The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins has addressed the ongoing controversy with Yungblud, dismissing claims of jealousy while defending his criticism of the younger artist’s performance style, a Louder Sound report revealed.
Hawkins’ comments came in response to a question about the current situation between the Hawkins brothers and Yungblud. This followed his earlier criticism of Yungblud’s MTV Video Music Awards performance.
“I don’t see it as a spat. We said everything we wanted to say about the VMAs [MTV Video Music Awards], and in some ways that’s cynical and nauseating and a bit shit,” Hawkins said. “But the ‘bit shit’ bit comes from the auto-tune that was being run in real time. If the future of rock needs auto-tune to carry a song, then we are in trouble.”
The Darkness frontman expanded on his concerns about the direction of rock music. He particularly targeted Yungblud’s background and performance style.
“Also, if the future of rock comes from musical theatre and Disney, if this is Ozzy’s heir, we’re in trouble,” he continued. “We’ve said everything we wanted to say, and the only reason why it’s an ongoing feud and he’s come back and said: ‘Oh they’re bitter and jealous’ is because they know we’re right. It’s sad really.”
The feud began after Hawkins criticized Yungblud’s tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne at the VMAs. He specifically targeted his use of auto-tune technology.
The controversy escalated when Dan Hawkins, Justin’s brother and The Darkness guitarist, took to social media to express his disapproval of the performance. Vice reported that Dan Hawkins posted on Instagram calling Yungblud’s VMA set “another nail in the coffin of rock n roll.” He shared footage of the performance and Ariana Grande’s crowd reaction, labeling it “cynical, nauseating and more importantly; s***.”
In response to the mounting criticism, Justin Hawkins attempted to clarify his position through a YouTube video. Vice noted that in a video titled “Yungblud and the Cost of Having an Opinion,” Hawkins stated: “There’s nothing ‘feudy’ about it… None of that was intended to incite a feud.” He reiterated his skepticism over Yungblud’s “real-time pitch correction” and path “from musical theater via Disney.”
The dispute has highlighted broader tensions within the rock community about authenticity and the genre’s future direction. Vice indicated that Yungblud has countered The Darkness’ criticism by accusing them of gatekeeping rock. He suggested that their stance represents an outdated approach to the genre’s evolution.
The controversy has drawn attention from music industry observers. Some view it as a generational clash between established rock acts and newer artists who incorporate modern production techniques. The debate touches on fundamental questions about what constitutes authentic rock music in an era of technological advancement and changing musical landscapes.
