It’s been a loooong while since I’ve published a concert recap, but that’s because it’s been a long while since I’ve been to a concert! My last one was SuperM in February 2020 – mere days before Covid upended the world. So… who would be the group to coax me out of this long lull? Bias List favorites Golden Child, of course!
Ah, the power of Golcha. Not just anyone can get me on a plane, and it takes a real special act to get me on a plane while the plague is still circulating. But, I’m very happy to have traipsed down to San Jose for the opening of their first U.S. tour.
With this tour, I get the sense that Woollim Entertainment is feeling out the U.S. market in the hopes of bigger and better things in the future. The venue was quite intimate and the production bare bones, but we all came to see Golcha and their colorful personalities (+ immense talent), so they could have been performing in front of a blank wall for all I care. The guys are incredibly fun to watch. All their personal quirks come out in the performances. It’s clear they’re having fun, and that energy is infectious.
Golden Child has never been marketed to the U.S. in a major way, so I was nervous to see who (if anyone) would show up for the concert. But, the house was packed and the crowd was great. The group said they picked the setlist together and tried to include songs from every album, but I felt like they were definitely targeting some sounds they assumed an American audience would prefer. I was disappointed to see no Genie, Lady, Let Me or It’s U, but I understand we can’t have a full concert of bright Golcha songs at this stage of their career. Their discography has become more diverse than that.
Musical highlights for me were Burn It (I mean… duh), Breathe, Pump It Up, older b-sides like Sea & What’s Happening, the (as far as I’m aware) first live performance of Bottom of the Ocean, the Wannabe/Without You/One trilogy performed as a medley/remix (they looked exhausted after this one), and of course the DamDaDi encore.
They also performed ballads I Know and That Guy during the concert and pre-show soundcheck, and basically confirmed what I already knew: These. Guys. Can. Sing. I mean, hearing Joochan’s voice in person is something else, but everyone in the group is a strong vocalist. It’s one of the reasons I became a fan, and why I was so eager to see them perform live again. A killer live vocal is one of life’s greatest joys.
But when it comes to Golden Child, humor has always been one of their biggest charms. Led by variety-master Jangjun (who managed to bring playful poses even to the heartfelt ballads), the guys made the lengthy comments in between songs just as entertaining as the performances themselves. We got impromptu musical performances (where poor Bomin was dragged into Joochan’s madness), pop song covers and a couple awkward moments after several of the members’ stage outfits tore. It seems like Woollim needs to step up their wardrobe budget!
As far as concert operations go, I can’t speak for general admission, but I loved the way Studio PAV handled the VVIP tier, offering a “no line” policy where your ticket number guaranteed your space regardless of when you arrived at the venue. For those on the fence about this tier, I’d highly recommend splurging. You’re part of the fan-sign, where you actually get to chat with the group for a while. The idea is super intimidating (especially if you’re socially awkward!), but the guys are really nice and easy to talk to and there’s something to be said about actually getting to meet your idols as people – to look them in the eyes and thank them for all they do and all the happiness they bring to so many people. It’s the cherry on top of a great K-pop concert night.
Here’s to more live experiences as we all begin to awake from our long hibernation!
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
and here us american deobis are not having any concert benefits whatsoever 😀
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Omg!!!! Going to the dallas tour in a few days, and bought VVIP and 4 snapshot tickets — I can’t wait! It’s going to be amazing.
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That sounds great! I’m waiting for the announcement of an Australian leg and surely it will come!
Hopefully!
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Ah, it really hurts reading that they didn’t perform Let Me and Lady, two of my favorite Golcha songs.
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Yep, that was definitely a sore point for me. But, the setlist had a nice variety.
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I’m glad you had fun!
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Also, how proficient are the members at English?
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Jaehyun spoke almost entirely in English, which wasn’t surprising given that he studied in the States. Jangjun and Bomin were also quite proficient. For the rest of the group, it was a mixed bag but they were trying. I wouldn’t have done as well in their shoes!
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That Burn It performance, nifty! Glad to see K-Pop performances finally back in action, maybe one day I will finally get around to going to one lol!
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So excited, I’m seeing them in Minneapolis this coming Saturday! It will be my first concert.
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Yay! Are you doing VVIP?
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I was really impressed with how personable and relaxed they were with the audience. I expected their performance to be amazing, and it was, but they were so warm and interactive with the crowd. Bomin in particular is a pro at making fans feel seen and included. I’m happy you enjoyed the show!
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I just moved to Denver, and I one of the first things I did when finding out I was moving there was book a golden child ticket. This will be my second kpop concert (Ateez was my first) and I’m really looking forward to an intimate feel 😍 I’m excited.
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Glad you had fun! 🙂
I just need these K-pop groups to realize that Canada is right next-door to the US and just come to Toronto or Vancouver, you’re basically already there what’s stopping you guys 😭
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I’m not sure which groups you follow but you might consider checking out Seventeen’s tour in Canada (Vancouver on August 10 and Toronto on September 3). They have great performances and a diverse discography. Here are the details of the tour from their official account: https://twitter.com/pledis_17/status/1527046379087994881
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Yeah I saw that SVT was coming to Canada but I’m out of town when they come to Toronto 😭
I appreciate them coming though, but yeah it sucks 😩
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I almost never go to concerts, but I just had to see Golcha perform in person and I don’t regret it! I love the venue they picked out for SJ — small and intimate so it was really pleasant to watch them perform even if you’re not in the front row. I’m already waiting for the next time I can see them perform again LMAO
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I saw GolCha in LA this last Sunday! As a very casual fan, I was bummed that they didn’t do Let Me and cut my favorite song Wannabe in half, but it was still fun. Joochan & Y did bits of songs from their musicals at our show which was incredible, those boys are so talented. But our venue wasn’t that full even though it was LA. It was a GA only show in this tiny ballroom venue but quite a bit of the back area was empty. I also had the cheap ticket so I was in the back and had to look through a lot of heads and phones. All in all though I’m glad I saw them!
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I know I’m a little late on this thread, but I’m seeing them in November with VVIP tickets and I was indeed intimidated by the fansign and found this post during my research. Thank you so much for sharing your experience!!
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Don’t be intimidated! It’s so much fun and they’re very personable. Plus, it’s over in a flash so take advantage of it 🙂
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