Justin Hawkins did not intend to start a conflict with Yungblud over VMAs performance
Justin Hawkins, the lead singer of The Darkness, has clarified his recent comments about Yungblud’s VMAs performance, emphasizing that his intention was never to spark a feud with the young artist. The controversy arose when Yungblud paid tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at the VMAs, joined by legendary musicians like Nuno Bettencourt, Joe Perry, and Steven Tyler. In response to the tribute, Dan Hawkins, guitarist for The Darkness, expressed his disapproval, labeling it as “another nail in the coffin of rock’n’roll” and criticizing the performance as “cynical, nauseating, and, more importantly, terrible.” He did not mince words, calling those involved “a bunch of bellends.”
Justin Hawkins, Dan’s brother and a member of The Darkness as well, later shared his thoughts on his YouTube channel. He noted that he felt the performance lacked authenticity, comparing it to rock seen through a filtered lens, akin to the glossy image projected on social media platforms like Instagram. Despite facing backlash for his initial comments, Justin defended his stance, stating that his critique was not aimed at Yungblud’s spirit but rather at the perceived lack of genuine rock essence in the tribute performance. He admitted to finding certain aspects of the performance cringeworthy but stood by his perspective.
Addressing the backlash, Justin emphasized that his remarks were not meant to stir up animosity but rather to offer a critical evaluation of the performance. He acknowledged Yungblud as a talented and influential artist in the music industry, capable of impacting the future of rock with his unique style and connections. Justin was particularly skeptical about the alleged use of autotune during the tribute, pointing out the implications of real-time pitch correction on the authenticity of a live rock performance. He raised concerns about the evolving landscape of the genre, especially if artists with backgrounds in musical theater and Disney were hailed as the torchbearers of rock music.
Despite his controversial opinions, Justin defended the importance of open discourse and diverse viewpoints within the music community. He emphasized the need for constructive criticism and the freedom to express differing opinions, even if they are unpopular. Justin clarified that his remarks were not intended to disparage Yungblud personally but rather to highlight the potential challenges that modern rock faces in maintaining its raw and unfiltered essence. By reflecting on the implications of real-time pitch correction in live rock performances, Justin underscored his concerns about the future trajectory of the genre.
In conclusion, Justin Hawkins reiterated that his comments were not meant to ignite a feud with Yungblud but rather to prompt a dialogue about the evolving nature of rock music. Despite the controversy surrounding his critique, Justin stood by his perspective and encouraged respectful discussion within the music community. His reflections shed light on the complexities of modern rock performance and the challenges of preserving the genre’s authenticity in an ever-changing musical landscape.