By Mulenga Mumba
On September 15th, London welcomed back The Boyz for the final leg of the European portion of their Zeneration II tour. With all 11 members (Sunwoo, HyunJae, Q, Eric, Kevin, New, Jacob, JuHaknyeon, Sangyeon, Younghoon and Juyeon) taking the stage, the group turned up the heat at the OVO Arena Wembley.
(Image: HallyuCon)
Standing outside before the concert began, you could definitely feel the excitement amongst the fans. Discussing who their bias was, what their favourite songs were and what MVs they liked, fans kept their excitement up despite the gloomy London skies. I’d like to take some time to note that one of my favourite things about K-Pop concerts is the dedication of fans when it comes to showing out. Fans had prepared banners, posters and a variety of other types of merch to share with each other as they waited. As we gradually entered the venue, the excitement began to intensify. Not long left until the concert began.
(Image: HallyuCon)
As we entered the concert hall, I somehow found myself real close to the front stage area (this has never happened before so I was very much shocked but glad to be there). Fans shuffled to get closer to the stage as we all waited for the Boyz to appear, and boy, did it feel like a long wait! However, right on time, we heard a sound and a pre-prepared VCR began to play. The screams that erupted were earth-shattering. As the lights slowly dimmed, the level of excitement went through the roof. Following the VCR, the 11 dazzling members appeared on a platform above the stage dressed in all white. It was breathtaking to see (they definitely know how to make an entrance).
(Image: HallyuCon)
Descending from the platform, the Boyz opened up the concert with ‘Diamond Life’, ‘Out of Control’ and ‘Maverick’ (one of my fav choreographies). It was definitely an intense opening and I did not expect any less from them (I call this part of the concert the ‘Intro’ portion of the concert - I know, it’s not that imaginative). Dressed in all white, the Boyz showed us that they did not come to play.
(Image: HallyuCon)
Following a quick intermission, the members returned to the stage in black outfits (I call this, the ‘Dark’ portion of the concert). The outfits were giving goth vampire realness and I was living for it. The songs in this portion of the concert definitely fit this vibe, too. Performing ‘Tattoo’ and ‘Levitating,' the members took a break to drink some water, catch their breaths, and converse with Deobis (The B - official fandom name of the Boyz fans). The members took this time to express how happy they were to see London Deobis again and Kevin took the opportunity to basically start a cheer battle between Paris Deobis and London Deobis. Apparently Paris Deobis “set the standard really high” (his words, not mine) to which every Deobis probably thought ‘we’ll see about that’ (I know I did). After the brief break, the members performed ‘Back All Black’ and ‘Breaking Dawn’ (two more bops that I have on repeat). During these two songs, the members descended to the front part of the stage which sent Deobis into an uproar. I was definitely thankful for the wave that had carried me to the area near the barrier. Seeing the Boyz perform their choreo, especially ‘Back All Black’ that close, had me contemplating my life choices (it should be illegal to be that talented).
(Image: HallyuCon)
Following another brief intermission, the members returned to the stage dressed in fun and casual outfits, with donut pool floats in hand, and dessert tables and deck chairs on stage (I call this the ‘Summer Holiday’ portion). Performing ‘Complete Me’ and ‘Fantasize,' the members were a complete embodiment of summer fun. They playfully strolled to the front stage and sang as they interacted with Deobis. They threw plastic balls and blue flowers into the crowd. Some members even took some time to give the flowers to Deobis at the barrier which was super endearing to see. Add to that the confetti and streamers falling from above, the scene was absolutely spectacular. The members took a brief moment to talk to fans before performing ‘Right Here’, ‘Thrill Ride’ and ‘D.D.D’ (my top 1 the Boyz song). The chaos that ensued can only be described as expected (What? It’s the Boyz. Of course chaos is part of the package). Firstly, the little train the members formed as they went from the main stage to the front stage during ‘Thrill Ride’ was adorable. Secondly, the Eric ‘shirt’ incident (IYKYK - if you wanna know, look up thrill ride concert footage wink wink. All I can say is, they had my boy running for his life). Lastly, the throwing of water during ‘D.D.D’. The members went ham throwing water into the crowd, which added to that summer vibe (it was surprisingly refreshing, lord knows it was getting a bit hot in there).
(Image: HallyuCon)
After a brief intermission, we transitioned into the ‘Prince’ portion of the concert (the outfits were giving royalty - it seemed fitting to call it that). The members appeared seated on chairs dressed in white regal outfits. During this section, the Boyz performed ‘Walkin’ in Time,’ ‘Horizon,’ ‘Survive the Night,’ ‘Back 2 U’ and ‘Hurt Me Less’. The members really gave off a dashing and ethereal vibe which was breathtaking to see. The members took the time to wave to fans. As a fan, this was the perfect photo op because there was minimal choreography and the members utilised both the main and the front stage. This section allowed the Boyz to show off their powerful vocals and mesmerising harmonies. It also provided a chance to hear Deobis singing along, especially during ‘Back 2 U’. The pièce de résistance was the streamers which I feel tied up this section very well.
(Image: HallyuCon)
Following a fourth intermission, the Boyz returned dressed in dark outfits that gave off a grunge vibe. I call this the ‘Fire’ portion of the concert (also known as the Q era - you’ll understand why soon). Right off the bat, we got a sneak peak into one of the songs, ‘Bite Back,’ from their upcoming comeback. During the closing ment, Eric mentioned that this track was a B-Side track from their upcoming comeback and I was gagged (Whatchu mean B-Side?). It was an absolute honour to be privy to such a spoiler. They performed ‘Reveal’ next and I'm ashamed to say I lost my (*insert word here* - you know the one). I have loved this song ever since they performed a rendition of it on RTK (Road to Kingdom). I was a bit sad that it wasn’t the catching fire version but ‘time of dogs and wolves’ still goes hard. They closed out this section with ‘The Stealer’ and ‘Watch It’. Seeing that tricking part in ‘The Stealer’ with Q jumping and weaving through the members stole the rest of my non-existent edges. Oh! My! Gosh! I was not prepared for it at all. Also, the dance break where Q took centre stage… My! Goodness! That boy is so talented, it was super satisfying watching him dance (I almost cried at how mesmerising it was - don’t judge me). Honourable mention to Eric (was doing waaay too much and I was here for every second of it - never change) and Sunwoo (Hi, hello, my name is what you want it to - need I say more).
(Image: HallyuCon)
After a final intermission (and fan signs and cards being exposed on the big screens), the members returned in their Zeneration II tour shirts to close out the concert. Performing the song ‘Nectar’, the members took a final moment to say their closing remarks (including an impromptu ‘Honey’ acapella by Deobis ft. choreo performed by Eric and Sunwoo) and take a group photo with Deobis. The Boyz closed out the concert with ‘Fire Eyes’. Some members went down to the barriers to say bye to fans and receive some gifts from them. My favourite was a modified Union Jack which featured Sangnyeon and Eric, TOPLESS! (I know - Deobis are just as unhinged as the Boyz. A match made in chaos). Definitely one of the highlights of the night.
(Image: HallyuCon)
With confetti flying and everyone singing along, it definitely rounded out the night perfectly. I can confidently say they managed to set the stage on fire. And in terms of setting the standard?? London Deobis definitely exceeded the standard, I hope we made Kevin proud.
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