Monsta x 2018 event review

 

Image Credit — https://image.kpopmap.com/2018/08/MONSTA-X-World-Tour-2018-Cover.png

Getting the tickets wasn’t the most challenging part of the experience, but it certainly proved to be the most intriguing. I had some privilege in this regard, as the person I attended with had connections to someone at the arena. This allowed me to upgrade my ticket, which I acknowledge is not an opportunity everyone has and is quite rare. As far as I can recall, initially, I had secured seated tickets as a precaution in case things didn’t go as planned, ensuring I had a fallback option. In situations like mine, I always recommend having a contingency plan, and fortunately, everything worked out well for me. However, it’s important to be cautious because there are individuals out there who may try to exploit such opportunities to scam others. Keep this in mind if you find yourself in a similar situation.

Getting tickets through the Evertim website was a relief for me, as I’ve always appreciated having this option to purchase tickets. In contrast, buying through Ticketmaster has consistently been stressful due to frequent issues and tickets often selling out prematurely, even when there may still be availability. The Evertim website, while occasionally experiencing glitches on ticket sale days, has generally been more reliable in my experience. Unfortunately, the dominance of Livenation in the ticket buying industry means that Ticketmaster is often the only viable option for purchasing tickets, leaving little recourse when issues arise on sale days or tickets sell out quickly.

What stands out to me about the Evertim venue, and why I continue to love it, is its proximity to several smaller restaurants just a short walk away. This convenience factor is something I particularly appreciate in a venue, especially when compared to Electric Brixton. The local area around the venue features local restaurants and shops. Even if it’s just a Tesco and a few chain restaurants, I would still be content. However, having local businesses in the vicinity of the venue not only benefits the community but also creates a welcoming atmosphere for me as a customer. I wish more venues would actively promote having small restaurants or local businesses nearby.

Upon entering the venue, I found myself on the far left side of the stage, near the barricade. It was a special experience, especially since it was my first concert in recent memory. However, for Loreen’s concert next year, I wouldn’t choose that spot again because it was slightly obscured by the speakers. While the speakers didn’t completely obstruct my view, I wouldn’t recommend that area if you want a clear view of the artists. Despite this, the venue provided an intimate experience despite its size. It felt grand and luxurious, and the acoustics were excellent. The venue also offered higher seating options, which were likely good for accessibility, but I’m unsure if those standing at the back had the same view as those at the barricade. This disparity has always been an issue for me, and I wish more venues had slightly elevated flooring to ensure everyone has a chance to see what’s happening on stage.

The highlight of the event was when Monsta X took to the stage, marking the first time I saw a group I had long admired. It was a profoundly memorable experience for me personally. One drawback of being close to the speakers, however, was the extremely loud music, which might not have been as noticeable if I hadn’t chosen the spot nearest to them. Watching the choreography and vocals combined with the boys’ stage presence was something I’ve always appreciated about K-pop. I admire artists who put their all into not just their singing but also the overall presentation, and this was evident with Monsta X, particularly in their energetic songs and interactions with the audience.

There were moments that helped maintain the energy, especially the talking segments that fostered interaction between the artists and the audience. These moments added special touches to the show and created memorable experiences for both fans and artists. These segments also showcased the personality of each member. A show consisting solely of performances can quickly tire out both the artists and the audience, so I was glad there was a good balance of talking and performance segments. Striking this balance is crucial, and this show managed to do it well.

The Hi-Touch experience is primarily included in VIP packages and is commonly featured at K-pop concerts. It involves fans lining up to high-five the artists as they pass by. Depending on the price of the VIP package, the short duration of the interaction can either feel worthwhile or overpriced. I was initially very excited about it because I was a big fan of the group at the time. However, my concern with Hi-Touch events is that they are often rushed, either due to security or event logistics, which can feel unfair considering the significant amount fans pay for this experience. I distinctly remember this particular Hi-Touch event feeling less rushed compared to others I’ve heard of.

Now, many years after the concert and with more experience attending not just concerts but various other events, I reflect on what could have been improved and what was executed well. I still maintain that while the hi-touch experience can create memorable moments, it tends to be overpriced for what it offers. The venue itself remains one of my favourites, and I eagerly anticipate returning for the Loreen concert next year. The venue boasts excellent acoustics suitable for a wide range of artists, and its size lends itself well to creating an intimate atmosphere between the artist and the fans.

K-pop concerts have evolved over time, with groups being given bigger venues and tickets costing more money. This means organisers need to start making the higher perks worth it, encouraging fans to pay for them. Nowadays, if I were to attend a K-pop concert, I would opt for a seating ticket. Not only do these provide a good view without the need to queue at ridiculous hours, but they also tend to be cheaper and offer a better experience compared to those closer to the stage.