MONSTA X’s World Tour Brings The Heat To Fairfax Once Again

Photos: Roxanne Wilson

Have you ever been to a concert that you have been anticipating for years? A concert you have been looking forward to since it was announced? That’s how it was for MONSTA X. When MONSTA X announced their tour, MONBEBEs around the world watched eagerly, hoping their city made the list. Seeing Fairfax, VA make the list excited DMV fans and gave the members a chance to return to Eagle Bank Arena. With most members back from mandatory military service, fans were pumped to see MONSTA X return.

Walking into the arena, you could feel the anticipation from every fan. Even in the rain, it didn’t dampen the mood of any MONBEBE in the venue. As everyone walked around, grabbed merch, freebies, and chatted with others, you could hear how excited fans were. Since Fairfax was the first stop on the U.S. leg of the tour, many wondered what the setlist would be. As everyone settled into their seats, fans bounced with excitement. The moment the lights dimmed, every fan was on their feet. Blasting through the speakers was their high-energy, upbeat B-side “BEASTMODE.” The song's bass rang through the venue, and fans sang along to the lyrics. This hard-hitting track hyped fans as we waited for MONSTA X to grace the stage. After the song ended, a VCR started playing, and fans cheered enthusiastically as each member appeared on screen. During this tour, member I.M. couldn't join due to mandatory military service, but MONSTA X did a great job including him in the concert. When he appeared on the VCR, fans cheered even louder, showing that the love was still there even while far away. 

The moment the members took the stage, the crowd couldn’t contain their enthusiasm. Wearing all-white bedazzled jackets, white shirts, and black leather pants, the members looked majestic. As they took the stage, fans wondered what song would come first. Would they do something new from their recent release, or would they do a throwback and do something from older releases? The first song answered our question: “DRAMARAMA.” As soon as the members started singing, the crowd sang along, keeping up with the raps and strong belts. From there, the members were on a roll with the next four songs, “Love Killa,” “Rush Hour,” and with a quick outfit change (from the white jackets to burgundy), the members continued the string of high-energy tracks with “Lone Ranger” and “Catch Me Now.” 

Leaving fans out of breath and craving more, the members took a moment for the first ment of the night. The members talked about how excited they were to be back after four years. As each member introduced themselves, fans could be heard cheering for them, letting each member have a moment to shine. As a viewer, you have to give it to MONSTA X for how they interact with fans and make them feel included. For example, the moment members Kihyun and Hyungwon had fans cheer their names back. It was a moment that made fans overjoyed and made us love the members' interactions. They did a great job making sure this moment was fun for MONBEBEs. They also made sure it was just as fun as watching them perform–Minhyuk’s bright, bubbly personality was contagious and made every fan smile, and Joohoney continued the ment, reminiscing the last time they’d been in the DMV, Shownu was in the military. The members started cracking jokes about the experience, and Shownu said he was excited to be here. 

It was time to move to the next section of songs, and to get us pumped, the members asked whether we preferred the powerful or sexy side of MONSTA X. Judging by the cheers, the members got the message. They said they understood and would now show us that sensual side. With five microphone stands, the boys stepped forward and performed the next tracks. Their next string of songs, “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT,” “Baby Blue,” and “Heal,” were all beautiful ballads that made fans want to sing along. They sang the tracks beautifully, with stunning scenery behind them. It was a stunning way to end the first half of the concert, and as the instrumental continued, the members made their way to the back for a quick outfit change. 

After the VCR, the members returned to the stage, dressed in an arrangement of all-white outfits. After showing their most sensual side, it was time to show their powerful side. The members hit the stage with three tracks that had every fan on their feet and ready to dance, starting with their thrilling, hip-hop-heavy track “MAGIC.” The title track from their new release, The Phase - EP, made fans wonder whether any tracks from their hard-hitting release would make the setlist, and the crowd was excited to hear it. After that came two upbeat tracks: “Do What I Want” and “Tuscan Leather.” Both are upbeat tracks from their release THE X - EP, and they had the entire arena on its feet, dancing along to the driving beat. The segment was fun and led us into the second part of the night. The members shared that they prepared the songs they just performed and would perform for us U.S. MONBEBEs. They talked about preparing songs from their recent English album Unfold, showing the dedication and love the members have for MONBEBEs. The next two songs, “WHO DO YOU LOVE (feat. French Montana)” and “this!” are both songs from two separate English albums from the group. This was a memorable moment in the show and showed the time and preparation that went into creating the setlist. 

