Yungblud strips it back in Southampton, leaving chaos and going into confession

★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Idols – Up Close & Personal is the most suitable title to describe Dom Harrison’s (aka Yungblud) flash tour in the UK following the release of his Idols studio album. Met with critical acclaim, excited fans and sold out shows, the people’s favourite artist was about to hit the stage for one of his most intimate gigs to date. In a packed venue with the fans literally centimetres from the stage, Yungblud stormed the stage dressed in Chrome Hearts leather and chains to perform a short set of some of the new album’s most iconic songs.

Truth be told, people should have bought tickets for both shows in Southampton (the early one and the late one being back to back) if they wanted to listen to the whole album. But even by catching half of it, you could get a feel that Yungblud is not just another artist; he is a literal idol in the making. Only a week after his iconic performance of ‘Changes’ at Back To The Beginning, Ozzy Osbourne’s last concert ever, it was very different to see up close a person who performed to 40K people. The rockstar energy is visible, but Yungblud is not just a performer – he is the most human artist you will ever meet. He might feel godly when performing in large festivals and gigs, but he is also very very appreciative of smaller venues, and can light them up with his energy alone, creating an intoxicating mix of raw intimacy and rock n roll energy.

Starting off with ‘Lovesick Lullaby’, the venue was literally shaking. Fans sang along to every lyric as Yungblud jumped up and down the stage, threw beer to his fans and entertained the audience. He was visibly extremely happy to be there, his raspy voice getting emotional through the set but not losing a single beat. After ‘Idols Pt.1’, he grabbed his acoustic guitar and performed ‘Change’ and ‘Zombie’, with people lighting up their phones to match the energy.

In between the few songs, Yungblud connected with his audience in a very raw and vulnerable way, explaining short stories behind the song lyrics, encouraging people to ‘meet and make new friends’ and sharing his journey to create Idols. Being so close to his fan had made him visibly emotional as his voice cracked slightly, but his smile never wavered. The band behind him was also stellar – supporting him with dynamic shifts through the sets to enhance the sound of the songs. His voice was not polished, but expressive, creating a storytelling atmosphere more than just a raw screaming performance. And the banter between songs had fans hooked and connected – a resonance that follows him and his fanbase everywhere he goes. Being an intimate show, it was stripped bare of theatrics, big visuals and blinding lights – rather it was just Yungblud’s voice and presence that made the whole experience special.

Sadly, the set was too short to get immersed, feeling like it flew by in a heartbeat. Still, it was as up-close and personal as promised, with Yungblud shedding his punk persona to become a rockstar in the making, who is driven by his heart and not spectacle. His evolution not only feels genuine, but is also inspiring and profoundly moving. We can’t wait to see what else he has planned in the works.