicians.
- Job displacement – Session players and songwriters could be sidelined.
- Copyright concerns – Who owns AI-generated tracks mimicking famous voices?
Stewart and Osbourne aren’t alone. Earlier this year, over 200 artists—including Billie Eilish and Nicki Minaj—signed an open letter condemning "predatory" AI use in the industry.
The Future of Music?
While some argue AI can be a tool for inspiration, legends like Stewart and Osbourne remain sceptical. "You can’t replace heart and soul with a computer," Stewart insisted.
As debates rage on, one thing is clear: the music world is at a crossroads, with AI posing both opportunities and existential challenges.
