Yungblud fires back at The Darkness over Ozzy Osbourne tribute criticism: “They were trying to be doormen at a party that they weren’t invited to”
Yungblud has responded to criticism from The Darkness following his headline-grabbing Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the 2025 VMAs, dismissing the band’s remarks as little more than gatekeeping from the sidelines.
The performance in question took place at the VMAs in New York on 7 September, where Yungblud – real name Dominic Harrison – joined forces with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, alongside Extreme guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, to honour the late Prince of Darkness. The tribute earned a warm response inside the room, including from pop heavyweight Ariana Grande – though not everyone watching was impressed.
READ MORE: Justin Hawkins takes another brutal swing at Yungblud: “if the future of rock comes from musical theatre and Disney, if this is Ozzy’s heir, we’re in trouble”
Dan Hawkins of The Darkness took to Instagram shortly after, posting images of Yungblud and Ariana Grande alongside a blunt verdict: “Another nail in the coffin of rock n roll. Cynical, nauseating and more importantly, shit.”
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The criticism didn’t stop there. In a video posted to the Justin Hawkins Rides Again YouTube channel, the band’s frontman expanded on his brother’s comments, accusing Yungblud of “[positioning] himself as a natural heir to the Ozzy legacy, having nothing to do with the really important stuff.”
Speaking separately to Classic Rock, Justin doubled down: “If the future of rock comes from musical theatre and Disney, if this is Ozzy’s heir, we’re in trouble.”
The pair’s comments soon sparked backlash online, with Justin later insisting that “none of that was intended to incite a feud”.
Harrison initially addressed the remarks during a conversation with Ozzy’s son Jack Osbourne, labelling the criticism as “bitter and jealous”. Now, in a new interview with Billboard, the 28-year-old has offered his latest take on the situation.
“The criticism at the VMAs was coming from people that were trying to be doormen at a party that they weren’t invited to,” he says. “That’s the harsh reality of it.”
Rather than viewing the backlash as a setback, Yungblud frames it as evidence that the performance had made an impact: “If you don’t have that fear that you need to prove something, you’re not on the right path and journey” he explains. “If people are indifferent about you, then you’re not truly anything at all.”
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
