YUNGBLUD
by: Walter Williams
The electrifying night in Seattle brought together a trio of talented artists, leaving the crowd buzzing with excitement and appreciation for the power of live music. Sophie Powers, the grungy pop artist and first opener, kicked off the evening with a performance that exceeded all expectations. Her heartfelt songs, delving into themes of love, heartbreak, and friendships, resonated deeply with the audience, igniting an infectious energy that coursed through the room. Connecting with the crowd on a personal level, she even consoled a fan, relating her heartbreak to the emotions embedded in her captivating set. By the end of Sophie's performance, the entire venue was chanting her name, a testament to her undeniable talent and genuine authenticity.
Next up was Jean Dawson who is Fresh off a Capitol Hill Block Party performance Jean brings his genre-bending tracks to the stage once again and meets the crowd with an indescribable energy. As a fan myself, witnessing his energy and passion firsthand was an absolute thrill. Tracks like “KIDS EAT PILLS*” & "THREE HEADS*" kept the crowd actively engaged and even incited a spirited mosh pit. Jean's deep connection with his bandmates was evident, as he sang towards them, shared hugs, and danced together, creating an enthralling display of chemistry. His heartwarming interaction with a fan, who had made him a piece of clothing, added a touch of personal intimacy to his performance, making it unforgettable. Jean Dawson's unique sound defied categorization, leaving the audience wanting more and marking his set as one of the standout highlights of the night.
The anticipation grew as the stage was set for the headliner, YUNGBLUD, the sensational UK artist. From the moment he stepped on stage, he exuded an aura of belonging and acceptance, championing "love, unity, and fucking community motherfuckers!" The crowd responded with unbridled enthusiasm, and with each song, YUNGBLUD and his band delivered a captivating performance that united everyone in the room. Throughout the night, YUNGBLUD's commitment to community and friendship shone bright, encouraging the audience to express their love for one another. The atmosphere reached its peak, with chants for "one more song," to which he graciously responded with not one, but two additional songs. The night culminated in a memorable dance party, with fans, staff, and band members joining YUNGBLUD on stage, creating an unforgettable moment of gratitude and celebration.
For a first-time YUNGBLUD concert-goer like myself, the experience left an indelible mark. His raw energy and fiercely loyal fan base showcased the impact he has on his community. As an artist openly leading with connection rather than gender, YUNGBLUD's message of acceptance and authenticity is both inspiring and much-needed in an era where sexual identity and gender expression still face stigma. The all-ages fan base, driven by a sense of hope and belonging, speaks volumes about the positive influence he has on young minds. Overall, the closing performance of YUNGBLUD’s world tour was a testament to his ability to create a profound sense of belonging and leave an enduring impact on his audience. If he graces Seattle with his presence again, I will eagerly attend another show to experience the magic once more.
On top of the usual fan favorites, the band played their new album, Waiting to Spill, top to bottom. Again I had a 6 hour car drive to get to this show, so I made sure I had the album on repeat until I could phrase every song A Capella. The album introduces a theme of growing up and getting away from what you thought you were and becoming something you thought wasn’t possible.
