(*At the point of publishing this article, the issues have escalated another notch, but we decided to focus on the gig itself. Singapore became the final stop for Seungri’s Asia Tour instead due to the cancellation of the remaining stops.)
Whatever controversies have been plaguing him recently, did not affect Seungri’s performance at his first solo concert – The Great Seungri Tour in Singapore. Or rather, he didn’t let it show.
It’s sad but true that the moment artistes stand on stage, they have to cast their personal lives and feelings aside, because their biggest mission, is to put in their best for the performance.
“The Seungri Show” was not just a showcase of the songs from Seungri’s first full solo album and a medley of Big Bang’s greatest hits, but also truly a GAG/Talk Show.
Big Bang’s maknae was utmost entertaining, from talking about how Singaporeans are, to digging at all the funny hairstyles or images Big Bang had. Seungri is humorous and spares no one with his lashing tongue, including his hyungs and himself. He’s definitely the 毒舌 of Big Bang. He could possibly just rant on and on for hours, if there was no time limit. This guy can just talk about anything and everything under the sun.
Since Singapore was one of the last stops for this Asia Tour and this was Seungri’s last time in Singapore before he leaves for military enlistment, you could feel the VIPs wanting to give their utmost support to give Seungri and everyone present, a memorable night. The fans were so fervent that Seungri had mentioned at least 3 times that they are MAD.
The stage setup was fairly pared down compared to the usual “luxury” they had for Big Bang concerts. Seungri had 2 simple outfits, but that was all he required for a 1.5 hour show.
While there has been an outrage from VIPs that Seungri was given lackluster treatment as he was only allocated 2 dancers for his concert, it proves that you do not need a big stage, fanciful costumes, many effects or dancers, if you have what it takes.
Seungri is an all-rounded entertainer who can hold his solo stage by himself. Utmost entertaining.
For someone from such a successful group that has been sustaining their popularity for over a decade, he definitely has more to showcase.
Like he mentioned, Big Bang has been around for 13 years, recorded over 200 songs and performed 500 over shows worldwide, but it is his 1st time in 13 years to hold his SOLO Concert.
He quipped that his boss did not give him the job, but he fought for the job (his solo concert) himself. He shrugged it off, saying that “Fine, I have you guys… That’s Life”. Despite being a member of Big Bang, life would not be easy for him. He has to work even harder without his hyungs around, to upkeep their name.
We can tell, he’s a doer, a go-getter and someone with initiative and zest. He doesn’t wait for things to happen, because he would ensure that he makes them happen.
True enough, if he doesn’t fight for his chance now, when would it be?
The show commenced with one of my favourite Big Bang dance hits “Bang Bang Bang”, which got the audience on their feet. We thought this would only surface during the “Encore” segment, but that’s a good move so that the atmosphere would heat up from the very 1st song. It was most SHIOK grooving to all the party hits since it’s been sometime since we “exercised” during concerts in Singapore.
He also performed some new tracks from his “The Great Seungri Album” such as “Where are you from”, “1,2,3”, “Mollado” and older solo classics like “Let’s Talk About Love”, “Gotta Talk to You”, “Alone”, “GG Be” ,” Strong baby”.
他还蛮有粉丝的心。He would always prepare a special song for every stop. For this stop in Singapore, he sang one of his most favourite Jay Chou’s ballads, “最长的电影”.
Before he started singing, he was trying to be kind to ask the fans to take a rest. “You guys can sit down. This isn’t a dance song”.
Some fans violently objected to this suggestion, which got the maknae saying “Don’t be mad, I’m trying to be nice!”
Well, he literally got us laughing like mad and almost having stomach cramps.
The fans were reacting in their most fervent ways, such as shouting responses to all that he did or asked and he was a little taken aback. He quipped as a matter-of-factly “I know you guys are upset with me, but Singaporeans are mad and easily upset!”.
Well Seungri, my best bet is they weren’t easily upset or crazy; they just wanted to show you their utmost support. How often does anyone get to be less than 5 metres away from Big Bang?
He even tested the lightings, stage effects, woofers to show that he still has some quality production going on for his solo show. The flashing lights were described as a “Christmas Tree Lighting”, while the smoke effects were likened to those from Universal Studios.
Offering a useful tip for the male audience for their marriage proposals in future, he suggested they could bring in the woofer to amplify the effects and love.
Seungri definitely qualifies to be one of the best sales persons in town.
Sponsors, you know who to look for to advertise your products.
Initially, there was some worry that the audience would be a little reserved, but HEY, the response was overwhelming, just like we were in the midst of a mini Big Bang concert.
He said he loves Singapore not just because of the “crabs, crabs, crabs”, but also he has many friends here.
Having been to Singapore countless times not just for his gigs or business ventures, but also meeting many of his Singaporean friends, he flaunted his very localized “Singlish” accent throughout the gig, self-proclaiming and so confident that he has the BEST Singlish accent among Korean artistes. NO OTHER Korean artiste would be able to say it like he does. I would say, probably one of the better ones indeed.
High Language Proficiency
He said he is following the trend in learning different languages as this world is being connected by technology. We are all so much closer (in terms of virtual proximity) to one another with social media, such as Facebook and Instagram. He mused saying that with just a click of the button, he can follow all his fans or vice versa and there could be more interaction.
