Justin Hawkins on Yungblud: No Feud Intended, Just Healthy Skepticism About Rock’s Future

Justin Hawkins shares his honest take on Yungblud’s rock credentials, stressing it’s okay to be skeptical about today’s rock scene.

When Opinions Stir the Pot: Justin Hawkins Reflects on Yungblud and Rock Authenticity

You know how it goes — sometimes a simple opinion on a performance can blow up into a full-on conversation about the state of rock music today. That’s exactly what happened when Justin Hawkins, frontman of The Darkness, chimed in on Yungblud’s MTV VMA tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. But here’s the thing: Hawkins insists he never meant to spark a feud, just to share a skeptical view of what rock looks like in 2025.

Justin Hawkins and Yungblud’s contrasting takes on rock authenticity

The Dustup Begins: Dan Hawkins’ Sharp Words and The VMA Performance

The drama kicked off when Dan Hawkins, guitarist for The Darkness and Justin’s brother, was pretty blunt about Yungblud’s tribute to Ozzy Osbourne alongside Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt at the VMAs. Dan called the whole thing “another nail in the coffin of rock n roll” and didn’t hold back, labeling Yungblud and the other performers as “a bunch of bellends.” Oof.

This raw reaction set the stage for Justin Hawkins to weigh in with his own thoughts — and boy, did he have a lot to say.

Justin Hawkins’ Take: Rock Through an Instagram Filter?

Jumping onto his YouTube channel, Justin dug a little deeper. He described the tribute as “rock n’ roll seen through an Instagram filter of some sort,” highlighting a disconnect between Yungblud’s performance and the “really important stuff” that defines rock legacy. He suggested Yungblud is positioning himself as an heir to Ozzy’s throne but might be missing what makes that legacy truly meaningful.

Yungblud’s Response: “Bitter and Jealous” Critics Strike Back

Of course, Yungblud — aka Dom Harrison — didn’t stay silent. He fired back at his critics, calling them “bitter and jealous.” His point? Many of those throwing stones are desperately trying to stay relevant by inserting themselves into conversations celebrating one of rock’s all-time greats. It’s a reminder that the rock world is as competitive as ever, especially when it comes to authenticity and legacy.

A Closer Look: Justin Hawkins Explains His Views on His YouTube Channel

In a revealing video titled ‘Yungblud And The Cost of Having An Opinion’ on Justin’s YouTube channel Justin Hawkins Rides Again, he openly addressed the supposed feud rumors and clarified his stance. He said:

“There’s nothing ‘feudy about it,’ especially when it comes to my reactions to the VMAs performance. None of that was intended to incite a feud. I think that Yungblud is a very well-connected and, as such, dangerous artist. He’s an individual who is not the sort of bear you’d go round poking.”

Justin’s candor shines when he critiques the use of real-time pitch correction during the live performance — a nod to questions about how “live” some modern performances actually are. Coming from a background steeped in rock’s raw energy, this seemed like a red flag to him.

The Skeptic’s View: Is Rock’s Future Pitch-Corrected?

The heart of Justin’s argument is simple: if the “future of rock” relies on real-time pitch correction and polished production typical of musical theatre and Disney, what does that mean for rock’s authenticity? He admits his views might not be popular, but insists skepticism is healthy — after all, if you only say positive things, you lose the full picture.

In his words:

“I think it’s OK to be a bit skeptical about it.”

Diving Deeper: Context from Yungblud’s Own Words

Justin even referenced a moment from Dom Harrison’s interview on Jack Osbourne’s podcast, where Yungblud responds to the critiques. This added a layer of nuance to the discussion, showing both sides trying to grapple with what rock means in today’s musical landscape.

What’s Next for Justin Hawkins? Touring with His Podcast

Aside from stirring debates, Justin Hawkins has exciting plans of his own. He announced a one-man UK tour centered around his podcast Justin Hawkins Rides Again… Again!. For fans wanting to catch him live and dive deeper into his thoughts, tickets are already on sale. It’s another reminder that whether through music or commentary, Justin’s voice is far from quiet.

Wrapping It Up: Rock’s Evolution in the Spotlight

At the end of the day, this back-and-forth between Justin Hawkins and Yungblud isn’t just about one performance or personality clash. It’s a microcosm of rock’s ongoing identity crisis — old guard versus new wave, raw grit versus polished presentation. And honestly? That debate is what keeps rock music alive and kicking.

FAQ

• How did the feud between Justin Hawkins and Yungblud begin?
  It started when Dan Hawkins criticized Yungblud’s MTV VMA tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, prompting Justin to share his own skeptical views on the performance.
• What was Justin Hawkins’ main criticism of Yungblud’s performance?
  He pointed out the use of real-time pitch correction and suggested that Yungblud’s background in musical theatre clashes with rock’s authentic legacy.
• How did Yungblud respond to the criticism?
  Yungblud called his critics “bitter and jealous,” accusing them of trying to insert themselves into the conversation for relevance.
• Is Justin Hawkins really feuding with Yungblud?
  No, Justin clarified that he never intended to start a feud—he was simply sharing his opinions as part of his reaction channel.
• What upcoming projects does Justin Hawkins have?
  Justin is embarking on a UK tour based on his podcast Justin Hawkins Rides Again… Again!, offering fans a chance to see him live.

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