Big Bang has become the first K-pop group to hold a standalone concert at Sydney’s Accor Stadium, returning to the city for its first solo concert there in 11 years.
The group performed at the stadium on Saturday as part of its “XX : Cosmos” world tour.
Accor Stadium is the largest stadium in Sydney and one of the largest in all of Australia, previously hosting major international acts including Taylor Swift and Coldplay. Big Bang’s appearance marked the first time a K-pop group has headlined the venue, according to the group’s agency.
The Sydney concert also marked Big Bang’s first standalone performance in Sydney since its “Made” concert in October 2015.
The group opened the show with “Fantastic Baby,” “Hands Up” and “Tonight,” before moving through a set list spanning some of its best-known songs, including “Loser,” “Haru Haru,” “Lies” and “Bang Bang Bang.” The concert also featured solo stages highlighting the individual members as well as its newly released song, “BiiiG.”
Big Bang’s show in Sydney drew attention for its live band arrangements and dancers, as well as its special effects and fireworks accompanying the show.
“Our 20th anniversary was possible because of V.I.P.,” the band told fans, referring to their fandom's name, during the concert. “We hope this moment becomes the beginning of even more time we can spend together and we will continue to make you happy.”
Following the Sydney stop, Big Bang will return to Asia for concerts at Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Nov. 7 and 8. Following the Bangkok stop, the group will continue its tour in Hong Kong before jetting over to Japan for stops in Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo and Fukuoka through December. In the new year, Big Bang will hit up Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, followed by Jakarta, Indonesia, Manila in the Philippines and Taiwan in January and February.
lee.jungjoo@heraldcorp.com
