THE ROSE MADE MADRID BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF MUSIC [ENG/ESP]

We started music because we believed that music was healing and we believed in the power of music and how music will change people's lives.

April 5, Madrid, Palacio Vistalegre. The Rose did come back to us with their Dawn to Dusk tour and the power of music gathered all of us together again.

In what appears to be a recurring pattern in The Rose's tour schedule, Madrid, much like Barcelona the previous year, served as the culminating destination for the band's latest tour, making the event even more memorable if possible.

After a lapse of one year, one month, and seventeen days since their previous performance in Spain, Black Roses eagerly anticipated their forthcoming reunion with The Rose. The evening promised to be full with passion and healing and if there's something the Korean group never fails at is making the audience feel their hearts mend with every song.

At the estimated time, the lights dimmed and the crowd exploded in celebration; the moment every single individual at the Palacio Vistalegre was waiting for, had finally arrived.

Commencing with 'Eclipse' and followed by 'Dawn' (instrumental), a mystical ambiance filled the arena, a customary occurrence at The Rose's concerts. The initial notes evoke a sense of awe, sending shivers down your spine and eliciting a surge of anticipation and excitement in your soul.

The first chords of 'You're Beautiful' began to play right after, the song was an ode dedicated to all those present.

'Shift' and 'Lifeline' were selected to conclude the initial segment of the concert, seamlessly integrating a track from their most recent album, DUAL, with one piece from its predecessor, HEAL.

Upon introducing the group and each member individually, Woosung asked the crowd to raise their lightsticks and "change them to colour red". This signaled the performance of the band's song 'Red', which marked the beginning of the second set of songs that also included 'Nauseous', 'Back To Me' and 'Yes'.

The audience erupted in continuous cheers as the band delivered a series of lively and rhythmic songs, prompting the entire arena to sing along with fervor. The collective outpouring of voices sent shivers down one's spine, underscoring the profound impact of music in uniting individuals, even strangers who had gathered together for the first time. In those fleeting moments, the unifying force of music became palpable, binding concertgoers through their shared passion for both music and The Rose.

Following the conclusion of the second set of songs, Woosung proceeded to introduce two distinguished guests for the subsequent performance. Jaehyeong and Hajoon took the stage to deliver a heartfelt rendition of 'ILY', captivating the audience and inspiring a feeling of wonder that permeated the entire venue. The band then continued with the performances of 'Time' and 'Beauty and the Beast', maintaining the nostalgic and romantic ambiance that characterized the moment.

The songs 'Angel' and 'Definition of Ugly is' struck a chord with the audience, eliciting a range of emotions from deep comfort to heart-wrenching beauty. Both tracks captivated all in attendance, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.

The band's interpretation of 'Take Me Down', a track featured on their first EP DAWN from 2018, proved to be a delightful surprise for long time fans, myself included. Subsequently, the performance of 'Alive' transformed the arena into a colossal nightclub atmosphere, prompting the audience to enthusiastically sing along to the poignant lyrics. The song's evocative nature inspires a desire to shed fears and insecurities in pursuit of self-discovery and authenticity, a feeling that intensifies when experienced live. The overall ambiance felt akin to a grand celebration for those seeking solace and healing.

In the course of their musical journey, the Korean Alternative Pop band embarked on a mission to provide solace and inspiration through their music. Since their debut in 2017, they have faced numerous challenges and celebrated significant milestones. Despite the evolution and growth experienced along the way, their unwavering love to their fanbase, Black Roses, has remained steadfast. 

As Woosung stated during the show:

 

For those of you who aren't really familiar with The Rose, we have been together as a band for 7 years now. During those seven years, we had a lot of ups and downs, sideways, going forward, going backwards. And through all those times, we are happy to say we had our Black Roses. So, thank you.

The artist delivered a heartwarming speech to the audience, shedding light on The Rose's journey and aspirations as a band from their inception. The heartfelt address underscored the transformative power of music, emphasizing the profound experiences and lasting memories that it enables us to cultivate. It served as a touching reminder of the shared purpose that brought everyone together on that evening: a deep-seated love for music and the connections it fosters. 

All four of us, the individual four of us, we started music because we believed that music was healing and we believed in the power of music and how music will change people's lives, minds, music will bring back memories and smell. That's why it's not us that's special, it's the music that's special. The music brings us here tonight to share our energies, share our love, our attitude, these memories that are unforgettable. I hope you guys make memories and friends here and have a good experience tonight.

