Yungblud's Journey to Stardom and Working Alongside His Musical Heroes: "I Owe It All to My Idol"
By Rebecca Castagna
Updated October 8, 2025 / 1:21 PM EDT / CBS News
British rock sensation Yungblud, who has received acclaim from legendary artists like Lenny Kravitz, Steven Tyler, and the late Ozzy Osbourne, released his fourth studio album, "Idols," this past June. Remarkably, this album marks his third consecutive project to reach number one on the U.K. charts.
At just 28 years old, Yungblud knew from the outset that music was his calling, even as he faced significant criticism along the way. Currently touring globally on his Idols World Tour, he recently shared with "CBS Mornings" his rise to fame, battles with personal struggles, and what it meant to collaborate with those who inspired him.
The Magnetic Power of Music That Started It All
Born Dominic Harrison in Doncaster, England, he grew up surrounded by guitars as his family owned a chain of guitar shops. From a young age, music was more than just sound—it was an overwhelming feeling that connected with him deeply.
"The emotions music stirred in me were unparalleled," he explained. "Listening to the opening of 'West Side Story' gives me as many chills as classic Led Zeppelin songs like 'Houses of the Holy.'"
He was instantly drawn to music’s theatrical nature, finding his confidence and passion through early school stage performances.
"Being on stage meant I could move people emotionally," Yungblud recalled. "It wasn’t arrogance — I just knew I had the power to make people laugh, cry, and jump with energy."
At 15, Dominic took a bold leap, relocating to London and forming a band that would soon adopt his now-famous moniker, Yungblud. "The name Dominic Harrison sounded a bit too polite for what I wanted to do," he said with a smile.
Interestingly, his band's initial success came not from England but the Netherlands, where they quickly became the hottest rock act within just six months.
"Nobody paid much attention in England at first, but we exploded in the Netherlands," he noted.
When his fame finally surged back home, not everyone was convinced of his genuineness. Yungblud, who openly shares his experience living with ADHD, acknowledged that his energy tends to polarize audiences.
"People either really love me or really dislike me," he admitted candidly.
The Dark Side of Rising Fame and Personal Struggles
Climbing higher on the charts meant facing tougher criticism, which Yungblud closely absorbed.
"I read every single comment — from fans, labels, and strangers on social media. I desperately wanted to be liked by everyone, ever since I was a kid," he reflected. "But that obsession led me into a deep, dark spiral where I felt out of control."
He found his way back from the brink through boxing, a discipline that taught him the importance of channeling energy wisely.
"If you waste your strength too soon, you’ll get knocked down. I learned that if emotions like anger or frustration take over, you’ll end up hurt. Boxing forced me to commit fully to my decisions," he explained.
Collaborating with Legends and Honoring Ozzy Osbourne
One of the most significant milestones in Yungblud’s career has been working alongside his musical heroes. Recently, he recorded music with Aerosmith, and back in 2022, Ozzy Osbourne appeared in the music video for Yungblud’s song "Funeral."
In a heartfelt tribute, Yungblud was invited to perform the Black Sabbath classic "Changes" at Osbourne's farewell concert in July.
"Being asked to sing this song was a profound honor because it allowed me to truly express my gratitude to my hero," Yungblud said. "The crowd roared like an army because they knew it was potentially the very last time. It was almost magical."
Tragically, Osbourne passed away less than three weeks after the concert at age 76. Before his death, he gifted Yungblud a cross necklace with a powerful message.
"He told me, ‘I hope this brings you luck. Don’t ever compromise your values. They’ll understand you later,’" Yungblud recalled.
"Even now, I feel his presence everywhere. It’s incredible. That gift gave me not just a symbol, but a platform to carry his legacy forward."
But here's where it gets controversial: Do you think younger artists like Yungblud truly carry the spirit of rock and roll today, or is the genre becoming too commercialized? Is embracing theatricality and raw emotion a genuine extension of classic rock, or a new era’s reinvention? Share your thoughts — are modern rockers torchbearers or trend followers?
Music, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne — Anthony Mason, Senior Culture and National Correspondent, CBS News, frequently brings you in-depth cultural interviews and music coverage.
