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FT Island Braves Weather For FTHX in NYC

February 19, 2015

FT Island’s FTHX NYC was a concert experience that will not easily be forgotten. Every step of the way was a thrill, even getting there.

The weather just before the date had everyone in a tizzy. Predictions of mountains of snow caused the entire city to go into transportation lock down, cause cancellations of multiple flights, trains, and buses. Travel to the city seemed impossible for US citizens, it would have been a miracle for FT Island. People from all different states were trying to sell their tickets after cancelled travel tickets, desperately trying to make back some of the money they had lost.

The storm, named Juno, had turned out to be nothing but a couple of inches, nothing a tough city like New York couldn’t handle. Shortly after the sun had risen, the transportation bans began to be lifted, but nothing had been heard from the group. The anxiety sat in the bottom of my stomach like a bad bit of food.

A ray of light shown through the dark as the group announced that they would be making their way to NYC, despite the weather. Although the band had been able to make it, many others were still a train ticket short.

The day of the concert seemed like a dream when I awoke. Having only gotten two hours of sleep, I was not looking forward to the 20 minute trudge through the freezing cold streets on Rensselaer, NY to get to my bus. The wind ripped through my clothes, stopping only as I boarded the vehicle. The ride seemed longer than usual. Despite my exhaustion, my eyes refused to stay shut.

The city air was warming up, relaxing a bit of my stress with the knowledge that I wouldn’t be losing a toe. I traveled briefly to drop off my belongings and then headed to the venue. The streets of New York outside of tourist season seemed a lot more welcoming as I walked through Times Square. I had never been to the city in the winter, having only seem glimpses in films and television shows.

As I approached the line around 3 pm EST, I was surprised to see the general admission line so empty as I passed. Approaching the VIP section, the wind almost knocked me off my feet. The side entry door of The Best Buy Theater sat inside of a tunnel, in which the wind was sweeping right through. Whereas most fans usually kept their space, everyone was huddled together, attempting to conserve warmth.

Everyone seemed very friendly, other speaking about how they had only met. I was so focused on keeping myself warm that I hadn’t socialized. I was in the back of the group, getting the brunt of the breeze. Another woman approached and stood beside me, the first in half an hour. A couple more minutes passed before I turned and introduced myself. Becoming so lost in the conversation, an entire hour had passed by the time I looked down at my phone again. I was glad to have found a concert buddy. I’m not fond of attending events alone, things are always more fun with a friend.

Around 4:30 pm EST, I was pulled from my conversation by a loud series of gasps and pleads coming from the back of the group. It seemed as though Seunghyun had made his way outside. Taking his time, he set himself up to take a selca with the camera facing the crowd. He quickly made his leave, a series of fans hot on his tail. A group of fan stated that the group had passed by and into the venue around 12:30 pm, but everyone was so focused on staying warm that they did not notice until the band was already inside.

As the entry time approached, fan-made banners were passed around. The gifters let every know the banners were to be held up during ‘On My Way’, which was the ending song on the set list the was released a few weeks prior. Yellow glow sticks began to make their way around the pride. Primadonnas are one of the most genuine fan bases that I have ever had the honor of being a part of. Their generosity and kindness is very reminiscent of Starlights, another one of the fandoms I belong to. It’s am amazing feeling to be surrounded by amazing people.

The doors began to open and everyone breathed loud sighs of relief, looking forward to the warmth that was only feet in front of us. We were ushered inside by steel voiced staff members, holding desperately to our tickets. The line was stopped, causing my new friend and I to be stuck halfway down the stairs. The was a long pause before everyone began to talk about the concert start time, claiming that it would be pushed back at the rate we were moving. Another half and hour passed as cries and screams sounded off from the bottom of the stairs.

I knew exactly what was happening, the hi touch would not be saved for after the concert. As the realization hit me, I ripped my coats off, desperate to show off the outfit I had planned out at 2 in the morning.

This is where it gets exciting. I have a curse, and not just any curse. This curse pertains to every hi touch event that I have ever attended. I always, without fail, end up embarrassing myself in some way. At B1A4;s Road Trip in NYC, I basically chocked on my own spit after touch Sanduel’s hand. At VIXX’s concert in November, I nearly scared poor Leo out of his skin with my look of complete shock and my screams of ‘No! I’m not ready!”

Having clued my new friend in on this situation, I assured her that I was ready this time. There were only three stairs left to walk down. Just as the words left my mouth, I tripped. I flew down the steps and landed right in the arms of a security guard. This had given the line in front of me enough time to move, and allowing the entire band to get a front stage view of my hiccup. Without a moment’s delay, my beloved Hongki placed a hand over his mouth, chest bobbing as he attempted to contain his laughter. My own laughter was enough to convince anyone that I had survived, although the result was undesired. What a way to start the show than by embarrassing yourself. Here’s to hoping I made a new memory for the boys!

