Review: Yungblud @ AEC Arena 15/01/26
From a liability to an emerging idol, Yungblud’s ever-growing fanbase in Australia sees no signs of stopping.
Words Brad Pine // Image supplied
YUNGBLUD w/Dune Rats @ AEC Arena 15/01/26
Dominic Harrison, better known as Yungblud, has been no stranger to making news across Australia during his Idols World Tour. Granted, I have tried to avoid concert footage and social media posts on him so that I could attend without any preconceptions of what was to be laid before me. And I am glad I did.
On a gloomy overcast night, it seemed like a majority of Adelaide were here to see the first major concert for the year. A never-ending sea of people in black t-shirts, leather and skintight clothing were waiting patiently for the doors to open. Not since the 2006 U2 concert at Football Park had I seen a line so vast. Every age was represented, showing the ever-increasing appeal of Yungblud for the masses.
First up, Brisbane’s surf punks Dune Rats exploded onto the stage. The boys thrashed through the first few songs before declaring their love for Adelaide and readying us for their mate Yungblud. ‘Up’ and ‘Scott Green’ got the crowd’s energy up for the main attraction. Yet, the highlight of their set was the cover of ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?’. They were joined on stage by John Brewster from The Angels and Aston Valladres from TOWNS, complete with the “no way, get fucked, fuck off” response from the growing crowd.
As the start time neared, the phones lit up the AEC Arena, ready to get the first shot of Dom. Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’ introduced the band and finally Yungblud himself – his dark mane, slicked back, sporting Bono-esque sunglasses and a black vest. The look did not last long as the man of the hour ripped off the vest, threw away the sunnies and drenched himself to reveal his shirtless figure and low-riding leather pants. The opener ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ allowed for all facets of the show to be revealed: the amazing string quartet, the keyboardist and the drummer raised on platforms in front of a velvet curtain. Yungblud spurred us on to constantly make noise, scream, jump and do anything else to get the energy in the arena pumping.
READ MORE: Review: The Last Dinner Party @ AEC Theatre 13/01/26
‘The Funeral’ showed how much Yungblud has learnt from his rock idols over the last few years. The pout, the bravado, the showmanship. This included the confetti cannon and pyrotechnics just within the first fifteen minutes of the show! He got us all going – “Open up a pit! Wider! Wider!” His inherent cheekiness and infectious smile worked the crowd into a continuous frenzy. “I don’t wanna leave Australia next week. Anyone wanna kidnap me?”
After the impressive ‘strawberry lipstick’ from his 2020 album weird!, Yungblud professed his love for Australia, declaring that he will bring Bludfest down under next year and he will be here “every 18 months until I am fuckin’ dead!” The cheers were probably audible all the way to Murray Bridge. But no one was more excited than Jamie, a young man pulled from the audience to play ‘fleabag’ alongside his idol.
Sporting an Adelaide United top, Jamie immediately shone, playing with unlimited joy. Adding to this highlight, Yungblud made his way into the crowd, cigarette in mouth, standing on top of some lucky concertgoers. He continued the extended edition of the song with not a care in the world for his safety, even joking afterwards that they almost ripped his clothes off.
‘Lowlife’ had the biggest singalong for the night to that point – everyone belting it out at the top of their lungs. As the lights went down, the familiar piano introduction to ‘Changes’ started. The crowd exploded. Yungblud brought it down for a moment, acknowledging that rock is about love and dedicated the song to the late great Ozzy Osbourne, someone who shaped his musicianship. It was a nice breather in the set, not only for us but for Yungblud. Nevertheless, one takeaway that struck me was that each song was played by all like it was the last song of the night, in the sense that everyone gave it their all, no holding back. Just brilliant.
Yungblud donned the acoustic guitar for the deep cut from Idols, ‘War’. The man could do no wrong – singing, playing guitar and charming every single person in the room. “Are you crazy?” he asked us as one. “Good. Because I’m Yungblud and I’m fuckin’ crazy!” This led to ‘Loner,’ a Britpop-inspired anthem for all of us out there who have felt lost before. This is the appeal of Yungblud – he speaks from his heart to touch ours. That’s the love he wants us all to share.
The encore began with ‘Ghosts’ - Dom conducting us (akin to Freddie Mercury) throughout as red confetti shot out over the loving mosh. The final song of the night was no other than ‘Zombie,’ Yungblud’s heartfelt track about his own family, mental health and self-love. Everyone’s voice was belting out the chorus in a somewhat cathartic ritual. Yungblud wished us well and left with a buzz that could not be diminished.
Dom has had his fair share of crazy rock antics during this tour, but that’s a good thing. He is bringing rock and roll back to its truest form like several of his idols before him, and every single person in attendance tonight knew that. Long live Yungblud! I, like so many others, cannot wait to see him again in 18 months – he promised!
