Blackpink gig at BST Hyde Park: A K-Pop Extravaganza

Blackpink gig at BST Hyde Park: A spectacular K-Pop Extravaganza

Activities

Attractions

Published on Monday, 03 July 2023 11:11

Last Updated on 06 July 2023

Monica Costa

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On the evening of 2 July, 2023, South Korean four-piece, Blackpink made history as the first K-pop band to headline a major UK festival, and they did so with a dazzling performance at BST Hyde Park. As the sun began to set, Hyde Park’s skyline was filled with a sea of phones, excited screams, and children perched on their parents’ shoulders, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their favourite girl group.

As the most-subscribed-to music artists on YouTube, expectations were high, and Blackpink did not disappoint. With a supporting lineup that included Sabrina Carpenter, The Rose, Caity Baiser, Mae Stephens, Rebecca Black, Peach PRC, Annika Bennett, Sarah Crean, Mazie, and SPIDER, the Great Oak Stage was set for a special night of music.

The atmosphere was electric as Blackpink took the stage, donning sleek white outfits against a vibrant hot pink backdrop. They kicked off the show with “Pink Venom,” setting the tone for an energetic and stylish performance. The crowd erupted with excitement as Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa delivered a mix of their K-Pop favourites, including “Kick It,” “Pretty Savage,” “How You Like That,” and “Shut Down.” Even their debut single, “Whistle,” which catapulted them to fame, made an appearance in the set-list. As the girls moved between the main stage and a second platform, the anticipation and screams from the audience grew louder with every step.

“We didn’t expect this much energy from London,” the group exclaimed with smiles. “London, what a nice breeze you have.” The connection between Blackpink and their fans was palpable, creating a mutual energy that elevated the entire performance.

A quick outfit change signalled the start of the “solo” part of the show, where each member took the lead on vocals for one of their favourite tracks, accompanied by meticulously choreographed routines by male and female dancers. Jennie captivated the audience with “You & Me,” Jisoo showcased her talent with “Flower,” Rosé delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Gone + On The Ground,” and Lisa brought the heat with “Money.” The solos allowed each member to shine individually while showcasing the group’s versatility and unity.

After an hour and a half of pure K-pop heaven, Blackpink closed their set with a bang. Adorned in all-black ensembles, they performed crowd favourites such as “Boombayah,” “Lovesick Girls,” “Playing With Fire,” and their hits “Tally” and “Ddu-du, Ddu-du.” The great finale left the audience in awe and craving more.

“We’re absolutely honoured to perform here at Hyde Park,” Rosé exclaimed. “It’s a dream come true!” The genuine appreciation and gratitude expressed by the group resonated with the crowd, solidifying the special bond between Blackpink and their fans.

Prior to Blackpink’s captivating performance, Sabrina Carpenter, the 24-year-old singer, dazzled the audience with her set. Sabrina showcased her talent with tracks like “Looking At Me,” “Bet You Wanna,” and “Paris,” captivating the crowd with her infectious energy. She even surprised fans with her rendition of ABBA‘s “Lay All Your Love On Me,” introducing a classic to the younger generation.

The South Korean indie rock band, The Rose, took the stage and received an overwhelming response from the audience. With their tracks “Time,” “Yes,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and the catchy “Sour,” The Rose demonstrated their musical prowess and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to perform in front of the London crowd.

The day’s performances kicked off with Mae Stephens, who delighted the audience with her much-loved demo track “If We Ever Broke Up.” Caity Baiser followed, exuding confidence in her colourful transparent catsuit and bikini ensemble. Both artists set the stage for an exciting day of live music.

Amber, a teenage reporter from London Mums magazine, summed up the Blackpink concert in one word: amazing. It was her first time attending such a big outdoor gig and she was particularly impressed with the interactive nature of the performances and the variety of entertainment acts that kept the audience engaged during the breaks. From a secret bar with karaoke to a mirror room and performances from cross dressers, the organisers ensured that there was never a dull moment. Additionally, DJs, dancers, and singers interacted with smaller audiences, further enhancing the overall experience.

Amber also highlighted the excellent services provided at the event. The merchandise stalls offered a wide variety of items, allowing fans to take home a piece of the Blackpink experience. The diverse range of bars and food options catered to different tastes and preferences, ensuring that everyone could enjoy their favourite refreshments. The creative facade of the merchandise stalls, resembling cool buildings, added to the visual appeal of the event.

The lighting effects used throughout the performances were another aspect that impressed Amber. As the sun set and darkness descended, the lighting enhanced the immersive experience, creating a captivating atmosphere. The crowd coming together, singing along, and applauding the performers added to the energy and excitement of the show.

Amber couldn’t help but mention some of the standout performances from the day. Caity Baiser’s “Pretty Boys,” Mae Stephens’ “If We Ever Broke Up,” The Rose’s “Sour,” Sabrina Carpenter’s “Nonsense,” and the surprise cover of ABBA’s “Lay All Your Love On Me” were amongst the amazing songs that captivated the audience. Blackpink’s opening song, “Pink Venom,” set the tone for an unforgettable night, and their overall performance exceeded expectations.

Blackpink’s gig was a testament to their status as one of the most popular music artists globally, and their dream come true moment at Hyde Park will be etched in the memories of both the group and their young fans for years to come.