post-xikers thoughts

So, I just saw xikers in Grand Prairie yesterday, and it was honestly magical. I don't even know what to say.

First of all: the set list. I looove their choices. A combo of b-sides - including older ones - and their heavy hitting titles. The biggest surprise was Every Flavor Jelly which, admittedly, isn't my favorite, but honestly the choreo was super interesting.

Second: the choreo! God the choreography. Something really made my heart swell when I saw them dance. WITCH struck me the most. I've watched so, so many different videos of that dance, and seeing it live was just... Wow. It strikes me that these people I watch on YouTube all the time are real. They're real and DAMN are they good performers.

Third: their energy was insane. They've grown so much as performers, but they still have that rookie hunger. Idk how else to describe it. They so very clearly LOVE being on stage. Especially my bias, Sumin. He's so introverted off stage, but on stage? He blossoms into a hype demon. He performs with his whole body, screams at the top of his lungs, and we are SAT.

Fourth: roady were AWESOME. I've gone to a fair amount of concerts at this point, and the crowds are a mixed bag. This crowd? This was one of the good ones. It was small but mighty. The roadys were obviously longtime, dedicated fans. They knew the songs and matched the energy. That makes for the best experience, imo. You can love a group, but if the crowd is shitty, it will suck the fun out of the experience.

The concert was so fun - the crowd and xikers were incredible. I do have... questions about the overall organization, though.

I need these tour organizers to stop announcing tours 6 days before tickets go on sale. The venue choices for the US were... a choice. I love xikers, I do, but they are not big enough for the venue chosen and it shows. They should have done more stops in smaller cities and smaller venues. They should be going to Milwaukee, Raleigh, Orlando, Detroit - you feel me? Those "small" (not really though) cities that don't get k-pop concerts often. And smaller venues would feel more full! Also the prices were... optimistic (which is also reflected in the somewhat sparse venue).

VIP 2 (sound check, "VIP gift", and no send off) cost upwards of $200 with fees. With how much competition there is and saturation of all these tours, xikers is not a lot of casual fans' first choice. A lot of fans can't travel for the show, and high ticket prices for less popular groups just makes it all the easier for people on the fence to say "no".

I'm exhausted from all the driving and dancing and catching up with my beloved concert crew, but I'm so, so happy to see xikers again. Like ATEEZ, I've been with xikers since the beginning and look forward to seeing them next time they come around.

Something I've realized after being into k-pop for literal decades (since 2007 oh my god) is that it may seem like these groups will be around forever when you're in the thick of it. The reality is, though, you truly never know when it's the last time you're going to see that group in that configuration. Members leave, groups disband, and their music will evolve over time. B-sides will fall to obscurity and will get retired. Contracts end, and members move on.

K-pop moves fast, and concerts are our opportunity to experience that fleeting moment before it races by.