IF YOU WANT A STORY, I'LL TELL IT ALL: B4 WE DIE TOUR IN PARIS [ENG/ESP]

I'm so happy you found me. And I'm so happy I found you. And when you're feeling down, I hope you will come back to this night to give you a little bit of happiness.

Raw. Moving. Deep. Meaningful. Powerful. Healing. These adjectives encapsulate the essence of Woosung's work. He consistently shares a significant part of himself with the world through his releases, and this was particularly evident with the launch of his latest album, '4444'. The birth of this album was followed by the artist's solo world tour, entitled 'B4 WE DIE', which has included performances in cities such as Bangkok, Sydney, London, Madrid, and Paris. It is in Paris that we take a moment to reflect on the memorable evening of November 2nd.

On that night, Salle Pleyel was filled to the brim, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience. The anticipation in the air grew with each passing moment, and the palpable excitement among the audience created an electric atmosphere that would not be forgotten.

The performance by DJ Parc Classic, also known as Dojoon from The Rose, marked a vibrant start to the evening, much to the delight of the Black Roses in attendance. Dressed in a white shirt, black pants, with a black tie and stylish glasses as add-ons, Parc Classic adeptly engaged the audience, encouraging them to jump and sing along to the remixes he presented. His set featured an array of popular tracks, including David Guetta's "I'm Good," Drake's "Massive," and Zedd's "Clarity". Dojoon's performance superbly blended house, pop, and EDM tracks, transforming the venue into a vibrant nightclub atmosphere.

Rather than concluding his set to signal Woosung's entrance, Parc Classic's performance transitioned smoothly into the opening of Woosung's show. As his remix of Baynk's "Water" drew to a close, a countdown appeared on the screen, beginning at "0000" and counting up to "4444", heralding the highly anticipated start of Woosung's performance.

The carefully curated setlist took the audience on a journey, unfolding like a story, much as the lead vocalist of The Rose sings in his track 'Paper Cuts': 'If you want a story, I'll give you my heart, In all of my glory, I'll tell it all'. And that is precisely what he did.

Opening with 'Paper Cuts', the artist instantly established a captivating narrative, drawing the audience into his world. As he took the stage, the venue erupted with cheers, the crowd's excitement palpable as they were swept into the magic of the performance from the very first note.

The performance transitioned into 'Before We Die', where the singer urged the audience to shed what is unnecessary—power, greed, and the pressures of modern life. "Don't you ever sell your soul for future nows", he reminded us, offering a poignant reflection on living authentically and embracing the present moment.

'Never Let Go' was the third track from '4444' chosen to join 'Paper Cuts' and 'Before We Die' in the concert's opening sequence. At that moment, it was clear that the thrilling journey with Woosung was just getting started.

Immediately following this, the artist treated the audience to a nostalgic moment with a performance of his early hits 'FACE' and 'Lazy', two fan favourites that never fail to spark excitement. The crowd's enthusiastic cheers, coupled with their collective singing and dancing, made it clear just how much these songs resonated, creating an intense, vibrant atmosphere in the venue.

The next songs on the setlist were 'ComE dOwn' and 'Side Effects', which featured a remarkable guitar solo by Dojoon, delighting the audience. 

The next track, 'Phase Me', was interrupted just before the chorus when Woosung noticed a fan in distress. Demonstrating his concern, he paused the concert to ensure she was attended to, requesting security to provide water to her and any other fans in need. Once he confirmed that everyone was alright, he resumed the performance of the song from the very beginning, reassuring the audience, "It's okay, we'll do it again".

The third segment of the concert was brought to a powerful close with 'Modern Life'. As the opening notes filled the venue, the crowd was instantly immersed in its raw, cathartic energy. The lyrics, which reflect on the emptiness and disconnection in a world dominated by social media and superficiality, resonated deeply with the audience: "Waking up to the sound of my phone, looking at what's new on Instagram, the happiest place on earth... Everybody seems so happy, why do they seem so damn happy here, when I don't, all alone..."

With these words, Woosung invited the crowd to reflect on the pressures of modern life, the search of meaning in a world that often feels disconnected while being connected all the time. The audience, fully engaged, began to sing along, turning the song into a moment of collective release—a moment to scream out their frustrations and let go of their burdens. The power of music was palpable, as fans shed the weight of the outside world, embracing the healing that came with each note. 

In this raw, unfiltered moment, 'Modern Life' transformed from a song into a shared experience- one that allowed everyone in the room to exhale, to feel heard, and to connect on a level that transcended the ordinary.

Prior to performing 'Day That I Died', Woosung took a moment to share with the audience the significance behind his album '4444'. He explained how the number had unknowingly been a recurring motif throughout his life. While others may view it as a symbol of misfortune, the artist sees it differently, describing it as a positive force in his life-much like the good luck associated with a four-leaf clover. 

