BY AMANDA MOSES
The Rose sold out Madison Square Garden (MSG) during their US tour in New York City on October 22nd.
Since 2017, The Rose has blossomed from a South Korean indie-rock band into mega stars with their unapologetic demeanor, edgy sound, and a burst of charisma that has fans enamored with their music. Composed of four members—Woosung, Dojoon, Jaehyeong, and Hajoon—the group has delved deep into their music, intertwining their struggles, hopes, dreams, heartache, and anguish into a musical composition that heals the soul and eases the mind.
Their new second full-length album Dual, which comes in two versions Dusk and Dawn, showcases a duality that melds different genres together, creating an indie sound unlike any other. While their first album Heal was, for lack of a better word, healing, this comeback album digs deeper.
Thousands of fans, affectionately called Black Roses, clamored inside of MSG donning attire indicative of The Rose’s rocker aesthetic along with light sticks ready to sing and dance the night away.
Tickets were sold in different tiers, VVVIP (which included one-on-one selfies in the green room and five minutes to hang out with the band, a group photo, signed ukulele, signed poster, and merch gifts,) VVIP (group photo, signed poster, and merch pack,) and VIP (a merch pack and poster).
Each of these special tiers were given an opportunity to experience a sound check prior to the concert along with a Q&A with the band where they were able to ask questions about what inspired the group, the meaning behind some of their songs and other inquiries.
The members laughed, made jokes, and most importantly they listened to what the fans had to say and did not just focus on providing answers themselves, but also asked questions to get to know their audience better.
After these VIP sections were admitted into MSG, then the rest of the attendees filed into the concert hall with a general admission ticket or seated ticket to experience the two-hour showcase.
The Rose concert was a vivid experience with masterful lighting effects, background screens, fog machines, but most important the sound of the band was so visceral that you could not help but be transported into this cosmetic showcase. It was a surreal sight to see thousands holding up their light sticks, many changing the colors to match the songs, as they outstretched their arms and sang their hearts out.
“Imagine if we are the center of this universe. It’s beautiful and every single one of you here are supposed to be doing something beautiful. We are here to share the love and moments,” Woosung said as he began dancing to The Rose’s song “Cosmos.”
The set list included many of their songs on Dual, but also some of their throwback hits that put The Rose on the map, like “Sour,” “She is the Rain,” and “RED.” The concert ended with the song “Wonder,” where Dojoon waved a flag with the band’s name on it, and then brandished the New York State Flag.
“Last year we asked you to bring you friends and you came back,” Dojoon said. “Black Roses and the new Black Roses, we will go wherever our music will lead us.”
Photos by Amanda Moses
