While the Yungblud-led VMAs tribute of Ozzy Osbourne was hailed by many – especially for bridging the gap between younger rock luminaries and veterans such as Nuno Bettencourt, Joe Perry, and Steven Tyler – the Darkness’ Dan and Justin Hawkins were less than impressed by the performance.
In fact, they took to social media to deem it as “another nail in the coffin of rock n roll” and “cynical, nauseating and more importantly; ****.” Furthermore, there was a further insinuation that Yungblud was using Ozzy’s legacy to further his own career.
After responding to these criticisms on Billy Corgan’s The Magnificent Others, Yungblud is now taking things a step further on Jack Osbourne’s Trying Not to Die podcast.
Osbourne opens up the difficult conversation with, “After the VMAs, some rock stars were slagging you off. Kind of being like, ‘Oh, he’s just clout chasing. He’s jumping on the bandwagon of Ozzy passing.’ But I kind of wanted to use this opportunity to talk about [this] – because as a family, we’ve talked about this, you’ve been so graceful over the last two months.
“But you were so much more involved, and we’ve respected that. You’ve respected that, but these people didn’t ******* know… Dom [Harrison, Yungblud] meant something to my Dad. My Dad meant something to Dom.”
Osbourne goes on to say that he texted him on the night of the VMAs, and, on behalf of the whole family, told him to “crush it.”
“All I was trying to do was my best for your old man,” replies Yungblud. “Because he gave me such a gift. And when people try and intellectualize a sense of spirit and six musicians on a stage going, ‘We ******* love you, man,’ it’s just bitter and jealous.”
According to Yungblud, the naysayers – especially those of a certain profile – are trying to “insert themselves into a conversation to obtain some kind of relevancy on the back of us honoring one of the greatest rock stars that ever lived”.
He continues, “I’m just gonna do it, and I’m gonna channel him, and I’m gonna do his ‘Hahahas,’ and I’m gonna do his hands, and I’m gonna do his eyes, and I’m gonna wear his cross, and I’m gonna just ******* do it, because what the **** else are we gonna do?
“I couldn’t ******* sleep, so I texted your old man the night before, and it didn’t go through. I literally just said, ‘Tomorrow, I just want [you] to know wherever you are, I love you, and I’ll give you everything I got.’”
Yungblud also notes that, “you will never see someone that’s bigger or more emotionally evolved than you talk **** on you”.
“You ain’t ever gonna see ******* James Hetfield slag off a young rock star. No, because he’s James ******* Hatfield,” he observes. “[You ain’t ever gonna] see your dad slag off a ******* rock star because they [haven’t] got anything to prove. They don’t need to insert themselves into a conversation.”
Elsewhere, Yungblud and Aerosmith recently announced that they’re releasing an EP together.
“You Ain’t Ever Gonna See James Hetfield Slag Off a Young Rock Star”: Yungblud and Jack Osbourne Push Back Against Criticism of the VMAs Ozzy Osbourne Tribute with Nuno Bettencourt, Steven Tyler, and Joe Perry
Context Around the VMAs Ozzy Osbourne Tribute
The 2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) paid an emotional tribute to rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, featuring performances by legendary musicians and younger rock artists alike. the tribute aimed to celebrate Osbourne’s immense impact on rock music culture across generations, blending classic and contemporary styles.
The lineup included iconic guitarists Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, alongside younger stars like Yungblud and honored guests such as Jack Osbourne, Ozzy’s own son. Despite the heartfelt homage,the tribute faced considerable criticism from some corners of the rock community and media,questioning the performances and the mixing of classic legends with younger artists.
Yungblud and Jack Osbourne Speak Out
Both Yungblud and Jack Osbourne took to various platforms to defend the tribute, pushing back hard against detractors. Their comments emphasized respect, unity, and the evolving nature of rock music:
- Yungblud highlighted the importance of bridging generations: “Rock’s spirit is about rebellion and evolution. Working with legends like steven Tyler and joe Perry is a dream, and it’s a sign that the genre’s future is alive and well.”
