Yungblud Storms Radio City Music Hall

Born in England 28 years ago, Dominic Harrison became a troublesome student in school due to his attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which caused excessive and pervasive inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. In recent interviews, he has stated that he still struggles with ADHD challenges, including hyperactivity, mood swings, and severe sleeplessness, yet he credits the condition for his boundless energy when in rock star mode as Yungblud. He also learned showmanship tips from his close friend, the late Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath.

At Radio City Music Hall, Yungblud’s stage entry was prefaced by a blaring recording of Black Sabbath’s 1970 heavy-metal anti-war song, “War Pigs.” As the track faded, fog began creeping onto the stage and a montage of black and white video snippets showing Yungblud preparing himself backstage flashed on the back screen. The video stopped and the word “Hello” flashed quickly on the screen in at least a dozen languages. Yungblud’s musicians took their stations and Yungblud followed, running center stage and leaping up and down at his microphone stand as he launched into his first song of the night, “Hello Heaven, Hello.”

Indeed, from the moment Yungblud came on stage at 8:15 p.m. until he left the stage a little more than 90 minutes later, his stamina was limitless. He encouraged his obliging audience to share in the excitement, repeatedly asking them to scream and raise their hands in the air. He even asked the fans to stand on their chairs, an action which the venue’s ushers combed the aisles to reverse. Throughout the 6,000-seat hall, the enthusiastic fans, who call themselves the Yungblud Army, sang along with such loud gusto that hearing Yungblud’s vocals was a challenge. Yungblud encouraged the fans to sing even louder, and they did.

Yungblud’s music was impressive as well, as he tailored streams of rock, pop, punk and alternative music into his own distinctive style. The repertoire on this tour features high octane versions of his songs from the past eight years, plus a heartfelt cover of Black Sabbath's "Changes," which he dedicated to Osbourne. He closed the program with his current fan favorite, “Zombie.”

Yet, it was Yungblud’s captivating stage presence that dominated the performance. He came on stage wearing silver trousers and a silver vest, but soon removed the vest and spent the rest of the performance barechested. His activity level onstage erupted and continued exploding throughout the concert, at all times remaining in communication with his adoring audience. At one point, he charged into the audience via the center aisle and relocated briefly to the back of the room where, for a moment, he donned a New York Knicks jersey.

Many of his fans tasted Yungblud fever earlier in the day. Yungblud made an unannounced visit to a pop-up clothing store that was selling his B.R.A.T. clothing line. For about 20 minutes, Yungblud met fans, exchanged hugs and handshakes, posed for photographs and signed autographs. His desire to close the gap between him and his fans seemed genuine.

The trajectory appears clear on Yungblud’s career, especially in New York City. Only this past September, a Yungblud concert sold out the 2,700-capacity Brooklyn Paramount. Nine months later, he more than doubled his ticket sales in the same market, selling out the nearly 6,000-capacity Radio City Music Hall. What is next? Undoubtedly, an arena tour. Yungblud, you will headline Madison Square Garden before you turn 30!

Setlist

1. Hello Heaven, Hello
2. The Funeral
3. Idols Pt. I
4. Lovesick Lullaby
5. My Only Angel (Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD song)
6. fleabag
7. Lowlife
8. Changes (Black Sabbath cover)
9. War
10. Fire
11. Loner
12. Ghosts
13. Zombie

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The Manhattan Beat covers New York City's live music circuit. All articles are written by Everynight Charley Crespo. All photographs are taken by Everynight Charley Crespo, except when noted otherwise.

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