RETURN OF FESTIVAL CURATED BY YUNGBLUD AFTER RELEASE OF NEW ALBUM IDOLS
CHASE ATLANTIC, DENZEL CURRY AND BLACKBEAR PERFORM
SURPRISE APPEARANCE FROM BILLY IDOL
‘I’ll remember this night forever’
Sunday 22nd June 2025: Fresh from the release of his new album, Idols, Yungblud gave an iconic headline performance at the second BLUDFEST at The National Bowl Milton Keynes last night (21st June 2025).
The event, curated by YUNGBLUD, was co-headlined by Chase Atlantic and featured performances by the likes of blackbear, Denzel Curry and Rachel Chinouriri.
This was a festival for the people, from the mission to keep prices down to the ‘Make A Friend’ tent which built relationships set to last.
For Yungblud’s set, ‘Hello, Heaven Hello’ was an explosive start, glitter cannons bringing screams from the crowd. The crowd knows every word already and the shirt comes off in the still-scorching heat. Before too long he’s off down the runway and out amongst the fans before strapping on the acoustic guitar. A roaring ‘Lovesick Lullaby’ follows and then into ‘The Funeral’.
“Holy… I’ve missed you. My clan,” he said before ‘Strawberry Lipstick’ and then “I’m just a fleabag nobody loves me…” intros ‘Fleabag’, arguably the definitive anthem of teenagehood.
This week, Yungblud released Idols, his epic fourth album, and before ‘Greatest Parade’ he said: “I was so fucking nervous to release this album. It’s been four years in the making, but to see the amount of love that you are giving it… I love you all so much.”
As if any boost was needed, a brass section raised the sky for ‘Parents’, ‘California’, ‘Lowlife’ and ‘Cotton Candy’, and the lighters came out for the anthemic, string-laden ‘Change’.
Before ‘Monday Murder’ a video was played describing the work of the charity Warchild, and Yungblud gave an impassioned speech: “Please, please look at that number if you can. I want everybody to take a picture of that number right now (Text ‘Hope’ to 70225 to donate £5”). Get your phones in the air, and take a picture of that number right now. And if you can spare the cash on the way home, donate five pounds. The world at the minute is in turmoil and we have to protect the future.”
‘Tin Pan / Braindead’ followed and then a true legend was brought out in the form of Billy Idol for his classic ‘White Wedding’ (“About the icons slot… every year I’ll bring an icon to this festival…” said Yungblud) before ‘Loner’.
‘Ghosts’ is a song made for stadiums, including a stunning string section, and the final run continued with ‘11 Minutes’, ‘I Think I’m Okay’ and ‘Zombie’.
“I’ll remember this night forever,” said Yungblud as he left the stage. He meant it.
Before the closing act, co-headliners Chase Atlantic tore through an energised set of fan favourites.
“I know it’s hot. You guys are troopers,” said singer Mitchel Cave. “Make some noise for yourselves and make some noise for the main man – Yungblud. We go way, way, way back. I’m talking like seven years.”
The band slammed through tracks including ‘What U Call That’ and a huge ‘Into It’. They closed with the blockbuster pairing of ‘Swim’ and ‘Friends’, cementing their reputation as one of the best live acts around.
The main stage also saw sets from blackbear, DenzelCurry, Luvcat, Elin Hall and NXDIA, who described the festival as amazing.
“The people have been so energetic,” she said. “I’ve been watching all the artists feel so comfortable, just enjoying that time and the space. It feels like a sacred, and I’m obsessed. I’m very grateful to be here.
“I love that crowd. I love the stage so much. And it feels like everyone’s energy is so high – I just want to dive right in.”
The second stage saw sets from Rachel Chinouriri, Peach PRC, Nieve Ella and Master Peace.
The Cliffords singer Iona Lynch said: “We’ve had an unbelievable time great day. Everyone was lovely – a beautiful crowd of lovely, lovely people.”
Reece Young also played the second stage and said it was the best show of his life.
“Not because of us, but because of the people,” he said. “And they treated us so well. They didn’t know who we were, and they came and saw us and loved it. So, shout out to Dom. I spoke to him a little bit earlier and said thank you but that is not enough. I owe him a lot.”
About YUNGBLUD:
YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harris) is a globally renowned British artist who puts social justice, equity and celebration of diversity at the forefront of his music. YUNGBLUD is fast becoming one of the key musical voices of his generation, blending influences from Rock, Punk and Pop to monumental effect. His arena-filling performances around the world have cemented his place as one Britain’s most electrifying musical exports. He has received several accolades, including the MTV EMA for Best Alternative (2021) and the O2 Silver Clef Award for Best Live Act (2022). Known for his electrifying stage presence and boundary-pushing lyrics, YUNGBLUD continues to challenge conventions while inspiring fans worldwide with messages of authenticity and acceptance. This year, YUNGBLUD debuted own curated festival BLUDFEST and released his first book, the instant No1 Sunday Times Best Seller, ‘You Need to Exist: A Book to Love and Destroy’ on Penguin Books.
‘Idols’, the album by Yungblud is out now via Locomotion/Island Records.
ALBUMFORMATS:
VINYL
* Each vinyl offer includes a 4-page lyric booklet and 1 of 6 collectible double-sided photo lithos – unique to each vinyl variant – designed to form a cross-shaped image when the set is completed.
Black Vinyl (Standard)
Yungblud Store Exclusive: Signed “Distant Smoke” Marble Vinyl
Includes signed album artwork print
Indie Exclusive: Signed “Supermoon” Silver Vinyl
Features alternate cover and includes signed album artwork print
Amazon Exclusive: “Wishing Well” Magenta Vinyl
Spotify Exclusive: “Hell And Back” Two-Color Vinyl
CDs
Standard CD
Signed CD
Available via Yungblud Store and indie retailers
