London, 2025 — YUNGBLUD has never been shy about wearing his influences on his sleeve, but his latest release has fans and rock royalty alike taking notice. The British rocker unveiled a brand-new track, “Crown,” during a surprise set at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire last night — a song he revealed was written as a heartfelt tribute to Freddie Mercury.
The track, a sweeping fusion of glam-rock swagger and modern punk grit, opens with a piano riff reminiscent of Queen’s “Somebody to Love” before erupting into a stadium-sized chorus. Lyrically, YUNGBLUD tips his hat to Mercury’s fearlessness, flamboyance, and uncompromising authenticity, singing about “wearing your truth like a crown” and “turning the world into your stage.”
After the performance, social media lit up with clips of the song, drawing the attention of none other than Queen guitarist Brian May. In an interview with BBC Radio 2 this morning, May praised the 27-year-old star:
“I think Dominic [YUNGBLUD] has that same fire Freddie had — the ability to connect with thousands of people while making every single one feel like they’re the only person in the room. Freddie would’ve loved him.”
YUNGBLUD, clearly moved by the comment, took to Instagram to share his gratitude. “I grew up studying Freddie — his moves, his voice, his courage to be unapologetically himself. To be compared to him by someone like Brian May… I don’t even have the words.”
During the encore, YUNGBLUD doubled down on the homage by leading the crowd in a raucous cover of Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga”, complete with the iconic synchronized clapping. Fans left the venue buzzing, with many calling “Crown” his “most ambitious and anthemic song yet.”
Whether or not it becomes a future chart-topper, the track has already succeeded in something rarer: bridging generations of rock fans and paying tribute to one of music’s greatest showmen through the eyes — and voice — of one of today’s boldest.
@yungbludarmy @yungblud thank u for this song #yungblud #yungbludarmy #blackheartsclub #rock ♬ Hello Heaven, Hello – YUNGBLUD
@ttessamaria #yungblud #bhc #bludfest #fyp ♬ Father Figure (Featured in ‘Babygirl’) – George Michael
