Yungblud has fired back at critics who slammed his tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, calling the backlash “bitter and jealous.” The British musician addressed the controversy during a recent appearance on The Osbournes Podcast, hosted by Jack Osbourne, where he reflected on his relationship with Ozzy, his evolving reputation in the rock world, and the emotional weight of performing in honor of his mentor.

Throughout the hour-long conversation, Yungblud spoke candidly about his bond with the heavy metal legend, describing Osbourne as a guiding force in both his career and personal life. The two first met while filming the video for Yungblud’s 2022 single “The Funeral,” a collaboration that grew into a genuine friendship.

“Ozzy was like my Batman,” Yungblud recalled with a laugh. “Within ten minutes of meeting him, he made me a salami sandwich. That’s who he was: kind, funny, and completely himself.”

Their connection deepened in 2024 when Yungblud joined a multi-generational lineup at Back to the Beginning, a star-studded farewell concert celebrating Osbourne’s legacy. His performance of “Changes,” originally recorded by Ozzy and his daughter Kelly Osbourne, was met with widespread praise. “That show was the biggest gift,” Yungblud said. “It brought together six generations of rock musicians. For years, people said Yungblud was ‘for the kids.’ But that night, I think a lot of people, especially older fans, found something in common with me.”

Just weeks after that emotional farewell, Ozzy Osbourne passed away. When Yungblud took the stage at the MTV Video Music Awards to perform a tribute joined by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, and guitarist Nuno Bettencourt, many fans viewed it as a heartfelt moment. But not everyone agreed.

According to Jack Osbourne, “some rock stars were slagging him off,” accusing Yungblud of using Ozzy’s death as an opportunity for attention. The harshest criticism came from Justin and Dan Hawkins of The Darkness, who labeled the performance and went on to call Yungblud “the latest in a long line of poseurs.”

Yungblud didn’t hold back in his response. “All I was trying to do was my best for your old man, because he gave me such a gift,” he told Jack. “When people try to intellectualize a sense of spirit, six musicians onstage saying ‘we love you, man’, it’s just bitter and jealous.” He continued, “They’re doing the very thing they accuse us of doing, inserting themselves into a conversation to stay relevant, on the back of us honoring one of the greatest rock stars who ever lived. And then they talk about authenticity? Come on. I just loved your dad.”

The exchange underscored a recurring theme in Yungblud’s career with his ongoing effort to bridge generational divides within the rock community. Since emerging in the late 2010s with a blend of punk attitude, glam style, and pop hooks, Yungblud has polarized critics and fans alike. But his collaborations with artists like Ozzy Osbourne, Travis Barker, and Machine Gun Kelly have earned him respect among some of the genre’s veterans.

Reflecting on the shifting perceptions, Yungblud said he feels that moments like the Back to the Beginning concert have allowed older audiences to reconsider him. “It’s been a crazy ride,” he admitted. “For a long time, people saw me as the loud, eyeliner-wearing kid shouting about something they didn’t get. But when I stood on that stage with legends, people who built this thing, it showed that the spirit of rock and roll still connects us all.”

As Yungblud continues his U.S. tour and works on new music, Yungblud insists he’s focused on what truly matters. “At the end of the day, it’s about connection,” he said. “People can say what they want. But I know what that moment meant, to me, to Jack, and to everyone who loved Ozzy.”