Since the release of his latest album Idols, Yungblud has been shaping his own approach to rock, delivering a powerful, triumphant show worldwide, blending tributes to past icons with a distinct punk identity. Matt’s Guitar Shop was there, alongside several guitars played on stage that night.
Attentive observers had already spotted the seeds of Yungblud’s raw, singular talent in his earliest singles. A young artist from a land rich with emerging, passionate musicians, Yungblud quickly gained a reputation as an innovative, passionate musician deeply connected to his audience. After multiple albums and years refining his style, Idols, released earlier this year, marked his artistic apotheosis.
Through the daring exercise of paying homage to past icons – from Mick Jagger to Iggy Pop, Ozzy Osbourne, and Freddie Mercury – Yungblud pulled out the best. Bold tracks (including the remarkable nine-minute single Hello, Heaven, Hello), feverish guitars, and a solid band with a string section make this album feel like the birth of a fully realized rock star.
Emotional Reunions
This Paris concert allowed Matt’s Guitar Shop to reconnect with Dom and his band, lend them instruments, and reunite with the famous “Ghosts,” a 1967 Gibson ES-330 with a ghost-painted pickguard purchased from us months earlier. Since then, this guitar has become his favorite instrument, the go-to for the ballad “Zombie,” and even the subject of a recent tattoo on his forearm. One thing is certain: despite its age, this guitar travels and plays around the world!
Playing Iconic Guitars
Already present at the 2024 Musilac Festival with Steve Jones’ Sex Pistols guitar, Matt’s Guitar Shop brought several instruments to delight Yungblud and his band. Adam Warrington, his loyal guitarist since the beginning of his career, played a formidable 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom once owned by Jack Nitzsche – famed composer and producer, known for collaborations with the Rolling Stones and Neil Young. He also played the 1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom formerly owned by Paul Kossoff and Eric Clapton during the Cream era. Powerful, crushing tones electrified the full Adidas Arena!
Adam then played the highly anticipated Fender Stratocaster John Frusciante, a Custom Shop gem replicating the guitarist prodigy’s original 1962 instrument. A chance for Adam and the audience alike to appreciate Fender’s remarkable craftsmanship!
Finally, Sam Simmonds, the newest band member, played Steve Lukather’s 1951 Fender Esquire – famously featured on Toto IV.
A fully successful evening, crowned with rock’n’roll energy!
