The Rose only debuted last August but they managed to grace Europe with their amazing performances in February. Here's a quick report on their London concert.
Black Roses had queued up since 9AM and even camped earlier than that time simply to get to the front of the queue for wristbands, especially those who were the Top 10 Tastemakers or VVIP. For me I arrived into Euston just a little after midday to get a quick lunch before queuing for almost two hours to get wristbands. The security at the venue had moved everyone to a safer place to stand for the wristband queue then told everyone they could go away and come back before 6PM which was when the doors would be likely to open.
Everyone had to move into lines depending by their number range before being escorted into the venue. It was a slow but smooth movement however all the fans safely got in and then waited till around 8PM for the concert to start. The Rose and their staff had come out of the venue, stood on the rooftop area to wave hello to everyone standing in the cold prior to the concert and recording our screams. A moment of warmth that went too quickly as we all waited to go inside ULU Live.
Even with two songs currently released, somehow The Rose managed to give an entertaining setlist that went up to 90 minutes approximately. A combination of covers, their singles and new unreleased tracks made the night out very worthwhile. Three Union Jack flags had been distributed amongst the Black Roses (I only signed one which was probably the one with the less signatures) and were all thrown to the guys on stage. Dojoon, Woosung and Jaehyung happily wrapped their microphone stands with the flags.
The crowd were very noisy that evening. There was a lot of passion, a lot of screaming and a lot of shouting. The Rose could feel the energy and excitement from their fans and majority of the crowd had sore throats at the end of the night. How long has it been since that happened to me? I can't say. Everyone had their phones, banners and hands up so of course it was a restricted view for short people like me. I was in the pit (not even at front row despite being VVIP - no guarantees anyway) and snapping what I could from where I stood. I was centre so my best view was of Woosung who was in the middle of the stage giving everyone plenty of charisma as were his fellow bandmates.
It's also been a long time since I went to a rock or even a metal concert seeing as I had been basking in Kpop shows constantly since 2012. That was where a lot of my money had been spent on. Showcases or special stages at conventions don't really count here so The Rose's concert was a night I cherished deeply. Their setlist was great. Everyone who had bought tickets were emailed a survey to send in song requests and sadly mine did not come up at all. They seemed to go with the more common requests Black Roses had sent in. There were a few alternative rock British acts I did not recognise but the songs the band chose suited their style perfectly so those were good choices.
Every member is incredibly talented in singing. Jaehyung and Hajoon sang Missing You by 2NE1 and it was fantastic. The chills I got as I listened. While I am not a certified Blackjack I definitely enjoyed that specific 2NE1 song because of the emotions the girls expressed when they performed that song.
The concert ended around 9:30PM and the organisers prepared the venue for the hi-touch and group photo session. This was done a lot differently compared to KARD. The queuing was done more efficiently and everyone complied when the security told them to move to the side or curl the line so it made more space for every person as they waited. The hi-touch consisted of the table being put to the right side of the room where the guys were standing and we just walked in. I regret not buying a birthday card for Woosung in advance as that would have been the most appropriate opportunity to give him a gift - he already received a ton of goodies anyway.
The order of the hi-touch was ==> Woosung, Jaehyung, Hajoon and Dojoon . I called Woosung by his English name - it was those nerves that got to me as I intended to call him by his Korean name in my head - Held out my right hand and he cradled it with both hands, saying thanks for coming if I enjoyed the show. I said I loved it and he was touched. Jaehyung was so sweet (and tall!!). His hands easily covered mine. I said hi nice to meet you and thank you for coming. Hajoon was much more shy understandably and it was hard to think of something immediately so I went with the usual hi nice to meet you and thank you then quickly moved along (awkward moment!).
Dojoon was occupied with someone. I can't remember who exactly - perhaps another fan or a staff. He was laughing before turning back to the hi-touch session. When we met I said hi, he touched my hand and we exchanged thanks. I also mentioned it was a great show and hope the group come back. Sadly security had to push everyone to keep moving along so no time for chitchat. Everyone seemingly had the same reaction when it came to Dojoon - being cut off and their hands still holding his hand as they left the room to go back to the queue for group photo session.
Every fan had to go in groups of 10 for the photo and I was halfway down the line. About three photos were taken for each group and then we had to leave right away. I said bye and thanks a few times without much eye contact my way but never mind. I wanted to get home quickly as it was getting late. Honestly I wished the time slots for the hi-touch and meet and greet started earlier but they both went smoothly for a large crowd so I couldn't complain much.
MyMusicTaste handled things so much better for this concert. I think they must have taken in the feedback from KARD and with Dreamcatcher only a few days before The Rose, the hi-touch and group photo sessions were handled with more care. I also give a lot of credit to the security for their patience and not letting craziness get in the way. They made every fan relaxed and not treated like cattle.
I hope The Rose come back to London. It was one of the cities they had wanted to visit. Soak in the actual Britishness and/or Englishness where it still exists by all means, guys. You're always welcome here.
Fancams
Chocolate + Happy - LINK
Like We Used To [좋았는데] - LINK
Sorry - LINK
Photos from the concert
Here are the preordered merchandise which fans were offered to buy after buying their concert ticket. JN Star staff then gave a signed "Sorry" CD, USB card and glossy photo to those attending the European tour once you provided the order/item number. I was not prepared so had to jump away from the queue to let the staff serve the other fans lining up.
All my photos can be found here or here
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