2022 may have come to an end, yet the gigs, concerts, and festivals from the year that was will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was ultimately the comeback year of live music—and how we missed it so.

But if you think event organizers would just pick up where they left off and churn out one successful event after the other, think again. There were certain aspects of some shows that need some improvement, from small boo-boos to crazy logistical nightmares. We're guessing a two-year hiatus can do that to anyone so we're hopeful that re-experiencing mounting live shows would help up production quality once more.

With that said, though, we can't help but applaud the events that delivered above and beyond our expectations. Whether through smooth logistics (and this applies to digital shows, too), beautiful visuals and sound or great performances by the acts themselves, here are some of the events—both online and in person—that wowed us in 2022:

SEVENTEEN World Tour: Be the Sun in Bulacan (PH)

I’ve been listening to SEVENTEEN at least since their You Make My Day era, but it has been only quite recently when I made the full plunge – or rather, "slip" – into the diamond life, thanks to Be the Sun (and Going SEVENTEEN). Needless to say, it pretty much was the point of no return. I saw their much-anticipated touring comeback kick off in Seoul mid-2022 via live stream, and it was then when I truly understood what CARATs and other observers meant when they say that even with the polish of seasoned performers, SEVENTEEN still have the earnestness of rookies. For almost 30 shows, the 13-member group traveled around North America and then Southeast Asia, blitzed through a 3-stop dome tour in Japan, and finally circled back to the Philippines and Indonesia for encore rounds. I knew I had to experience this live – all the way to that insane Never-ending '아주 Nice'.

I can only speak for what I witnessed here in their two Philippine stops, obviously, but I can attest that a SEVENTEEN concert is really matchless – until you talk about CARATs, the fans themselves. "We cannot compare with Manila’s energy," said Vernon. Two months later, he repeated this, only with a crowd about twice the size of the former: "Every time we come to the Philippines, we’re just astonished by your energy."

While I can talk about how in sync their choreography is, how well-rounded they are as entertainers or their mettle as self-producing idols, it’s really their dynamic with their beloved fans that’s truly exceptional. From their 2-day concert at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to the encore show at the Philippine Arena, the way these artists and their fans volley energy off each other always shone through. Imagine crowds in the tens of thousands singing along to every song – not just the fan chants. That was a tall wall of sound.

"I'm really happy to be able to hear the voices of so many fans," Jeonghan said in Bulacan, "Last time we came, you all reacted very well, and I really enjoyed it. But today, I think it was twice as fun." (정말 이렇게 많은 팬분들의 한 목소리를 들을 수있어서 기쁘네요. 저번에 왔을때도 너무 호응도 많이 해주시고 정말 즐겁게 놀다 갔는데 오늘은 그것보다 배는 더 재밌었던것 같아요.) - Paolo Abad, Contributing Writer

Read our full report here.

RM Live in Seoul @ Rolling Hall (KR)

"I've waited ten years for this moment."

RM said to the crowd as he addresed them properly for the first time, three songs into the show. Together with BTS, RM has played countless sold-out stadiums and arenas around the world, but this was his first time onstage at the iconic Rolling Hall. Fulfilling his teenage dream of performing at the famed live music hall, the award-winning "rapper and poet" brought his critically acclaimed album Indigo to an intimate audience of 200, with millions (and counting) more watching the recording of the concert online after it was uploaded to YouTube a week after the show. 

While RM had previously performed some of the tracks for NPR's Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, this concert marked the first time RM was joined by some of his exceptional collaborators – Paul Blanco in 'Closer,' Kim Sawol in 'Forg_tgul,' 'Hectic' with Colde, and of course, Korean rock icon youjeen of Cherry Filter for 'Wild Flower'. In between songs, RM would candidly interact with his guests sharing the stories of how they ended up working together, and reminded fans of his humble beginnings – going to an audition in venue similar to Rolling Hall, not making the cut, but being discovered by rapper Sleepy, a longtime friend of BigHit Music producer Pdogg, and the rest was history. It was like being a part of conversations between friends, one we (along with the chosen few at the actual concert) were lucky enough to be a part of.