Prior to presenting one of the band's signature hits, 'Sorry', which marked the beginning of their musical journey, along with the next-to-last set of songs including 'Cure' and 'She's in the Rain', the singer shared this words to introduce the band's hit incorporating a sprinkling of Spanish intro his remarks:

And for all of this to be possible, we had UNO song, -sorry if I'm doing it wrong-, we had UNO LA MÚSICA that started it all. This song is a root of The Rose's sound and this song is a big, big apology for anyone that needs to apologize. And this next song is called 'Sorry'.

As the concert neared its end, the group delivered their final set of songs, including 'Sour', 'Cosmo' and 'Wonder'.

'Cosmo' emerged as a heartening anthem, offering a message of hope and resilience to the audience following an evening filled with beauty and emotion. Lyrics such as "there is nothing we can't reach" and "endless love in this cosmos" resonated deeply with listeners. Concluding the event, 'Wonder' served as a powerful tribute to inclusivity, urging individuals to challenge societal norms and envision a world where diversity is embraced, truth is revered, and individuals are willing to lead the way to a better world.

During the encore, in keeping with tradition at The Rose's concerts, the band presented their Black Roses with red roses as a token of gratitude for their unwavering support. This symbolic gesture not only signifies the deep connection between the band and their fans but also reflects the beautiful relationship that has blossomed over the years. The fortunate recipients of this heartfelt gift are sure to cherish this moment as a lasting memory, as it is not every day that one receives such a special and touching gesture from their favourite group.

Doojon's spirited display on stage, proudly waving the Spanish flag and exuding a playful demeanor throughout the show, captivated the audience with his infectious energy. His unwavering smile while running, dancing, and singing while carrying the flag exemplified his endearing charm. 

It is important to recognize his dedication and talent not only during performances but also in his commitment to The Rose from its inception. Dojoon's multifaceted artistry, seamlessly transitioning between vocals, keyboard, acoustic guitar, piano and electric guitar, demonstrate his exceptional versatility as an artist. Furthermore, his charisma and magnetic allure are undeniable, particularly evident in his captivating dance exhibitions whenever the opportunity arises, making it a spectacle that no one would want to overlook. In the span of just one hour and a half, he effortlessly embodies the role of a consummate performer, deserving of utmost recognition and admiration.

Shifting focus to Hajoon, it is a must to express deep appreciation for his indispensable role within the band. The drums play a fundamental role as the rhythmic backbone of a musical group, serving as the cornerstone upon which the entire musical arrangement is built. Responsible for setting the tempo, maintaining a steady beat, and providing the structural framework for the band's performance, Hajoon's contribution is undeniably crucial. Moreover, his melodious vocal performance adds an extra layer of artistry, enriching the experience for the listeners. Furthermore, his refined yet endearing manner compels one to not only admire him as an artist, but also as an individual.

When talking about Jaehyeong, one cannot help but marvel at the juxtaposition of his gentle and compassionate nature offstage with his captivating artistry and charisma while performing. His dedication to his craft and commitment to his role within the band are truly remarkable, evident in his masterful bass playing and soulful, angelic vocals. Jaehyeong's radiant personality and magnetic presence as an artist undoubtedly shine both on and off the stage.

Last but not least, an artist that stands out for his unparalleled artistry: Woosung. His vocal timbre, stage presence, and musicianship are nothing short of extraordinary. In a mesmerizing display of musical artistry, his fingers effortlessly dance across the notes as he delivers a bewitching vocal performance, conveying the essence of each song with unparalleled grace. He embodies music itself, as the melodies flow seamlessly through his being, reaching out to captivate the audience with every gesture. His magnetic personality, sharp wit, and exceptional talent as a guitarist, vocalist, and composer truly set him apart as a true music star.

Despite the nearly two-hour duration of the concert, it is safe to assert that the sentiment shared by all in attendance was that it seemed brief and left a desire for more. The audience erupted into chants of "¡Otra, otra, otra!" (Encore) immediately upon the band's departure from the stage. Such is the enduring allure of The Rose's artistry; it consistently leaves audiences yearning for more.

The Rose has come a long way from their beginnings performing on the streets of Seoul to achieving global success with sold-out arena shows. Their journey has been marked by challenges that have only strengthened their resolve, fueled by their passion for music and dedication to their fans. Despite the obstacles of artistic evolution, personal growth, exploring diverse musical genres, and navigating life's challenges, the rewards have been truly priceless. Without a doubt, the upcoming events hold the promise of being just as marvelous.

Thank you so much to The Rose, Windfall, and Transparent Arts for having me. It's always a joy to experience The Rose's incredible artistry live and to be able to cherish and celebrate the event with the heartfelt words I carry in my mind and heart throughout the show.