We won't blame you if your head is still stuck at that 2023 concert that changed your life forever, because honestly, some of us are still there with you.

2023 was a good year for shows across the region and beyond, with the likes of BTS' SUGA, 88rising, and Harry Styles drawing in crowds all over Singapore, Arctic Monkeys, Laufey, and Tilly Birds making noise in Manila, and Maho Rasop Festival and The Strokes delivering unforgettable moments to music fans in Bangkok. 

Here are the top gigs and festivals of 2023, according to the Bandwagon team.

SUGA | AGUST D TOUR 'D-DAY' (SG)

Being the first solo world tour by a BTS member, SUGA’s SUGA | AGUST D TOUR 'D-DAY' was something that ARMYs had looked forward to with eager anticipation from the moment it was announced. And in true SUGA fashion, the ‘Haegeum’ act surpassed even the highest of expectations when he stopped over in Singapore for a three-night residency last June.

In my concert review, I called SUGA’s second Singapore show an “inspirational story of courage, hope, and self-love”. While ARMYs would have appreciated this story the most, what was remarkable about it was that it was powerful enough to move newcomers to the world of SUGA (AKA Agust D), such as this writer. In a two-hour spectacle, that resembled a big-budget stage production at times, we learnt about the man behind tracks such as ‘Daecwhita’, ‘Snooze’, and ‘People’, saw the bravery of an individual who had overcome his demons to become a better version of himself, and found healing and solace in his music. We witnessed a SUGA who was at the very top of his game showcase his prowess as a rapper and songwriter and command the attention of all attendees with his magnetic stage presence. 

Nearly seven months later, I still cannot stop thinking about what I saw and heard at the Singapore leg of the SUGA | AGUST D TOUR 'D-DAY'. Having gained a better understanding of who SUGA is, I find myself able to appreciate his music on a level that I was not able to before catching him in concert. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

TILLY BIRDS: LIVE IN MANILA (PH)

It was my first time watching Tilly Birds live in concert myself, and I found myself thinking how it almost felt like watching a coming-of-age film unfold. It had everything: angst, heartbreak, unrequited love, pining, sorrow, even a vivid and frantic rager, bursts of shiny confetti, a "sea of stars," and an eventual goodbye – perfectly soundtracked by Tilly Birds’ discography.

Their recordings don’t do enough justice to their live performances. The band’s powerful and almost cinematic renditions of each song on the setlist take you to another memory, regardless of whether you can understand the Thai lyrics, or as in my case,  just let the music take you to a moment in time. Every note, every beat, every beam of light - they trigger memories and stir up emotions you probably didn’t know you had at that time.

As with any story, all things must come to an end. After a 22-song setlist which also included jamming out and a three-track encore, the band gave us closure by saying goodbye with a group photo to capture their precious first Manila memories. “See you next year!” Tilly Birds promised Filipino fans as the lights dimmed down leaving us with the blanket of stars, eagerly waiting for next year - or, for some lucky ticket holders, photo time. Another opportunity to make more memories. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

Maho Rasop Festival 2023

Maho Rasop continued to prove itself as the destination for indie music lovers in Thailand with a two-day event that boasted an excellent curation of diverse international, regional and local artists and an immersive festival experience that felt like a homecoming for its well-fostered community. 

Pretty much all of the things we said about the festival in 2019 still rang true on this second visit. I’ve been to plenty of indie gigs back home and here in Thailand, and being in Maho Rasop appeared to be culmination of sorts of what makes the scene such a source of excitement and comfort for many people. It’s not about explosive headliners, but more about a combination of seeing both long-time and fresh favourites in the flesh and the promise of discovering new acts to love. It’s not just about watching performances on the various stages but getting to soak and chill in the presence of so many like-minded individuals. I also managed to catch up with friends from the Philippines who were attending for the first time, and their observations mirrored much of my own experience with the festival. The venue and lineup may change, but the spirit of this collective celebration of indie music will surely endure. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Harry Styles: Love On Tour 2023 (SG)

 

 

 

 

 

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17 March 2023 soon became one to remember as Harry Styles held his biggest show in Singapore to date at the National Stadium at 8 PM. The evening was nothing short of impressive performances from Harry and his spectacular live band, heartwarming fan encounters, and iconically enough, fruits — in various forms — fitting of a concert from the fruit man himself. 

