04/04/2026

LYFE SATURDAY | APR 4, 2026

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CONCERT REVIEW

Ű BY GREGORY SHANE

G ETTING the crowd to follow its tunes was second nature to Ateez as the band kept eyes glued and hearts racing for two hours in Kuala Lumpur recently. Known for its thrilling songs, amusing antics and dynamic engagement with the audience, the eight-member group was certainly not one to disappoint as one of the top K-pop bands in the industry. If anything, March 22 was a day to remember as the group made its mark in Malaysia, delivering a show fans will not forget anytime soon. Keeping the night alive The crowd was crazy for Ateez and the group’s setlist matched the crowd’s energy. Starting off with its most famous, high-energy songs such as Bouncy and I’m the One , the K-pop band set the pace to keep its audience at an all-time high. Moving through full-group performances in some of its hits songs – Man on Fire and Ice on My Teeth – the performance highlighted the individuality of each member. Solo performances – such as Hongjoong’s solo in No1 and Mingi’s solo in Autobahn+Roar – gave audiences a chance to enjoy their favourite member’s solo performances on stage, constantly alternating with each Ateez member to highlight their individualistic style on stage.

Ateez captivates fans with its slick dance moves and energetic songs at the concert. shorts and Mingi encouraging the audience to chant after him, the crowd was kept active with constant engagement. More than engaging, some members such as Mingi got up close with fans during his solo and group performances, standing side-by-side with them and getting them to sing along into the mic with him. All in all, it was an enjoyable moment for the fans but the real gamechanger was something no one expected – its thundering encore before the culmination of the concert. Pushing the accumulated energy to its peak, Ateez finished with a group performance of upbeat songs, making every ringgit worth it for fans. To commemorate the night, Ateez ensured fans knew how much they were appreciated, amid the slow, serene melody of the supporting wind ensemble. With the final farewell from each member, Ateez retained memory of the night by taking a group photo with the audience. Throughout the two-hour performance, fans were well entertained and Ateez reiterated the band would not be where they were today without the support of fans. Night to remember Ateez did everything right – from keeping the energy of the night alive to maintaining connection with fans throughout, through its pure unfiltered, unscripted love for fans. Those two-hours on stage with Ateez was truly a night to remember – for the band and fans.

Ateez’s wefie backstage.

Building K-pop Castle

Ateez wrapping up its concert with a group photo with fans.

o Night to remember for Ateez, fans

Crazy Form before closing – giving fans a final dose of enjoyment and ending the show with a bang! Connecting with fans K-pop groups have always had a unique way to connect with their fans as compared with others – and Ateez demonstrated why by constantly engaging with the audience throughout. After its high-powered opening, the members proceeded to give a short but authentic, heartfelt speech on how they were happy to be in Malaysia and wished to make the fans who joined them, happy as well. Coupled with the individual

Even when the show was nearing the end, with the audiences finally running low on energy from all the jumping and screaming, Ateez matched that energy by bringing out slow, melodious songs such as Castle – not initially part of the concert’s setlist. To top it off, after supposedly ending the show, Ateez came back on stage once more for an encore, performing its final high-energy hook songs such as

Ateez members before its show in Kuala Lumpur.

Avenged Sevenfold returns to KL after 11 years R OCK band Avenged Sevenfold is adding Kuala Lumpur to its upcoming Asia tour and is scheduled to perform at Unifi Arena on Sept 26 for Avenged Sevenfold Live in Malaysia, marking its first show in the country in over a decade. The concert is expected to newer material. Formed in 1999, Avenged Sevenfold has spent nearly three decades shaping modern carries added significance. The band last performed here in 2015 during its Hail to the King Southeast Asia tour. Since then, it has released The Stage and Life Is But a Dream… , expanding its catalogue while introducing a new phase of its sound. Fan-favourites such as

that reflect its continued experimentation. Organised by Hitman Solutions, tickets for the concert go on sale starting next Tuesday for artiste pre-sale, followed by general sales the next day. Prices range from RM299 to RM699 for seated categories, with a Rockzone standing section priced at RM499.

The upcoming concert signals not just a return, but a continuation that brings long-time listeners and newer fans together in a

heavy metal through a mix of melodic elements, heavy riffs and genre-crossing influences. The band continues to build a global following, with its sound evolving across albums while staying rooted in its signature style. For Malaysian fans, the return

shared live experience.

Nightmare , Hail to the King and Afterlife remain part of its live appeal, alongside newer tracks

draw fans across generations, with a setlist that spans the band’s biggest releases alongside