The Darkness’ guitarist Dan Hawkins slammed Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, Steven Tyler, Yungblud, and presumably Nuno Bettencourt—who was also on stage with the trio—as “a bunch of bellends” after they performed a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at the MTV VMAs in New York last night.
“Makes me sick how people jump on this to further their own careers”: The Darkness’ Dan Hawkins blasts Yungblud, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry for their VMAs Ozzy Osbourne tribute
The Darkness’ lead guitarist, Dan Hawkins, recently made headlines with a sharp critique of several music icons. He spoke out about a particular performance involving Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, along with rising star Yungblud and guitar virtuoso Nuno Bettencourt. This public outburst quickly caught the attention of fans and the music industry alike.
Hawkins didn’t hold back, famously calling the collaborating musicians “a bunch of bellends.” This strong language came after the group shared a stage for a much-talked-about joint performance. His surprising criticism left many wondering what could have sparked such a forceful reaction from The Darkness’ acclaimed guitarist.
What exactly led Dan Hawkins to voice such strong disapproval of this unique musical collaboration and their live show? His words ignited a fiery debate among music fans and artists.
The specific event that triggered Dan Hawkins’ comments saw a memorable, if not unexpected, lineup. Aerosmith legends Joe Perry and Steven Tyler joined forces with Yungblud, a contemporary music sensation, and the highly skilled guitarist Nuno Bettencourt. They performed together at the legendary Hollywood Vampires’ show in Boston.
During their time on stage, the supergroup delivered a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s classic “The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown).” This song choice, along with the mix of performers, created a buzz. The atmosphere was electric, blending classic rock with a modern edge, though the collaboration itself was quite a surprise to many.
Dan Hawkins didn’t mince words after testifying the performance. He took to social media, specifically his X (formerly Twitter) account, to share his raw thoughts. Hawkins’ post directly called the four musicians involved “a bunch of bellends,” a clear sign of his deep dissatisfaction.
His statement quickly spread across music news outlets and fan forums. Many people were shocked by the bluntness of his critique, especially given the iconic status of some of the artists. The immediate fallout saw fans divided, some agreeing with Hawkins’ take, others defending the performance.
The shared stage moment happened during a Hollywood Vampires concert, where Joe Perry is a regular member. Steven Tyler and Nuno Bettencourt were guests, adding star power to the evening. Yungblud’s inclusion added a fresh, youthful energy to the rock-heavy lineup.
This unique combination of talent often happens at special events like tribute shows or charity gigs. It allows artists from different generations and styles to connect. While such collaborations are usually celebrated, this one sparked a different kind of conversation because of Hawkins’ harsh judgment.
The term “bellend” is British slang, widely used in the UK. It literally refers to the tip of a penis. When used as an insult, it’s highly dismissive and suggests that someone is foolish, annoying, or generally a disdainible person. It’s a particularly cutting word, more insulting than simply calling someone an idiot or a fool.
Using “bellend” shows a strong level of disapproval and a desire to completely write off the subjects of the insult. For Dan Hawkins to use such a term against musicians of this caliber, it signals a profound displeasure with their performance or presence.
Hawkins’ strong negative reaction could stem from several factors. He might have felt the performance enabled authenticity or artistic merit. Perhaps he saw it as a forced collaboration, rather than a genuine musical connection. The quality of the playing itself could have fallen short of his expectations, especially from such withdrawn guitarists and vocalists.
It could also be a commentary on the larger rock music scene today. Hawkins might be expressing frustration with how intergenerational collaborations sometimes play out. He might feel that the spirit of rock and roll was lost in the performance, or that it became more about celebrity than genuine music. These underlying reasons remain speculative without further comment from Hawkins himself.
Dan Hawkins, along with his brother Justin, has a reputation for being quite outspoken in the music world. The Darkness are known for their flamboyant style and often humorous, yet direct, commentary on the industry. They’ve always championed a certain brand of rock music, one that is often seen as a counter-point to more mainstream sounds.
While specific past “bellend”-level rants are not widely documented, their interviews often feature candid opinions. This history suggests that Hawkins is not afraid to speak his mind, even when it means criticizing well-respected figures. His recent comment fits a pattern of honesty, no matter how controversial.
Aerosmith stands as a monumental force in rock music history. With a career spanning over five decades, Joe Perry and Steven Tyler are true legends. Their distinctive blend of hard rock, blues, and pop has produced millions of hits and sold millions of albums worldwide.
Songs like “Dream On,” “Walk This Way,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” are embedded in pop culture. Aerosmith’s dynamic live shows and timeless appeal continue to influence generations of musicians. They are celebrated for their raw energy and lasting impact on the genre.
Yungblud, whose real name is Dominic Harrison, represents a newer wave of rock music. He has quickly risen to fame with his genre-bending sound that mixes punk, alternative rock, and hip-hop. His influential stage presence and outspoken personality has won him a dedicated global fanbase.
Yungblud often addresses social issues and youth culture in his music, resonating with a younger audience. He has collaborated with many established artists, showing his willingness to cross musical boundaries and bring new ideas to the rock scene.
Nuno Bettencourt is widely considered as one of the most skilled guitarists in rock music. He gained fame as the lead guitarist for the band Extreme, known for their intricate musicianship and hit songs like “More Than Words.” Bettencourt’s playing style is both technically brilliant and incredibly soulful.
His ability to blend shredding solos with melodic lines has earned him critical acclaim and a spot among guitar legends. Beyond Extreme, he has also had a successful solo career and worked with many other notable artists, solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Dan Hawkins’ “bellends” comments quickly ignited a firestorm across social media platforms. Fans of The Darkness mostly supported his candor, praising him for speaking his mind. On the other hand, many Aerosmith, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt fans were quick to defend their idols.
Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit buzzed with discussions. Hashtags related to the incident trended as users debated the performance quality and Hawkins’ right to criticize. The conversation highlights the strong opinions people hold about rock music’s past and present.
Music journalists and bloggers also weighed in on the controversy. Some publications covered the story as a classic rock-on-rock spat, while others delved deeper into the generational divide it seemed to represent. Critics often discuss the merits of the collaborative performance itself, with some agreeing it was disjointed and others finding its novelty charming.
Industry insiders offered diverse opinions, with some seeing it as harmless banter and others as a disrespectful jab. The incident sparked discussions about artistic integrity versus commercial appeal in music collaborations.
It’s uncertain what lasting impact Dan Hawkins’ comments will have on the relationships between the musicians involved. Such public criticisms can sometimes lead to ongoing “beefs” within the industry. However, they can also be quickly forgotten or dismissed as just one musician’s opinion.
Given the history of rock and roll, where rivalries and strong opinions are common, this incident might simply fade away. It’s rare for these kinds of comments to completely derail careers or personal friendships, especially among seasoned professionals. Time will tell if this leads to any further interaction or if it remains a one-off statement.
Conclusion: The Evolving Landscape of Rock and Rivalry
Dan Hawkins, guitarist for The Darkness, caused a stir by calling Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, Yungblud, and Nuno Bettencourt “a bunch of bellends.” This blunt assessment followed their joint stage performance, sparking considerable debate. His motivations for such a strong critique remain speculative, possibly rooted in artistic differences or disappointed with the show’s quality.
