[Concert Review] Big Bang Alive Galaxy World Tour 2012 in Malaysia

It was hot and humid in Kuala Lumpur when I landed at the international airport just around noon for Big Bang‘s “Alive Galaxy World Tour 2012 in Malaysia.” I was thinking it would be perfect for the weather to remain dry so that the night’s outdoor concert wouldn’t be affected. But about three hours later, the sky darkened and heavy rain poured. It stopped at about 6PM as we made our way to the Merdeka Stadium, hoping it would stay that way.

But it started raining again about half an hour before the concert. Most fans in the mosh pits were already wearing ponchos. Fans in the gallery seats were handed ponchos while some brought out their umbrellas for extra shield from the heavy downpour. I was so fortunate to have a seat in the sheltered gallery!

Two female DJs appeared onstage to make a short introduction but it didn’t lead to the start of the concert. More MVs such as “Crayon” and “Monster” were shown while stage crew mopped the floor. Lights dimmed out spelling the start of the show right after “Fantastic Baby” ended. Nobody could stop the rain but nothing could dampen the fans’ spirit or stop them from having a great time as well! The show has begun!

The “Alive” opening video was played and the curtains fell to reveal the five young men in their individual space capsules. I regret not bringing along my F1 ear plugs because the fan girls behind the media seats were all screaming their lungs out. The sound system was surprisingly good for an open air venue, but it would have been more enjoyable if only the fans just sang along to the songs instead of yelling non-stop.

As I have been to the show in Singapore, some stage props were noticeably missing at the Malaysia concert. The Segway human transporter used during “How Gee” were nowhere to be seen. It was pretty cute to see them zoom around on stage but only the bicycle made an appearance here. 

Seungri: The rain can’t stop us! Finally we are here, we are so excited right now, so many people! I love your face, this country (is) awesome.

Taeyang: I hope you guys enjoy the show, are you guys ready to party? Teach how to dance “Fantastic Baby.”

Seungri started to do some beatboxing while Taeyang rapped to “Aku cinta padamu” (which means “I love you” in Malay.)

GD: It’s an incredible show, Malaysia you guys are the best!

By the eighth song (“High High”), we began to see fans fainting and being carried or ushered out of the mosh pit zone. What a pity, tiring themselves out by queuing under the fickle weather. Hope they were able to recover quickly and got to watch the remainder of the concert!

Every time I go to one of their shows I discover new songs that I like. As they sat down in stools on the extended stage to sing “Cafe,” I was so attracted by their falsettos, they were smooth like butter!

Kudos to the Malaysia fanclub handing out blue LED finger lights to everyone at the door, the sea of yellow lights turned blue for the song “Blue” and all the fans sang along with Big Bang. 

Taeyang usually tears his shirt and shows off his bare chest during his solo stage, but perhaps it was the Muslim country’s strict rules on public performances that stopped him from doing so.  Fans awaiting for this moment were visibly disappointed as Taeyang only tore his shirt a little, and then left the stage. 

During Daesung’s solo stage, the wings that have accompanied him during the tour was also missing in action. Daesung was also not lifted into the air, probably because of a setup restriction due to the open air stage. 

Immediately after “Haru Haru,” the audience started to sing a birthday song for T.O.P., to which he thanked them in their local language “terimah kasih!”

GD: You guys want more right?

Taeyang: Even though it’s time to say goodbye, we promise we will be here again. We love Malaysia!

GD: You guys are the best!

Seungri: I love this place, you are the best crowd ever!

Daesung: Malaysia bagus (bagus means very good)!

The boys were obviously having a great time, it was quite unexpected when GD took off his Big Bang jacket and threw it out to the fans. Daesung started to splash water towards the mosh pits and GD also poured water over his head. Daesung had this huge smile on his face throughout the night. Seungri was so playful he brought out a road cone from backstage during the last encore song “Feeling” while T.O.P. made a love hand-sign over his head and finally, I have to mention this, Taeyang took off his shirt! 

In their final farewell, Taeyang left this with the fans: “We love you from the bottom of our hearts!” 

Set List:

1. Alive (Intro)
2. Tonight
3. Hands Up
4. Fantastic Baby
5. How Gee
6. Stupid Liar
7. Ppeokigayo
8. High High
9. Strong Baby
10. What Can I Do
11. Gara Gara Go
12. Number 1
13. Cafe
Crayon (Short part)
One of a Kind (Short part)
14. Bad Boy
15. Blue
16. Love Song
17. Monster
18. Feeling
19. Look Only At Me
20. Wedding Dress
21. Wings
22. Haru Haru
23. Lies
24. Last Farewell

Encore:

25. Heaven
26. Bad Boy
27. Fantastic Baby
28. Feeling

“Alive Galaxy World Tour 2012” will continue on to Newark, New Jersey USA on Nov 8 and 9. For a full tour schedule, check out the Big Bang Facebook page. Many thanks to concert organizer Running Into The Sun for inviting Soompi to cover the concert.

Stage photos courtesy of Running Into The Sun.