Yungblud is very '2021'. The Doncaster outsider with ADHD has built up a huge fanbase over the past couple of years with his inclusive persona, he's loud, outspoken and at times, annoying but that's not his fault. He can be polarising, I dismissed him until I actually listened to Weird, released during lockdown, full of pop bangers about mental health, identity and growing up.
The 24 year old released 21st Century Liability in 2018 which was overlooked, releasing Weird during lockdown could have been a risk but it turned out to be his breakthrough record, topping charts and allowing him to sell out huge venues across the UK.
On Friday 8th October he played his second night at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Before Yungblud exploded on stage, the excitable crowd were treated to Daisy Brain, an up-and-coming star from London who's 90's influenced tunes are full of potential. Think grunge, with distorted Strokes vocals.
renforshort, came next. Another one-to-watch. At just 19, the Canadian singer-songwriter controlled the stage mixing big pop anthems with intimate acoustic moments.
Then came the headliner. Yungblud encouraged the crowd to give all they've got before strutting on stage in a red jumpsuit and bouncing into Strawberry Lipstick like a cosplay punk, he brought aggression but it was delivered with positive energy, not anger.
superdeadfriends was equally buoyant and the crowd loved it as they excitedly bounced around too.
The stage had an impressive light show, he was backed with a full band but all eyes were on Yungblud, his cocky swagger was warranted. The crowd sang I Love You, Will You Marry Me for him.
He celebrated love and identity on Anarchist before ditching the jumpsuit for a skirt and went straight into Mars, a song about a fan who struggled with their gender.
Weird was delivered with joy, Love Song was emotional.
Fleabag caused a mass sing-a-long, as did Loner.
Thankfully he covered a Machine Gun Kelly track so I had time for a pee. The set ended with god save me, but don't drown me out and Machine Gun (F**k the NRA). 90 minutes of smiles.
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