Yungblud recently commented on the persistent “rock is dead” narrative. He addressed the issue in a statement shared on The Howard Stern Show.
When asked about his thoughts on claims that rock music is dying, the artist rejected the premise that any single person needs to revive the genre. Rock’s cyclical nature means it naturally gains appreciation over time. The pressure placed on individual artists to “save” rock and roll is misguided.
“Rock music is so brilliant in it gets its flowers in hindsight because it’s such a sacred genre that every dad says, ‘I don’t like that band. It sounds like a band that they knew as a kid.’ The reason why like rock music’s coming back at the minute. People always put so much pressure on one person bringing it back. Who’s going to save rock and roll when that’s a load of bullsh*t,” Yungblud said.
He highlighted the current diversity and vitality within rock’s various subgenres. Emerging artists across hardcore, punk, and indie scenes provide evidence of rock’s ongoing evolution.
“I think with it all, it’s spherical at the minute and like hardcore you’ve got Knocked Loose and Turnstile in punk, you’ve got Amyl and the Sniffers and Lambrini Girls. In like Indie, you got Fontaine and Geese,” he continued. “And what I really wanted to do on this album was was to bring a sense of theater and showmanship and adventure and 9-minute songs back in a 2025 way.”
Yungblud expressed gratitude for the support his recent work has received. He emphasized the importance of community and shared vision in pushing rock forward.
“But I think we were in a place where we have a community, we have a culture, we have a fan base that will go with us. And I think it was mad to do, but to see the amount people have got behind it and loved it has been f*cked up, you know,” he concluded.
Yungblud’s comments about bringing theater and showmanship back to rock music are more than just rhetoric. His recent releases demonstrate a genuine commitment to this vision. The artist has had a remarkably successful 2025, establishing himself as a leading figure in contemporary rock music through multiple high-profile projects.
Fox Reviews Rock noted that Yungblud’s fourth studio album Idols, released in June 2025, represents “by far the most rock like of the albums so far by Yungblud. It has depth and maturity and more importantly it is without boundaries. Creatively it is produced without boundaries.” The album features singles including “Hello Heaven, Hello,” “Lovesick Lullaby,” and “Zombie.” The “Zombie” single included a music video featuring Florence Pugh, showcasing the theatrical elements Yungblud champions.
Beyond his solo work, Aerosmith’s official announcement revealed that Yungblud collaborated with the legendary rock band on the EP One More Time. This project marks Aerosmith’s first new music in over 12 years. The five-track EP features Yungblud dueting with Steven Tyler on every track, driven by Joe Perry’s guitar work. The EP debuted at number 1 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming Yungblud’s second UK number 1 of 2025.
PopScoop reported that Yungblud celebrated 2025 with multiple chart-topping achievements. These accomplishments solidify his position as a driving force in modern rock. His collaborative work with Aerosmith particularly exemplifies his philosophy—bringing together generations of rock musicians to create something fresh while honoring the genre’s legacy.
While Yungblud had to cancel his remaining 2025 tour dates in November due to health issues, his artistic output this year speaks volumes about his dedication to rock music’s future. Rather than waiting for someone else to “save” rock, he’s actively creating the music and experiences he believes the genre needs in 2025 and beyond.
