YUNGBLUD – SCALA, LONDON 21ST MARCH 2025
Yungblud recently announced a free show on social media at the iconic Scala in the heart of King’s Cross. As expected, the tickets went in an instant, and tonight, around 700 lucky fans with some of the fastest fingers in the West are packed into this beautiful old venue.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2018 with 21st Century Liability, Yungblud has never played it safe. He blends punk’s snarl with pop’s hooks, hip-hop’s rhythms, and a poet’s vulnerability. It’s a formula that’s earned him legions of fans and chart-climbing hits—like the high-octane “Parents” or the haunting “11 Minutes” with Halsey and Travis Barker.
Tonight’s gig marks Yungblud’s first UK show since August 2024, when he headlined his festival, Bludfest, at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes, which makes this event even more unique. There is no supporting act, but we have been promised a full 30-minute band set.
At the stroke of 8:30 PM, Yungblud strides onto the stage, clad in a sharp black suit, a crisp black shirt and braces, his hair slicked back in a style reminiscent of a noir-era crooner rather than a defiant punk rocker. Accompanied by his full band and a captivating four-piece string section of violins and cellos, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation. “It’s fucking good to be back!” he shouts, greeted by a sea of mobile phone screens. He launches into his epic new single Hello, Heaven, Hello, a sprawling nine-minute track that is even more rewarding live than on the recording. It starts slowly but quickly picks up pace.
As the song bounces to life, Yungblud sheds his jacket, engaging the audience. The electric atmosphere is palpable as the packed crowd sings every lyric like gospel, creating an experience that surges from the opening chord to the final scream—the song twists and turns, transforming into a full-blown 70s rock opera. Every guitar riff prompts a mighty scream from the fans. During the climax, Yungblud straps on an acoustic guitar to guide the song to its conclusion, evoking a Bowie vibe.
Following this monumental opener, he seamlessly transitions into Lovesick Lullaby. Now stripped to the waist, he unleashes a burst of energy that again sends the crowd into a wild frenzy. This bouncy number gets everyone moving, drowning out the lyrics with their screams. Things slow down for the third new song, Zombie, with Yungblud on electric guitar. This one has the feel of an uptempo ballad. After thanking the crowd, he reveals they were only supposed to perform three songs but will play a fourth—another new track that lasts seven minutes! The excitement in the venue is palpable, and the frontman asks, “London, can I ask you a favour? Can everyone put their phones away? This song is about comprehending your mortality because we are not here for long… don’t forget to live.”
At that moment, the screens go dark, and for a rare and beautiful moment in 2025, everyone is fully present. What follows is a seven-minute slice of cinematic, orchestral alt-rock that leaves the crowd visibly moved. It’s a fitting conclusion to this four-song showcase and a fantastic preview of the upcoming album. Yungblud thanks the crowd again, and the band leaves the stage, leaving the fortunate, sweat-soaked fans with some unforgettable memories.
Yungblud is known for his spectacular performances, but he delivered something arguably more powerful and intimate tonight, stripped of banks of LED lights, theatrics, and stadium-scale production. I can’t wait to hear what this new album has in store. He’ll return to UK stages later this year for Bludfest at Milton Keynes’ National Bowl, but for those inside Scala last night, it’ll be hard to top the raw, unfiltered power of this short but oh-so-sweet performance.
Gallery – Yungblud – Scala London 21st March 2025
