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Here's what went down at the biggest reunion of the year: BTS and ARMY at the PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE concert in LA

Here's what went down at the biggest reunion of the year: BTS and ARMY at the PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE concert in LA

Estimated:  reading

All roads lead to LA.

BTS to take short break to recharge and focus on upcoming Korea concert, new album to start "new chapter"

At least, for the thousands of ARMYs (fans of BTS) watching PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE - LA, the global superstars' first in-person concerts since 2019's Love Yourself: Speak Yourself Tour (The Final).

PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE concert in LA: A homecoming for BTS and ARMY

Fresh of their historic Artist of the Year win at the 2021 American Music Awards, the two-time GRAMMY-nominated group is all set to perform 4 sold-out nights at the SoFi Stadium - 27 and 28 November, and 1 and 2 December. The last show will be livestreamed globally via VenewLive for ARMYs all over the world.

BANDWAGON TV

From flights filled with BTS fans to BT21 sightings at the airport, soundcheck sneak peeks to fan-made merch, a spontaneous collab to the 24-track setlist, here's how the biggest reunion of the year: BTS and ARMY - unfolded on Twitter.

BTS hope for more concerts around the world starting with "planning for concerts in Korea"

#WelcomeHomeBTS

Ahead of BTS' concert series, ARMYs across the globe wrote letters and notes for the 'Butter' act with #WelcomeHomeBTS - a gesture to welcome them back to the live stage.

"IT'S THE HOT GIRL COACH AND BTS!" BTS AND MEGAN THEE STALLION SURPRISE FANS WITH LIVE PERFORMANCE OF 'BUTTER' REMIX

ARMY airlines

Dozens of flights were filled with ARMYs flying over to LA for the concerts. A flight from Chicago played 'Save Me' before takeoff for LA. 

Meanwhile, a plane taking off from Toronto played 'Dynamite' on the way to California.

The same flight played 'Permission To Dance' as they landed in the US.

BT21 

How do you spot a fellow BTS fan? Simple. Just look for any of the BT21 characters created by BTS - Koya, RJ, Shooky, Mang, Chimmy, Tata, Kooky, and Van. 

SETLIST SNEAK PEEKS

As early as the day before the first concert, fans who were outside SoFi got to hear a few songs from what's presumed to be soundcheck - from 'Dynamite' with a live band to fan favourite B-side 'Dis-ease,' plus 'Black Swan' and 'We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal'.

BANGTAN FESTIVAL

The area surrounding SoFi Stadium was filled with merch stores, photo booths, photocard lucky draw machines, and all sorts of fun activities for fans to enjoy while meeting up with their fellow ARMYs.

Some ARMYs brought gifts and treats for new and old friends at the concert venue - from fan-made merch to BTS albums. 

BTS and their staff also made sure everyone was well-hydrated outside by giving out free bottled water for the ones lining up under the sun for merch. There were also booths that gave out free coffee and hash browns to fans.

To accommodate fans who weren't able to secure tickets for the SoFi Stadium shows, BTS set up PERMISSION TO DANCE LIVE PLAY in LA. A livestream event of the concert with fellow ARMYs right beside the venue at the YouTube Theater, LIVE PLAY also had their own festivities to celebrate BTS' return to the concert stage.

EAT JIN FIELD TRIP

Fans in LA also took the time to visit Ahgassi Gopchang, a restaurant Jin has dubbed as the "number 1 Korean restaurant" and a place BTS frequent whenever they're in the area. 

Soundcheck

Fans who have soundcheck access were able to see BTS on stage for the very first time since the pandemic began. According to fans on Twitter, RM teared up at the sight of ARMYs saying "Sh*t happens. But we're here now." The group performed 'Telepathy,' 'Dis-ease,' and 'Life Goes On'. While recording at soundcheck wasn't allowed, BTS let in fans with a sneak peek online via their official Instagram account: "We missed U, so so much."