Undoubtedly, Seungri has the best language proficiency in Big Bang. He can speak English, Korean, Chinese and is currently learning Cantonese. In fact, he needed no translator for his solo gig and was conversing in English and Chinese throughout.
This requires much effort and you need to have the love for the culture and language in order to pull through it.
With all the controversies going on all these years, Seungri joked that he does enjoy rumours. You may be sad reading all those articles or things about you that may or may not be true, but from an artiste’s perspective, if people still bother to spread rumours about you, it means you are still popular and being loved. The public still wants to read about you.
Yes, true in a very practical way. That’s also a good way to feel more consoled. It’s more of how to not react to all those reports but take it with a pinch of salt or take it as part of your work package.
The Dig at Big Bang Members
This guy is SAVAGE. Not many boy bands would dare to google “What does it take to look like Big Bang” and eventually revealing all these hilarious photos which they would most likely want to hide from the public’s eye.
After making fun of all his Singaporean fans, he started poking fun at his beloved Hyungs.
Poor Daesung was being compared to an onion, a cow and a monkey.
The colors that GD spent 18 hours to dye, is being likened to a feather duster.
That infamous comparison of GD’s blonde hair to a Tamago Yaki Sushi.
Seungri said he could not bring himself to eat Tamago Yaki whenever he dines at Japanese restaurants. We cannot look at Tamago Yaki in the same way anymore too.
Seungri mentioned thatTaeyang is always hungry, hungry for love etc, so in between shoots, he can have a kimbap.
To be fair, he had to make a dig at himself too, but he started off with the “cuter” pictures.
He felt that he looked like Wanna One in his younger days. He felt those pictures looked so young when it was merely a few years ago and started murmuring that he “老了”, which his parents also agreed. He said now is 超级老了… He can’t imagine when all Big Bang members perform as a group again on stage, they would be in their mid 30s, becoming fatter and bald (not so serious), and being 老 Big Bang.
Well, since he is the maknae of the group, he needs to worry less about the age portion.
He made a dig at himself again when he said he knew that fans must be very happy that he is going to the army soon, for that means “GD is coming out soon!”.
Awww… I guess that’s a contradictory feeling.
Taeyang has got 3 of his “ugliest” photos on his Kakao profile picture for the longest time and he shared that it’s tormenting to look at all these photos whenever he wishes to send Taeyang a message. We must say, these pictures were really hilarious to look at.
“Bad Boy” vs “Good Boy”
Seungri remarked that he did not understand why Big Bang has always had this “bad boy” image, but he also gleefully pointed out that the group released a track “Bad Boy” in 2014, while GD and Taeyang had another single “Good Boy” just another year later.
This is an utmost contradiction which got him asking them to stop confusing everyone, just decide and make a stand!
He may not know if he’s considered a “good boy” or “bad boy”, but we would say he is no doubt a play(ful) boy!
While the spirits and atmosphere was still high, it got even better during the 2nd half when Seungri started belting out more of Big Bang’s greatest hits or even in Medley style.
“Haru Haru”, “Lies” brought back many memories and goosebumps.
“We like to Party”, “My Heaven”, “Hands Up” , “1,2,3”, “Bae Bae”, “Good Boy” and “Fantastic Baby” are definitely no stranger to all present.
“Flower Road” had VIPs tearing up since it was the farewell song for Big Bang before the group is now on hiatus due to military enlistment.
The hall was a beautiful sea of yellow crowns and white lights when he delivered a soulful version of Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose Lips”. Sometimes, all the artistes needed would be their fans quietly supporting below the stage in this manner.
The final 2 songs were “If You” and “In My World”.
Fans held up banners that read a simple but powerful message “I’ll stay with you”. This means a lot to Seungri, especially in a trying time like this.
To that, he quipped towards the ending that “You guys can stay with me because I’m not a bad guy”.
It was like a mini appeal for fans to trust in him (despite all the controversies) and for them to continue supporting the group.
As I always feel, it is a two-way street between artistes and their fans. You would have legions of fans during your peak years. However, those who remain with you during trying times are those who can withstand the test of time and difficulties. It is not about celebrating your idol’s success when they are popular, but also accompanying them and be the most quiet but strong support during their low periods. I think the VIPs have shown their prowess in this area through these 13 years.
(Seungri looks very dashing and slimmer here. Love that smile.)
Even up till the finale, Seungri showed that he had his Singapore VIPs in his heart, not just by taking out our nation’s flag, but also professing his love and gratitude for VIPs’ undying support and love.
He promised that he would not get fatter or uglier during his enlistment, but would become more “Shuai” aka Handsome, and for the VIPs to wait for Big Bang’s return.
A Saturday evening well spent, is one that’s filled with loads of laughter, funny banter & your favourite hits. We had an absolutely enjoyable and entertaining time.
It truly felt like a mini Big Bang concert, and we can’t wait for the day when all 5 members get back on stage in 2020!
No matter how scaled down in production this was, we could feel his earnest sincerity in preparing this solo concert. Our hearts also cringed a little while he shared all he has been going through in a light-hearted manner and brushing off all the bad vibes, to give us a wonderful and cheerful performance.
I’m sure the VIPs (local and overseas) present, and even those who watched the online videos or reading this now, would feel the same.
Nonetheless, we hope that all would be cleared soon and that Seungri can have a safe 2 years during his military service.
We’d love to see the funny maknae back with his hyungs in 2020!