- Jack Osbourne defended the inclusion of younger artists, saying: “People forget how much my dad encouraged new talent. This wasn’t about replacing anything – it was about honoring a legacy and inspiring the next generation.”
- Jack also famously cited James Hetfield’s non-judgmental stance: “You ain’t ever gonna see James Hetfield slag off a young rock star; rock needs to support its newcomers.”
the Role of Rock Legends: Nuno Bettencourt,Steven Tyler,and Joe Perry
The participation of iconic guitarists Nuno Bettencourt,Steven Tyler,and Joe Perry lent credibility and depth to the tribute.Their collaboration with both Ozzy’s family and new generation rock stars symbolized a passing of the torch and a mutual respect across eras.
| Artist | Contribution to Tribute | Legacy Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Nuno Bettencourt | Extensive guitar solos and musical arrangement | Renowned for guitar mastery; connected 80s/90s rock with today |
| Steven Tyler | Vocal performance and stage presence | Aerosmith frontman; legendary rock icon |
| Joe Perry | Collaborative guitar work with Nuno & Yungblud | Famous for classic riffs and rock innovation |
Key Themes in the Pushback Against Criticism
The responses to negative commentary on the VMAs tribute highlighted several important themes that resonate deeply within rock culture and music communities.
1. Respect Across Generations
Both younger and veteran musicians emphasized that respect between generations of artists is crucial, especially in genres like rock where mentorship and homage frequently enough shape careers.
2.The Importance of Inclusivity in Music Celebrations
The tribute’s integration of new and veteran stars was intentional. It reflected a belief that music celebrations should honor the past while embracing fresh interpretations and new voices.
3. Rejecting Unnecessary Negative Criticism
The criticism was framed by yungblud,Jack Osbourne,and others as sometimes unfairly harsh,detracting from the sincere intent of the tribute.Instead of bringing artists down, the rock community is stronger when diverse generations unite for shared causes.
Benefits of Inter-Generational Collaboration in Rock Tributes
- Preservation of legacy: Iconic sounds and histories are passed to wider, modern audiences.
- Innovation: New artists bring fresh energy, revitalizing classic styles.
- Cultural Unity: Bringing diffrent age groups together fosters community spirit and a shared love of rock music.
- Exposure: Legacy artists introduce their fandoms to emergent talents, helping grow new fan bases.
Practical Takeaways for Organizing Successful Music Tributes
If you’re planning or curating a tribute concert or event, consider these tips inspired by the VMAs Ozzy Osbourne tribute experience:
- Blend Generations Thoughtfully: Involve artists from various eras to showcase rock’s evolution and continuity.
- Maintain Authenticity: ensure tributes honor the original artists authentically, respecting their style and legacy.
- Foster Mutual Respect: Encourage collaboration and positive relationships between veteran and younger artists.
- prepare for Criticism: Not everyone will agree with the tribute style – be ready to address it with transparency and respect.
- Highlight Legacy Stories: Use narratives and testimonies about the original artist’s impact to enrich the tribute’s meaning.
Case Study: How the VMA Tribute Elevated Rock Music for a New Generation
The 2024 VMAs were a clear example of how a well-executed tribute can create meaningful engagement across demographics:
| outcome | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-Generational Exposure | Young stars collaborated with Aerosmith legends | New fans discovered classic rock; older fans welcomed new voices |
| Increased Streaming & Sales | Ozzy Osbourne and collaborators saw spikes in streaming post-VMAs | Confirmed the economic benefit of tributes with wide appeal |
| Community Dialog | Social media conversations encouraged positive dialogue about rock’s past and future | Strengthened the broader rock fan community |
Firsthand Perspective: Yungblud’s Reflection on Working with Rock Icons
During interviews following the VMAs, Yungblud shared his feelings about rubbing shoulders with titans like Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. He expressed how the experience was inspiring and humbling and how it reaffirmed his dedication to carrying rock’s torch forward in his unique style.
“It’s about respect.When legends tell you you have a place in this vast history, it’s a powerful thing. It means we’re all part of a bigger story-one that’s still being written.” – Yungblud
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