Once the members left the stage, the venue was so excited for what was next. After another VCR, the screen began playing a concert video. The video showed member I.M. performing his striking track “ERROR.” The entire venue was on its feet, moving their lightsticks to the song's beat. Little did we know, this was a clever introduction to a string of solo performances. The first soloist to hit the stage was member Shownu. Performing his solo track “Around & Go (SHOWNU Solo),” Shownu delivered an R&B song with smooth vocals and choreography. After him was member Hyungwon with his solo track “NO AIR (HYUNGWON Solo).” With a sensual sound, the song is captivating, and Hyungwon’s deep voice is mesmerizing. Both songs are from their new sub-unit album, LOVE ME. The two then came together to perform their track “Breathe.” They both were wearing all-black, form-fitting fits. “Breathe” is an R&B and Afrobeat track that had every fan moving their hips along to the beat with the members. It was a strong start, leading into the next soloist, Kihyun. Rocking a baby blue suit, Kihyun took the stage to perform his recent rock/pop track “Howling” from his album BORDERLINE. Kihyun’s high energy got the whole crowd jumping. As he jumped around the stage, fans were entranced by Kihyun’s strong vocals, and this energetic track got us ready for the next soloist, Minhyuk. Minhyuk brings a smile to everyone around him, and he did exactly that. The moment he walked on stage in a dark blue outfit that matched his dark blue guitar, Minhyuk delivered a heartwarming rock solo, “Reaching,” a track that had every MONBEBE swaying their lightsticks to the beat and singing along. After him was member Joohoney. Wearing a black suit, Adidas pants, and red gloves, Joohoney shifted the dynamic by performing two of his solo tracks, “Sting” and “Touching The Sky.” His high energy kept the entire arena jumping. The bass thumped, and the crowd stayed energetic. It was a great segue into the next songs that came after the VCR.

When the boys returned to the stage in matching jackets, like the Power Rangers, they were ready to perform their next two tracks. Starting off strong, the two tracks “Autobahn” and “Burning Up (feat. R3HAB)” had the entire arena ready to take charge at full speed. The energy was high, and everybody was ready to party. So we could all catch our breath, it was now time for ment number three. During this ment, the members talked about each other's solos. It’s always fun to see the members interact with fans and each other. Watching them copy each other’s choreography and laugh together made fans laugh along. There was one moment during the ment when Joohoney explained that he had music ready on his computer and asked if we would rather he rap or sing. With a unanimous vote, the crowd agreed on both, and he understood the message from our enthusiastic cheers. The members then told us they'd need all our energy for the next three songs, and the fans didn't disappoint. The next three tracks, “Beautiful Liar,” “Alligator,” and “Shoot Out,” were intense and demanded so much energy from the members, and as fans, we were so thankful and proud of the members; you could feel the love between the members and fans. As they left the stage, the crowd cheered them on, giving the members some encouragement. It was a moment that showed MONSTA X's dedication, and as a MONBEBE, you couldn’t help but appreciate it. 

As the camera panned over the crowd of MONBEBEs, you could see a beautiful array of colors from everyone’s lightsticks. As the fans cheered their name, a meter appeared on the screen. The louder we cheered, the higher the meter rose, and when it hit the top, fans stood giddy with anticipation. When the members returned to the stage, they wore an arrangement of tour merchandise. The members looked excited to be back on stage, and it was time for us all to jump to our feet for the three tracks, “OH MY,” “Rodeo,” and “Zone.” MONSTA X really wanted us to dance along, and they made sure we did. We were all out of breath by the end, and the final moment of the night was a great chance to calm our hearts, but our hearts were still beating from the sweet words of the members. It was time for our picture moment with MONSTA X. Given the slogans fans made, the members were really touched to receive them. They couldn’t stop looking at them and smiling, and another moment warmed not only MONSTA X's hearts but MONBEBEs’, too. As we got ready for our photo, a video started playing on the screens around the DMV, showing MONBEBEs telling MONSTA X how excited they were to have the boys back in Fairfax. The video welcomed the members, and as each fan came across the screen, Joohoney was saying a big thank you. It was a cute moment that had everyone in awe. After our photo, the members said they were so happy to be back and promised to return. The members' heartfelt messages were touching, and they told us how much they love MONBEBE and always will. The members ended the concert with their beautiful ballad “growing pains.” It was a heartwarming farewell and a beautiful ending to a memorable concert. 

MONSTA X is a phenomenal group, and this concert was an eventful comeback for the members. I would recommend that everyone see MONSTA X if you get the chance. Their concerts are so memorable and fun that you would want to party all night with them. It was such a joy to see them again, and we can’t wait to see them in the future.