The eight-part band/powerhouse (aka members Bang Chan, Changbin, Han, Hyunjin, Felix, Lee Know, I.N and Seungmin) that is ‘Stray Kids’ (“SKZ”) have, since their debut in 2018, shot to global fame and earned many awards for their self-written and produced music. On Sunday 14 July 2024, at BST Hyde Park, they added to their many successes by becoming the first all-male K-Pop act to headline a major UK festival. After what has felt like an eternity of bad weather, the sun put on her hat and joined the 50,000 strong crowd in support of what proved to be a most memorable evening.
Have you ever found yourself so impressed by a musical performance that you feel genuinely dazed when it ends and think to yourself: “Wow. Did that happen or was it just a dream?”
If so, you can understand my feelings about Stray Kids.
SKZ are a band known for delivering powerful performances. This was no exception. They are an absolute sensation and delivered one of the best live performances I’ve ever seen. With the assistance of electric guitars, bass and drums, they curated an all-filler set list full of fan favourites. The outcome was an exceptional performance that came with powerful vocals, dynamic stage presence, meticulously timed choreography, powerful lyrics, word-perfect rapping, pyrotechnics, and Felix’s low voice. But the real magic came from their stage presence and the heartfelt, genuine interactions they had with the audience. The easy smiles and playful way they interact with each other is also charming.
Their performance began just as the sun was setting over Hyde Park. It was a glorious day, and as I waited with bated breath, it was fascinating to watch the set being pulled together and feel the anticipation grow. All around me, I observed groups of people, dressed to the nines, singing and dancing, and the growing excitement could be felt everywhere. The last ten minutes before the music began was really exciting. A few times excited screams erupted and all eyes turned to the Great Oak Stage. I felt like I was in a bubble of excitement when the music signalling their imminent arrival began playing. Shortly after, a banner dropped from the stage and my feelings transformed into joy as it fell away revealing the band. It was without a doubt one of the most dramatic and best opening to a concert I’ve had the privilege to witness.
The set list began with S-Class, which placed the energy levels quite high. And yet, the performances they delivered managed to not only sustain that energy at the same level but cause it to grow with every song. The atmosphere from the crowd was electric. Somehow, amongst the choreography, singing and lightning fast rapping, SKZ managed to delight us with a glimpse of their easy to like personalities that forms part of their success. It is almost impossible not to share in the boundless joy Bang Chan radiates as he chats amiably with the crowd.
I very much went to Hyde Park with high expectations, and SKZ exceeded every single one of them. They were utterly phenomenal and are hands down, the best live act I’ve ever seen. I loved how each member is given the space to showcase the best of their unique talents and voices. You could be the biggest fan of their music, know all the songs, know the dance moves (the people next to me did) and still have them leave you completely in awe. They’re loud. They’re electric. They’re wonderful. They’re unique. I was completely captivated from start to finish. The performance lasted for 100 minutes but felt like no time at all. There was a real sense that they had put all they had into giving the absolute best performance they could. They felt it. We felt it. For a while, everything was wonderful.
My advice? Start saving for their world tour.
Stray Kids performed:
S-Class
Freeze (my favourite)
Super Bowl
Topline
Thunderous
Item
Domino
Lonely Street
Social Path (Korean version)
Charmer
My Pace
Back Door
Maniac
God’s Menu
Encore:
Lalalala
Victory Song
Miroh
Megaverse
Haven