YUNGBLUD & MISSIO at First Avenue in Minneapolis, October 2nd, 2019
First Avenue is probably the most well-known venue in Minnesota and has been made famous across the country through its use in Prince’s iconic movie Purple Rain in the 1980s. Since then it has hosted shows for various artists across all genres as well as dance party nights with DJs.
The night opened with the American pop-rock duo MISSIO. Matthew Brue and David Butler formed the band in 2015 and released their first album Loner on May 19th, 2017, and their second album The Darker the Weather//The Better the Man on April 12th, 2019. Most of the setlist consisted of songs from this second album, but they were sure to treat fans to songs from their first album as well. They ended their set with two of their most well-known songs, “I See You” and “Middle Fingers”.
Dominic Richard Harrison, better known as YUNGBLUD, has made a name for himself through his relatable lyrics, unique look, and high energy performances. Originally from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, he has mentioned that his music has been influenced by many different artists ranging from The Beatles to Eminem to Arctic Monkeys. His music style is primarily alternative rock/pop-punk with some hip hop mixed into some songs. He began to gain public attention after the release of his single “King Charles” in 2017 which brought many critics describing him as “the spitfire suburban poetry of younger Arctic Monkeys and Jamie T, fused with a healthy touch of ska and hip-hop spirit for good measure (Newstead, 2017).”
As the venue’s playlist faded out and the lights began to dim, the room filled with the screams of excited fans. Bright white lights on stage started to flash, two people wearing all black clothing and pink masks appeared on stage each holding a plain black flag. The flags were put in place at the back of the stage as YUNGBLUD’s voice could be heard over the speakers. As his short beginning speech drew to a close, he came running on stage wearing all black clothing, black lipstick, and carrying a pink flag which was then placed between the two black flags. YUNGBLUD immediately picked up a guitar and jumped right into “21st Century Liability” not giving the crowd the slightest chance to calm down. He kept this high energy for nearly the entire concert but would stop everything to make sure people were okay if something didn’t seem right. An artist being able to do this is super important for shows such as YUNGBLUD’s where everyone is jumping and/or in a mosh pit. Just over half of the setlist consisted of songs from his first album 21st Century Liability, released July 6th, 2018. The rest of the setlist was made up of singles he had released, two of which were from his third EP The Underrated Youth, released October 13th, 2019.
In between songs, YUNGBLUD took the time to tell the audience how thankful he was for everyone’s support, tell stories/ give advice related to the next song, and giggle and smile at the crowd as if it still seemed crazy so many people were there. At one point he pointed at someone in the crowd and said: ” I love you!” and then another person ” and you!” and another “and you! I fookin’ love all of yous!” He continued the show playing “Parents”, “Medication”, and “Loner” before heading off stage. The fans cheering didn’t stop though. Once everyone noticed movement in the crowd, the cheering got even louder as it set in that YUNGBLUD was coming into the very center of the audience. Everyone tried to push and shove to get closer to the five people in pink vests and pink ski masks as they carried out a mic stand and guitar. Standing as close as they could, fans scanned the crowd trying to watch for YUNGBLUD walking to the mic when one of the people pulled their mask revealing he was already there. Surrounded by tons of fans shining their flashlights, he began to play “Kill Somebody” on guitar and the crowd quickly joined in. Afterward, he was quickly escorted out of the crowd and appeared on stage in a black skirt not much later. “Machine Gun (F**k the NRA)” felt like the perfect end to this amazing concert. With all the main lights off the only lighting was again the flashlights from peoples’ phones. YUNGBLUD had everyone open the pit and started a chant of “F**k the NRA” and soon had the whole crowd shouting it. The beat began to grow louder and louder and finally dropped as everyone in the pit ran at each other. At the end of the song, he took and bow with a huge goofy grin on his face and thanked everyone for coming. Overall it was a 10/10 show and recommend everyone see him live if they get the chance!
