Yungblud recently responded to criticism from The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins regarding his Ozzy Osbourne tribute performance at the VMAs. Billboard reported on his response.
The artist addressed the backlash by characterizing the criticism as coming from those attempting to gatekeep moments they had no part in creating. He emphasized the personal significance of his tribute and his connection to Osbourne.
“The criticism at the VMAs was coming from people that were trying to be doormen at a party that they weren’t invited to. That’s the harsh reality of it,” Yungblud said. “If you don’t have that fear that you need to prove something, you’re not on the right path and journey. If people are indifferent about you, then you’re not truly anything at all.”
Yungblud reflected on the deeper meaning behind the tribute. He noted his lifelong admiration for Osbourne and the circumstances surrounding the performance.
“I dreamed of knowing Ozzy my whole life. I met him, got to know him, his family asked me to honor him, and then I lost him. The fact that [Ozzy] was the one that made the world take notice [of me]… it’s just so crazy,” he continued.
The Darkness frontman previously criticized Yungblud’s performance and said, “I suppose one of the things that irks musicians of a certain age is to watch Ozzy invent heavy metal, then turn into this household name with the television series and his decades of being brilliant, and then you kind of think ‘What the fuck does all those decades of having this incredible legacy have to do with Yungblud?’” He added, “I feel like what irks musicians of a certain age is the fact that Yungblud seems to have positioned himself as a natural heir to the Ozzy legacy, having nothing to do with the really important stuff.”
The tribute performance was a significant moment in rock music history. It brought together multiple generations of artists to honor the legendary Osbourne.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took place on September 7-8 in New York City. Yungblud performed alongside Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt in the Ozzy Osbourne tribute. The medley featured iconic tracks including “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” showcasing the enduring impact of Osbourne’s catalog on rock music. MTV’s official coverage documented the performance.
The performance was described as an energetic and respectful homage to the metal icon. Entertainment Tonight’s coverage showed that Osbourne’s family appeared via tape to acknowledge the tribute. Performers shouted dedications such as “OZZY FOREVER MAN!” and “THANK YOU OZZY,” emphasizing the personal connection these artists felt to the legendary musician.
The seven to eight-minute medley demonstrated the collaborative spirit of the rock community in celebrating Osbourne’s legacy. Video documentation from the event characterized the performance as “controlled chaos” by participants like Nuno Bettencourt. This reflected the raw energy and passion that defined Osbourne’s career. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of Osbourne’s influence across multiple generations of rock musicians and his lasting impact on the genre.
