Justin Hawkins Stands Firm Amid Backlash Over Yungblud Ozzy Tribute Criticism
via Justin Hawkins Rides Again / YouTube
Justin Hawkins, frontman of The Darkness, has found himself in the middle of an online storm after he and his brother Dan criticized Yungblud’s tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne at the MTV Video Music Awards. Dan Hawkins sparked controversy first, describing the set as “cynical, nauseating and, more importantly, shit” in a blunt Instagram post. Justin soon backed him up, going even further by labeling the performance “cringe” and calling Yungblud part of a “long line of poseurs.”
These comments spread quickly, prompting heated reactions from fans who accused the Hawkins brothers of being bitter and unnecessarily harsh. While some defended Yungblud as a spirited performer paying tribute to a rock icon, others felt the critique was a needless personal attack. Rather than stepping back, Justin has since taken to his YouTube channel, Justin Hawkins Rides Again, to respond directly to the backlash.
In his response, Justin made it clear that he is not only standing by his words but also challenging what he sees as a culture where criticism is silenced. He argued that criticism is essential for growth and creativity, even if it stings. His insistence on speaking his mind has reignited debate on the role of honesty, artistry, and resilience in the rock world.
Doubling Down on Criticism
On his channel, Hawkins pushed back against fans accusing him of being “nothing more than a hater.” He acknowledged Yungblud’s spirit and stage energy but emphasized that his problem lies in how the performance “comes off like a TV personality doing rock.” According to Hawkins, this disconnect makes it feel forced and insincere, undermining the authenticity he believes is vital in rock music.
He also drew parallels to his own career, admitting he has been guilty of embarrassing or cringe-worthy moments in the past. For Justin, that experience reinforces the importance of criticism, which he sees as a necessary check for artists. He noted that when others have “kicked the shit out of me” in response to his own missteps, he ultimately appreciated it as feedback.
By framing critique as a form of artistic guidance, Hawkins positioned himself not as a troll or jealous rival, but as someone engaging in the same cycle of accountability he has lived through. Whether fans buy that explanation is another matter, but it reveals a philosophy that values resilience over sensitivity.
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Addressing Accusations of Bitterness
Many critics online accused Hawkins of being petty or bitter, suggesting jealousy fueled his remarks. In response, Hawkins argued that Yungblud, with his popularity and successful albums, hardly needs validation from him or anyone else. If anything, he believes Yungblud should be able to withstand a bit of pushback without issue.
Justin also highlighted that his stance is not one-dimensional. He pointed out that he has praised some of Yungblud’s earlier work, acknowledging the younger artist’s potential cultural impact. His issue, he clarified, lies in the songwriting, which he bluntly dismissed: “I just don’t think he’s written any good songs yet – and that’s my opinion.”
This blunt honesty might sting, but for Hawkins, it’s part of the artistic dialogue. He’s adamant that critique, even when sharp, should not be mistaken for bitterness. Instead, he frames it as part of the natural friction that has always existed in rock music, where outspoken voices often clash.
Yungblud’s Connection to Ozzy
Meanwhile, Yungblud’s side of the story underscores why the tribute carried such emotional weight for him. In interviews, he revealed that he had formed a bond with Ozzy Osbourne in the years leading up to the Black Sabbath icon’s passing. Navigating the sudden loss of someone he considered both a hero and a friend was deeply challenging for the young performer.
For Yungblud, the MTV performance was not just another stage moment—it was an act of grief, respect, and admiration for someone who had meant everything to him. He described the experience of losing Ozzy just as their friendship was beginning to flourish as “really hard,” making the tribute personal and heartfelt.
This contrast in perspectives—Hawkins’ view of the tribute as contrived versus Yungblud’s framing of it as sincere—shows how interpretations of art can sharply diverge. Ultimately, the controversy highlights the tension between intent and reception, and how public tributes can invite both praise and critique.
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