Yungblud Brings Playful Energy to Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Fla.

By Erin Lee

Photo By Larry Marano

A montage of black and white video clips flashed across the screens on stage: a day in the life of a performer. A switch to color leads us to present moment as Yungblud strolls through the backstage area smoking a cigarette and getting ready for a fun night at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood Fla.

The Idols World Tour left an immediate impression on the audience: the screams and cheers were deafening. I’ve been going to concerts for decades and I’ve never heard it so loud.

Yungblud was unleashed on stage like he’d been waiting all day to release the pent up energy. He would continue to run, jump, and dance through his hourlong set with songs spanning his discography.

Songs like “Lovesick Lullaby” and “Fleabag” sounded great backed by his incredibly talented band. A string section added layers of texture to the performance.

Yungblud came to play! Addressing the crowd early on, he asked us what our city is called: “Davie?” he queried, drawing it out in his thick British accent.  

He received a resounding “NO!” 

“Hollywood?” gave him a bigger response. He also asked about Fort Lauderdale before declaring we have “too many fookin’ names” and we all laughed and cheered. 

Yungblud is the human embodiment of mischief, inciting people to “go crazy” and be fully weird. 

Photo By Larry Marano

My favorite banter segment was when he sent the camera into the crowd and pointed out “serious looking people.”

He would fix his gaze on someone and demand: “Show us your tongue!” before finally asking all of us to. 

For as fun and energetic of an evening as it was, there were sincere moments as well. 

A cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes” was more than just a singalong: it captured raw emotion as the singer wiped away tears, emotionally overcome by the moment and the memory of his friend Ozzy Osbourne. His hand over his heart, he mouthed thank you to the crowd. 

What makes Yungblud so endearing is his sincerity and genuine nature. The rockstar persona goes hand in hand with the silly and youthful energy this multifaceted talent brings to the stage. 

His dynamic vocal chops were showcased beautifully throughout the evening.

Overall an unforgettable night!

All images by Larry Marano: