Yungblud kicks off US tour with 90-minute show in freezing Michigan, dedicates 'Changes' to Ozzy

Key facts

• Yungblud launched the North American leg of his tour on Friday at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights.
• The sold-out crowd of over 8,000, mostly women, endured 43°F weather, with coffee lines longer than those for alcohol.
• He performed a 12-song set, opening with 'Hello Heaven, Hello' from his album 'Idols' and closing with encores 'Ghosts' and 'Zombie'.
• Yungblud, born Dominic Harrison, 28, released his debut album '21st Century Liability' in 2018.
• He experienced a mainstream breakthrough in 2025 after performing 'Changes' at Ozzy Osbourne's final concert.
• The first eight shows of the tour feature opening band Return to Dust, supporting their 2025 EP 'Speak Like the Dead'.
• Yungblud performed with a 7-piece band including two string players and came into the crowd during 'fleabag'.

A frigid start to summer concert season

The thermometer read 43 degrees Fahrenheit when Yungblud took the stage at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights on Friday night. The sold-out crowd of more than 8,000 — predominantly women — bundled in hoodies, heavy jackets and winter hats, and the lines for coffee stretched longer than those for booze. Despite the cold, the English rocker delivered a swaggering 90-minute show that kicked off Metro Detroit's summer concert season. He was shirtless by the end of the first song, embodying the role of a charismatic, energetic, untamed rock star. 'I know it's pretty f---ing cold tonight,' he bellowed after opening with 'Hello Heaven, Hello,' the first track from last year's 'Idols' LP. 'But I got no clothes on, so you motherf---ers ain't got any excuse!' By the end of the show, he had donned a hoodie and leather jacket, but his energy never flagged.

A rock star in the making

Yungblud, born Dominic Harrison in northern England, carries a sneer that would make Billy Idol jealous. He resembles a blend of the Prodigy's Keith Flint, the Rolling Stones' tongue logo, and a gargoyle — a figure who seems to scare away shirts and has slept in leather pants since his teenage years. He released his debut album '21st Century Liability' in 2018 and has steadily built his career and following. His massive breakthrough came in 2025 when he performed 'Changes' at Ozzy Osbourne's final concert. A touching video of him and Ozzy backstage went viral, propelling Yungblud into the mainstream. 'Conquer America,' Ozzy told him, like a proud father offering final advice. 'Gotta conquer America.'

Musical prowess and stage command

Yungblud backed up his look and attitude with musical substance. His songs are outsider anthems about being kicked around, often by himself, packed with catchy hooks. Squint and he could be Robbie Williams, the 'Headbanger's Ball' version. He performed 'Changes' mid-set, dedicating it to Ozzy. 'Thank you from the bottom of my f---ing heart!' he screamed, seemingly addressing both the crowd and Osbourne. The 12-song set also included 'My Only Angel,' a track from last year's joint EP with Aerosmith, 'One More Time.' The rest of the songs drew mostly from 'Idols,' including 'Ghosts' and the midtempo 'Zombie,' which served as the two encores. He performed with a 7-piece band that included two string players, but he remained always in control and the center of attention, especially when he came into the crowd during 'fleabag,' standing on a seat surrounded by fans.

Opening act Return to Dust praises Yungblud's energy

The first eight shows of the tour feature the band Return to Dust on the bill. The group's bassist and vocalist, Graham Stanush, told ABC Audio that Yungblud's recent rise in the rock world is well deserved. 'He's certainly bringing a level of energy that, like, no one else is, it's quite contagious,' Stanush said. 'Even through a phone screen, whenever you see those clips of him just going absolutely wild onstage, it's just really cool. I think it's what we need.' Stanush added that in an era where people are glued to their phones, Yungblud gives a good reason to buy a ticket and show up. 'I think that we need more of that. We just need more energy and passion, and I think he's definitely carrying the torch, and it's a great thing.' Return to Dust guitarist Sebastian Gonzalez promised 'lots of energy and lots of, like, real rock, from just every angle that you could possibly imagine.' The band is supporting their 2025 EP, 'Speak Like the Dead,' which includes the single 'Bored.'

Yungblud's path forward

With a commanding stage presence and the body of a rock god, Yungblud chain-smoked cigarettes and chucked multiple beers into the crowd during Friday's show, rarely having a moment of stage banter without multiple uses of the f-word. He has the look, the attitude and the aura down pat, and his musical backing ensures he goes far. The tour continues across the United States, with Yungblud aiming to conquer America as Ozzy advised. If Friday's performance is any indication, he is well on his way. The 28-year-old packed enough star wattage to light up the area's power grid all on his own, proving that the kind of rock star thought extinct a couple of decades ago is alive and well.

The bottom line

• Yungblud launched his US tour in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with a 90-minute show in freezing temperatures, performing shirtless and with high energy.
• His breakthrough came in 2025 after performing 'Changes' at Ozzy Osbourne's final concert and a viral backstage video.
• The 12-song set drew mainly from his album 'Idols' and included a cover of 'My Only Angel' from his EP with Aerosmith.
• Opening act Return to Dust praised Yungblud's contagious energy and is supporting their EP 'Speak Like the Dead'.
• Yungblud's stage presence and musical hooks position him as a modern rock star capable of carrying the torch for the genre.