For an event as large of a scale as this was, Harry was perfectly capable of holding his own stage. Backed by an incredible live band, the gifted artist stunned audiences with his confident, euphonious, and easily distinguishable vocals and achieved the impressive feat of commandeering an immense 32,000-strong crowd — all signs that pointed to how he was simply born to be a performer.

Dedicated fans were also quick to discern and adore the little quirks that Harry possesses as a performer — the same mannerisms, such as his animated dance steps that are just bursting with vivacious energy, that show how he’s fully immersing himself into the music as all great musicians and performers do.

Wanderland Music and Arts Festival 2023 (PH)

After three challenging years, Karpos Multimedia’s highly anticipated annual music and arts festival is back in the game. Returning to their homecourt at the Filinvest City Event Grounds in Alabang, the weekend was a playground of exciting moshpits, delicious treats, dream-come-trues, and life-changing performances. 

Wanderland 2023: The Comeback features a slew of artists that will touch on different types of music fans. Whatever your music preferences or generation grew up in, there's something for you. Dashboard Confessional pulled in millennials who grew up listening to emo, while headliner Carly Rae Jepsen’s cult following for her distinct pop voice gathered her strong fanbase for Day 1. What really highlights the 10th anniversary of Wanderland is Day 2 headliner Phoenix who was one of the first artists Karpos Multimedia brought to Manila back in 2014– truly a full circle moment, and what a comeback indeed. 

The Strokes Asia Tour 2023

Bangkok

Over 5,000 fans filled the Thunder Dome for the VIJI Corp-helmed concert on 18 July 2023, all eager to relive their youth and nostalgic musical memories. Seeing The Strokes logo light up the stage felt like going back in time, to when we first discovered the band that would later inspire us to start bands ourselves or shape our musical tastes and preferences.

Cheers echoed across the arena as our teenage heroes Julian Casablancas, Albert Hammond, Jr., Nick Valensi, Nikolai Fraiture, and Fab Moretti went onstage to take their places and launched into ‘The Modern Age.’ With minimal fanfare (and lighting haha), the band went straight into playing ‘Bad Decisions,’ one of the two “newer” songs on the setlist, and powered through the rest of the evening.

While we stood in a venue full of thousands of people, it felt as if we were watching a show with all of our friends. It was familiar and comforting, almost like experiencing a rite of passage together. 

The Strokes concert proved to be more than just a show. It was a tick off the concert bucket list, a dream come true for our teenage selves. It became a reunion of sorts for old friends and a place to make new ones – whether intentional or not. I found myself standing right next to an old classmate from university (one I hadn’t seen in almost a decade), and running into band friends we met just the night before. 

The Strokes weren’t there to entertain, or to put on a spectacle. The band “thundered onstage” with their “effortless energy,” and in all its simplicity and straightforwardness, “it was glorious”. The band still sounded great. With minimal small talk between the members, The Strokes played the songs that accompanied us while we were growing up, took us on a nostalgic trip, and reminded us why live music will forever be one of the best collective experiences one can ever have. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

Singapore

For years, I’ve been keeping up with The Strokes’ live performances on YouTube, hoping for a chance to watch them in the flesh. So when the American rock band broke the news that they will be heading to Singapore’s Sands Expo® and Convention Centre on 2 and 3 August 2023 for solo shows, I was absolutely astounded. 

A fever dream come true, I watched the signature no-frills, no-theatrics performances unfold to become a core memory. Dubbed as “one of the most influential bands of the early 21st century”, the arrival of the band in the Lion City called upon a reunion of sorts between fans of various generations, proof of the timeless appeal of their music. 

