Birmingham, UK – August 3, 2025 – The music world continues to reflect on the profound relationship between the late heavy metal icon Ozzy Osbourne and rising rock star Yungblud (Dominic Harrison), a bond that captivated fans and symbolized a generational bridge in rock music. Following Osbourne’s passing on July 22, 2025, at age 76, Yungblud’s emotional tributes and their shared moments have dominated headlines, highlighting a mentorship that many believe marked the passing of the torch from the Prince of Darkness to a new voice in rock.
The connection between Osbourne, the legendary Black Sabbath frontman, and Yungblud, the 27-year-old British alt-rocker, began in 2022 on the set of Yungblud’s music video for “The Funeral.” Initially, Yungblud reached out to Kelly Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, to appear in the video, but she suggested her parents instead. Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne’s cameo, where they humorously “ran over” Yungblud in a car, sparked an instant connection. Ozzy praised the track as a “f—ing great song” on his official site, while Yungblud told Billboard, “I met Ozzy and Sharon, and it was amazing.”
Their relationship deepened quickly, evolving into an almost father-son dynamic. During the video shoot, Yungblud opened up about online criticism he faced for spitting beer on crowds, to which Ozzy offered sage advice: “If you want to spit beer on the audience, do it, as long as you do it with love.” He added, “Never apologize for anything. They will understand you later. Time always tells,” words Yungblud later shared with NME, noting Ozzy’s intelligence and warmth.
By 2024, Yungblud was a guest on The Osbournes Podcast, where Sharon and Kelly marveled at his similarities to Ozzy, from pre-show pasta rituals to a love for war movies and getting drunk on planes. Sharon exclaimed, “I can’t believe it… Ozzy’s the exact same,” while Yungblud gasped in surprise. Fans and media, including American Songwriter and Loudwire, dubbed him Ozzy’s spiritual successor, noting their shared rebellious energy and unfiltered personas.
A pivotal moment came on July 5, 2025, at Black Sabbath’s final “Back to the Beginning” concert in Birmingham. Yungblud delivered a show-stealing cover of Black Sabbath’s 1972 ballad “Changes,” backed by a supergroup featuring members of Extreme, Anthrax, and Sleep Token. The performance, which earned praise from Brian May and 2.7 million TikTok views, was released as a charity single on July 18, benefiting Parkinson’s research and children’s hospices. Yungblud fought for the chance to sing the ballad, telling NME, “I said, ‘Give me the ballad. Trust me, I’ll bring the house down.’”
Backstage, Yungblud gifted Ozzy a custom sterling silver cross necklace with diamonds, a gesture reciprocating a cross Ozzy had given him in 2022. In a viral video, a visibly moved Ozzy called it “f—ing unbelievable,” hugging Yungblud and urging him to “conquer America next.” Yungblud replied, “The f—ing music was enough. You gave me an outlet. Everyone thought I was too f—ing mad, and I was like, ‘Nah, I’m like Ozzy.’” The exchange, shared widely on social media, left fans emotional, with one noting, “Ozzy sees his younger self in Yungblud, like passing the torch.”
After Ozzy’s death, Yungblud’s tributes underscored their bond. On Instagram, he wrote, “I didn’t think you would leave so soon… Your cross around my neck is the most precious thing I own. You were the greatest of all time.” He vowed to perform “Changes” every night for the rest of his career, a promise echoed in posts on X. At Ozzy’s funeral on August 1, Yungblud gave a touching reading, further cementing their connection.Fans and critics alike see Yungblud as carrying Ozzy’s legacy forward. As one X post stated, “Ozzy was spreading his faith… Metal heads are the sweetest and most humble people.” With his raw energy and unapologetic style, Yungblud continues to honor his mentor, ensuring the spirit of the Prince of Darkness lives on.
