Yungblud performed Ozzy Osbourne songs alongside Steven Tyler at the VMAs and faced harsh criticism afterward. He has spoken for the first time about his performance on The Magnificent Others with Billy Corgan.
The British artist addressed the VMAs tribute and the response it received. He emphasized the authenticity of the live performance.
“With the VMAs to obviously honor him (Ozzy) and I think we were probably one of the only acts singing live there,” Yungblud said. “You can tell, you know, I mean, amongst all the bubble gum and amongst all the award show, to have us just play live and it be the most viewed video on the internet the day afterwards.”
He continued to reflect on what the performance represented for rock music.
“You can feel rock music is all about truth and all about passion and all about humanity,” he added.
The statement marks Yungblud’s first public comment following the backlash to his Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the VMAs.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards tribute featured Yungblud performing alongside Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt in a medley honoring Ozzy Osbourne. The Independent reported that the performance included iconic songs like “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The artists concluded by shouting “Ozzy Osbourne forever!”
However, the tribute sparked significant criticism from members of the rock community. Men’s Journal noted that Dan Hawkins, guitarist of The Darkness, was especially vocal. He called the performance “cynical, nauseating and more importantly; shit” and lamented it as “another nail in the coffin of rock n roll.” His brother Justin Hawkins added that the criticism extended beyond the performance to Yungblud’s image and positioning as a supposed heir to Ozzy’s legacy. He described it as “poseur” behavior.
Despite the backlash, Yungblud received support from within the rock community. Loudwire revealed that Disturbed frontman David Draiman defended Yungblud. He emphasized Yungblud’s genuine connection to Ozzy Osbourne and the personal support Osbourne had provided him. Yungblud himself has expressed deep affection for Ozzy. He shared how Osbourne was not just a hero but like family who offered advice and emotional support.
On the red carpet before the ceremony, Yungblud revealed he was still wearing a cross necklace Ozzy had given him. This highlighted the sincerity of their relationship. The tribute’s emotional significance to Yungblud personally underscores the complex dynamics in tributes blending generational rock legacies. Respect and recognition can be both celebrated and contested within the rock community.
