Do bands have the power to bring their listeners to tears? There are a few, I believe, and The Rose is one of them. Those who have followed the band’s journey from day one are well aware of the highs and lows that have filled their path. There have likely been more challenges in the past than moments of joy, but when the band parted ways with their former company, it was as if the skies had cleared and blessings rained down upon them.

Reflecting on their performance at SCALA in London in 2019, it was clear to me that these talented young men would one day claim their rightful place in the music industry. The progression from playing to a capacity of 800 to performing for over 10,000 at OVO Arena Wembley, as part of their Dawn to Dusk world tour, proved that hard work always pays off. As someone who has been there since the beginning, witnessing their journey feels like being a proud parent watching their children graduate on a grand stage. The Rose’s performances are characterised by simple yet beautiful staging and lighting, and the Wembley show was no different. 

As the lights dimmed, the stage burst to life with Eclipse, the opening song of the evening from their 2023 album, DUAL. With Woosung and Dojoon pouring their hearts into every note, we were all hypnotised from the first chord. With the acoustic Dawn followed by You’re Beautiful, The Rose showed no signs of slowing down. The latter song was written and produced by the group alongside musicians Brian Lee and Stuart Crichton, and depicts a moving journey with its poignant lyrics and the stunning rhythmical succession of tones. 

The vocals were flawless, displaying the band’s ability to distribute lines perfectly. In Shift from their 2022 HEAL album, Dojoon and Jaehyeong led the charge before Woosung took the reins, showing their impeccable harmony. Their performance was superb, with each member contributing their vocals to create a powerful chorus backed by great guitar riffs. 

Woosung’s affirmation of love for London echoed through the venue while over 10,000 fans cheered. During Lifeline, Dojoon’s keyboard skills impressed everyone as he sang: “I could be your lifeline”. The Rose has always been known for their concise and purposeful interactions with their fans during performances, ensuring that there are no unnecessary breaks or prolonged chats. And because of that, fans could fully immerse themselves in the music without any interruptions. 

The transition between the songs was incredible! The energetic performance of Red, accompanied by vibrant confetti and red lights, was truly enjoyable. Prior to I.L.Y., the band took a moment to speak to the audience. “I remember when we came to London five years ago”, remarked Dojoon, followed by Woosung’s sentiment: “This is so special for us”. I.L.Y. offered a slower tempo, with Jaehyeong taking the lead vocals instead of Woosung. This departure from the norm displayed Hajoon and Jaehyeon’s vocal abilities, showing the band’s equal skill in singing and playing instruments.

After I.L.Y., the band moved to Time from their HEAL album, bringing a nostalgic 1990s pop-rock feel with its buoyant sound. The song delivered a message of hope and healing, and was accompanied by a sea of light sticks and fans’ singing. While performing Beauty and the Beast, a single released in 2021, Woosung and Dojoon took centre stage, delivering a stunning performance, and in this exact moment, we could hear deafening screams from everyone.

The instrumental interlude of Dusk, featuring a live performance from a violinist and cello player, further enhanced the musical experience. The band lit the stage with Angel, showing off their exceptional talent and passion once again, and incorporating strings into the melody only heightened their performance. This slow song, originally featuring Trevor Daniel, set a mood reminiscent of a calm Sunday evening, capturing us with its emotional delivery. Many more followed Angel, including Definition of Ugly Is, Take Me Down, Alive, Sorry, Cure, and She is in the Rain; every moment The Rose sang was marked by pure perfection. 

As the night drew to a close with Cosmo and Wonder, The Rose proved that they are one of the brightest stars amongst other bands. Their music heals, inspires, and unites, showing that they are not just here to stay – they are here to lead the way to something truly extraordinary.

Rating:

Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © The Rose [Kim Je Won]

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}