Pix by Loz Grice
Words by Kyra-Jade
Yungblud straight up caused Beatle Mania on his Australian tour. I knew this gig was going to be massive and after checking out social media before leaving for the show – this theory was 100% confirmed. The line-up alone was spread out a few kilometres through the gardens surrounding Riverstage with people rumoured to have been lining up from midday, (perhaps earlier), to get in early & secure their spot up front.
Opening up for night was our Aussie lads, Dunerats. Originally I have to admit I was surprised by the choice. Ultimately, it’s a great fit with the party atmosphere they bring to their shows. Each night they teased ‘special guests’ and created hype around the show. Cruising through their hits like Up, 6 Pack & of course Scott Green it was hard not to feel jacked up and bop along with them. They of course performed their cover of The Angels Am I ever Gonna See Your Face Again, which went down a treat and get the crowd involved. Ending their set on Bullshit was the perfect way to say goodbye to the Dunerats and get ready for the main act.
Riverstage in Brisbane is a wonderful venue because it’s on a grassed hill, and with a bit of luck it will afford you a nice view of the stage no matter where you stand. This particular night it was raining & honestly, it seems to rain EVERYtime I go to a show here. I had my ‘garbage bag poncho’ ready to go.
As soon as the lights went down & Black Sabbath’s War Pigs rang out through the speakers, it was showtime! Starting off with Hello Heaven, Hello – Yungblud’s 9 minute song that most people in the industry thought was career suicide – it was made very clear that tonight was going to a modern day rock’n’roll lesson. Real music, instruments and passion that hopefully will rub off on the next generation who are eagerly watching.
I’m not joking when I say he created Beatle Mania. The shows I regularly attend are heavy and it’s a different scream you hear. This was a primal, mostly female, high pitched squeal that I’m sure was ringing through the city’s neighbouring apartments. Holy shit, this guy is even managing to make Mum’s and Grandma’s horny all over the world! I saw a sign in the crowd that stated ‘My Mum is here, please blow her…’ maybe it had ‘a kiss’ after that sentence but I couldn’t see it, and my version is way funnier.
As Yungblud churned out songs from his repertoire, the time honestly flew by. He was giving us a show of a lifetime with so many different genres fused together. His string section elevated the performances to another level. His house band is so fucking good, they could absolutely stand up with the greats – I felt like I could be watching Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones or Guns N’ Roses back in their heyday… right where those draped velvet curtain back drops they had on stage have been pulled from. I can’t help but wonder if this is the last semi-intimate show he will have in Australia. I’m calling it now that next time, he will be selling out arenas.
Fleabag has a reputation of Yungblud pulling up a fan to play guitar. This time it was Yula’s turn. This was so fun! After getting up on stage, he gave Yungblud his guitar back and for a second I thought he was chickening out, boy was I wrong. Ol’ mate proceeded to match Yungblud’s energy and took his shirt off revealing his glorious Dad bod. It was so funny, the song went off!
We had a nice singalong moment with Lowlife and I quietly whispered to my partner, ‘I know Changes is coming soon and this is going to fuck me up.’ Side note, I am a massive Ozzy Osbourne fan. He taught me from a young age that it’s okay to be a fucking weirdo, be your own hero. The day he passed away it rocked my fucking world and I still have moments grieving his departure from this realm. Knowing full well Yungblud’s history with Ozzy and the fact that A) He’s wearing Ozzy’s cross that he was gifted, and B) He performed this song for Ozzy at Black Sabbath’s Back To The Beginning concert, I was already in the feels.
As the first chords to Changes rang through the venue, goosebumps took over my body, tears gently fell down my cheeks and it started to trickle with rain. I’m overcome with goosebumps again as I write this… I’m not kidding when I say that as Yungblud approached the crescendo to the chorus, the sky opened up and let it rip, rain fell hard all around us. I looked at my partner and we both were overcome with emotion. It was something I will NEVER forget. Ozzy was there with us, and in some strange way as I never even met this person, this gave me a sense of closure from his passing.
Yungblud deserves the accolades he receives. There is a reason why he is surrounded by rock’n’roll royalty. He is 100% the future of rock, and I will die on that sword! It’s been amazing to follow his rise to the top. His passion is infectious and the way he connects with his fans is second to none. We are so important to him and he shows his appreciation every chance he gets. Side note – I love our security guards but I was so disappointed to hear a dear friend of mine, who lined up from midday to secure a spot at the front (short girly things), spotted a guitar pic that landed in front of her and asked the security guard to hand it to her and instead he pocketed it. I won’t say much more than do better.
Guys, this isn’t the end, this is the beginning! Rock’n’roll is alive and well my darlings.
Until next time, legends.
Special thank you to Frontier Touring for having us.
Gallery from Yungblud Tour – Brisbane not pictured
