WASHINGTON, D.C. “Can’t live without” yungblud
BY EMMALEE SULLIVAN
On June 7th, Washington, D.C. was hit with a British invasion as Yungblud brought a sold-out SHOW to The Anthem. Before a single note was played, we were greeted by a towering golden statue above the stage. At first, it felt almost bizarre, but by the end of the night, it made perfect sense. Yungblud embodies the kind of larger-than-life rock star energy that feels forged in gold, the kind of artist who seems willing to pour every last dollar back into creating unforgettable experiences for his fans.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd eagerly waited for Dom Harrison to emerge onstage. Instead, a spotlight revealed him standing inside one of The Anthem’s upper-level security boxes, grinning and waving as fans below erupted into a mix of excitement and confusion. It was an entrance that perfectly captured his personality, playful, unpredictable, and literally impossible to ignore.
Eventually, the show returned to solid ground as Yungblud launched into “Hello Heaven, Hello” wearing a brown vest that barely survived a single song before being tossed aside. Not that anyone in the audience was complaining.
The opening number immediately set the tone for the evening. Confetti cannons exploded across the venue, signaling that this wasn't going to be an ordinary concert. Throughout the night, fans were treated to multiple rounds of confetti, towering flames, smoke effects, sparklers, and a meticulously crafted lighting production. Every detail felt intentional. I've always believed that artists who truly love what they do leave every piece of themselves onstage, and Yungblud proved that philosophy with every song.
That passion extended far beyond the production value. One of the night's most memorable moments came during “Fleabag,” when a young girl perched on her mother's shoulders held up a bright pink sign asking to play Yungblud's guitar. Standing nearly eye-level with him from the crowd, she quickly caught his attention.
"How could I say no to that? GET THIS GIRL UP HERE!"
Moments later, she was lifted onto the stage, where Dom welcomed her with a huge smile and an even bigger hug. The young fan wasted no time getting to work, confidently playing the song's guitar part without a hint of hesitation.
What happened next became my favorite moment of the night.
As the girl continued playing, Yungblud jumped into the crowd and finished the song among his fans, leaving her center stage with the band. She looked completely at home under the lights, interacting effortlessly with the musicians around her. For a few minutes, it felt like everyone in the room was watching the origin story of a future rock star unfold in real time.
Later in the set, Yungblud paid tribute to Ozzy Osbourne by performing Black Sabbath's “Changes,” telling the crowd, “We're gonna play this so loud that Ozzy will hear us in heaven.” The moment carried a weight that could be felt throughout the venue. Fans of all ages sang every word together, united not only by their love for Yungblud but by their appreciation for one of rock music's greatest legends. Seeing younger audience members share that moment with older fans was a reminder of music's unique ability to bridge generations.
As a self-proclaimed concert expert, I'd like to think I can usually predict the makeup of an artist's fanbase before ever stepping into a venue. Either my radar was completely off that night, or Yungblud is simply a rare exception. The crowd ranged from young children to longtime rock fans in their seventies, with every age in between represented.
What stood out most, however, was how present everyone seemed to be.
In an era where concerts are often viewed through phone screens, many fans spent the night with their hands in the air rather than their cameras. Looking back through my videos, what I notice most isn't a sea of phones, it's people dancing, singing, and genuinely feeling every moment. As a side note, let's bring back the lost art of throwing your hands up at concerts just because the music moves you.
By the time Yungblud closed the night with “Zombie,” emotions were running high. Fans clutched their friends, held hands over their hearts, and sang along through tears. As smoke filled the stage, sparklers lit the venue, and one final burst of confetti rained from above, it felt like the perfect ending to something truly special.
Yungblud continues to prove that he genuinely loves his craft and deeply appreciates the people who choose to spend their nights listening to his music. While he carries the commanding presence of a modern rock star, his humanity never feels hidden beneath it. Beneath the chaos, the pyrotechnics, and the larger-than-life energy is someone who clearly cares.
So let it be known, I'll be at the next Yungblud show in D.C., hugging my friends, singing at the top of my lungs, and probably collecting a few thousand pieces of confetti on my way out.
ALL IMAGES BY NICOLE Caracia | @nicolecaraciaphotography
