“Don’t worry about me, I’m fine!” FTISLAND’s Lee Hongki announced midway through the K-band’s concert at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. With news of Hongki’s split with Han Bo Reum just a few days before the show, Primadonnas couldn’t help but feel concerned. However, it seemed like there was nothing to worry about as the hype machine trailblazed his way through the two-hour set.
Together with fellow members Jonghun, Jaejin, Seunghyun and Minhwan, the fivesome treated fans to an electrifying medley of hard-rocking bangers and nostalgia-drenched favourites from their decade-long catalog. The audience lapped it up, especially during the acoustic segment where they transformed the stage into a jazz bar setting and performed a stripped-down remix of songs from their debut album.
Ah, the good old days.
Things got a tad emotional when FTISLAND went full-on emo rocker mode – stage draped in veil, psychedelic visuals and strobe lights on full display. “This is a song that reflects my mood,” Hongki began, inciting unified chants of “It’s okay!” from the crowd as he launched into tearful renditions of ‘Crying In The Rain’ and ‘Walking Dead’.
It’s amazing how we’ve seen FTISLAND evolve from their formulaic brand of pop-rock to abandoning their roots for a sound they could call their own. The members, too, have all become bona fide performers with an energy that was born for the stage. Still, they managed to retain the signature wit that Primadonnas have grown to love. The lads had us all in stitches with their multiple attempts at one particular Singlish phrase – “Alamak, so hot!” – to hilariously painful failure.
Wrapping up the show on a more serious note, Hongki teared up as he addressed the adoring crowd. “Thank you for coming today. It’s been quite some time since we came to Singapore so we were afraid that people would not remember us,” he confessed to the sea of yellow lightsticks. “But I promise we’ll be able to see each other again soon. When the time comes, please come and play with us again!”
That’s a promise, FTISLAND.
Photo credits: Red Spade Ventures
That’s not the end! We’ve got an exclusive interview with FTISLAND specially for you Primadonnas in the upcoming March issue, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
