On an early June evening with the heat sweltering at 96 degrees, dedicated fans queued patiently outside the Anthem approximately ¼ of a mile down the Wharf in Washington, DC. awaiting their chance to enter the venue for the much-anticipated return of Yungblud to the area. After a cancellation this past fall due to health reasons, this new date at the Anthem had fans waiting in line as early as 3 am to be one of the first in line to acquire the best spot in the venue at this sold out show. High anticipation was felt as fans waited patiently, some chatting with their friends, making new friends, purchasing merch, and others passing out pink, square pieces of paper with instructions to hold the paper up to their camera’s flashlight during certain songs during the set to light up the room in pink in support of Yungblud.
Doors were opened at 6:30 pm, and with the help of the Anthem staff, people started entering the venue. The energy and chatter were euphoric even as people headed through security and off to their seats. The venue filled quickly and it was evident that people did not want to miss one minute of the show. The buzz of conversation was quite loud as people waited in the beautiful venue that gives the feel of a theater with warm tone lighting, two levels of balcony seating and, depending on the show either a general admission/standing room only area on the floor level or the option to set up seating. Certainly a venue that can and has brought to life many different genres of music and other types of events since its opening in 2017.
At approximately 8pm the lights dim and the roaring cheers from the crowd fill the room as the opening act – The Warning hits the stage with high enthusiasm and energy. This hard rock trio of sisters from Monterrey, Mexico commanded the stage and the crowd for their 45-minute set filled with heavy riffs, powerful vocals and pounded out an 11-song set that left the crowd screaming for more.
Their set included hits like their biggest hit “Hell You Call A Dream,” “Kerosene.” and their newest single “Ego” which they sing in all Spanish. A great band to have out on the “Idols: World Tour, they are a band that leaves you wanting more and definitely should be a must see if they are playing in your area.
After a short set change the lights dimmed again and the sounds of “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath filled the air and the crowd immediately engaged with roars of excitement and singing along. The lights directed all eyes to the stage and the large gold wings hanging atop like a crown at the front of the stage, engraved with the word “Idols” named after his latest album.
A video montage filled with clips of previous shows and recording sessions starts playing on the large screen on the stage and suddenly Yungblud appears on the second level balcony hyping the surprised crowd up before exiting and heading to the main stage. “Hello” in all languages flash on the screen and the stage slowly fills with heavy fog as the band starts filing in, Yungblud leaps from the back of the stage out to the audience, starting off the night with “Hello Heaven, Hello” and cannons of confetti shoot off covering the stage and crowd. Yungblud continues into the 13 song set including his hits “The Funeral,” new fan favorites like “My Only Angel” that was written with Aerosmith, and “Fleabag” in which he brings a young girl from the audience to play guitar during the song. Throughout the set his energy and stage presence was undeniable with his constant smiles, crowd interaction and stage antics as he moved all over the stage and out into the crowd at one point, where the crowd held him up all shows why his worldwide impact and popularity is unmatched.
Throughout the show the stage itself was filled with stunning lighting, smoke, confetti, colorful lighting and at times intense pyro making the whole night electric and as powerful as Yungblud’s lyrics and personality are. Other highlights of the show were when Yungblud sang “Changes” as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, where the crowd sang boisterously along word for word making it a moment to remember, singing his song “War” and finishing out the night with an encore including both of his hits “Ghosts” and “Zombie.”
To end the night Yungblud left the stage but the fans were not done, chants of “Yungblud” were heard and to the crowds surprise Yungblud appears and makes his way down the front stage barricade to greet fans, sign autographs and take photos before disappearing as fast as he appeared. One of his crew members also had a camera out in the center of the floor area as people were leaving, allowing fans to record a message for Yungblud after the concert had ended. Such a fantastic show from start to finish and most likely one of the last chances to see Yungblud in a smaller venue with his increased popularity.
All photos courtesy of Nicole Caracia Photography / IG: @nicolecaraciaphotography.