Aside from the overwhelming amount of talent and musicality we witnessed onstage, we also saw how visibly happy RM was. All smiles for the duration of the 1-hour show, the artist basked in the love and warmth given to him by his audience, with RM returning all of the energy back by performing his heart out. At the end of the concert, RM came out to screams for an encore, performing his Balming Tiger collaboration, 'Sexy Nukim,' and Map of the Soul: Persona solo track, 'Intro: Persona,'. 

From the well thought-out setlist to the carefully curated gifts given to members of the audience (bottled water, fountain pens, ink, bookmarks, postcards, and handwritten letters from Namjoon himself) – RM Live in Seoul @ Rolling Hall was distinctively RM - lowkey and understated, but impactful and memorable. It's probably the best concert I've seen that I've never actually been to. - Camille Castillo, Editorial Director

Baybeats 2022 (SG)

To say that Baybeats 2022 was memorable would be a huge understatement. The 21st edition of the long-running free alternative music festival, which was held from 28 October to 30 October 2022 in Singapore, was truly something special. After two scaled-down editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned to Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay in all its glory, much to the delight of music lovers in the city-state. 

With a diverse lineup of artists from Singapore as well as across Asia to choose from over an entire weekend, you could rest knowing that there would be something for you to enjoy regardless of your taste in music. Shoegaze and dream pop enthusiasts, for instance, could pick from acts such as For Tracy Hyde and rising band motifs, while punk lovers had the option of letting loose at shows by Otoboke Beaver and Drinking Boys and Girls Choir. From the perspective of the festival’s participating bands, Baybeats 2022 was important to them for varying reasons. For surf punk veterans Force Vomit, the latest iteration of the event was a platform for them to reconnect with their fans. Meanwhile, budding bands, such as Reserate, saw it as a platform to amplify their voices and reach new listeners. 

Last year’s edition of Baybeats proved once more why the festival is such a key event in Asia and I know I’m speaking for music lovers everywhere when I say that I’m looking forward to seeing what this year’s edition has in store. - Brandon Raeburn, Staff writer

Read our full report here.

The Regime Tour: DPR in Manila (PH)

If there was anyone you should be adding to your ‘list of artists to watch live’, it definitely has to be DPR. While you only go to see DPR Cream, DPR Live, and DPR IAN on stage, the concert was a product of endless work and impressive creativity from the entire crew. The Korea-based collective focuses on creative and encompassing experiences beyond what you just hear through their music and their live shows are the greatest example of what they do.

There was no doubt that the artists were going to give you a performance to remember, whether it was CREAM’s ability to get the crowd moving in an instant, Live’s innate stage presence that had you in awe, or IAN’s way of baring his heart and soul while simultaneously soothing yours; but the thing that really impresses you was the stage. Taking inspiration from live theatre, every component of the show was made of physical props, from the giant wings Ian emerged in to the giant astronaut that danced with Live. It was enchanting and mesmerising. 

If there’s one show from 2022 that I want to experience for the first time again, it would definitely be this one. - Franchesca Judine Basbas, Staff Writer

Read our full report here.

BMSG FES '22 (JP)

I never thought I'd enjoy an online event as much as I did BMSG FES '22. In fact, I enjoyed its online version so much I felt envious of those who actually got to witness it live at Fuji-Q Highland Conifer Forest last September.

Of course, the event revealed just how talented BMSG is — it is a label showcase, after all. But SKY-HI, BE:FIRST, Novel Core, Aile the Shota, edhiii boi, TAIKU, RUI. REIKO, and RAN (of MAZZEL) didn't just give stellar performances that their fans enjoyed, they gave us a reason to root for them and to cheer them on as they venture into a new chapter in their careers.

Aside from the unbelievable energy the acts gave off onstage, I really liked BMSG FES '22 because it led to so much discovery, not just about BMSG itself but also about J-pop shows in general. It was interesting to see how they go about lighting and sound direction, program structuring, and more. It honestly made me anticipate the time I get to see shows by Japanese music artists in person. - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

Get to know more about BMSG artists here.

WOODZ Live "Colourful Trauma" in Bangkok (TH)

WOODZ is known for many things – an all-rounder who can sing, rap, dance, write meaningful and often deep-cutting lyrics, produce songs, and work any crowd with his humour and charm. He even speaks multiple languages. But probably most of all, WOODZ, whose real name is Cho Seungyeon, is well-loved as an artist who pays exceptional attention to his fans. His first overseas live concert had shown all that. 

