“Reaching our 20th anniversary is like a miracle to me,” reflects Taeyang, as the end of BIGBANG’s first London show in 14 years approaches. You can understand why he’d feel that way – when the now-trio first debuted in 2006, it was rare for K-pop groups to last even a decade together, let alone two. As they’ve done in so many ways over the last 20 years, though, BIGBANG are once again breaking the mould.

While the group might stand as one of the most iconic acts in K-pop, it’s still impressive that they can pack out stadiums at this point in their career. So, in a venue almost filled with diehard fans and curious newcomers, it’s only right that G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung get to celebrate all they’ve achieved and recap some of the numerous highlights of their last two decades.

BIGBANG. Credit: YG Entertainment

As G-Dragon will point out later in the night, they’ve only released one single (August’s ‘BiiiG’) in recent years, so instead of focusing on newer material, the XX: Cosmos setlist casts its net wide and brings together a selection of tracks spanning BIGBANG’s career. Opener ‘Fantastic Baby’ and, later, ‘Bang Bang Bang’ have become K-pop classics and synonymous with a more maximalist, EDM-embracing era of the scene, and both are given fittingly energetic performances tonight (September 26), complete with choreography, fire and hordes of dancers. ‘Bad Boy’ – still one of BIGBANG’s best – sounds as sublime as it did in 2012, while ‘Sober’ and ‘Stupid Liar’ shake the stadium.

In the first section of the show, there’s rarely a break between songs, as the trio deliver slick renditions of fan favourites. They still find ways to throw in some silliness and chaos, though. As Taeyang closes out a swaying version of ‘Loser’, his bandmates jokingly waltz arm-in-arm behind him. As he takes to the stage alone during the second act, Daesung pays tribute to his “inspiration”, Freddie Mercury – but not before leading the crowd in his take on the Queen frontman’s iconic call-and-response, each refrain becoming increasingly nonsensical, operatic, or both.

BIGBANG. Credit: YG Entertainment

BIGBANG would be nothing without its individual members, and while their distinct personalities and styles are clear from their mannerisms and aesthetic choices (the highlight of which is G-Dragon’s ridiculously oversized, bright red fluffy hat), the setlist also gives them the chance to showcase their musical propensities, too. Either side of that Mercury tribute, Daesung dazzles with his brand of joyful, wholesome pop and trot, before handing over to Taeyang, who does a 180 into sexier territory. “I can’t take it off,” he chides the audience after flashing his bare torso following ‘Ringa Linga’. “That’s quite illegal. That’s not the gentleman way.” Then it’s on to G-Dragon’s colourful rap-pop, the king of K-pop dipping into his early 2010s bag with ‘Crayon’ and ‘Crooked’.

The setlist tonight might be mostly backwards-looking, but this show doesn’t feel like a victory lap for a group past their best. ‘BiiiG’ proves they’ve still got plenty to offer, and G-D hints that there’s still more to come. “I’ve been trying to figure out my masterplan to bring our golden days back – not just for myself, but for all of us,” he shares in the show’s final moments.

BIGBANG. Credit: YG Entertainment

It’s no secret that recent years haven’t been the kindest to the group – their last decade has seen their lineup reduce from five members to three, each departure traumatic in different ways. Most of the material tonight is reworked to suit the remaining trio, but closer ‘Still Life’, their last release featuring rapper T.O.P., retains his verse – an emotional nod to some of what they’ve lost.

All in all, tonight is a celebration almost fit for K-pop royalty. The sound in the first section of the show often feels muddy, the group’s vocals getting lost in the mix and mayhem, rather than leading it. The reception from the audience, too, is frequently more muted than you’d expect for an act of BIGBANG’s ilk. While Taeyang tells us London is “the best crowd”, G-Dragon is less impressed. “Taeyang said you guys are the best – I don’t think so,” he says later, scepticism colouring his face. Luckily, the UK should have more chances to convince him – as fireworks shoot up into the night sky, Daesung makes a sincere vow: “We’re gonna sing for you guys forever. I swear.” BIGBANG are well and truly back, and here to stay.

BIGBANG played:
‘Fantastic Baby’
‘Hands Up’
‘Tonight’
‘Blue’
‘Loser’
‘If You’
‘Bad Boy’
‘Bae Bae’
‘Haru Haru’
‘Lies’
‘Universe’
‘Wings’
‘Hando-Chogua’
‘Look At Me, Gwisun’
‘Bad’
‘Ringa Linga’
‘Live Fast Die Slow’
‘Power’
‘Crayon’
‘Crooked’
‘Bang Bang Bang’
‘Stupid Liar’
‘Sober’
‘We Like 2 Party’
‘BiiiG’
‘Home Sweet Home’
‘My Heaven’
‘Sunset Glow’
‘Last Farewell’
‘Feeling’
‘Flower Road’
‘Still Life’

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