The number 4 has been with me my entire life without me even knowing it. To give you little examples; my bank password adds up to a number 4, the phone number I've been using since elementary school, also adds up to a number 4, my home address I'm living it right now also adds up to a number 4. So, this number 4 without me realizing has been a part of my whole life and I've been so blessed, and there's energy pulling so strong I had to write an album about it. It's quite sad in some asian cultures, because the number 4 is considered unlucky and the death number. Literally you could go to any elevator in Korea and the number 4 will be replaced with an 'F'. And my thoughts were: "What could have the number 4 possibly done to humanity to get bullied this hard?". And as you know, I'm always about trying to look and understand the other side, and while I was trying to understand why the number 4 was getting this vibe or why people pushed them off, it was because I think people are misunderstanding the concept of death. You know, death is not something that is scary, that is sad, I mean it could be, but I personally think that death could also be beautiful, moving forward, cherishing, and this next song will should you a little bit about the beauty inside of death and it's called 'Day That I Died'.

Following the performance of 'Day That I Died', it was time for 'Happy Alone', a collaboration with the South Korean artist B.I that is included on Woosung's most recent album. In the absence of B.I, the lead vocalist of The Rose stepped in to deliver a captivating rendition of the rapper's verse, showcasing his versatility and seamless adaptation to the track.

At this point in the concert, Woosung and Dojoon came together to deliver a The Rose medley, captivating arrangement that blended remixes of the band's latest hits, including 'Lifeline', 'Back To Me' and 'Sour'. The performance reached its peak when Woosung took center stage for a dynamic guitar solo, effortlessly channeling a rock star energy that captivated the crowd. His mastery of the instrument, combined with his raw charisma, left the audience in awe, further solidifying his reputation as not just a vocalist, but a true performer. This segment of the concert became a celebration of The Rose's musical journey, while also leaving fans excited for the future of the band.

The moment arrived for 'Found You', a song that Woosung admitted he has grown especially fond of performing recently. As the opening notes filled the air, he paused and shared a heartfelt message with the crowd:

I'm so happy you found me. And I'm so happy I found you. And when you're feeling down, I hope you will come back to this night to give you a little bit of happiness. Just remember you have people around you that love you everyday-so much. Spread the love while you can.

The song transcended the stage and reached deep into the hearts of everyone present. In that moment, the audience wasn't just listening; they were feeling every word, every note.

The final songs of the evening, 'Let The Be Light' and '44 (Forget Forever)', marked the climax of an unforgettable night, and the energy in the venue was electric as the crowd clung to every note. The celebration, however, was not over yet—though the concert was drawing to a close, the atmosphere suggested it wasn't truly a farewell. Woosung, with a hint of excitement, alluded to an upcoming reunion, teasing fans with the promise, "We'll see you very soon again". As the crowd roared with enthusiasm, it was clear that this was not the end but rather a brief pause before the next chapter. With anticipation in the air, the evening left fans eagerly awaiting the return of Woosung and The Rose, knowing they wouldn't have to wait long to experience their unique sound once again.

Woosung's heartfelt words, "Paris, I will forget forever but I won't forget you guys tonight", struck a deep chord with the audience, offering a personal and meaningful moment as the concert drew to a close. The evening of November 2nd proved to be more than just a concert; it was a cathartic experience, a much-needed escape for many, and a testament to the power of live music to connect, heal and inspire. The memories of this night will remain etched in the hearts of those in attendance for years to come.

Woosung's artistry and distinctiveness defy easy description. His ability to convey emotion through music extends far beyond his voice and vocal technique-his physical presence and movement on stage add an extraordinary dimension to his performance. Truly, he is an artist of exceptional talent.

It is both rare and essential to discover an artist whose music resonates so deeply that it feels like a balm for the heart. How truly remarkable it is to encounter someone whose creations have the power to heal the soul.

As it could only be, the audience forms an immediate bond with an artist who, with both vulnerability and courage, bares his soul and shares his most intimate, personal narrative.

It was a night to remember for all in attendance, leaving the audience yearning for more-an experience that has become synonymous with Woosung's and The Rose's performances. We now look forward for the next opportunity to come together for another night of healing, where the power of music will once again unite us. Until then, Woosung's music and the cherished memories created will continue to accompany us on our individual journeys.

Thank you very much to Woosung, Windfall, and Transparent Arts for having me.

Woosung's 'B4 WE DIE' European leg of the tour has sadly finished but the tour continues until November 17th, with the last stops of the tour being on Brooklyn, San Antonio, Mexico City and Los Angeles.