BTS updates

Joining the pre-show fun, J-hope and Jimin took to Weverse and Twitter to share what the stage looked like and their excitement to meet ARMYs for the first time in 2 years.

RM and Jin also dropped selfies on Twitter.

After the first show, V, later on, joined by Jimin and Jungkook went on Vlive to have chicken wings and a chat with ARMY.

On the second day, SUGA stopped by on Vlive to share his thoughts from their live concert comeback.

Purple Ocean Comeback

For the last 2 years, BTS and ARMY have been meeting online with their virtual concerts and online appearances. This year, the Purple Ocean made its much-awaited comeback. Purple filled the SoFi Stadium even before the concert began.

During the show, the ARMY wave made another appearance as thousands of ARMY bombs lit up the Sofi Stadium.

Backstage Bonus

Anderson .Paak, together with his family who are long-time fans of the band, met BTS backstage ahead of the show. The 'Leave The Door Open' collab finally happened with a short clip of Anderson and BTS singing together. They also exchanged albums, with Anderson giving them copies of Silk Sonic's debut An Evening with Silk Sonic and BTS giving them 'Butter' CDs.

The Setlist

BTS kicked things off with a declaration by leader RM that "Finally, BTS is officially back!"

The show featured a 24-strong setlist similar to the previously held online version last month - from the powerful opening with 'ON,' 'Fire,' and 'Dope' to the 'Dynamite'-'Butter' dance break.

Instead of the stationary "bus" from PTD ON STAGE, BTS had 2 buses this time around, making their way around SoFi Stadium, bringing them closer to fans in different sections of the venue. Jimin even posed for a cute photo.

BTS switched it up for the encore, including 'We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal' and 'Answer: Love Myself,' before closing the night with a confetti party for their Billboard Hot 100 number 1 hit, 'Permission To Dance'.

On Day 2, Megan Thee Stallion joined BTS for a surprise performance of their 'Butter' remix. The setlist also included new additions like 'I'm Fine,' plus 'Young Forever' and 'Spring Day'.

PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE in LA - DAY 1 SETLIST

  1. 'ON'
  2. 'FIRE'
  3. 'Dope'
  4. 'DNA'
  5. 'Blue & Grey'
  6. 'Black Swan'
  7. 'Blood Sweat & Tears' '
  8. 'Fake Love'
  9. 'Life Goes On'
  10. 'Boy With Luv'
  11. 'Dynamite'
  12. 'Butter'
  13. 'Airplane pt.2'
  14. 'Baepsae'
  15. 'Dis-ease'
  16. 'Telepathy'
  17. 'Stay'
  18. 'So What'
  19. 'I Need U'
  20. 'Save Me'
  21. 'IDOL'
  22. 'WAB: The Eternal'
  23. 'Answer: Love Myself'
  24. 'Permission to Dance'

PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE in LA - DAY 2 SETLIST

  1. 'ON'
  2. 'FIRE'
  3. 'Dope'
  4. 'DNA'
  5. 'Blue & Grey'
  6. 'Black Swan'
  7. 'Blood Sweat & Tears' '
  8. 'Fake Love'
  9. 'Life Goes On'
  10. 'Boy With Luv'
  11. 'Dynamite'
  12. 'Butter' remix with Megan Thee Stallion
  13. 'Airplane pt.2'
  14. 'Baepsae'
  15. 'Dis-ease'
  16. 'Telepathy'
  17. 'Stay'
  18. 'So What'
  19. 'Save Me'
  20. 'Im Fine'
  21. 'IDOL'
  22. 'Young Forever'
  23. 'Spring Day'
  24. 'Permission to Dance'

Check out the video recap here:

BTS will continue their PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE concert series on 28 November, 1 December, and 2 December. The last day (3 December at 12:30 PM KST, 10:30 AM JKT, 11:30 AM PHT/SGT) will be livestreamed globally via VenewLive. Find out more here.

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