Big Bang blast off
By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos courtesy of 4Nologue and Yamaha
Did you know
T.O.P plays an assassin in upcoming film, Alumnus.
Top K-pop boy band Big Bang are known for their innovative hip-hop and R&B music. The five members of the group — G-Dragon, 24, T.O.P, 24, Taeyang, 24, Daesung, 23 and Seungri, 21 — have been praised by music critics for their ability to write songs and produce their own albums, especially talented group leader G-Dragon.
Big Bang are also known for their intriguing live performances, and the group was recently awarded best Asia and Pacific act at the 2011 MTV Europe Music Awards. On top of all that, Big Bang are renowned fashion trendsetters with their jaw-dropping outfits and daring hair styles.
Earlier this year, the guys released their Alive EP, which was a tremendous success internationally. Big Bang then embarked on a world tour, with Thai fan club V.I.P happy to see them at the Big Bang Alive Galaxy Tour 2012 in Bangkok on October 5 and 6. Student Weekly went along to check out the first concert.
ALIENS ALIVE
When the introduction of the song “Alive” was played, Impact Arena was suddenly filled with yellow, crown-shaped lights, which is the symbol of the band’s fans. On a big screen, a story was told about Big Bang being frozen and taken into outer space. When the guys heard that their music was needed back on Earth, they suddenly appeared onstage in space capsules. The audience screamed their lungs out when they first caught a glimpse of their beloved stars.
TONIGHT LIVE
The first song performed by the group was “Tonight,” and the guys looked splendid in their princely outfits. They then sang “Hands Up,” “Fantastic Baby,” “How Gee” and “Stupid Liar.”
Unlike most K-pop groups, Big Bang don’t use strict choreography when they perform, so the guys were able to get close to their fans while singing. The group also distinguished themselves by using a live band rather than recorded backing tracks, resulting in a much better sound than most K-pop concerts.
DAZZLING DUO
Before G-Dragon and T.O.P hit the stage for their duo performance, Taeyang, Daesung and Seungri chatted to the fans in Thai language. Daesung and Suengri then competed against each other by seeing who could make their side of the hall cheer the loudest. Suengri amusingly pretended to get mad when Daesung received loudest screams.
G-Dragon and T.O.P then appeared on a moving stage to sing “Knock Out” and “High High” from their GD & T.O.P album. T.O.P had injured his hand working on a film and had to wear a cast, but the female fans were satisfied to see his gorgeous face and hear his cool rapping.
SOLO STARS
During the concert, the guys took turns singing solo songs. Suengri wore sunglasses and a black outfit to sing “Strong Baby” and “What Can I Do.” Fans screamed with excitement when he shot a laser gun toward them.
The energetic Taeyong showed off his stylish singing and smooth dance moves when he performed “Look Only at Me” and “Wedding Dress.”
Daesung looked good in a white suit as he sang “Wings” with his mellow voice. During the song, he put on white wings and performed a cool stunt, using wires to fly to the top of the hall.
DGOOD SIGN
Big Bang wore white suits and sat on chairs to sing an acoustic version of “Haru Haru.” Everybody in the hall held up yellow signs saying, “Still love Big Bang.” Suengri was so excited that he grabbed a sign from a fan and held it as he said, “I still love you too.” He then asked a crew member to take pictures of the band with the sign, making Thai V.I.P very happy.
FANTASTIC FAREWELL
As the guys showed their genuine appreciation for their fans, Taeyong promised that they would be back in Thailand soon.
Big Bang left the stage with “Last Farewell,” but the crowd refused to move until the guys returned to perform five more songs including “Feeling,” “Hands Up,” “Bad Boy” and “Fantastic Baby.”
The guys got close enough for their fans to touch them. They performed until they were tired enough to sit on the stage, except for Taeyong, who kept singing and dancing alone to the great satisfaction of the happy crowd.
Vocabulary
- innovative (adj): introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing something, etc.
praise (v): to express admiration or approval for somebody or something
intriguing (adj): very interesting because of being unusual or mysterious
jaw-dropping (adj): very surprising and exciting
daring (adj): involving taking risks
tremendous (adj): very great
splendid (adj): excellent; very beautiful or impressive
princely (adj): very grand; like a prince
distinguish yourself (phrasal v): to do something so well that people notice and admire you
cast (n): a cast made of plaster that covers a broken bone and protects it
stunt (n): a dangerous and difficult action that somebody does to entertain people
farewell (n): the act of saying goodbye
Idoim
on top of something: in addition to something
