The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins recently shared his thoughts on which younger rock act has the most potential to become the next major force in rock music, speaking to Kerrang.
Hawkins was asked about which younger rock act most excites him. This prompted him to discuss the potential he sees in certain emerging bands.
“I think it’s difficult to listen to Greta Van Fleet and not feel excited,” Hawkins said. “They’re not really a ‘new’ band any more, and I don’t think they’ve found the songs to really pull it off just yet, but if they fully explored that Led Zeppelin thing, they have the potential to be absolutely incredible.”
The comment highlights both the promise and challenges facing the Michigan-based rock band as they continue to develop their sound and songwriting.
Hawkins’ assessment comes at a time when the rock music landscape is experiencing significant shifts. Both established and emerging artists are making their mark on the charts and critical acclaim.
The current rock scene has seen notable successes from younger artists who are pushing creative boundaries. Wikipedia reported that Yungblud’s fourth album Idols debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart in June 2025 with 25,947 units sold. This demonstrates the commercial viability of contemporary rock acts. This achievement underscores the appetite for fresh rock music among audiences.
The Grammy recognition for emerging rock artists has also been significant this year. YouTube showed that Yungblud’s album Idols received a Grammy nomination, with singles like “Zombie” gaining substantial attention and streaming numbers. This recognition highlights how newer rock acts are gaining credibility within the industry’s most prestigious awards.
The success of albums like Idols reflects a broader trend in rock music where artists are finding ways to blend traditional rock elements with contemporary sounds. Yungblud’s official store noted that the artist has achieved number-one albums in seven countries and built a reputation for defying conventional genre boundaries. This suggests that innovation within rock music continues to resonate with global audiences.
These developments in the rock scene provide context for Hawkins’ observations about Greta Van Fleet’s potential. The industry continues to evolve with both established influences and fresh creative approaches finding success among critics and fans alike.
