Yungblud, who performed at Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell gig just days before his death, says he had “a lot in the works” with the late Prince of Darkness
He has been hailed the new Prince of Darkness thanks to his close friendship with the late Ozzy Osbourne.
And as he takes his explosive live shows on a world tour, rising star Yungblud, like his rock mentor, seems more than ready to shake things up.
The 28-year-old – real name Dominic Richard Harrison – says: “I want to achieve what Ozzy did. He was a great inspiration to me.” It comes after Sharon Osbourne breaks down in tears at Ozzy’s funeral in heartbreaking scenes.
And the Doncaster-born singer adds: “British rock music needs a bit of a kick up the a***.”
Ozzy and Dom, who burst on to the music scene in 2018, became friends after the Brummie rocker appeared in the video for Yungblud’s song The Funeral in 2022.
The pair bonded over their shared love of music and their rebellious nature, with Ozzy gifting Dom one of his famous crucifix necklaces.
Yungblud was among huge bands such as Metallica and Guns N’ Roses who performed at Black Sabbath’s final gig at Villa Park in Birmingham on July 5.
He gave a heartfelt rendition of Changes, the No1 hit Ozzy recorded with daughter Kelly in 2003, to the 45,000-strong crowd.
Speaking before Ozzy’s death, Dom hinted he was working with Sabbath star and at a possible secret recording with his mentor, saying: “There is a lot in the works as me and Ozzy are friends.”
The wild man of rock died aged 76 on July 22 at home in Buckinghamshire after suffering a cardiac arrest.
Dom was among big names from the music world, such as Sir Elton John, James Hetfield of Metallica and Marilyn Manson, who attended Ozzy’s funeral in Birmingham on July 30.
It is established singers like Ozzy and Queen frontman Freddie Mercury that Yungblud can thank for paving the way for his soaring success.
He says: “People like Freddie Mercury and Elton John, they are huge. When I released my first single, Hello Heaven, Hello a few months ago, Brian May actually sent me an email to say how he loved it as the song is over nine minutes long – longer than Bohemian Rhapsody.
“The old boys of music have been such a source of inspiration for me as that was when pure emotion was injected into music.
“Freddie and Brian were always such massive influences. Brian told me to keep evolving as he watched Freddie evolve and he loved my music. It was an honour.”
And as well as being close to Ozzy, Dom also counts Queen’s lead guitarist as a pal.
He says: “Brian May and I are friends. I would love to do a song with Brian and I have been working with Joe Perry from Aerosmith. It is my dream, man.
“That is why I named my new album Idols as I have looked at people my whole life, but it is time to look to myself. I guess we always look back, but it is time to look forward.”
In homage to Queen, Dom included the We Will Rock You style “clap-along song” Ghosts on his new album.
He says: “I’m gonna make you all clap and imagine that I’m in the O2 next year. It can’t come quick enough!”
The hope is that his Idols tour – which starts last this month with 21 dates in the US followed by Canada, Europe and a string of UK gigs next spring – will help cement him as one of Britain’s biggest male solo stars.
Timed with this is the release of a documentary, Yungblud: Are You Ready, Boy?, which hits cinemas later this month.
The feature-length film, directed by Bafta-winner Paul Dugdale, charts Dom’s early life growing up in Doncaster and shows him performing at the legendary Hansa Studios in Berlin, the birthplace of David Bowie’s album Heroes, and U2’s Achtung Baby.
Ever proud of his northern roots, Dom made his new album in Leeds so it could have an authentic vibe.
He says: “I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud to stand by anything I’ve ever made. This album was made with love by four people in the North of England.”
The album features Yungblud singing a ballad, which Dom reveals he was inspired to include by pop star Lewis Capaldi.
Dom says: “When I was making this album, I was really close with Lewis… I’ve always been shouting a lot, and he just said, “Just sing, man” and so I am.”
To get ready for his tour, the rocker cut back on the beer and got into shape through boxing training.
He says: “I like the new physique. I will take it if people say I look like Iggy Pop any day, or Bowie during the Thin White Duke era.
“They were big inspirations to my body and I am just trying to be like them. I am ready to work and kick ass.”
And ready to conquer the globe…
He adds: “The whole world is f***** up right now and we have to find a sense of unity. We have to find a sense of common ground and means of co-existing and compromise.
“We need to look at each other; we are all human and we have that in common. My new album has a nod to Britpop and British music.
Source: Mirror
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