It was still dark outside when I had received a message from a friend, telling me to get to the Allstate arena as soon as I could. It was 3:00 AM and I had barely slept that night. I believe my first response to her was “I don’t feel like getting jumped on the subway right now, hold a spot for me and I’ll leave my dorm when it’s at least a little closer 6.”
It was April 24th 2019 and for most people that was just another Wednesday… but for me, it was the first time I would be seeing the international superstar group BLACKPINK in concert.
I remember the day of my BLACKPINK In Your Area Tour so vividly, from the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I had on the blueline to the Chipotle meal I had in the middle of the day. It was an all-day experience because even though the concert was being held in an arena, the entire floor was general admission. I wanted to get as close as possible, so me and a few friends teamed up to get the best spots possible.
Meeting new people is always a plus of these kinds of things. Waiting to check in, I met one of my now closest friends, as well as a couple of other people I was already friends with on the internet. Honestly, seeing the artist is great, but meeting up with companions that share the same interests as I do is probably my favorite part about events like this.
When we were finally let through those doors after soundcheck, I rushed towards the barricades, able to slither my way to the second row, behind a person I had met in line earlier that day. Music videos of the group were playing throughout the venue, and the energy was alive and sparkling, everyone ecstatic and ready to see these four girls perform.
BLACKPINK is made up of four women: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa. They currently have only 13 songs, counting a feature from western artist Dua Lipa. So when I had initially bought the tickets, I had wondered how they would put on a performance that would last three hours, and still maintain the interest of their Blinks (Their branded fandom name.)
However, once the show had begun, every doubt I had ever thought about having simply washed away. The performances were stunning, using their sets of platforms and video backgrounds perfectly, laser lights and smoke conveying a radiant energy to their pop beats. It wasn’t the most dazzling performance I’ve ever seen, but boy did those girls know how to work with their audience.
The girls were always keeping the energy alive on stage by hyping up the crowd. I felt their positivity and I’m sure we as Blinks gave it back. This formula of give and take really worked in their favor, because everyone around me including myself, was having the times of their lives. It was the most fun concert experience I have ever had, even to this day. BLACKPINK will reportedly have a comeback soon, and with that comeback, Blinks look forward to another world tour in the future. If one is announced, you can bet that I will be spending money on a ticket to see the wonderful performances of BLACKPINK in my area once again.
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