BIGBANG returned to London for their first show in the city in 14 years, playing to a near-capacity stadium crowd that included both long-time fans and curious newcomers. The concert, part of their XX: Cosmos tour, marked the 20th anniversary of the group's debut and served as a celebration of their enduring career.
Now a trio consisting of G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung, BIGBANG debuted in 2006 at a time when K-pop groups rarely lasted a decade together. Taeyang told the audience that reaching the 20-year mark felt like a miracle. The group's longevity and continued ability to fill stadiums set them apart in an industry known for rapid turnover.
The setlist drew heavily on BIGBANG's back catalogue rather than recent material, reflecting the fact that they have released only one single, 'BiiiG', in recent years. Opening with 'Fantastic Baby' and later performing 'Bang Bang Bang', the trio delivered energetic renditions of songs that have become K-pop classics, complete with choreography, pyrotechnics and a large supporting cast of dancers. Other highlights included 'Bad Boy', 'Sober' and 'Stupid Liar', which kept the stadium shaking.
Each member was given space to showcase his individual style. Daesung paid tribute to his inspiration, Freddie Mercury, leading the crowd in a call-and-response before performing his own brand of joyful pop and trot. Taeyang shifted the mood with a sexier set, joking with the audience after baring his torso during 'Ringa Linga'. G-Dragon dipped into his early 2010s solo material with 'Crayon' and 'Crooked', his colourful rap-pop providing a contrast to his bandmates' offerings.
The show was not without its emotional moments. The group's lineup has shrunk from five members to three over the past decade, with each departure having been traumatic in different ways. Most of the material was reworked for the trio, but the closing song 'Still Life', their last release to feature rapper T.O.P., retained his verse as a nod to what they have lost.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the concert had its flaws. The sound in the first section was often muddy, with the group's vocals getting lost in the mix. The audience reception was also more muted than might be expected for an act of BIGBANG's stature. While Taeyang told the crowd that London was the best, G-Dragon was less convinced, saying later that he did not think so.
Yet the performance proved that BIGBANG are not simply on a victory lap. The new single 'BiiiG' showed they still have creative energy, and G-Dragon hinted at more to come. He told the audience he had been trying to figure out his masterplan to bring their golden days back, not just for himself but for all of them. As fireworks shot into the night sky, Daesung made a sincere vow: 'We're gonna sing for you guys forever. I swear.'
BIGBANG's return to London was a reminder of their status as one of K-pop's most iconic acts. Two decades after their debut, they remain a force capable of drawing huge crowds and delivering a show that balances nostalgia with a promise of future activity. The UK may have more chances to convince G-Dragon of its merits, but for now, the group's message was clear: they are back, and here to stay.