Yungblud's meteoric rise to fame has left critics and fans alike scratching their heads, wondering how this 28-year-old singer-songwriter from Doncaster, England has managed to become Britain's biggest rock star in just a few short years.
What started as a grassroots movement with Harrison performing gigs on his phone and posting videos on social media has snowballed into a full-fledged phenomenon. With the release of his debut EP in 2018, Harrison was met with middling reviews and hostile criticism from some quarters. However, he refused to be defined by one song or genre, instead opting for an eclecticism that would eventually pay off.
Bludfest, the annual festival he curates and headlines, has become a proving ground for his unique sound, drawing in crowds of up to 50,000 people. This year's event was particularly notable, with Harrison performing a haunting rendition of Black Sabbath's "Changes" at Back to the Beginning, the farewell performance by Black Sabbath's frontman Ozzy Osbourne.
The response from other rock legends has been overwhelmingly positive. Billy Corgan, lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins, calls Harrison "one of the greatest voices in the history of music," while Metallica's Kirk Hammett has praised his dedication to his craft. Even Aerosmith's Steven Tyler has taken Harrison under his wing, calling him his "brother from another mother" and collaborating with him on an EP that topped the UK charts.
Harrison attributes his success to a fearlessness in being himself, unapologetically embracing his love of music, politics, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights. He's also quick to point out that he's never relied on traditional gatekeepers like the music press or radio to propel his career.
For Harrison, it all started with a desire to connect with fans, rather than build a brand or community. He'd see Joe Strummer outside gigs, bringing cups of tea to fans and striking up conversations β an approach that has served him well. Today, he's one of the most in-demand rock stars in the world, with a fanbase that spans generations.
With his recent US tour attracting a broad audience from kids to 70-year-olds, it's clear that Yungblud is on the cusp of something special. As he looks to the future, Harrison is effervescent about what's to come, citing an "amazing" letter from Robbie Williams as evidence of his growing reputation.
One thing is certain: Yungblud's unique sound and tireless work ethic have earned him a place alongside the greats of rock music. Love him or hate him, this young man from Doncaster has left an indelible mark on the music world.
What started as a grassroots movement with Harrison performing gigs on his phone and posting videos on social media has snowballed into a full-fledged phenomenon. With the release of his debut EP in 2018, Harrison was met with middling reviews and hostile criticism from some quarters. However, he refused to be defined by one song or genre, instead opting for an eclecticism that would eventually pay off.
Bludfest, the annual festival he curates and headlines, has become a proving ground for his unique sound, drawing in crowds of up to 50,000 people. This year's event was particularly notable, with Harrison performing a haunting rendition of Black Sabbath's "Changes" at Back to the Beginning, the farewell performance by Black Sabbath's frontman Ozzy Osbourne.
The response from other rock legends has been overwhelmingly positive. Billy Corgan, lead singer of Smashing Pumpkins, calls Harrison "one of the greatest voices in the history of music," while Metallica's Kirk Hammett has praised his dedication to his craft. Even Aerosmith's Steven Tyler has taken Harrison under his wing, calling him his "brother from another mother" and collaborating with him on an EP that topped the UK charts.
Harrison attributes his success to a fearlessness in being himself, unapologetically embracing his love of music, politics, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights. He's also quick to point out that he's never relied on traditional gatekeepers like the music press or radio to propel his career.
For Harrison, it all started with a desire to connect with fans, rather than build a brand or community. He'd see Joe Strummer outside gigs, bringing cups of tea to fans and striking up conversations β an approach that has served him well. Today, he's one of the most in-demand rock stars in the world, with a fanbase that spans generations.
With his recent US tour attracting a broad audience from kids to 70-year-olds, it's clear that Yungblud is on the cusp of something special. As he looks to the future, Harrison is effervescent about what's to come, citing an "amazing" letter from Robbie Williams as evidence of his growing reputation.
One thing is certain: Yungblud's unique sound and tireless work ethic have earned him a place alongside the greats of rock music. Love him or hate him, this young man from Doncaster has left an indelible mark on the music world.