J-pop group BE:FIRST set out to answer the question “Who is BE:FIRST?” — the theme of their world tour — and we got to catch them on the North American leg in Los Angeles at the iconic Novo theater.
Fresh off landing on the Billboard charts in Japan, BE:FIRST took over the North American stage.
Despite it being their first global run, the group, made up of Junon, Leo, Ryoki, Sota, Manato, Shunto, and Ryuhei, delivered a show that proved their talent and passionate performance. Their sharp, isolated choreography was matched with live vocals that didn’t falter, no matter how intense the routines got. BE:FIRST brought something for everyone.
Their sound? A dynamic mix of rock influences and playful, OST-style pop — perfect for music lovers who also value performance.
Fans kicked off the concert with deafening screams — some so intense they almost sounded like growls — as they celebrated a moment over three years in the making since BE:FIRST’s debut in late 2021.
BE:FIRST’s first and last performance in Los Angeles before this show was back in July 2024, when they opened for ATEEZ at the massive BMO Stadium. And honestly, the energy they brought to The Novo could’ve just as easily filled a stadium — it was that powerful. The group expressed genuine excitement about being back in the U.S., and especially in Los Angeles.
The group opened their set with “Mainstream” and “Spacecraft,” emerging in sleek, dark streetwear. Their entrance was a dance-heavy frenzy, full of flowy, synchronized movements and deep, raspy vocals that exploded into vocally charged choruses.
Right from the start, it was clear the choreography was both fun and precise, paired with rap verses that left me thinking, ‘this is actually insane.’ Their body control, live vocals, and commitment to delivering intense dance breaks in nearly every song proved they were fully locked in — and so were we.
“Boom Boom Back” and “Brave Generation” came next, shifting the vibe into something lighter and more playful. These tracks felt like they could’ve come straight from a feel-good J-pop anime OST — the kind of opening theme you’d never skip because the song is just that good.
Even with the more upbeat and melodic tone, BE:FIRST didn’t lose their edge. That signature intensity — the growl, the power — was still very much present. And despite the sonic shift, the crowd never let up. Everyone was jamming, jumping, and fully immersed in the moment.
“Milli-Billi” and “Grow Up” followed as a dynamic duo of tracks — one fueled by rap and the other by vocals. Despite their contrasting styles, the transition between the two tracks was impressively seamless.
Following the songs, the members delivered speeches, sharing snippets of their L.A. experience with fans, talking about visiting Disneyland, attending Coachella, and even their love for Post Malone. Their enthusiasm was palpable—it wasn’t just another stop on the tour; you could tell performing in LA truly meant something to them.
After performing tracks like “Softly,” which lived up to its name with a smooth, fluid sound, the group transitioned into “SOS,” bringing a more laid-back vibe while still keeping the energy high (yes, the floor was still shaking).
Even with only two albums under their belt, BE:FIRST showcased an impressive range. Each song had its own vibe, but somehow, everything still felt cohesive. Their sound may shift from soft to intense, playful to emotional, but they know who they are as artists.
The rest of the show continued to highlight BE:FIRST’s signature intense and precise choreography, paired with vocals that ranged from powerful screams to smoother melodies.
As the show neared its end, they transitioned into tracks “Bye-Good-Bye” and “Blissful,” truly a blissful exit from BE:FIRST.
With the tour spanning seven shows and five more coming up this June in cities like New York, Honolulu, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., there’s still time to experience BE:FIRST’s intense and unforgettable live performance. Don’t miss your chance — grab your tickets [here]!
We can’t wait to see what they bring to the next stage.
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