Following an Ozzy Osbourne tribute at the 2025 MTV VMAs, The Darkness guitarist Dan Hawkins harshly criticized the performance, labeling it “nauseating and s**t.” In response to the backlash, Steven Tyler‘s daughter has now publicly defended the performance, which featured her father, Nuno Bettencourt, and Yungblud, championing the spirit of the event.
Her full statement is as follows:
“In my own rock n roll mom opinion… Rock and roll has always been about rebellion, truth, and breaking down walls. Every generation has its voice, musicians who dare to belt out the things others are afraid to say. We’re in an odd place in life right now where our musical hero’s are dying, retiring or just not being available the way they used to be anymore. We’re used to things being a certain way. We’re used to what’s familiar. But we can’t be so stubborn to the future of rock and roll because we want the past to be the present. With that being said…
“People try to tear down what they don’t understand, but let’s be clear: music is not meant to fit neatly inside someone else’s idea of ‘acceptable.’ Rock was born to rattle cages, stir emotions, and challenge the status quo. My dad and Aerosmith embodied that spirit for decades. Leading the path for young new artists like Yungblud to carry it forward.
“When Yungblud stepped on stage beside my father, one of the greatest frontmen and rock legends of all time, he didn’t try to imitate, compete, or shrink himself,” she continued. “Instead, he did what real authentic artists do, he showed up as himself. He poured out his raw energy, his unfiltered emotion, and fearless individuality in his own unapologetic way. Performing alongside a legend didn’t intimidate him, it elevated him. That moment was about celebrating Ozzy Osbourne’s life and legacy.
“To anyone with something negative to say: SHAME ON YOU! You’ve missed the point of art. Music is expression, not conformity. Rock is chaos, freedom, and honesty. Yungblud embodies all of that! He doesn’t just sing songs, he ignites a movement for young people who feel unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. When he sang along side my dad, he didn’t just share a stage with a rock icon, he proved that rock and roll is alive, evolving and in good hands. He’s the voice of a new generation of rock and roll. And you are a douche canoe if you have anything negative to say about that incredible performance honoring the Prince Of Darkness. When my Son and I were watching my dad’s performance at the VMA’s, I told Axe, ‘look at that kids charisma. Look how he stands up there with Papa, the king of charisma, and still shines. That kids a true rockstar. He’s got grit. You can be just like that if you want to.’ Axe smiled and agreed. And that’s the best thing we can ask for with this next generation.”