Sticking by their authentic garage revival sound that we’ve come to know and love since their debut in 2001, they served classic tracks such as ‘Last Nite’, ‘Someday’, ‘Under Control’, and ‘Juicebox’, and newer releases like ‘Bad Decisions’ and ‘The Adults Are Talking’ off their sixth studio album The New Abnormal. Just by listening to the pure soundtrips of Julian Casablancas (vocals), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nick Valensi (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums), a wave of nostalgia crashed into Singapore shores. What made both nights even more memorable, would be the band’s improvisation in between the set, Julian’s casual conversation with Nikolai, and Fab tossing away his drumsticks to fans.

The shows were not merely a performance, but it was a testament to the lasting legacy of The Strokes. While it may be a while before these indie rock veterans return to Singapore (or even churn out new material), I’ll be basking in the post-concert depression that’s still residing in me.  - Adlina Adam, Writer

NEO KAWAII FESTIVAL (JP)

Attending mid-sized gigs is my favourite way to party, and Japanese pop band CHAI’s NEO KAWAII FESTIVAL 2023 had encapsulated so much of what I love about them. 

Held at Zepp Shinjuku, which has a capacity of 1,500 people, the show was just the right size to let guests get close enough to enjoy the performances on stage and dance their hearts out on the floor. According to CHAI, “neo kawaii” is not just about being cute but also cool, and it’s something that applies to anyone who wants to express themselves in a way only they can without shame. And that’s exactly what everyone at the event did.

The girls themselves curated the line-up, which featured Japanese producer STUTS and Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, who brought each brought their unique sounds, vibrant energy, and own brand of cool cuteness. At some point, Phum joined STUTS for a bit during his set and I could hear the girls behind me going, “KAWAIIIIIII!!!”. They were absolutely right to say it! Of course, CHAI, the stars of the show, brought an extra special super mega dose of energy during their turn to rock the stage. Towards the end, they invited their guest artists up again with them, and it felt like the whole of Zepp Shinjuku that time truly burst with the neo kawaii spirit. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Good Vibes Festival 2023

Good Vibes Festival welcomed its 10th anniversary with a rocky start, one we’ve heard and talked about. But, the Malaysian music festival has always been a destination for celebration and fun, and even for its short-lived run this year, it lived up to just that.

What was supposed to be three days’ worth of festivities were abruptly halted due to The 1975’s behaviour on stage during their headlining set on Day 1. While it made countless headlines all over the globe, there were a handful of performances and festivities that went on that day undeserving of being overshadowed. 

Regardless of personal opinions and values on the incident, what had ultimately happened was that Good Vibes did not get the 10th anniversary it deserved, local musicians did not get the spotlight they worked hard to prepare for, and music fans who made their way from all parts of the world did not get the weekend they had long waited for. 

With a new location and a larger community of excited music fans, Good Vibes Festival 2023 showed promise. It’s just too bad that it all had to come to an end before it even got a chance to fulfil it.

Arctic Monkeys Asia Tour 2023

Singapore

After years of waiting, Arctic Monkeys finally made their way to Singapore. A celebration of nostalgia and pure rock extravaganza, the one-night only show at the Singapore Indoor Stadium is easily an achievement of the year to the 10,000-strong crowd that successfully fought for tickets. 

Within the 21-track setlist, it was enough for band members Alex Turner (vocals), Matt Helders (drums), Jamie Cook (guitars), and Nick O’Malley (bass) to satisfy our long-held craving of hearing their music live, as they flawlessly delivered their quintessential signature indie rock sound. Known for the evolution in their sound across the discography – from the punchy and electrifying garage rock soundtrips of Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not to the velvety and melancholic ballads of The Car – it’s safe to say that we were able to witness the full spectrum of their sonic journey. 

Despite the minimal theatrics and words spoken to the crowd, the band could command the attention of the entire stadium through the sheer force of their music. Through it all, what seemed like a far-fetched dream at the start, is finally a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be remembered. - Adlina Adam, Writer

Manila

For as long as I can remember, for as long as I’ve been frequenting concerts – way before I started covering them – there had been such a clamour for Arctic Monkeys to come to Manila. Fans would practically beg for someone to book them every summer festival season. Imagine the relief (and the sudden scramble afterwards) when it was announced that they would finally stage a show here – from Karpos Multimedia, the makers of Wanderland themselves, one of the favourite targets for such appeals (note: it was the early 2010s’s music festival boom).

