What is the most random way you’ve ever discovered an artist? For me, it was reading a review of Cal Jam 2018, an event I didn’t even attend. Among the major artists that performed that year, one up-and-coming artist stood out to me. The photos showed a young man with red, manic-styled hair, bright-colored shorts, and a crop top shirt, running around the stage and flailing like a madman. These images captivated me, and I had to know more. That curiosity led me down the rabbit hole of discovering Yungblud, and his music turned me into an instant fan. Ever since that day, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the chance to see him live. That opportunity finally came when Yungblud hit the road on his Idols World Tour, with the second stop bringing him to the Observatory North Park in San Diego.

Opening the show was Sawyer Hill, an artist hailing from Fayetteville, AR. I hadn’t heard of him before, but within moments, I was blown away by his sound. Hill’s warm baritone voice crept into my ears, commanding my body to start bopping and moving with the music. While Hill describes his music as alternative rock with a progressive twist, to me, it carried a 1950s crooner aesthetic, as if he were whispering soft nothings to each of us.

Hill’s energy was infectious, and his ability to connect with the crowd was undeniable. Playing guitar while delivering his smooth vocals, he exuded a bit of early Elvis mojo, enticing the screaming women in the audience to go wild. His setlist included songs like “Firestarters,” “For the Hell of It,” “Need Me Now,” “Aiming at My Head,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Masochistic Lover,” “Nothing Matters When I’m With You,” “Look at the Time,” and “High on My Lows.” Sawyer Hill was the perfect foreplay to warm everyone up for the electrifying experience we were about to have.

As we eagerly awaited the headliner, the front row of the venue was overtaken by screaming fans. When Yungblud finally took the stage, opening with “Hello Heaven, Hello,” the energy in the room exploded. The surge of excitement was reminiscent of Beatlemania, with fans screaming so loudly that it overpowered the music coming from the speakers.

Yungblud started the set wearing lowrider pants, a vest, and sunglasses, but within moments, the vest and glasses were gone, leaving him shirtless and exuding raw sexual magnetism. Even with earplugs, the deafening screams of joy, excitement, and hysteria rattled your eardrums. Fans were crying, overwhelmed by the chance to see him live.

Yungblud wasn’t just a performer; he was a magnetic, sexual fiend, gyrating and thrusting on stage. Channeling the energy of Iggy Pop and iconic English performers like Robert Plant and Mick Jagger, he teased the crowd, knowing they wanted him but couldn’t have him. During “Fleabag,” he gave himself over to the audience, walking over the crowd as fans held him up, basking in their cheers. He had us wrapped around his finger, and we were ready to follow him wherever he wanted to take us.

A poignant moment came when Yungblud paused to talk about the passing of Ozzy Osbourne. Over the past few years, the two had cultivated a strong friendship, and Yungblud had even performed at Ozzy’s farewell show. Acknowledging that many fans may have discovered him through that performance, Yungblud expressed his eternal gratitude to Ozzy.

It was clear how deeply the loss affected him, as he struggled to hold back tears while giving his speech. To honor Ozzy, Yungblud performed a heartfelt cover of Black Sabbath’s “Changes.” The entire crowd joined in, singing with him as tears streamed down his face. Looking around, many fans were crying too. It was a beautiful, unifying moment, allowing everyone to grieve together while celebrating Ozzy’s legacy.

After the emotional tribute, Yungblud kicked the show back into high gear, returning to his enigmatic, sexual stage presence. The palpable tension between him and his fans fueled the energy in the room. The setlist kept the crowd on their toes, featuring songs like “The Funeral,” “Idols Pt. 1,” “Lovesick Lullaby,” “Strawberry Lipstick,” “Lowlife,” “Fire,” “Tin Pan Boy,” “Braindead!,” and “Loner.”

For the encore, Yungblud returned with two final songs: “Ghosts” and “Zombie.” The crowd erupted, giving every ounce of energy they had left.

When the music finally ended and the lights came on, the entire venue was drenched in sweat, as if we had just experienced the wildest one-night stand of our lives. Where Sawyer Hill was the clean-cut nice guy we arrived at the bar with, Yungblud was the charismatic, dark, and sexual being we went home with.

This was the type of musical high that every concertgoer chases—a one-night stand with an artist that will never be forgotten. You’ll go to other concerts, and you’ll have a great time. But you’ll always reminisce about your night with Yungblud and wish to experience it just one more time.