In a bid to cool off heated rhetoric, The Darkness frontman Justin .
Hawkins recently clarified that he never sought to initiate a feud with rising star Yungblud. This statement follows Hawkins’ public criticism of Yungblud’s involvement in a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at the MTV VMAs.
The controversy ignited when Hawkins, in a detailed take on his YouTube channel, strongly disagreed with the younger artist’s presentation of rock music. Hawkins specifically commented that Yungblud “seems to have positioned himself as a natural heir to the Ozzy legacy, having nothing to do with the really important stuff.” This critique suggested that Yungblud lacked the authentic foundation or history necessary to inherit the mantle of a rock icon like Osbourne.
A Deeper Divide Over Rock Authenticity
Hawkins’ initial comments—which included calling the performance “rock ‘n’ roll seen through an Instagram filter”—were met with a furious response from Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison. Yungblud and Ozzy’s son, Jack Osbourne, hit back, with Yungblud dismissing his critics as “bitter and jealous” individuals attempting to “obtain some kind of relevancy” by inserting themselves into the conversation.
Hawkins, however, insists his analysis was intended as a skeptical and honest critique of modern rock’s direction, not a personal attack. He defended his right to offer negative feedback, particularly on elements like the apparent use of real-time pitch correction during the live VMA performance. For Hawkins, this technical polishing detracts from the raw, unvarnished spirit that defines rock’s legacy.
Ultimately, the exchange has spotlighted a significant generational divide concerning rock authenticity and who gets to define the genre’s future.
The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has attempted to clarify his recent controversial remarks about Yungblud, insisting he never intended to ignite a rock feud.
In a new video uploaded to his popular YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, titled “Yungblud And The Cost of Having An Opinion,” Hawkins addressed the uproar following his criticism of Yungblud’s MTV VMAs tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.
Hawkins firmly stated there was “nothing feudy about it,” specifically referring to his commentary on the VMAs performance. He added that his intent was not to start a rivalry, explaining, “None of that was intended to incite a feud.”
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However, while denying any malicious intent
Hawkins did offer an unusual assessment of the younger musician’s industry clout. The rocker described Yungblud as “a very well-connected and, as such, dangerous artist,” humorously warning against provoking him by saying he’s “not the sort of bear you’d go round poking.”
This follow-up suggests Hawkins views Yungblud as a formidable figure in the music industry, even if his own critical assessment of the VMA performance remains unchanged. The comments come after Yungblud publicly slammed his critics as “bitter and jealous” for trying to “obtain some kind of relevancy” by inserting themselves into the discussion.
The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins intensified his criticism of Yungblud,
Arguing that the rising star’s use of real-time pitch correction and his career origins in musical theatre and Disney cast The recent controversy has cast significant doubt on the credentials of Yungblud as the supposed “future of rock.
Hawkins made his points while justifying his initial skepticism regarding Yungblud’s performance during the MTV VMAs tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. He centered his argument on the polished nature of the performance, pointing out:I think that when there’s real-time pitch correction happening… you’re talking about somebody that came from musical theatre via Disney and is now being lauded as the future of rock.
According to Hawkins, this background and reliance on studio-style vocal processing in a live setting are grounds for doubt.
The veteran rocker emphasized the necessity of critical discourse in the music industry, noting that if negative opinions are suppressed, it limits honest debate.
“I know that’s not a very popular opinion but… if you can’t say something negative about something that leaves you only one opinion available to you and that’s not how life works. Everybody’s allowed to say whatever they want.Hawkins’ perspective clearly highlights a generational divide over what constitutes authentic rock and roll in the modern era, suggesting that heavy use of vocal effects and a pop-oriented past undermine a claim to rock legacy.
The Darkness singer Justin Hawkins issued a final, scathing indictment on the state of modern music.
Concluding that the genre is in deep trouble if it relies on technological fixes. While defending his critique of Yungblud’s MTV VMAs performance, Hawkins stated his focus was on the principle, not the person.
“I’m not slagging him off because… I don’t even think I’m slagging it off actually. I think I’m making a point that if the future of rock requires real-time pitch correction in a live environment rock is pretty fked, isn’t it?” Hawkins remarked, emphasizing his view that genuine rock should not depend on autotune.
Yungblud Fires Back at “Bitter” Critics
Hawkins’ uncompromising stance followed a sharp retort from Yungblud, who had previously dismissed the veteran rocker’s comments as an attempt to gain attention. Appearing on Jack Osbourne’s Trying Not To Die podcast, Yungblud—the self-proclaimed “Zombie” hitmaker—slammed his critics as “bitter and jealous.”
Yungblud maintained that his VMA performance was purely an emotional tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, arguing that attempts to intellectualize the moment miss the point entirely.
“I think the strangest thing about that was all I was trying to do was my best for your old man, because he gave me such a gift,” Yungblud said. Yungblud fiercely defended his emotional performance,
Slamming critics who over-analyze the heartfelt tribute as simply bitter and jealous.
This war of words solidifies the growing generational divide over authenticity, with Hawkins prioritizing raw, uncorrected performance and Yungblud emphasizing emotional spirit and connection over technical purity.
