Pop group Big Bang indeed offered a “Big Show” at the Olympic Gymnastics Stadium Friday night. With more than 13,000 fans attending, the group captivated the audience with spectacular settings, their stage presence and songs.
Before the concert even started, fans were screaming when band members appeared on the two large screens on the sidelines of the main stage, which was connected to a narrower one, resembling a large B and extended slightly above standing fans, for a closer approach.
When the curtains finally rose, the band’s five members ― Dae-sung, G-Dragon, Tae-yang, T.O.P., and Victory ― walked down from the top of a long staircase at the center of the stage, with an orchestra playing their song “Day by Day.”
Dressed in white with gold accessories, the members appeared nervous, but they quickly regained their confidence as they started to sing and dance with fans, showing readiness for the big night ahead of them.
According to the group’s agency, YG Entertainment, they had prepared more than 300 costumes, and it was evident that the members put thought into everything, from G-Dragon’s headbands, T.O.P.’s sleek suits and sunglasses, Victory’s bow tie and Dae-sung’s gloves, to Tae-yang’s simple white tie.
“We have always performed at the year’s end, but this time we decided to perform in January and February. When we are done, you will all be very surprised,” G-Dragon said, greeting fans.
Individual performances were central features of the concert. Although most of the songs were performed as a group, they reminded fans that each member had his own style, and the “Big Show” was the perfect opportunity for members to show their individual talents.
Victory, also known as Seung-ri, showed his sexy side with his solo hit “Strong Baby,” while Tae-yang appeared playing the piano and singing “Only Look at Me” while suspended in the air. According to concert organizers, only two pianos can dangle in the air and it took careful preparation to bring the “floating” piano on stage. Dae-sung revealed his new trot song “Daebakiya,” or “It’s a Big Hit,” complete with a tight jacket and amusing dance moves and expressions.
T.O.P. offered his solo “Like Nothing Happened” in a suit and trench coat while walking through a rain shower, while G-Dragon transformed the stage into a club scene, with raging music and his own DJ booth, singing “This Love,” a remake number of American band Maroon 5’s hit song.
The group and concert organizers successfully connected with the audience, as band members bonded with the fans, up close and personal.
The narrow stage that stretched through the standing fans was perfect for the group to get closer to fans, as the members danced, ran and walked, waving to their cheering crowd.
At one point, members were hanging from poles attached to the stadium’s ceiling with wires, just to get closer to fans, who were waving and cheering on the second and third floors of the concert venue.
In the middle of the song “Lady,” G-Dragon picked up a camcorder and started filming fans, the image of which was projected on to the two large screens on stage. The camera captured fans and finally focused on one “lady” fan who was brought on stage for a friendly hug and jealous onlookers.
With more than 20 songs, the band kept fans entertained, even when they went backstage for costume changes. The hit drama “Beethoven Virus” was spoofed in a clip called “Big Bang Virus,” while in another clip, band members visited an amusement park with colorful masks on.
Big Bang finished the show with encores “Red Sunset” and “The Last Goodbye,” bidding farewell to fans, smiling and wishing them a safe trip home.
Although the sound was a bit shaky throughout the performance, the “Big Show” attested to the strong star and idol power the group has among fans, while the group showed that they were more than just pretty boys. The songs, settings, costumes and overall arrangements of the concert were superb, and the five members pulled it off with charisma and charm.
sanghee@koreatimes.co.krPost taken from: 하늘비 @ VIPz Overseas/bbvipz (with permission to repost)
