“Don’t Forget To Live”: Yungblud Creates Community at The Rady Shell

On May 21, 2026, Yungblud returned to San Diego for the second time in the past year, this time at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Yungblud (a.k.a. Dominic Richard Harrison) released his debut EP, Yungblud, in 2018, and has continuously released music ever since. His third album (also titled Yungblud) was released in 2022 and surpassed his previous records, reaching No.1 on the UK Album Charts, as well as charting on various other lists.

The album that brought Yungblud to San Diego twice in one year, came in two parts. Idols was released on June 20, 2025, bringing him here in August of that year, with Idols II releasing on February 20, 2026, as well as the full project being released under the name Idols (Complete). In the past year, Yungblud has gained millions of new fans after covering “Changes” at Ozzy Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath concert and becoming a “legacy artist” of Osbourne. Shortly after that, he collaborated with Aerosmith to release an EP titled One More Time. 

The IDOLS world tour that brought him to The Rady Shell, was supported by The Warning, a rock band made up of sisters from Monterrey, Mexico that was started in 2013 and has since released 4 studio albums. They opened their set with an enthralling bassline that starts off their song MORE, followed by S!CK, both off of their 2024 album Keep Me Fed. The band then proceeded to ask the crowd if they were ready for some Spanish, and played their newest single, Ego, instantaneously drawing the audience in with the driving guitar riff. These first songs of their set perfectly encapsulated the sound of The Warning with their enthralling basslines, crisp drum hits, layered vocals (including the drummer singing backup vocals, which is an unusual sight), and catchy guitar phrases. All of this was done while they kept up high levels of energy, jumping, running, and moving around the stage. It was captivating to be exposed to their music for the first time in that way, instantly hooking the audience.

After the amazing set played by The Warning, the crowd was buzzing with excitement in anticipation of Yungblud taking the stage. Around 8:05 p.m., the lights were lowered, and Yungblud started his entrance, beginning with him sitting near the water right outside The Rady Shell. He was filmed making his way to the stage by golf cart accompanied by the song “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath, taking the stage with the opening song from his album Idols, the nine-minute song “Hello Heaven, Hello,” serving as the perfect introduction to his show by saying “hello” to all of the people in the crowd.

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

He then picked up the pace by playing “The Funeral,” the leading single from his album Yungblud, instantly getting everyone on their feet and dancing along to the catchy melody. After everyone’s singing voice was warmed up, the acoustic guitar came out while Yungblud played “Idols Pt. 1,” the crowd belting out the lyrics along with him and seamlessly transitioning into “Lovesick Lullaby.” By this point, it felt like the crowd had fallen into a rhythm, with people figuring out who was next to them and forming a sense of community, making it even more impactful when everyone sang along.

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

Throughout his set, Dominic was smiling from ear to ear, continuously looking around in disbelief and amazement. His smile and joyful demeanor only grew as the set continued, playing “My Only Angel,” one of the two songs in the set that was made in collaboration with Aerosmith. This led to a perfect segue to the unique and unforgettable performance of “fleabag,” where he searched the crowd for a fan to join him on stage. Picked from the many fans cheering, raising their hands, and holding signs specifically requesting to be the one to go on stage with him, he picked one person. This person then got the chance of a lifetime to join Yungblud on stage to play “fleabag,” grinning and introducing himself to the crowd as well as Yungblud (though only after Dominic leapt into his arms to hug him as he got on stage). After the song was over (which the special guest played perfectly), he said that he was forever grateful to Yungblud for “saving rock and roll,” eliciting loud cheers and applause from the crowd. 

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

Then, before you knew it, people of all ages were getting on each other’s shoulders to the start of “Lowlife,” moving and grooving to the infectious tune. The words “cause i’m a lowlife” resonated throughout the whole venue, the call-and-response portion being second nature for everyone there. The crowd then continued to passionately sing the intro to “Wild Woman,” the second of the songs in the set that was in collaboration with Aerosmith. From that, the piano introduction to “Changes,” originally written by Black Sabbath, commences, facilitating an emotional response from both Yungblud and everyone else there. This song was one that he originally sang as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, his lifelong idol, at Black Sabbath’s final farewell concert at the request of Sharon Osbourne to honor her husband, who became Dominic’s mentor in the years leading up to his passing.

