They adore him so much that they call themselves the Yungblud Army.
And as the alt-rock star heads to Dundee on July 10 for an ‘up close and personal’ show at LiveHouse, his fans are bursting with excitement.
But why has Yungblud – real name Dominic Harrison – become such a massive success?
Could it be because the 27-year-old from Doncaster is one of the UK’s most electrifying live performers? Or that his songs tackle weighty topics?
Or is it because he celebrates individuality, and has created a diverse, inclusive community that makes people feel they belong?
We caught up with Dundee fans ahead of the gig to hear their thoughts…
Kayley’s story
Kayley Campbell, 24, a masters student at Dundee University, got into Yungblud in 2019 when his song Parents was released.
“His personality is what drew me in – he’s cheeky and undeniably himself,” she says.
Does Kayley, whose favourite songs are Anarchist, Braindead and Hated, think Yungblud is a good role model?
“Absolutely! The way he presents himself and speaks his mind is truly
commendable and brave.
“He’s helped many people accept themselves for who they are and created a safe space.
Is there anything Yungblud has said that has particularly inspired Kayley?
“He said, ‘if people don’t like who you are, they aren’t meant to be in your life’,” she reflects. “That stuck with me and inspired me to accept myself.”
So, the Dundee gig. How excited is Kayley? “Absolutely buzzing! It’ll be personal and cosy. I’m going with my mum and sisters Ciava and Llana.
“I’ll wear something alternative and punk, and pink socks to tie it together.”
Why does Kayley – who considers herself to be in the Yungblud Army – reckon the star has become so adored?
“I think it’s the way he connects with fans,” she muses. “I don’t think I’ve seen an artist connect as much as Dom has.”
Clare’s story
Clare Stewart, a nursing student and healthcare assistant from Dundee, has been into Yungblud since he swept onto the scene.
What was the appeal? “He’s so emotionally intelligent and his lyrics resonate with so many people and their life situations,” says the mum-of-two.
“He shows that no matter who or what you are your dreams are possible.
“He’s a down-to-earth, gorgeous soul – and he includes every single walk of life.”
It will be the first time Clare’s seen Yungblud in action and she’s beyond excited that he’s coming to her “wee city”.
What does she expect from the gig? “That he’ll make every person in that room feel seen.”
Clare, who’s going to the gig with her pal Debbie, plans to wear a Yungblud t-shirt and leather trousers.
They’ll get ready for the gig by listening to Yungblud tunes to “hype” them up – and indulge in a few drinks.
Clare hopes he’ll play the song Zombie. “As a student nurse, this song resonates so much,” she says.
“It’s making nurses be seen and appreciated.”
Caitlyn’s story
Caitlyn Geekie, 22, a sales advisor from Dundee, first heard Yungblud when she was flicking through TV music channels six years ago.
“The first song I heard was ‘Loner’ on Kerrang,” she says. “I literally stopped in my tracks and have loved him ever since.”
So what’s the appeal?
“I love how he’s unapologetically himself and is such a genuinely kind guy,” she says.
“I also love how his music is pop rock but is about actual real life problems and experiences he’s gone through and told in an amazing way through song.
“He inspired me to be myself and not let anyone get me down. ‘It’s okay not to be okay’ is a good quote when I think of him.”
Caitlyn puts his huge popularity down to his songs about “things that matter or topics that need to be shared more” – such as Zombie (about deterioration and trauma) and Hated (about sexual abuse).
“He portrays himself differently from everyone else and is himself during interviews.
“And he just seems such a nice guy – even to those not a fan of his music.”
Could Dundee gig be best ever?
It will be the second time Caitlyn’s seen Yungblud – she saw him at Duck Slattery’s in 2022 and rates it “one of the best gigs ever”.
“I went on my own to his gig in 2022 and it was absolutely insanely amazing!” she says.
“His vocals, his vibes, his love for his fans. Everything. Amazing.
“So I expect good music, good vibes, and an insane atmosphere.”
Caitlyn loves planning outfits and reckons she’ll go to the gig wearing “lots of black”, with a mesh top, patterned jeans and dark eye makeup.
She’s going to the gig solo – and plans to get there a few hours before the doors open to get a good space at the front.
Logan’s story
Care assistant and DJCAD graduate Logan Lovegrove, 25, saw Yungblud at Duck Slattery’s in 2021.
“A lot of his lyrics resonate with issues we face as young adults regarding mental health, friendships, sexuality and relationships,” she says.
“He’s giving a generation of kids a reminder it’s okay to be who you are. And to be true to yourself. And that there’s always light at the end of a tunnel with mental health.
“He’s unapologetically himself and I think that’s what makes a good role model.”
Logan, who considers herself to be in the Yungblud Army – describing it as a “safe space for fans” – is going to the gig with her step-mum Cheryl and best friend Lisa.
“I’ll wear black jeans, a band t-shirt and my dreadlocks.
“To have someone who has such a big influence on our generation coming to Dundee again is fantastic.
“I think he’s quite a ‘real’ person – he doesn’t hide behind a persona.
“He’s very open about his struggles, inspirations and personal life which gives people a sense of closeness to him that you don’t get with other celebrities or influencers.”
- Yungblud plays Dundee LiveHouse on July 10. It’s his only Scottish date.
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