Concert Review: The Rose (Live in London)

Spring felt in the air as I made my way over the OVO Arena on Saturday 30 March, the perfect prelude to what turned out to be an unforgettable evening. It was dusk when I arrived at the arena, and walking towards the entrance I found myself pleasantly surrounded by excited fans (“Black Roses”), I couldn’t help getting caught up in the buzz of anticipation in the air. This did not escape the notice of people who were in the vicinity but not attending, with one person approaching me on my way to enquire about who was performing. We spoke for a while and when we parted ways she said she would check them out when she got home. As I joined the queue weaving its way towards the entrance, I felt struck by the diversity of the audience around me. 

If you’re not familiar with the quartet, they are (in my opinion) one of the best and most exciting bands around. Talented musicians in their own right, together they are ‘The Rose’ (더로즈), a Korean indie-rock band consisting of members Woosung (우성), Dojoon (도준), Hajoon (하준) & Jaehyeong (재형). You can read more about them here. Last year was a successful year for the quartet, during which they had a Headline US Tour (even playing at Madison Square Gardens) and many a festival including, much to my delight, the British Summer Time Festival at Hyde Park. Building on that, The Rose seems to be planning on having their biggest year to date. 2024 had barely begun before they began their world tour – the European leg of which brought them back to London.

I arrived in good time, which afforded me the chance to enjoy watching the arena fill up with people and the sight of the multi-coloured rose beams begin to decorate the view as we waited eagerly for the band to take to the stage. There was lots of chatter and laughing which disappeared as soon as the lights sparked up, and the hint of smoke appeared, to be replaced with the eruption of cheers as music began to tease the band’s entrance. It also served as a perfect reminder that I have forgotten to put in my ear defenders, a necessity for any concert (thank you Alpine). 

Greeting crowds enthusiastically, with Woosung asking an enthusiastic audience ‘what the fuck is up London’, the typical introduction you might feel disappointed not to hear from the charismatic vocalist/guitarist. Black Roses will know that Woosung has a penchant for this particular word and not be offended. I felt happy to note that he showed no sign of any back injury that had seen him sitting at recent concerts. After launching straight into a stellar performance with ‘Eclipse’, ‘Dawn’ & ‘You’re Beautiful’, Woosung introduced himself and his follow band members. The set list that followed is best described as the set list of dreams. The Rose know how to put on a good show, and to delight audiences. With the exception of Hajoon (whose instrument isn’t portable), they move around energetically, interact, dance, jump without once dipping in energy. The music flows perfectly from one track to the next.  They’re electric. I frequently found my gaze drifting to Park Dojoon who, smiling, buzzes around, flitting from one instrument to another with impressive ease. Then, every now and again, when it was time for a guitar solo, I found my attention fixed on Woosung as he played. It’s easy to get distracted by Woosung’s visuals and distinctive voice, and forget he’s an incredible electric guitarist too. I love the gentle riff that forms part of ‘Shift’ and felt a bit stunned during his guitar solo in ‘Definition of Ugly is’, which gave me goosebumps. Sometimes I feel concern for the guitar!

Thought goes into everything The Rose do, as evidenced by the oval layout of their stage (pictured left). The band performed in a line, without one artist taking precedence over another. They’re equals. Unlike other bands, there’s no lead singer either. When Dojoon isn’t playing the guitar, or the keyboard, he has an equal share of the vocals on most of the bands songs. About half way through the evening, Woosung shared that they were about to introduce two special guest singers. He smiled widely as he proceeded to point to bandmates Hajoon (drums) and Jaehyeong (bassist), giving the pair the chance to show off their own vocal range. The crowd loved this.

Another surprise was the set addition when the band performed ‘Angel’, bringing out a violinist and a cello. I stared in wonder as they played. This addition served as a reminder of just how diverse their music is, how these four young men can do anything, and why they are one of my favourite artists. I felt delighted when the string instruments stayed on stage as ‘Definition of Ugly Is’ began to play. It was the perfect collaboration. I’ve longed to have the privilege of hearing this song (possible too humble a description) for quite some time.

As the evening came to a close, the Band shared a little bit about music, and how much it means to them. There’s a reason why people have described these four young men as indelibly human I thought as I listened to Woosung talk. The passion they have for music is contagious, but they equally seem grounded and kind. I have nothing but admiration for the message of hope and healing they hope to share through their music. I felt a sense of pride listening to Woosung as he reminisced about the band’s beginning seven years ago, the days spent busking in Hongdae, and undertaking “little club gigs here and there”. Woosung recalled how “only 20 people showed up” to their first gig as The Rose, “half of which were our friends” he added, with one of his signature smiles. However, Woosung, continued to share that they feel a sense of pride about all they have worked hard to achieve since them, all the dedication which has lead them to being able to tour the world and perform in front of huge audiences (OVO Wembley has a capacity of 10,000+). It feels a wonderful thing to watch them bloom. If you wondered who is here to lead the way, or who wants to, it’s this extraordinary band, which came into being because of the one thing the members had in common: “the belief that music is healing. It gets us through trials and tribulations. It allows us to heal. Everyone has traumas, big and small, ” he continued, “and we are just the messengers. We’re nothing special because we’re standing up here. Music is special. It heals. It changes lives. It inspires and it unites. Our wish is to share that energy. That’s all we want. Thank you so much.” 

The last song performed is the root of the Rose’s sound. A big apology and where it all began: Sorry.

I’ll remember last night for a long while. They’re extraordinary.

Set list

‘Eclipse’
‘Dawn’
‘You’re Beautiful’
‘Shift’
‘Lifeline’
‘RED’
‘Nauseous’
‘Back to Me’
‘Yes’
‘I.L.Y’
‘Time’
‘Beauty and the Beast’
‘Dusk’
‘Angel’
‘~’
‘Definition of Ugly is’
‘Take Me Down’
‘Alive’
‘Sorry’
‘Cure’
‘She’s in the Rain’
‘Sour’
‘Cosmo’
‘Wonder’

Encore

The band returned to the stage holding bouquets of roses and delighted fans by throwing single roses into the crowd. Dojoon draped himself in the Union Flag and proceeded to run around the stage and seemed to be having the time of his life. It was playful, utterly charming, and I found it impossible not to smile. I think that was the highlight of my evening.