LONDON, U.K.—In his first extensive comments since the passing of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, 2025, British artist YUNGBLUD (legal name Dominic Harrison) has offered a deeply personal and emotional reflection on the profound mentorship he received from the “Prince of Darkness.”1
Speaking to NME on the launch of his new immersive retail and creative space, “b.r.a.t.,” Harrison revealed that Osbourne’s unconventional life was a crucial source of validation for his own artistic identity.
“I haven’t really spoken about Ozzy, so it’s weird, you know,” Harrison said, his voice reflecting the raw grief of the last few weeks. “Ozzy would provide me this hope that there was an avenue for someone like me in the world.”
The Bond: Data Points of a Rock Star Friendship
The connection between the 76-year-old Black Sabbath co-founder and the 28-year-old rock-pop punk star was cemented over three years, quickly becoming one of the most unexpected and touching dynamics in music.2
| Event | Date / Year | Significance |
| Music Video Debut | March 11, 2022 | Ozzy & Sharon Osbourne star in Yungblud’s music video for the song “The Funeral.” |
| Mentorship Begins | 2022–2025 | Ozzy took Harrison under his wing, offering advice; Sharon provided career guidance. |
| Farewell Performance | July 5, 2025 | Yungblud performs an emotional cover of Black Sabbath’s song “Changes” at Osbourne’s final show, Back to the Beginning, in Birmingham. |
| Final Gift Exchange | July 5, 2025 | A viral video shows Yungblud gifting Osbourne a custom cross necklace in return for the one Ozzy had given him previously. |
| Ozzy’s Passing | July 22, 2025 | Ozzy Osbourne dies at the age of 76, less than three weeks after his final concert. |
The intimate nature of their relationship was publicly confirmed when Ozzy’s family noted Harrison’s striking similarities to the legendary rocker, with Sharon and Kelly Osbourne stating his answers during a quiz were “just like Dad.”
A Legacy of Loudness and Light
For Harrison, Osbourne’s influence was not merely musical, but existential. He saw in the iconic rocker a kindred spirit who had defied convention.
“I was always a bit over the top, I was always seen to be a bit crazy, I was always seen to be a bit loud,” Harrison reflected. “But when kind of some people saw that as a negative, Ozzy would provide me this hope that there was an avenue for someone like me in the world.”
This sentiment echoes the emotional tribute the artist posted on Instagram shortly after Osbourne’s death, vowing to honor his mentor’s spirit.
“You have been my North Star for everything for as long as I can remember from when I was misunderstood as a child to the way people thought I was just a little ‘too much’ or ‘strange’ in my life and career,” Harrison wrote in his post. “I promise you with all my heart I will try my best and make it my life’s journey to keep the sprit that you started and what you have taught me alive.”
Harrison confirmed he plans to honor that promise by continuing to perform his emotional cover of “Changes” at every show.3