The performance Yungblud gave that night was career-changing, earning high praise from Ozzy, Black Sabbath, and anyone who heard the performance (which has since been officially released to raise money for Parkinson’s research). It was clear that everyone there deeply felt the song, the lyrics “I’ve lost the best friend that I ever had” resonating so deeply with so many people. Specifically relating to Ozzy and remembering him, the final lyrics “Wish I could go back and change these years” resonated through the minds of everyone there, specifically as a way to support Dominic in his grief and loss of his idol, in addition to celebrating the amazing life he led. The song went on for longer than the original, people in their feels repeating the chorus, hand in hand with the person next to them, only ending when the music stopped and everyone started chanting Ozzy’s name, making pure emotion wash over Dominic’s face.

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

Chanting, remembering, and celebrating continued into the next song, where he brought his acoustic guitar back out, repeating “I need you // To make the world seem fine” from his song “I Need You (To Make The World Seem Fine).” Dominic then fell to the ground, appearing on the screen behind the stage from an overhead perspective, singing “Fire” before standing back up when the flames started to shoot up from the stage to carry the name of the song home. The final lyrics, “I know that I’ll find you by my side,” were heard seconds before the final song before the encore played, titled “Loner.” “You know what I mean, yeah” rang through the crowd as everyone there repeated it along with Yungblud, with no questions about what he meant, as everyone there had an understanding of why they were there. 

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

“One more song! One more song!” was repeated by everyone in the crowd, a sentiment that Yungblud agreed with and proved by playing “Ghosts.” It is an instrument-heavy song, full of conversational lyrics, sounds, and riffs, that got everyone to sing and clap along. The song ends with over two minutes of conversation that involves no words (featuring only instruments and wordless sounds), including a number of guitar licks that are almost impossible to get out of your head once you hear them. The show ends with “Zombie,” a song deeply personal to Yungblud that was his first song to hit No. 1 on both Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart, as well as on the UK Official Vinyl Single Chart (the song has also had several renditions, including one featuring The Smashing Pumpkins). “Would you even want me // looking like a zombie? Would you even want me, want me, want me?” were the final lyrics that Yungblud would’ve sung if the audience didn’t sing them for him. 

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

Yungblud put on a show full of theatricality, unique experiences, celebration, memory, friendships, and a whole variety of emotions. Dominic entered the stage with a huge smile and left with an even bigger one that could only be interpreted as genuine gratitude for everyone there and joy that everyone was together for the night. He repeatedly thanked the crowd, exclaiming throughout the whole show how “insane” the experience was for him and how much love and appreciation he had for everyone who was there. His pride in his music, gratitude for his fans, dedication to his community, and genuine kindness and care towards people (including those he had just met) were prevalent to anyone who heard him speak, sing, or interact with others. Everyone who was there became friends with the person next to them because it was asked of the audience during the show to turn to those around them and meet someone new. Dominic’s emphasis on love and community is a core part of his live show, coming through in various ways throughout the performance and making it feel like you were just at a show with all of your friends. 

Credit: Raven Kendall / @ravenkendallll  (IG)

“Don’t Forget To Live” were the words shown after Yungblud left the stage, as well as some that are forever tattooed on his right shoulder. These four words drive home one of the main messages of his music and overall career. It is a mantra that encourages fans to step out of their heads and stay present in the moment — to not let self-doubt, anxiety, or depression take away from living life to the fullest. This message is one that resonates with many fans and emphasizes the importance of human connection, giving yourself grace, recognizing that life is a gift, and having love for yourself and those around you.

Amitai Wahrhaftig is the Arts & Culture Editor for The Triton.