English rocker Yungblud has opened up about a tearful on-stage breakdown during his own festival, BludFest, revealing he has been struggling mentally behind the scenes.
The 28-year-old, real name Dominic Harrison, became visibly emotional during his performance in Czechia, at one point shaking and wiping away tears as he told thousands of fans how much they meant to him.
@yungbludWarning. Truth incoming. Please read the full caption. Honestly, I’ve been debating whether or not I should post this clip because I don’t want it to feel disingenuous like I’m doing it for a reason like clicks or personal game but at the end of the day this is what happened and it’s genuine so I thought fuck it. To be truthful. Recently, I’ve been really struggling and this moment is a byproduct of my body releasing the wave of emotion that has hit me in the past year that I’ve been unable to process. I’m not gonna lie to you when I got off this stage I felt elated but 20 minutes later when I was in the shower on my own I had a breakdown. Being an artist in this day and age is so strange because everything moves so quickly. You never get to sit in what happens for more than a couple hours therefore you fail to navigate or process anything you feel both good or bad at all. In the past 10 years I’ve been on a million different journeys tried a million different sounds trying to figure out who I am or what I can mean to the world everyday whilst the world shouts back. The amount of hate and disbelief around me from strangers on the Internet or bitter musicians really weighs on my heart as all I’ve been trying to do for the past 10 years is spread love, build something I believe in and unify people in a safe space. I should really say nothing about this because it would makes me seem cooler and like it isn’t affecting me but deep down but I don’t think that’s who I am or why we all connect to each other. I read an article the yesterday morning that felt validating to me. It’s strange because the press don’t usually like to compliment me. Writers and influencers get more clicks out of negativity around me. I don’t complain about it because I think that’s just the space that I take up for them, that’s the kind of artist I am and that’s the way of the world. (Continued in the comments…)
Sharing the moment on social media, Yungblud said he had been feeling “disconnected from everything” in recent times, admitting that the emotions he experienced on stage had been building for a long period.
He told fans from the stage: “I have been trying my best to wake up every day. I have felt in pain a lot and I don’t know why for a long time. But every time I find your faces, every time I find your eyes, every time I look at you, I know that I belong somewhere.”
He added: “To feel safe from the outside world is something that I can never thank you enough for. And all I want to say is that this is your family.”
In a lengthy caption shared alongside the clip, the singer said he had been debating whether to post the video at all, but ultimately decided to speak openly about what he was going through.
He wrote that the emotional moment was “genuine”, adding that it was the result of “a wave of emotion” he had been unable to process over the past year.
He said: “Recently, I’ve been really struggling and this moment is a byproduct of my body releasing the wave of emotion that has hit me in the past year that I’ve been unable to process.”
Yungblud. Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock
Yungblud also spoke candidly about the pressures of modern fame and the speed at which everything moves in the music industry.
He explained that artists are often left with little time to process experiences, saying it can become difficult to understand or sit with emotions, whether positive or negative.
The singer reflected on his 10-year journey in music, saying he has spent much of that time trying to figure out his identity while facing constant public scrutiny.
He said the criticism and negativity he receives online “weighs on his heart”, while insisting that his intention has always been to build a space rooted in connection and positivity.
He also acknowledged the emotional impact of a recent article he read, saying it made him feel validated at a time when he is often met with doubt or criticism.
Yungblud. Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock
Yungblud wrote that he was overwhelmed seeing 20,000 fans at BludFest, describing it as the culmination of a journey that began in small venues nearly a decade ago.
He said the festival itself felt deeply personal, adding: “We’ve been moving so fast that I haven’t really been able to process anything at all but in this moment my emotions got the better of me. I needed that.”
He continued: “This community is created by us, for all of us.”
The singer also admitted he recognises he needs time to focus on his mental wellbeing, saying he plans to take a step back in the coming months.
He added: “I need to do a bit of work on myself to process everything I’m feeling… I feel good about the next couple months before I hibernate and take the time to prioritise that work.”
Closing his statement, he thanked fans for their support, writing: “What an honour it is to spend this life with you.”
Yungblud. Ben Houdijk, Shutterstock
The post ended with a request for media coverage to respect his words, stating: “If you are a journalist reading this, please don’t twist it. This is how I feel.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health in Ireland, help is available 24/7.
Samaritans Ireland offer free, confidential support at 116 123 or by email, providing a space to talk anytime.
Pieta provides crisis support and prevention services for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, and can be reached on 1800 247 247 or by text to HELP to 51444.
Young people can also contact 50808 (Text About It) by texting HELLO to 50808 for anonymous, text-based support with trained volunteers.
In an emergency, always dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance.