“Colorful Trauma” in Bangkok was WOODZ’s second concert with a live audience since concert restrictions have eased globally, and his first outside South Korea. I attended as a fan, having followed Cho Seungyeon’s work since 2019, and it was a marvellous experience. It can’t be easy performing by yourself to a dome-full of fans, but he’s a natural with captivating and fully engaging an audience, language barrier be damned. As soon as he walked onto the stage in his sparkly grey suit and cute pleated skirt, the crowd went wild and the energy did not wane one bit til the very end. 

WOODZ’s charm was palpable throughout the show – his MCs, VTRs, and all other antics served to entice various emotions from the crowd, all fond. His strong vocals were accentuated by a fantastic live band, something he’s made a point to have ever since his first virtual concert in 2020, and he simply shone as he performed his rich portfolio of rock, ballad, dance and hip-hop tunes with perfect flair. But what truly made the time extra special was after WOODZ closed the curtain and Cho Seungyeon reemerged to thank each and every person who attended the show, by having each of them go up on stage so he can do just that face-to-face. It was such a touching sight, as I waited for my turn and watched him return every gesture presented to him by each fan with equal enthusiasm. It’s really no wonder MOODZ love him so much. - Ginny Palma, Contributing Editor

Salo-salo Fest (PH)

When Salo-Salo Fest was first announced, it was so incredibly exciting. It combines the magic and thrill of music festivals and amusement parks, both of which we haven’t gotten to enjoy in the last few years. And of course, the festival was just as magical as we first thought. 

Presented by Karpos Multimedia, the festival brought together some of our favourite local acts like Rico Blanco, Unique, Mayonnaise, Lola Amour, Clara Benin, Ysanygo, Bea Lorenzo, Ebe Dancel, and more. It was a weekend of celebrating of local music while also reliving our childhood memories of rollercoasters and carousels, and combining the two at the same time was something we never knew we needed. 

More than its iconic venue and almost all-local lineup, the music festival truly celebrates being Filipino not just through togetherness but also in the skill and discipline of putting together music events. Salo-salo Fest had one of the best lighting direction and sound engineering we've seen this year. - Franchesca Judine Basbas and Maddie Castillo, Staff Writers

Read the full report here.

Lay Zhang Grandline 2: Infinite Lands (SG)

Cliché as it may sound, attending Lay Zhang’s first-ever solo concert in Singapore felt like a dream come true. By now, we already know how the multihyphenate is an expert at infusing oriental elements into his carefully crafted musical masterpieces. Still, Lay’s performance that night was full of surprises that nobody could foresee. We certainly did not expect to be treated to an actual traditional Chinese opera introduction during his performance of ‘莲 (Lit)’ — the track which birthed Lay’s love for krumping. As he exclaims, "Return of the king!" in arguably one of the most beloved songs in his discography to date, it is safe to say that he took all our breaths away and we can’t help but crave more.

Lay’s stage presence is unparalleled. From powerful dance performances to serenading fans with his soulful vocals and accompanying piano, every song speaks of his versatility and flair as an artist. As he took us through the concert’s setlist that night, fans felt so much more connected to him and we can’t help but wonder what else is in store for the multitalented artist in the years to come. Knowing Lay, he’s already working hard on his next project.

It is no easy feat holding a solo concert. As humble as he is, we know for a fact that the concert experience was nothing short of amazing and everything about him was perfect in our eyes. We hope Lay got to enjoy as much chili crab as he wanted whilst he was here and we are certainly looking forward to the next time we meet again. - Glenda Lim, Staff Writer

Read our full interview with Lay Zhang here.

Zild Gabi Ng Paniki: Halloween Party + Medisina Album Launch (PH)

When your music is as good as Zild's, it no longer comes as a surprise to see people show up to your album launch in costume despite bad weather.

Yes, Medisina deserved to be celebrated, and that was one hell of a party: attendees listened and danced as fairies, cartoon characters, superheroes and more, artists displayed their works in an exhibit, and people expressed their thoughts via a freedom wall. Zild was most definitely the man of that hour; his fitting perfectly into that Edward Scissorhands costume was a plus in our books.

