When Ozzy Osbourne passed in July 2025, many in the rock world scrambled to pay tribute. At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Yungblud joined a lineup of rock veterans — Steven Tyler and Joe Perry from Aerosmith, plus Nuno Bettencourt from Extreme — to perform a medley of Ozzy’s classic songs: “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”
The tribute was framed by emotional context. Jack Osbourne (Ozzy’s son) introduced the set, and after the closing notes, the performers embraced on stage. Yungblud shouted, “Ozzy forever, man!” as the moment closed.
Yungblud also wore a cross necklace given to him by Ozzy — a sign of personal connection.
But admiration from fans was not universal. The very tribute meant to show respect became a flashpoint for conflict.
Harsh Criticism from The Darkness
One of the loudest critics was Dan Hawkins of The Darkness. On Instagram, he posted the performance clip with a brutal caption:
“Another nail in the coffin for rock n roll. Cynical, nauseating and more importantly; shit. Makes me sick how people jump on this shit to further their own careers.”
He didn’t mince words — accusing the performance of being disingenuous and opportunistic.
Dan’s brother, Justin Hawkins, soon joined the fray. He expanded on the criticism, calling the performance overly theatrical, laden with pose, and lacking authenticity. In effect, Justin accused Yungblud of trying to co-opt rock identity without earning it.
From their perspective, the tribute wasn’t just a musical act — it was a statement, and they were unhappy with its tone.
Yungblud Fires Back
Yungblud didn’t stay quiet. On Jack Osbourne’s “Trying Not to Die” podcast, he addressed the backlash head-on.
He suggested much of the criticism was less about musical judgment and more about trying to insert oneself into a conversation they weren’t invited to.
“You ain’t ever going to see fucking James Hetfield slag off a young rock star. Because he’s James fucking Hetfield … They are trying to insert themselves into the conversation to obtain some kind of relevancy.”
He went further, calling the critics “bitter and jealous” and accusing them of doing exactly what they accuse younger artists of doing.
Yungblud also defended his performance as live — implying that, despite the spectacle, the moment wasn’t overly produced or lip-synced.
Jack Osbourne Steps In
Jack Osbourne became emotional during the podcast. He expressed frustration at how many critics didn’t understand Yungblud’s actual relationship with Ozzy and the Osbourne family.
He revealed the text he sent to Yungblud just before the performance: “Fucking crush it.”
Jack emphasized that the critics didn’t know the deeper story — the shared history, the personal bonds. He said, “They don’t know the fucking story of it … Dom (Yungblud’s real name) meant something to my dad. My dad meant something to Dom.”
Themes & Takeaways
This clash isn’t just about one stage show. It reflects deeper tensions in the modern rock world:
Legacy vs. Renewal
Paying homage to legends like Ozzy invites scrutiny. Some believe you must fully embody rock’s traditions; others argue fresh voices are needed to keep it alive.
Authenticity & Pretense
Critics saw Yungblud’s performance as too theatrical, too polished — an act more than a tribute. Yungblud and Jack see it as sincere, emotional, and rooted in real connection.
Who Gets to Critique?
Yungblud’s point about “inserting yourself into a conversation” highlights how generational divides often shape who feels entitled to judge. Older artists sometimes critique younger ones for wearing a rock identity; younger artists push back, claiming gatekeeping.
The Power of Emotion
Jack’s tears, Yungblud’s shouted lines, the personal gifts — these elements remind us: music, especially rock, thrives in emotional moments. Even if the execution is questioned, the intent often matters as much as the note.
What’s Next: Yungblud’s 2026 Tour & Beyond
Despite the criticism, Yungblud is moving forward. He has announced a 2026 North American tour, kicking off May 1 in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He plans to blend new work with earlier songs — and, likely, additional tributes.
If nothing else, this episode underscores how delicate — and dangerous — it can be to try honoring someone’s legacy in public. But it also shows the strength it takes to stand by your choices, even when the critics are ready.