In the interlude, a lot has happened though. The cultural landscape has immensely shifted. We’ve gone way past the peak of indie sleaze, cooler-than-thou hipsterism, tastemaking sans algorithms from Pitchfork and Stereogum, and new music discovery by way of Tumblr and... IYKYK. Also, just 4 years ago, a major catastrophe befell the globe in the form of a hyper-transmissible virus. Yet, Arctic Monkeys was and still is an enduring icon of those years, and even now, they continue to reassert their impact and influence – just look at their recent masterpiece, The Car (2022).

When I got to the festival grounds on that cold breezy evening in March, I really was expecting to join just a few thousand indie “kids” my age witness the rock band of our generation play a monumental 21-song set (‘Brianstorm’! ‘Teddy Picker’! I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’!) to satisfy our nostalgia and tick another item on our bucket lists. I looked around, bewildered to see folks that are probably the age of Your Favourite Worst Nightmare (the doing of ‘505’ on TikTok, I theorised). I’m not gatekeeping at all – I promise – but that was the moment I realised how the things I loved in my formative years are now cultural touchstones.

Alex Turner didn’t talk much at that show – apart from the obligatory “thank you” and “what a night” – but as I said back then, there was gravity in his brevity. For me, the wait took more than a decade, and when the house lights turned on, it dawned on me that the show of a lifetime had ended.

Just like their song goes: “Sad to see you go.” But I keep my hopes up for another round of singing along to ‘Cornerstone’. - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

Scented Symphony: Perfume Fancon in Manila (PH)

NCT DOJAEJUNG (NCT DJJ) is the most recent iteration from the limitless group, NCT. The members Doyoung, Jaehyun, and Jungwoo have been in the Philippines in the past, but this event marked not just their very first fancon in Manila, but their first ever in their career as a unit as well.  

The air was thick with anticipation as the first lights beamed upon the crowd for the trio’s first song, 'Kiss.' The rest of the program was filled with exciting games, unexpected fan interactions, and performances that thrilled the entire arena. The event revealed itself to be a treat for Pinoy NCTzens and international fans who flew as NCT DJJ performed all the songs from their 6-song mini album, Perfume. Despite the simple set-up, the trio filled the stage with their sleek choreography and alchemy of unique charms.  

Despite the rocky lead-up to the concert in terms of ticketing, information dissemination, and the several points for improvements in the areas of lighting design and stage logistics; what made it notable is the producer’s foresight in putting together this fancon in the first place. As of writing, no other NCT DOJAEJUNG fancon or concert has been announced and it doesn't seem like there will be one at all anymore, or at least in the foreseeable future, which makes “Scented Symphony” truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for all NCTzens. Looking back, the trio left a lasting scent that fans will always long for in the many years to come. - Isa Almazan, Contributing Writer 

Kansei no Housoku in DOME (JP)

SixTONES’ first Tokyo Dome concert as a debuted group was a milestone moment not only for them but for their fans as well. It was my first time seeing them in person after getting to know them a little over a year and it made for an experience of a lifetime. 

Even from the stands, I could feel their energy positively pulsating through the crowds – these guys know how to bring a party to over 50,000 people. From explosive visuals that enhanced their commanding presence on stage to a setlist that effectively displayed their versatility as artists, SixTONES was able to claim Tokyo Dome as their own, and further proved they have what it takes to become world-class superstars. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Karpos Live Presents Laufey (PH)

Presented by Karpos Live, Laufey opened her first-ever Asia tour in June 2023 with a sold-out show in Manila’s The Filinvest Tent. The moment you walked through the doors, it felt comforting and familiar even in the moments before the ‘Magnolia’ singer emerged on stage. 

