Only one ‘bad boy’, or ‘good boy’, from BIGBANG was back in Singapore this February! And he single-handedly swept some 4,000 fans off their feet with his first solo 2015 World Tour RISE at the Singapore Expo Hall 3 on 8 Feb. His songs, his body, and his witty humour – one can’t even handle the hotness!
YES. It’s Taeyang. The self-proclaimed good boy had been making his rounds across different countries for the world tour, which is named after his latest chart-topping studio album RISE. In fact, he was just in town last month with his fellow BIGBANG members at the 2015 New Year Countdown. But no fan could ever get enough hearing, and seeing, his ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’!
As promised by the man himself, Taeyang performed all the new tracks from RISE at the 2-hour, one-night only concert. Watching the renditions of the songs ‘live’ was an entirely different experience from merely listening to the album! The acclaimed performer was also more than his usual swag self, and was busy working the crowd in his fluent English and delighting the concertgoers with his sweet talks and humourous tales.
“These days I don’t like to fly,” Taeyang shared in between songs, “You might know I just came from Malaysia, and I actually came by bus. I didn’t know it’s so far! I only got here at 8 this morning, so I’m a little tired. But I had a good time in the bus… though I had a stomach ache (from) too much junk food. Finally I got here and met you guys. For me it’s really a blessing. I love you Singapore!”
The long journey certainly did not stop Taeyang from sizzling on stage, who kicked off the night with an explosive opening act of ‘Body’, ‘Superstar’ and ‘Move’ in swanky blinding gold pants. Fans in the sitting areas were already on their feet in the fever of anticipation even before Taeyang took the stage, while fans in the most pits went crazy when the superstar made his way up and down the T-platform lit by the sea of yellow VIP torches.
The fervent screams took a break when Taeyang returned to stage with an electro piano and his Romeo self. Suffused in romantic blue light, Taeyang hypnotised the crowd with a sweet serenade of ‘You’re My’ before hyping up the atmosphere with a lucky female fan onstage during ‘I Need A Girl’.
“Can I be your boyfriend tonight?” Omo! A big salute to the female fan for staying strong when Taeyang popped that question, or when he knelt down and held her hands, or that back hug – not everyone can leave that red-hot stage without fainting!
What followed was a non-stop blast of Taeyang’s smashing hits ‘Eyes, Nose, lips’, ‘Only Look At Me’, ‘Wedding Dress’, ‘Ringa Linga’, and every single track from album RISE, including Taeyang’s personal favourite ‘Love You To Death’, as well as ‘This Ain’t It’, ‘Break Down’, ‘1AM’ and ‘Let Go’.
“How are you guys feeling!?” Taeyang called out to the ecstatic crowd in between the stamina demanding solo gig, sweat trickling down the defined packs. Yes, he must have been feeling hot! That jacket came off!
Sexiness aside, the charming 26-year-old also shared about his yearning on the making of his knockout album, RISE, before expressing his heartfelt gratitude to fans via some truly amazing freestyle singing. While we cannot re-enact Taeyang’s freestyle vocals, here’s what he said before the song, “Getting to this tour was a long journey (as it) took me four years to make my new album RISE. And every day, all I was looking forward to, was to meet you guys on this stage – whether I’m recording, walking down the street, eating rice, taking a shower or doing business in the bathroom (giggles). Even when I was sleeping, I’m dreaming about this moment. Great (that) my album is finally out, and now I’m here with you!”
Halfway through the night, emotions ran high when Taeyang revealed there was a special guest with him and it was none other than BIGBANG’s leader G-Dragon! Though the megastar only appeared on the big screen, it was still one of the highlights of the night to watch the two friends of 13 years performing ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Good Boy’.
Another stir came when Taeyang announced that he is going to give ‘something really special’ that was on him. “What? You want my panty?” a ‘shocked’ Taeyang was seen teasing the laughing fans in the front, “No, I can’t!” After much guessing, one lucky girl bagged Taeyang’s signed white sneakers that he was wearing for the performance while another got to go home with a signed cap, complete with Taeyang’s sweat. Also not forgetting how hilarious it was when Taeyang purposefully asked everyone to focus on the ‘backside’ of the ticket as he read out the numbers of the selected winners!
Atmosphere hit a new high when Taeyang performed the lone version of ‘Bad Boy’ and ‘Fantastic Baby’. No BIGBANG concert is complete without these infectious tracks! A thoughtful Taeyang then went on to introduce the music band members and the YG Entertainment dancers from Hi-Tech and Crazy before delivering his exit line, “Thank you Singapore, I’m done.”
No he was not done. In fact, Taeyang could not bear keeping his fans waiting and returned directly with a hot encore stage of ‘Body’, while cheeky chanting “Singapore, I want your body! Everybody, I want your body!” before ripping off his top. Regretfully, the encore of ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’ was the last bit of the phenomenal night before the man of the hour swirled his way back down the stage.
As a dedicated performer who relishes the stage, seeing fans being moved by his music and truly enjoying themselves is probably the most rewarding for Taeyang. Thank you Taeyang for bringing RISE to Singapore. We loved it!
Also, Taeyang did promise that BIGBANG will be back in Singapore very soon. Till then!
Officially Kmusic would like to thank Flabbergast Productions for the media invitation to Taeyang’s 2015 World Tour RISE in Singapore.
Article: Kathryn Zhang
Photos: Alvin Ho © Flabbergast Productions & Lionel Boon © Flabbergast Productions
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