Bad Copy

“This is the longest line I’ve even seen here” someone remarked from behind me.

I’m standing outside House of Blues in Dallas, TX on Sunday, August 31 just 30 minutes before showtime and I’d have to agree. I’ve seen quite a few shows here at the HOB and I’ve never seen it quite so backed up. I guess that’s a testament to Yungblud‘s magnetism. This will be my third time seeing the English rock star in Dallas and his upward trajectory seems to show no signs of slowing. I first caught him at Warped Tour in 2018 and even back then you could tell he was destined for something big. I was a modest fan at the time but by the end of that show I was a massive one. I caught him again the following year at a smaller club show in Deep Ellum and my love only grew. I had been eagerly awaiting this most recent show with all the smoke and lights he deserved.

By the time I finally made it inside, Sawyer Hill had already taken the stage. I don’t know much about Sawyer Hill. To be honest I hadn’t seen him listed on the bill prior to arriving at the venue. He’s a young gun from Arkansas playing good ol’ rock and roll. I managed to slither my way close to the front on the house and grabbed a few shots before his set ended. His deep, smokey voice and sizzling guitar set the tone for the evening. It’s the kind of music that gets you moving. If you’re a fan of Hot Hot Heat and The Strokes you’ll probably find something you like in Sawyer Hill.

As the crew began to set the stage for Yungblud, I made my way to the barrier. Once in the photo pit I was surprised to learn that the typical “three songs” rule had been downgraded to just one. Geez, no pressure. “The first song is 9 minutes though…” the friendly security guard told me. I was disappointed but I now knew what song was going to open the set so at least I knew it was going to be a banger.

Yungblud strode on stage as the intro to “Hello Heaven, Hello” began to play. As the song built to its explosive second half Yungblud mounted the drum riser and sprayed a fountain of water into the air as the drums and guitar signaled the change of pace. He lost his leather vest and began to pace and pose across the stage making sure no board went untouched. He would continue this cardio routine throughout the show sprinkling in more showers from his water bottle for good measure. “The Funeral” was up next as I exited the pit. The show was off to a ripping start.

“Dallas is fuckin’ loud, man” he exclaimed as he formally greeted the crowd between songs. The band took a break as Dom grabbed his guitar and led the crowd in a sing along for the intro to “Fleabag.” Once the band joined in, Yungblud took a break of his own during the guitar solo and lit up a cigarette. He sat down for a smoke and bobbed his head and smiled while his guitarist did his thing. At some point during his trip through Texas, he must have procured a cowboy hat which he now proudly donned to screams from the crowd. He commanded the audience to lift their friends up on their shoulders and seconds later dozens of people rose from the sea of people as the band began to play “Lowlife.” It was amazing to watch as fans sprouted up like a timelapse of flowers growing.

Yungblud’s performance of “Changes” at the Ozzy Osbourne’s final concert catapulted him into the spotlight so there was no surprise that he would play it here. “It’s up to us to keep his legacy alive… look to your left, look to your right, now say ‘I fuckin’ love you, man.'” I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house. Under a single spotlight he began to sing, accompanied by every person in the room. To my excitement he played “Tin Pan Boy,” the song that got me on the Yungblud train. Before his performance of “Loner” he coached the crowd on the harmony and led us all like a choir.

It was incredible to see an artist in such drastically different settings. He’s lost none of his energy and none of his love for his fans. At Warped Tour, he stood in the stifling heat for autographs and hugs for well over an hour. At Club Dada in Deep Ellum he closed his set by saying “I want to meet each and every one of you” before jumping on the bar and doing just that. As I walked back to my car I saw a crowd gathering in the rain at the back door of the venue and I knew he’d be out there once again, all smiles and love.