As everyone warmed up with a pre-show playlist full of jazz hits and pop favourites (which, of course, we all sang too) and as Laufey fuels herself up with Filipino snacks we gifted her during our interview, you couldn’t help but notice the diverse crowd that filled all corners of the venue, from parents who went to join their kids to teenagers excitedly buzzing with their friends. Laufey has always made it her mission to introduce jazz to young audiences and this crowd was a testament she was doing a great job.

“I’m not going to lie, this is the biggest concert I’ve ever played and I’m so honoured to have this special moment in the Philippines. This is so mind-blowing,” she expressed to the crowd with bright eyes, thanking the over 2,000-strong crowd for being there. 

In here, it’s okay to cry-laugh over failed dates, mourn broken hearts, yearn for love while also being scared of it, and give into a romance you never thought you deserved. Her songs are an invitation to feel your feelings, even the most complicated and uncomfortable ones, and as she performs them live, she engulfs everyone in a safe space where you can simply be. 

SEVENTEEN in CARAT Land 2023: SVT 7th Fan Meeting (KR)

CARAT Land, SEVENTEEN’s annual fan meeting, is a core part of the CARAT experience, the diamond life. While it doesn’t exactly count as a concert – those famous, spectacular ones that finish with ‘아주 Nice’ on loop for minutes on end – but it’s a grand, joyous affair nonetheless. To borrow the words of SNL’s Stefon, CARAT Land has everything: madcap antics, canon events for the fandom (Wonwoo’s and Woozi’s takes on NewJeans songs; Joshua with Agust D's ‘대취타’; showing pre-debut TWS ‘파이팅 해야지’, among others), and emotional roller coaster rides. The 13 members’s quirks and charms take the spotlight here; there’s good reason why they’re considered comedy and performance kings – perhaps even outside the community of avid fans. It’s all about the fan service, obviously, but if you ever get to experience it – as a longtime CARAT or a new one; on the ground or online – you’ll see what makes the group so one-of-a-kind – and once-in-a-lifetime.

The 2023 edition came at an uncanny juncture in their career. This all happened shortly before FML was released. Later becoming the bestselling K-Pop album of all time, that mini-album cemented their stature as industry titans. This CARAT Land saw them taking stock of the dreams they’ve accomplished thus far, making memories with their cherished fans to power them through such a momentous year.

“I’ve achieved many dreams: debut, first place, Daesang, Dome Tour,” Hoshi told the crowd at Seoul’s KSPO dome and online, adding: “Now, my dream is to show you CARATs a performance you’ll be proud of. That will be my dream and drive me to work harder than ever before.” (여러 가지 꿈을 이뤘어요: 데뷔, 1위, 대상, 돔투어... 이제 저의 꿈이 우리 캐럿들이 창피해하지 않는 무대를 보여주고 싶어요. 그게 저의 근본적인 원동력과 앞으로 계속 꿈.)

“We’ll always do our best for 20, even 200 years! We’ll be working together for a long time, so I hope you know that, okay?”, promised DK. (항상 저희가 더 최선 다해서 20년, 200년! 앞으로 오래오래 함께 일할 거니까 그렇게 [아셨으면 좋겠어요~] 알았죠?). - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

Snow Man Special Live ~ New Year’s Eve Fun with Everyone! ~ (JP)

Multiple-record-breaking J-pop group Snow Man did not let 2023 end without making another bang with their special New Year’s Eve concert. Streamed live for free on YouTube, it gathered over one million viewers from the start and peaked at 1.33 million simultaneous views during the broadcast, the highest in Japan since 2020; this might seem modest for international viewers, but it’s quite a feat considering they were competing with several live digital and terrestrial TV countdown events – including the prestigious NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen. 

It was the main event I tuned into that evening, having become a fan of the group in the past couple of years and also because of the sheer ease of only needing to pop open YouTube to watch it, and it really did not disappoint. The special concert did more than give a glimpse but really showcased everything that makes the group such spectacular entertainers – from their energetic and high-spec dance and vocal performances, to the variety appeal and exhilarating sense of humour they displayed during their parodies of each other’s sub-unit songs that were filled with the most unexpected twists, it was truly a testament to why Snow Man is beloved by so many. 

