Yungblud, the charismatic and boundary-pushing British artist, captivated Pittsburgh at Stage AE on July 12 with his electrifying music and unapologetic rebellion. The powerful performance from both Yungblud and his opening bands left a mark on the hearts of Pittsburgh’s music fans, solidifying his position as an up-and-coming force in the industry.
To get the crowd warmed up, Miami-based pop-punk band Games We Play took the stage. Emmyn Calleiro, the charismatic multi-instrumentalist frontman, launched the set with their top song “Get a Job.” The track’s infectious energy and subtle nods to early 2000’s punk instantly sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd. The venue began to bubble with excitement as audience members began to jump and dance. As Games We Play continued their set, this energy continued to grow. To do this, Emmyn skillfully interjected the set with humor and clever sarcasm, effortlessly connecting with the crowd. His unapologetic stage presence and fearless approach of ignoring any judgment made Games We Play an absolute standout opener, especially for a crowd of devoted Yungblud fans. The night was off to an exciting start, setting the perfect tone for the next two artists to perform.
For the second and last opener of the night, LA-based band The Regrettes performed a high energy set. After delivering an outstanding headlining show at Hartwood Acres for the Allegheny Summer Concert Series last summer, The Regrettes left Pittsburgh fans craving for their return. The band is made-up of a group of very talented musicians, featuring Lydia Night on vocals and guitar, Drew Thomson on drums, Genessa Gariano on lead guitar, and Brooke Dickson on bass. They radiated an unwavering confidence on stage, showcasing their preparedness and genuine excitement to be playing for the crowd.
The Regrettes delivered an impressive blend of their newer and older tracks during the show. Their setlist was a mix of harder-sounding songs and lighter, more “pop” sounding ones, such as “Nowhere” and “Barely On My Mind” from their Further Joy album. This set allowed the audience to mosh, but also take occasional breaks to catch their breath. At the end of the set, the band played one of their oldest yet most beloved songs, “Seashore,” a powerful anthem of girl-power. Its impactful lyrics resonated with the crowd, even captivating those who may not have been familiar with them before. Throughout the entire performance, The Regrettes poured their hearts into the music, leaving the audience enveloped in a contagious high-energy atmosphere.
The Regrettes set the tone perfectly for the headliner of the night, Yungblud. Yungblud, or Dominic Harrison, is not your average punk rock artist. His unique blend of punk, pop, and rock, combined with his outspoken nature, makes him an icon for the younger generation. A Yungblud concert is not just a musical event, it’s an experience, a spectacle of raw emotion and rebellious spirit. On this particular night, Yungblud didn’t just perform; he owned the stage, he connected with his audience, and he made sure they had the time of their lives while being unapologetically themselves.
For his first song, he played “21st Century Liability,” from his second released album. In an instant, the crowd erupted into screams, all seeming stunned from Yungblud’s initial entrance. Stage AE was full of voices singing along to the song. It was a magical moment going from people casually chatting to a crowd of fully captivated and thrilled fans. This energy never waned. Through songs like “strawberry lipstick” and “California,” Yungblud showcased his range, both in vocal prowess and emotional depth. His performance was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, from the raw feeling in “I Love You, Will You Marry Me” to the heart-wrenching vulnerability of “Kill Somebody.”
Yungblud’s band was equally commendable. The drummer maintained the rhythm, the bassist added depth, and the keyboardist set the mood. They played off each other beautifully, creating a symphony of punk rock that was both invigorating and soul-stirring. Each of these band members also seemed to throw themselves into the emotion of each song- specifically the drummer. You could see and feel the intensity radiating off of him as he played, and how it changed depending on the emotion behind the song. The ground pulsated with the bass drum, and it immersed the crowd further into the music.
Just when you thought the concert couldn’t get any better, Yungblud invited a fan onto the stage. A young girl with bright eyes climbed onto the stage, visibly shaking with excitement. But instead of just a hug or a photo, Yungblud gave her the chance to choose the next song he played. Throughout the crowd you could hear chants of different song titles that they wanted the girl to choose, but in the end she chose the song “Medication.” Everyone was happy with her choice, and the girl now has a memory that will last a lifetime.
At the end of the night, the audience left feeling overjoyed with the blend of amazing music they had experienced. A Yungblud concert is more than just a musical event. It’s a celebration of youth, rebellion, and the power of music. It’s a place where fans are not just spectators, but active participants and friends. Yungblud didn’t just perform; he connected, he inspired, and he gave everyone a memorable night.
View the full gallery of artists below. Photos by Madalyn Schaller, along with words by Ella Donovan. If reposting please credit @livefromthepitt412 / @madalyns.photos
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