But beyond Gabi Ng Paniki being arguably the best (rescheduled) Halloween party is the fact that it was a pretty good music gig. There were performances from Ena Mori, One Click Straight, and The Buildings. We saw Barbie's Cradle in their one-night-only performance. And they were all in costume, too. That's more than enough reason for us to dance in as much ecstasy as that T-rex we spotted in the crowd. - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer

NIKI The Nicole Tour (SG)

The Singapore leg of NIKI’s The Nicole Tour was an emotional rollercoaster for me, as well as pretty much everyone who was lucky enough to be in The Star Performing Arts Centre’s The Star Theatre. The Indonesian singer-songwriter’s show may be among one of the shorter ones I have seen but, but she made every second of it count as she took us through an evening filled with singing, joyous dancing, and tears — lots of tears. 

Although I knew that she was gifted lyricist and vocalist, I wasn’t aware that NIKI possessed an innate ability to both entertain and deliver intimate and moving performances. During ‘Keeping Tabs’, for instance, the 23-year-old cut such a charming figure as she flaunted her dance moves in front of a sea of delighted fans that it was genuinely hard to imagine that she was just a few songs away from making that same crowd fight back tears during numbers such as ‘Oceans & Engines’ and ‘Anaheim’. The stories that the 88rising act tells in her songs may be deeply personal but that certainly did not stop all in attendance from singing along to every word with the utmost conviction. For those who had not committed the lyrics to certain songs to memory, there was nothing to worry about because the loud chorus of voices accompanying NIKI throughout the show made it easy to learn them on the spot. 

If I had to pick one concert to erase from my memory so that I could experience it again, it would definitely be this one. -Brandon Raeburn, Staff Writer 

Read the full report here.

VERY Festival (TH)

In what will ultimately be one of my best music festival experiences ever, 2022’s edition of VERY Festival in Bangkok was certainly one to remember with its great mix of international and homegrown Thai artists, all coming together to share their music with this side of the world. There were so many interesting and exciting acts that weekend it is difficult to focus on just one but some naturally stood out as festival favourites.

Thai music fans’ love for their homegrown artists was evident as acts like LANDOKMAI, SILVY, and Violette Wautier drew great responses from a very adoring crowd. VERY Festival also gave us the opportunity that we long craved to get to know new and rising artists and refamiliarise ourselves with the ones who’ve been around. We saw keshi, pH-1, ADOY, HYBS, Wave To Earth, and Phum Viphurit charm their audiences with their charismatic performances while acts like The Kooks, Franz Ferdinand, and Tahiti 80 certainly turned up the nostalgia for music fans with their memorable sets. Also, how can we forget Singapore’s very own brb. who took over VERY Festival’s main stage with their energetic music and presence?

Apart from the musical acts we witnessed that weekend, VERY Festival also celebrated city pop with fairy lights and a City Pop Art Exhibition Tent, giving event-goers an almost dreamlike feel as we made our way around the festival grounds. All in all, the festival left us wanting more and personally for me? A whole slew of new, favourite artists to add to my Spotify playlists. - Glenda Lim, Staff Writer

Read the full report here.

Huling El Bimbo: Eraserheads Reunion Concert 2022 (PH)

There are a lot of factors that come into play when thinking about why Huling El Bimbo: Eraserheads Reunion Concert 2022 was such a successful show. Some reasons are more obvious than others: the nostalgia over the fact that this is the Eraserheads, playing once more together, every beautiful and well-thought gimmick that made the show a great audio-visual treat (like the UP Pep Squad performance, that artistic opening reel and Francis M's hologram), the 75,000-strong crowd.

And then there are the less noticeable ones: the friendly and very helpful ushers and bouncers by the entrances, the support of the local music scene both onstage (they did get really good sessionists) and off stage (the mosh pit section was teeming with musicians and artists), the fact that the crew got a catering service for their food and not packed meals. We've pointed it out before and we're pointing it out again: "With many grasping at navigating live, big-scale events after the two-year lockdown, the team behind the concert made sure that everything looked beautiful and ran smoothly at a relatively new venue to boot."

Not bad for a show whose ticket pricing was lamented over months ago: The Eraserheads reunion concert was truly worth it. It definitely gave a new meaning to the phrase "save the best for last." - Maddie Castillo, Staff Writer 

Read the full report here.