Shame plastered on my face, I shuffled into the area. I fixated on a spot near stage left, making my way. I joined in the choir of voices, talking about their experiences at the hi touch. Concert time closed in as I looked around the venue, taking in the crowd. The pit was only about 7 people deep and many seats were left empty. The crowd was larger than anticipated, especially after the predicted storm.

As soon as the lights went out, screams and cheers reverberated through the entire room. A VCR of the boys began to play. Although I do not speak Korean, one could tell it was a message to the fans. Jonghyun came out and sits at the keyboard, followed by Minhwan not long after, who takes his place behind the drumset. A light melody is played as the remaining members shuffle in. Everyone is dressed in black pants and a white shirt, aside from Hongki, who sported a white denim jacket with a patchwork patter on the back.

The concert has finally begun as ‘Last Love Song‘ begins to play, a relaxing opening to help set the mood. Followed by ‘Madly‘ and ‘Theory of Happiness,’ the crowd’s limbs began to thaw as a group as the front began jumping to the beat. Either everyone was still frozen, or they were still in shock of FT Island being right in front of them.

The tempo speeds up as the band begins to perform the rock version of ‘Love Love Love‘ The intense rendition was everything one could have hoped for, the beats reverberating right through my body. ‘Memory‘ follows it up, Minari (Minhwan) performing his own drum solo at the end.

All throughout the songs, Hongki is bounding around the stage, letting his body flow with the music. Out of all the voices I have heard live, Hongki’s has been one of the most memorizing. It pulls you in and gives off a nice warm and familiar feeling, a forbidden fruit.

The band is given a reprive as Hongki greats the crowd and announces that his ‘English teacher’ is in this very building. ‘Would you like to meet my English teacher?” He calls out to the crowd, who instantly responds with a choir of yes. “Hey Teacher!” He calls out again as a beautiful woman, also dressed in black and white, makes her way onto the stage.

As Hongki spoke, the woman translated his statements. Hongki explained that this is their first time coming to New York City, and it was very cold! He noticed all those standing outside and bows in appreciation of those who had braved the weather to be there. FT Island was looking to show a different side of themselves, aside from what is shown on the television shows. They wanted to show that side to us. As Hongki bursts into a fit of giggles, he explains that he is nervous about his English in a room full of native speaks. The band had prepared an acoustic stage, and was ready to show us what they had in store!

The stage was laid back and the fan interaction was intense. I have never seen that amount of fan interaction before. Hongki’s microphone never stayed plastered in front of his lips. They were sharing the chorus with us, allowing us to make their music our very own. As we sung along in rhythm, the group seemed extremely pleased by the fact that we knew so many of the words. After the set was finished, Hongki thanked us for singing along so well.

Unknown by the fans, there was a large amount of pressure forced onto the group. America is known as a place where stars are born, and coming to a country like that to perform is no small feat. In a place where music is king, there is always a fear that your owns music won’t compare. It was due to fan encouragement and demand that FT Island made their way to the States, determined to give us what we so dearly sought out.

Times were changing in the industry this means more freedom for their music. Hongki stated that it had been about one and a half years since the group had been able to perform their own music, the music that they love. He was pleased to announce that come this spring, they would be coming out with a new album, full of the songs that they had created together, a new style that he wishes to showcase.

The concert had reached maximum power as energy ran rampant throughout the room. The crowd was chanting and cheering, a mass of bodies moving together with one purpose. To truely live means to truely love. The amount of love that FT Island was able to show for us during those short two hours have completely convinced me that they are living the life that they have dreamed of, one of complete happiness.

As they performed their encore, fans held up their banners and chanted the group’s name. The small group of people who stood huddled together outside, had become one entity, the ultimate Primadonna. It doesn’t take a sea of us to show our love, you only need one.

Banners and guitar picks flew through the pit as the concert came to a close. FT Island sat themselves on the stage, facing away from the audience as a group picture was taken. They exited the stage and a realization passed through us, the concert had finally ended.

The concert had flown by, but many stuck around to talk about it. The were tears of joy and sadness as the fans talked about their favorite part of the performances and the merchandise that they had purchased. This concert was one for the ages. Storm or not, FT Island had been determined to arrive and perform for how ever many were willing to come. FTHX NYC, the little concert that could.

All during their time on stage, FT Island was right at home. They joked with each other and laughed as only a true family can. Our boys are finally able to truly be themselves, at home and with all of us. The change in the industry has given many artists so many more freedoms.

Thank you FT Island, for giving us this precious gift. Thank you for being you.

The Official FTHX NYC Setlist:

Last Love Song
Madly
Theory of Happiness
Love Love Love
Memory
Black Chocolate
Time To
Top Secret
Be Free
Stay (acoustic)
Severely (acoustic)
I Hope (acoustic)
I Wish (acoustic)
Flower Rock
Falling Star
Freedom
Shinin’ On
On My Way