YUNGBLUD @ The Rave / Eagles Club – Milwaukee, WI
February 26, 2022
Review and Photos by Emily Sisson
English singer, musician, songwriter and former Disney actor, Dominic Richard Harrison, better known as Yungblud, returned to Milwaukee Saturday night hitting The Rave / Eagles Ballroom stage in support of the North American Life On Mars Tour which kicked off on January 26th in Athens, Georgia and billed as “These are our biggest shows yet!” Stirring and hyping up the crowd comes naturally to the Yorkshire native as Yungblud genuinely expressed how excited he was being back in Milwaukee and how lovely it was to see all the beautiful faces as he ran from one side of the stage to the other connecting with as many concert-goers as possible to share love and gratitude. “I love you, I love you, I love you, you with the flannel, I love you! You with the pink hair, I love you…” Yungblud exclaimed as he mingled one on one with the audience.
Yungblud released his debut single “King Charles” in 2017, followed by a self-titled debut EP in January 2018, however Wisconsin locals, like myself, may have first discovered Yungblud at The World’s Largest Music Festival, Summerfest, in 2019. At that time I was unable to resist gravitating toward the stage as his performance was one of the most energetic performances I had seen in years. I quickly became a fan. Three years later, one would be hard pressed not to see his name on anyone’s playlist with all the hit singles and peak chart positions as well as popular collaborations with some of the most popular artists today including Bring Me The Horizon, Machine Gun Kelly and The Used.
Yungblud performed a wide array of work Saturday evening, to include songs from his latest 2020 studio album Weird! such as opener “Strawberry Lipstick,” “Superdeadfriend” and title track “Weird!” as well as fan favorites including the 2019 release “I Think I’m OKAY,” a collaboration with Machine Gun Kelly and drummer Travis Barker. The crowd bumped and bobbed clearly releasing all the pent up energy they have been saving for another great show in their hometown.
Weeks ago Yungblud disclosed to UDiscovermusic.com that he has been working on a new album even more personal and “outrageous“ than latest release Weird!. For those who might think Yungblud has already hit his quota of pushing societal boundaries, you would be considered “wong” as making obscene gestures while performing in a dress and writing songs like “Cotton Candy” featuring lyrics like, “I figured out that the modern world is turnin’ the wrong way ’round, there’s somethin’ about the way our bedsheets turn religion upside down” only further emphasize the direction he may be heading musically. Yungblud thrives to push boundaries and buttons of all types. It tickles his British fancy. While he may come off as a punk brat at times, that isn’t his only identity as his most compelling preach is that of unity and not passing judgement on others.
Dominic has been extremely open about his sexuality by advocating his beliefs to his dedicated audience. He openly appears to be looking to connect with like minds, while at the same time, dismissing those who reject him as being weird. As so eloquently stated during Saturday evenings performance, “I am so happy to be a part of a community that supports love. You can wear what you want to wear and love who you want to love. Don’t let anyone tell you different. You are unique! You are wonderful! It took me 19 years of thinking how could I ever love if I don’t love myself and it’s because of you that I can come up here looking like this. So I thank you all!”
The show concluded with a wall of death mosh with countless loving, accepting and smiling fans slamming into each other as they merge into one collective congregation. I’m confident Yungblud would have it no other way.
SETLIST:
Strawberry Lipstick
Parents
Superdeadfriend
I Love You, Will You Marry Me
Anarchist
Mars
Weird!
Fleabag
Loner
Kill Somebody
I Think I’m OKAY (Machine Gun Kelly cover)
Teresa
Braindead
God Save Me
Machine Gun
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THE VENUE: THE RAVE The Rave is a premiere multi-level, multi-venue, entertainment complex conveniently located off highway 94 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin hosting hundreds of concerts each year. The Rave/Eagles Club houses seven venues (The Eagles Ballroom, The Rave, The Eagles Ballroom Club Stage, The Eagles Penthouse Lounge, The Eagles Hall, The Rave Bar, and The Rave Craft Beer Lounge) ranging in capacity from 400 to 4000 people. The Rave/Eagles Club is highlighted by the spectacular Eagles Ballroom featuring an elegant 25,000 square foot dance floor and a stunning balcony that circles the ballroom. From the elegant domed ceiling to the eagle sculptures and intricate trim on the pillars, a concert at the Eagles Ballroom is a truly spectacular experience. Over the past decades, The Rave/Eagles Club has hosted some of the biggest names in rock, pop, electronic, and alternative music as well as many up and coming acts and regional bands from Wisconsin, Illinois and surrounding areas. Address: 2401 West Wisconsin Avenue - Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233 Phone: (414) 342-7283 Website: www.TheRave.com Upcoming Concerts & Tickets: www.TheRave.com/Concert_Tickets Hours: The Rave box office is open 10am to 6pm Monday thru Friday and 1pm on Saturday and Sunday if there is a show. The box office remains open until 10pm on show nights.
