Derek Frank Joins All-Star Ozzy Tribute at VMAs with Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards lit up the UBS Arena with one of the most talked-about performances of the night. Yungblud, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Nuno Bettencourt, and Derek Frank teamed up for a blistering tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, ripping through a medley of classic tracks in front of a roaring crowd.
On bass, Derek Frank brought exactly what the moment needed. He’s toured with artists like Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, and Air Supply, and he knows how to lock in with power and purpose. He kicked things off with his Music Man, delivering clean, punchy lines that cut through the mix. Halfway through the set, he made a quick switch to a Sandberg bass, adding a darker, grittier tone that matched the ramped-up energy on stage.
Yungblud brought raw emotion. Tyler and Perry did what they do best. Nuno threw flames. But Derek kept the whole thing grounded with tone, timing, and taste.
It wasn’t just a tribute. It was a moment. And for bassists watching, it was another reminder of how the low end makes everything hit harder.
No Treble CEO Jody Miller is a Chicago-based bassist, guitarist, engineer, and producer best known for his bass gear demo videos and as the co-host of The Bass Nerds podcast.
