Yungblud Embraces Mumbai: From Vada Pav to Spiritual Awakening
Barely twenty-four hours into his inaugural visit to India, Dominic Richard Harrison – globally celebrated as the rock sensation Yungblud – has already immersed himself in quintessential Mumbai experiences. The British artist has savored the iconic vada pav, navigated the city in a local taxi, engaged in a spontaneous cricket match with residents, and absorbed the vibrant urban energy. Remarkably, he has already charted plans for a return, revealing, "I will be here for three weeks in September."
A Long-Awaited Pilgrimage Fulfilled
In Mumbai for his debut Indian performance at the Lollapalooza music festival, Yungblud described this journey as profoundly personal. "My granddad was stationed here during World War II. My father and I have wanted to come and visit for years," he shared. Growing up in northern England surrounded by a significant Indian community, his curiosity was lifelong. "I've wanted to come here as a tourist my whole life, let alone a musician. I knew I'd love it here."
Music as a Mutual Emotional Exchange
For Yungblud, the stage represents a reciprocal relationship. "People forget that on stage I get to watch a show every night. I come to see them, too," he explained, emphasizing that musicians are fundamentally fans first. He finds beauty in observing how music fosters connection – between parents and children, friends expressing love, or individuals embracing vulnerability. "Music evokes emotion and fearlessness."
Redefining Masculinity and Personal Expression
Challenging conventional masculinity, Yungblud spoke about his journey of unlearning. "I don't have to hold it in. To be emotional, to be truthful in my emotional state, is the strongest thing I can do," he stated. Embracing fluid self-expression, he added, "Some days I want to wear a skirt. Some days I want to wear my biker chaps and feel my testosterone. Both are fine. It's all masculine if I choose it to be."
Dreaming of BludFest on Indian Soil
Explaining his delayed arrival, Yungblud noted his music-centric travels since age fifteen. "It's the first time I've ever been invited to play here," he said. His vision includes establishing his curated festival, BludFest, in India. "My dream is to build BludFest in India. I want to go to Kolkata, Delhi and everywhere else." He feels a deep alignment with India's cultural depth, contrasting it with sometimes superficial Western dialogues. "There's a history here, so you can tell that the culture and history have impacted everyone. It's beautiful." Friends advised experiencing India with maturity, which resonates at twenty-eight. "A lot of people said you have to experience India with the depth, openness and gratitude of a 28-year-old man."
A Mission to Revitalize Rock Music
Yungblud's artistic drive stems from a desire to restore rock's original inclusive spirit. "Rock became outdated in its mindset. It was quite misogynistic and aggressive; it wasn't inclusive," he observed. He aims to reintroduce love, equality, and accessibility. This mission originated from personal feelings of being misunderstood. "As a kid, I was energetic and wild. I was too much for people, and it made me feel unimportant." His ambition is for everyone in his community to feel valued and united.
The Evolution of Yungblud as an Identity
Reflecting on his persona, he explained that Yungblud began as a protective alter ego but evolved into something larger. "It started as a superhero I could turn to – my most fearless self." While considering abandoning the name, BludFest reignited his attachment. "Yungblud saved my life in the same way it saved others." He now sees Dominic existing within the Yungblud identity, which holds significant meaning for fans.
Embracing Indian Culture Through Collaboration
Demonstrating his commitment to cultural immersion, Yungblud will meet fans at a pop-up showcasing merchandise created with Indian designer Aaquib Wani. "I wanted to empower an Indian artist," he stated. Rather than arriving with generic apparel, he chose to celebrate local artistry. "I have massive fans. So, I want to embrace the culture." This collaboration underscores his genuine engagement with India's creative landscape.