Furthermore, the special live offered something fresh and unique from their in-person live concerts, incorporating advanced VFX technology with practical stage set ups to create seamless connections between song numbers and segments. Like many, I was amazed that such a high-cost concert production was being shown online and worldwide in real-time for free (it was also recently announced that revenue from the stream would entirely be donated to the recent Noto Peninsula Earthquake relief efforts). It seriously felt like having a super-mega-enhanced Snow Man live experience, and made me even more excited to see what new things the group will bring in 2024 and the years to come. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Woodz World Tour [Oo-Li] in Manila (PH)

 Making his first debut with K-pop group UNIQ nearly a decade ago, Woodz’ journey towards one of the most creative individuals in K-pop has been storied. He brings all that experience and range in this concert, exhibiting his expansive ability to write music that spans across genres, and bringing it to life once he steps on stage. 

The night aptly opened with 'Busted', mirroring WOODZ’s high-frequency performances. This was followed by his song 'Dirt On My Leather' with a message that beckons on dusting the dirt off yourself when you proverbially fall down. Lighter pop songs such as 'On My Own,' 'Sour Candy,' and 'Bump bump' also made appearances in the setlist, which was a nice break from the heavier parts of the night. 

One of the evening’s highlights is his performance of “Trigger.” When the song culminates in him chanting “teobeokteobeok georeooneun'' the entire theatre erupts in impassioned singing alongside him,  the thumping percussion seemingly like the heartbeat of the evening. 

As a soloist, Woodz is a master of winning over any crowd. It’s no feat carrying a show from start to finish but this triumph stands on the back of his supporting team, as well. His backup dancers and his band, who all gave commendable performances, matched and complemented the energy of the Woodz's showmanship and songs. 

The concert brought fans to many places; highs and lows, deep and buoyant. Wherever you may be in the New Frontier Theater, Woodz' pure cool and earnestness was clear as day and his true self filled the entire venue. - Isa Almazan, Contributing Writer 

Fuji Rock Festival 2023 (JP) 

2023 was the year I confirmed it myself— that Fuji Rock is the mecca of music festivals in the world. It’s the ultimate testament to the beauty of live music— people (even families and kids!) from all over gather to celebrate, have clean fun, and let loose for a weekend all in such a breathtaking backdrop. I’d say it’s probably one of the most beautiful concert stages in the world with lush green landscapes and endless blue skies. It’s an experience that I hope every music fan gets to have at least once. It’s no wonder why people go every year regardless of the lineup. - Iya Forbes, Contributing Photographer

 88rising Presents at the 2023 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix (SG)

After hearing of the Los Angeles, Pasadena, New York, Jakarta, and Manila editions of 88rising’s popular Head In The Clouds festival, one must have wondered if the event would ever land on Singapore’s shores. In September 2023, fans of 88rising in the Lion City finally got what they had been hoping for (sort of).  

Although it took on a different name — 88rising Presents — the American media company’s showcase at the Padang on the first day of the 2023 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix had everything that you would look forward to at a Head In The Clouds event. With a good mix of familiar faces, such as Jackson Wang, Rich Brian, and NIKI, and fast-rising stars, including MILLI and XG, the showcase was you could gather to both sing and dance along to your favourite tunes and make exciting new musical discoveries. Whether it was a cinematic display from Jackson Wang, a joyous dance party hosted by XG, or a mass karaoke session led by NIKI, each performance brought a unique flavour to 88rising Presents. And if solo performances were not already enough, the showcase ended on a high with a medley that included collaborative performances of hits such as ‘The Weekend’, ‘California’, and more. 

And if the strong reception that 88rising Presents received from the Singapore crowd proved anything, it is that it would definitely be worthwhile to (officially) bring the Head In The Clouds festival to the Southeast Asian country sometime in the future. Fingers crossed. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer

Check out our Best of 2023 series here.