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Did you hear that?
Well, let me explain to the rest of the Bay Area – and possibly the rest of the western United States as well – what that astoundingly loud sound was coming from Oracle Arena in Oakland.
It was the reaction from the sold-out crowd when BTS — aka, the hottest music act on the planet — took the stage on Wednesday (Sept. 12).
Wow. Just wow.
Earlier generations had Beatlemania, Backstreet pride and Bieber fever. But it’s been a long time since we’ve seen anything as passionate (and downright loud) as the BTS Army, which showed up in full force for the one Bay Area stop of the band’s hugely successful North American tour.
Hundreds were lined up outside the venue hours – and, according to some reports, even days – before show time, just waiting to get into the BTS “Fan Experience” erected in the parking lot and then, of course, the concert itself.
Yet, all that time waiting in line didn’t dampen fans’ enthusiasm one bit once the South Korean boy band — consisting of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook — took the stage and began performing the hit “IDOL.”
The response from the crowd was deafening, even to someone wearing earplugs, as fans went bonkers over the mere sight of their heroes in the flesh. And BTS wouldn’t let its mostly young, female fan base down as the seven singer-dancers put on a show that managed to live up to the massive hype that surrounded it.
Indeed, the hysteria started well before the band even took the stage. It was amazing to see — and, even more so, hear – the reaction to the group’s music videos shown on the large overhead screens. BTS Army was in full vocal flight as it sang along to the lyrics, which are in Korean and English.
And @bts_bighit hasn't even taken the stage yet… pic.twitter.com/tPuvQx6Ztu
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) September 13, 2018
But it made perfect sense why these fans were so excited for the show. After all, it was the hottest ticket of the year in the Bay Area — and they were lucky enough to land ducats.
Of course, the best heat check, in terms of concert tickets, is to look at what’s happening on the secondary (resell) ticket market.
The Oracle date ranked as the top Bay Area show on Stubhub, in terms of average resale price for tickets. Stubhub was getting an average of $421 per ticket, which well outpaced every other local show.
In comparison, the Eagles show at AT&T Park on Sept. 20 came in at No. 2 on the list, getting an average of $251 per ticket. The big Beyonce and Jay-Z gig on Sept. 29 at Levi’s Stadium ranked third, with an average of $201.
The K-pop stars sounded strong both collectively and individually in Oakland. The show began with four straight band numbers, moving from “IDOL” through “Save Me,” “I’m Fine” and “Magic Shop.”
Finally … @bts_bighit takes stage at @OracleArena in the amazing city of #Oakland pic.twitter.com/9p1KL6Aj4C
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) September 13, 2018
Then began the long process of spotlighting each of the seven members, beginning with J-Hope on “Trivia: Just Dance” and then Jungkook on “Euphoria.” Each of the showcases worked quite well, in part due to the different and quite complementary vocal styles represented in BTS. I was left with the impression that we were truly witnessing seven individual stars, each of whom could enjoy a successful solo career outside the band.
Overall, the show was well-paced and choreographed, as BTS delivered some fun pop tunes and accompanying dance moves on two stages that were connected by a long catwalk on the arena floor
The group closed the main set on a high note, offering up solid versions of “Tear” and “Mic Drop” before a crowd that hungrily — and loudly — ate up every note.
Set list:
“IDOL”
“Save Me”
“I’m Fine”
“Magic Shop”
“Trivia: Just Dance”
“Euphoria”
“I Need U”
#BTSARMY is fired up for #BTSLoveYourselfTour #btsinoakland pic.twitter.com/f7vgV9mgTd
— Jim Harrington (@jimthecritic) September 13, 2018
“Run”
“Serendipity”
“Trivia: Love”
“DNA”
“Boyz with Fun”>”Attack on Bangtan”>”Fire”>”Silver Spoon”>”Dope”
“Airplane pt. 2”
“Singularity”
“Fake Love”
“Trivia: Seesaw”
“Epiphany”
“The Truth Untold”
WOW! Hundreds of fans are lined up early for @BTS_twt "Fan Experience" and concert at Oracle Arena in Oakland. https://t.co/CtxIOR8WjQ #BTSArmy #BTS pic.twitter.com/98YoaH0b3o
— ABC7 News (@abc7newsbayarea) September 12, 2018
“Tear”
“Mic Drop”
“Anpanman”
“Answer: Love Myself”
