The MTV VMAs tribute to Ozzy Osbourne this year was always going to be high-profile. With Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt sharing the stage, the addition of Yungblud was meant to bridge generations of rock. But while some fans celebrated the performance, not everyone was impressed. Among the critics was The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins, who openly called out what he saw as a hollow display of theatrics.
The Tribute That Divided Fans
The September 2025 performance featured a medley of Black Sabbath classics and Ozzy solo staples. Yungblud, who has often cited Ozzy as a hero, joined the all-star lineup to honor the Prince of Darkness. On paper, it was a fitting gesture, especially after Yungblud performed “Changes” at Ozzy’s farewell concert earlier this year.
But the VMAs tribute sparked heated debate. Some praised Yungblud’s energy, while others questioned whether the presentation carried the same raw spirit Ozzy embodied. That’s where Justin Hawkins stepped in.
Hawkins’ Take
Speaking on his podcast, Hawkins explained why he found parts of the performance “irksome.”
“Yungblud seems to have positioned himself as a natural heir to the Ozzy legacy, having nothing to do with the really important stuff,” he said. “All of this posturing is Jim Morrison meets the bloke from Stone Temple Pilots … It’s 101 School of Rock stuff.”
He added that while theatrics are part of rock ’n’ roll, sincerity is what makes a performance lasting:
“It kind of has this Disney veneer over the top of it … rock ’n’ roll seen through an Instagram filter of some sort.”
Brotherly Agreement
Hawkins’ critique followed comments from his brother and bandmate Dan Hawkins, who had already gone viral for blasting the tribute. Dan had called the performance “another nail in the coffin of rock ’n’ roll,” describing it as “cynical, nauseating … a bunch of bellends.”
Justin defended his brother’s strong words, saying they reflected how “musicians of a certain age” feel about modern rock’s image-driven culture.
The Broader Debate
While Hawkins did praise Nuno Bettencourt’s guitar work during the performance, his larger point was about authenticity. For him, rock icons like Ozzy were chaotic, wild, and unpredictable — but also deeply sincere. Yungblud’s attempt, in his eyes, fell short of that lineage.
This isn’t the first time the British singer has sparked debate about his role in carrying rock forward. His high-energy style has earned him both passionate fans and harsh critics. But Hawkins’ comments touch on a deeper tension: how do younger artists honor legends without looking like imitators?
Looking Ahead
For now, the VMAs tribute remains a divisive moment. Some see it as proof that Ozzy’s influence continues to inspire new generations. Others, like Hawkins, believe it highlights the gap between genuine rock rebellion and what he calls “posturing.”
As Hawkins put it, “Being loud and theatrical isn’t enough — there has to be truth behind it.”
