LIVE REVIEW: Yungblud "IDOLS" (Live at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, 10/1/2026)
- How Good! Chronicles
- Jan 11
- 3 min read
The final night of Yungbluds' Sydney residency after a week of nude boat parties and massive fan meet up queues around the block, for this wasn’t just another arena show — it was the explosive kickoff to his IDOLS World Tour, and an electrifying declaration that his connection with Australia runs deeper than hype. After swift ticket sales prompted an upgrade from the Hordern Pavilion to Australia’s biggest indoor venue, the atmosphere was already simmering long before a single chord was struck.
SUPPORT ACT: DUNE RATS
Brisbane punk trio Dune Rats kicked things off with sun-soaked chaos and feral energy that instantly engaged the crowd. Their upbeat, high-octane set — reminiscent of early 2000s board-track skate shorts and fun-fuelled backyard parties — had the arena roaring from the first notes of “Red Light, Green Light.” Their performance was a nostalgic yet invigorating start that thumped with relentless pace, perfectly warming the audience for the night ahead.
The energy peaked when they brought out Murray Cook (yes, the original Red Wiggle) and Shane Parsons of DZ Deathrays for a raucous cover of The Angels’ classic “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again,” with the crowd gleefully joining in the iconic call-and-response, you know which one. It was a moment of multicultural, multi-generational joy — part punk, part Aussie rite of passage.
YUNGBLUD
Yungblud’s entrance set the tone instantly: as Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” thundered through the arena speakers, the anticipation became tangible. Once he hit the stage with “Hello Heaven, Hello,” the crowd erupted as confetti cannons exploded and the night officially began.
What made this show special wasn’t just the volume or theatrics — though there were ample flames, smoke, and sonic fury — it was the balance of intimate moments and communal rebellion. Yungblud moved across the stage and into the crowd, urging kindness, connection, and mutual care. He teased local references — from Vegemite on his toast that morning to Aussie pubs and wildlife — that made even long-time fans smile at how genuine and present he seemed.
The setlist was a tight blend of his newest IDOLS material and beloved classics, each delivered with raw emotional punch. Standout moments included a heartfelt rendition of “Changes” dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne, which landed particularly profoundly in an arena brimming with shared intensity.
What’s rare in a large arena is the feeling that every fan is part of a collective heartbeat. Whether it was fans singing every word to “Zombie” beneath another shower of confetti or emotional voices raised in unison, the show felt like both riot and ritual. Tears and roars, playful antics like the obligatory shoey, and direct fan engagement made this less like a performance and more like a shared celebration of resilience and belonging.
Yungblud’s Sydney show wasn’t just loud rock and punk energy — it was a night of unfiltered connection, genuine appreciation, and unabashed community. Pairing that with Dune Rats’ irrepressible spirit made for one of the most unforgettable Australian tour openers in recent memory. If this is what the IDOLS tour promises, the rest of the run is sure to be unstoppable
YUNGBLUD IDOLS SYDNEY 10/1/2026 SETLIST:
Hello Heaven, Hello
The Funeral
Idols Part 1
Lovesick Lullaby
My Only Angel
Strawberry Lipstick
Fleabag
Lowlife
Changes (Dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne)
Fire
Tin Pan Boy/Brain-dead
Loner
Ghost
Zombie
Special Thanks to Loz from Frontier Touring for getting us in the action to the biggest tour and rockstar on the planet.
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