Is YUNGBLUD the Rock Star This Generation Has Been Waiting For?

Photo by Tom Pallant

In a time when the idea of a “rock star” often feels like a relic of the past, YUNGBLUD is reviving the spirit of it in a way that speaks to this generation. The 27-year-old from Doncaster, England is loud, emotional, and impossible to ignore, making him one of the most hotly debated names in alternative music today. With a career built on speaking for the misunderstood, he's either a much-needed revival of the rock icon or another short-lived buzz, depending on who you ask.

But whether you love him, hate him, or haven’t quite figured him out yet, one question feels increasingly unavoidable: Is YUNGBLUD our generation’s next big rock star?

The Rise of YUNGBLUD

YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) has been building momentum for years. What began as a scrappy punk-pop project in the late 2010s has evolved into a full-blown cultural movement. He’s not just making music, but creating a space for people who often feel like they don’t belong anywhere else—and it’s working. With weird! (2020), YUNGBLUD (2022), and Idols (2025) all debuting at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart, he's been able to achieve commercial consistency. Each record has built on the last, reflecting not just artistic growth, but a deepening connection with fans who see themselves in his raw, genre-bending sound.

While the mainstream music industry often sidelines rock in favor of pop and hip-hop, YUNGBLUD’s success feels like proof that there’s still a massive appetite for guitar-driven anthems—especially when they come with a message.

Reclaiming Authenticity

What makes YUNGBLUD’s journey especially compelling is the clear shift in his creative identity. His latest album, Idols (released on June 20th, 2025), is easily his most ambitious and emotionally grounded release to date. The hyperactive theatrics of his earlier years have been scaled back, making room for a more sober, self-aware artist.

Rather than chasing chart formulas, Idols opens with “Hello Heaven Hello,” a bold, sprawling nine-minute track that sets the tone for an album focused on vulnerability over virality. Across the album’s runtime, he addresses themes such as hero-worship, burnout, and the search for validation, not just as a performer, but as a person. This maturity is especially striking considering how his earlier work was often dismissed as "manufactured" or a "cynical cash-in" on Gen Z angst. But with Idols, he seems to be consciously breaking free of that narrative. It feels less like a brand and more like a reckoning.

Co-Signed by Legends

When rock legends start noticing you, it’s a sign you’re doing something right. YUNGBLUD has earned respect from icons like Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, and Robert Smith. But perhaps the most powerful moment came recently on July 5th, 2025, at Black Sabbath’s final show, where YUNGBLUD delivered a cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s song “Changes.” The performance showcased not only his vocal ability and stage presence, but also a deep connection to rock’s past.

Backstage at England’s Villa Park, YUNGBLUD gave Ozzy Osbourne a cross necklace, a meaningful gesture in return for a similar cross Ozzy had given him earlier. In a candid moment caught on video, Ozzy expressed genuine appreciation for the gift. During their conversation, Ozzy acknowledged YUNGBLUD’s recent success and encouraged him to keep pushing forward, saying, “You got a No. 1 album? Good for you. Conquer America next. Just keep going. Don’t give in.” YUNGBLUD responded with, “You know what, the f—ing music was enough. Thank you so much, honestly. You gave me a f—ing outlet. Everyone thought I was too f—ing mad and I was like, nah man, I’m like Ozzy.” This exchange captured a rare moment of mutual respect and camaraderie between two generations of rockers, highlighting not just endorsement but a genuine connection. For YUNGBLUD, it wasn’t just a nod from a legend, but a powerful symbol of trust and expectation as he steps into the future of rock music.

Redefining the Rock Star for a New Generation

Rock stars have always shared struggles and challenged norms—artists like Nirvana, David Bowie, and Janis Joplin are prime examples. What’s changed is the context and how audiences relate to artists today. Back then, those raw emotions and rebellious acts often came wrapped in mystique, sometimes even in tragedy or taboo. Today, with social media and a greater awareness of mental health and identity, fans expect openness and ongoing conversations. The connection is less about untouchable icons and more about genuine dialogue and community-building, and YUNGBLUD embodies that shift. 

Instead of the untouchable fame that once defined rock stars, YUNGBLUD offers something far more crucial in 2025: connection. He’s not just making music. He's cultivating a movement centered on authenticity and empathy. For a generation facing unprecedented challenges—from mental health crises to political unrest—having a rock star who listens, understands, and stands with them might be exactly what the moment calls for.

Still, the Debate Remains

To be clear, not everyone is sold. Critics continue to question YUNGBLUD’s authenticity, accusing him of leaning too hard into performative rebellion or borrowing too heavily from other genres without fully owning any one of them. And to some extent, those criticisms aren’t completely unwarranted. Early in his career, there were moments when YUNGBLUD felt like he was trying to be too many things—punk, pop, goth, glam—all at once. 

But the thing about rock stars is that they’ve never been universally loved. David Bowie was called a fraud. Nirvana was mocked by metalheads. Lady Gaga was dismissed as a gimmick. Making a real impact doesn’t mean everyone will like it. And whether or not YUNGBLUD eventually earns a seat at the table of rock icons, he’s undeniably having an impact now.

The Verdict: Will YUNGBLUD Become the Rock Star of Our Time?

Maybe the better question is: what does a rock star of our time even look like?

The image has changed. Yes, today’s icons are still placed on pedestals, but they’re expected to be honest, vulnerable, and self-aware while they’re up there. YUNGBLUD doesn’t ignore that shift—he leans into it. He doesn’t try to escape the past or pretend it never existed. He builds on it and reshapes the role to reflect the chaos and connection this generation craves.

YUNGBLUD isn’t reinventing the rock star from scratch—he’s reimagining it with intention. You can hear his influences loud and clear, but nothing about his newest album, Idols, feels like imitation. Instead, it sounds like evolution: a modern take on legacy built from noise, rebellion, and honesty.

So, will he become the rock star of our time? If being a rock star means blending grit with vulnerability, chaos with care, and legacy with innovation, then he’s already well on his way. He may not be the only one trying to carry the torch, but currently, he’s holding it high—and people are watching.