YUNGBLUD has released a new single that cuts deeper than ever before. Titled “CROWN OF THORNS,” the track isn’t just a song—it’s a battle cry, a mourning hymn, and a love letter all wrapped in one. Unleashed just days after the passing of Ozzy Osbourne, the single serves as a fierce and emotional tribute to the late Prince of Darkness, a figure YUNGBLUD has long hailed as his greatest inspiration.
From the very first note, “CROWN OF THORNS” bleeds with gothic urgency—layers of distorted guitars, haunting church bells, and YUNGBLUD’s unmistakable voice on the edge of collapse. But beyond the sonic weight, it’s the message that hits hardest. “Ozzy was my north star,” YUNGBLUD said in a statement. “He taught me that being unapologetically yourself is the loudest thing you can do. This song is my way of saying thank you—for the chaos, the courage, and the legacy he gave us.”
The lyrics are raw, poetic, and painfully intimate: “You wore your demons like a crown of thorns / and still you ruled the stage like a king reborn.” The line is a direct nod to the duality that made Ozzy legendary—his vulnerability masked in madness, his grace found in grit. YUNGBLUD channels that same energy in a track that feels both epic and personal, like a private scream shared with the world.
The single’s artwork features a shadowy silhouette of YUNGBLUD wearing a jagged crown, surrounded by flickers of flame and broken wings—an unmistakable homage to Ozzy’s iconic visual legacy. “I wanted to capture what Ozzy gave me,” he shared on Instagram. “A way to hurt out loud. A place where the freaks and the fighters feel like gods.”
Fans have already taken to social media calling the track “his best yet” and “the beginning of a new era.” Many have pointed out the subtle musical cues within the production that feel ripped straight from early Sabbath records—down-tuned guitars, sinister harmonies, and thunderous drums. But make no mistake, this is still YUNGBLUD through and through—fearless, frantic, and full of fire.
In the days leading up to the release, YUNGBLUD teased fragments of the song alongside archival clips of Ozzy, stirring anticipation among fans who knew something monumental was coming. Upon release, the song quickly shot to the top of trending playlists and is already on track to become a rock anthem of this generation. “This one’s not just for Ozzy,” YUNGBLUD said. “It’s for everyone who ever felt like a misfit and turned that into magic.”
The tribute goes beyond music. YUNGBLUD has promised a portion of the single’s proceeds will be donated to mental health initiatives in Ozzy’s name—a cause both artists have passionately advocated for. “He saved me in more ways than he’ll ever know,” YUNGBLUD said. “Now it’s my turn to pay that forward.”
You can stream “CROWN OF THORNS” and follow YUNGBLUD’s musical journey on Spotify. Turn it up, let it play loud, and let Ozzy’s legacy live on in every note.
