The Darkness' Justin Hawkins has once again taken aim at Yungblud, sparking a debate about the future of rock music. Hawkins, known for his flamboyant stage presence and the band's hit 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love,' has voiced his concerns about the direction of the genre. But what exactly has him so riled up? Let's dive in.
At the heart of the matter is Yungblud's performance at the MTV VMAs, a tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne. The Darkness' guitarist, Dan Hawkins, initially slammed the performance on social media, calling it 'another nail in the coffin of rock n roll.' His brother, Justin, later echoed these sentiments, expressing his reservations about Yungblud's portrayal of the Ozzy legacy.
And this is the part most people miss... Justin Hawkins has now doubled down on his criticism, particularly focusing on Yungblud's background and use of auto-tune. He pointed out Yungblud's past on the Disney Channel show The Lodge, suggesting a disconnect between his origins and the raw energy typically associated with rock. Hawkins's main concern? That the future of rock might be headed in a direction he doesn't approve of.
But here's where it gets controversial... The core of Hawkins's argument revolves around the use of auto-tune in Yungblud's performance, which he believes undermines the authenticity of rock music. He stated, 'If the future of rock needs auto-tune to carry a song, then we are in trouble.' This statement raises a fundamental question: Does the use of technology like auto-tune dilute the essence of rock, or is it simply an evolution of the genre?
It's worth noting that Yungblud's performance at the VMAs wasn't his only tribute to Osbourne. He also performed Black Sabbath's 'Changes' at Black Sabbath's final show, a performance that drew both praise and criticism. Furthermore, Yungblud has released an Osbourne-approved cover of 'Changes' and has expressed his deep respect for the rock icon. However, The Darkness seems to disagree with Yungblud's interpretation of rock music.
The controversy continues... Yungblud has responded to the criticism, suggesting that it comes from those who are 'bitter' and 'jealous.' He has also stated that he was simply trying to 'honour one of the greatest rock stars that ever lived.' In the meantime, Yungblud has collaborated with artists like The Smashing Pumpkins and has even received a profound letter from Robbie Williams. Moreover, there are rumors that Yungblud may be cast as the Prince of Darkness in an upcoming biopic.
So, what do you think? Do you agree with The Darkness' perspective on the future of rock? Or do you see Yungblud as a worthy successor? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
