Even though I just saw ATEEZ last year with a pretty decent view, you know I snatched up a ticket the second they went on sale for the In Your Fantasy tour.
This time around, the weekend date that happened to work best for me was in Dallas. Was I ready to be down in that heat? Absolutely not, but I still splurged for a floor seat all the same. I was so relieved when I learned that the baseball stadium venue was going to be covered (apparently it is almost all the time because of the heat, so maybe I’m just a fool thinking this would be outdoors). That means I got to dress a little nicer and not worry about battling the elements except for waiting to get inside.
My view was better than expected and I didn’t really have to crane my neck to see anything. I found myself watching the stage more than the huge HD screens that were also right there. I moerso checked those out when they went to the extended stage, which really wasn’t that often or for that long when they did. The extended stage did get me some high quality shots of most of the members, but Mingi sure favored our side a bunch! Anyway, before I get into the show more, it was very cool that LA and Dallas both got to experience Xikers! The ten member group are ATEEZ’s labelmates, so they got onstage and performed three songs for the crowd. As someone who has once sat through four opening bands, it’s still wild to me that K-pop has no opening acts, and even though this one did, they only got three songs! Crazy. But, I’m sure it’s excellent exposure for a potential future US tour for the group, so good on ATEEZ for bringing them out.
I was thrilled to get “Bouncy” as a returning song, and though I didn’t get to experience all of “Crazy Form” I still got to hear part of it, which is enough. They quenched my thirst with “Geurilla” instead. As far as new songs go, the individual tracks were fine, though Hongjoong’s “NO1” was really fun. And this was the only show where the rest of the members came out and just let their inner chaos control them – it was hilarious! “Lemon Drop” absolutely slapped, and “In Your Fantasy” got the crowd roaring. Hearing “Fireworks (I’m the One)” in full was amazing, and “Blind” and “Shaboom” being added to the setlist was magical. “Ice on My Teeth” was also new to this year’s setlist, and it was SO GOOD. In retrospect, they really did spoil us with an almost three hour show even if there were three songs I didn’t know at all. Look, with that many songs in their arsenal, it’s very possible I won’t jive with some of them.
The dancing was top tier, as was the crowd interaction. I was also really impressed with how well they spoke in English the entire night. I mean, they’ve had several tour stops worth of practice, but still impressive nonetheless. Though I had checked out the setlist before, I was really impressed with their live rendition of “Enough” and really thought that was the end, but they livened back up the atmosphere with “The Real” to finish off the night. I “wooed” and clapped all night, and in the moment I didn’t regret a single penny I spent on my seat or the trip down to Dallas. I know military service is around the corner for some members, so I will savor any opportunity I can with them.
