by Disturbed frontman David Draiman has publicly defended Yungblud following criticism of the young artist’s tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne at the VMAs. He shared his support on X (formerly Twitter).
Draiman’s statement addressed the backlash Yungblud received after performing alongside Steven Tyler in tribute to the heavy metal icon.
“Guys…With all due respect. Yungblud isn’t POSITIONING himself as ANYTHING,” Draiman said. “He’s a talented young artist who was tasked/asked to do an impossible job. To please everyone while tributing his idol, Ozzy Osbourne. He did great. Leave him be.”
The defense comes after Yungblud and Steven Tyler’s VMAs tribute performance to Ozzy Osbourne sparked mixed reactions from fans and critics alike.
Draiman’s support highlights the challenging nature of tribute performances, particularly when honoring legendary figures in rock and metal music. The Disturbed vocalist’s intervention demonstrates solidarity within the rock community when younger artists face criticism for their interpretations of classic material.
The tribute performance itself was an ambitious undertaking that showcased multiple generations of rock talent. Revolver Magazine reported that the eight-minute medley included iconic songs such as “Crazy Train,” “Changes,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.” The performance featured Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Nuno Bettencourt, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the tribute.
The performance held deep personal significance for Yungblud, who has long cited Ozzy as a major influence. YouTube coverage revealed that Yungblud referred to Ozzy as his “north star” and wore Ozzy’s cross around his neck during the performance. He cited personal inspiration and the advice Ozzy gave him: to “not care about what people think.”
The tribute took place at New York’s UBS Arena and opened with Yungblud energetically performing shirtless, embodying Ozzy’s spirit. Performance footage showed the young artist’s high-energy approach aimed to capture the raw intensity that has made Ozzy Osbourne a metal icon for decades.
The controversy surrounding the performance reflects broader debates within the rock and metal community about how classic material should be interpreted by newer generations of artists. Draiman’s defense suggests that such tributes should be viewed as celebrations rather than competitions with the original performances.
