{"id":846083,"date":"2026-09-13T06:40:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T06:40:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/846083\/"},"modified":"2026-09-13T06:40:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T06:40:13","slug":"bigbang-celebrate-20-years-at-metlife-stadium-concert-best-moments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/846083\/","title":{"rendered":"BIGBANG Celebrate 20 Years at MetLife Stadium Concert: Best Moments"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tBIGBANG<\/a> brought its 20th anniversary run, the BIGBANG 2026-2027 World Tour \u2018XX : COSMOS,\u2019 to MetLife Stadium for the only East Coast date on the entire trek \u2014 and for the trio\u2019s first show in the tri-state area since two nights at Newark\u2019s Prudential Center in October 2015. G-Dragon<\/a>, Taeyang<\/a> and Daesung<\/a> are touring the world together for the first time since 2017, and for the first time as a three-piece, a fact the night never sidestepped but instead absorbed into the celebration.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe set ran through 30 songs across roughly three hours with era-defining K-pop hits (\u201cFantastic Baby,\u201d \u201cLoser,\u201d \u201cBang Bang Bang,\u201d \u201cHaru Haru,\u201d \u201cLies\u201d), solo showcases for each member (who shared their personal affinities for hip-hop, R&B, ballads and even Korea\u2019s traditional trot music), and the live rollout of BIGBANG\u2019s first new single in four years, \u201cBiiiG,\u201d after its official release on Aug. 19 to mark 20 years to the day since the group\u2019s debut.<\/p>\n

\n\tBehind all of it, YG Entertainment shared that the show came to life via a 23-ton mobile LED structure, a stage by Tony and Olivier Award\u2013winning designer Es Devlin, direction from 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show creative director Mike Carson, plus a live band led by Wow Jones, whose work spans Usher, Rihanna, Janelle Mon\u00e1e and Sabrina Carpenter.<\/p>\n

\n\tFrom MetLife, \u2018XX : COSMOS\u2019 heads across the Atlantic to Paris\u2019 Stade de France and London\u2019s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for shows on Sept. 19 and 26, respectively, before swinging through Asia and Oceania on the world tour\u2019s 36-show, 19-city run that stretches into February 2027.<\/p>\n

\n\tFrom an unhinged \u201cSOBER\u201d performance to the promise to keep going \u201con and on,\u201d the K-pop legends made their MetLife debut count. Read on for Billboard\u2018s best moments.<\/p>\n


\"Billboard
<\/a><\/p>\n

\tThe Fiery \u201cFantastic\u201d Start<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile BIGBANG are no strangers to massive concerts in North America, with past arena dates in cities like Los Angeles, Mexico City, Las Vegas, Toronto, Newark, and Anaheim, the \u2018XX : COSMOS\u2019 tour includes their first stadium shows in the States. That meant they could deliver an explosive set from the opening notes of their 2012 K-pop classic \u201cFantastic Baby,\u201d opening the concert with pyrotechnics shooting out fire spurts and fireworks into the sky as G-Dragon delivered his opening lines.<\/p>\n

\n\tThe flashy pyro kept going and growing throughout the show, making the concert feel even more like a celebration of the boundary-breaking group\u2019s two decades.<\/p>\n

\tDad-Joke \u201cLies\u201d About New Jersey<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cLies\u201d is one of BIGBANG\u2019s generation-defining K-pop hits, but it also briefly described Daesung when the group first addressed the crowd at the start of the show. When the singer-drummer asked, \u201cIt\u2019s our first time in New Jersey, right?\u201d G-Dragon and Taeyang quickly corrected him, as the band\u2019s history in the state goes back to their 2012 Alive Galaxy Tour<\/a>, when they were the first male K-pop group to play a U.S. arena, wowing New Jersey at the Prudential Center.<\/p>\n

\n\tFamous for his dad jokes, Daesung then asked if that makes the state \u201cOld Jersey for us?\u201d with Taeyang only responding with a deadpan, \u201cI can\u2019t laugh at that.\u201d Daesung ultimately course-corrected by saying, \u201cSo, every time when I come to New Jersey, I feel something new, so that\u2019s why I can say it\u2019s my first time in New Jersey, that\u2019s why.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tAfter opening the show with slamming songs like \u201cFantastic Baby\u201d and \u201cHands Up,\u201d the lighthearted banter reminded everyone that these are three down-to-earth guys enjoying themselves on stage.<\/p>\n

\tThe Enduring Heart of \u201cHaru Haru\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tIn a 2012 concert review, Billboard noted<\/a> the connection between BIGBANG fans (affectionately known as VIPs) and the group, writing, \u201cOne got a sense of the fans\u2019 dedication when BIGBANG dropped out singing to let concertgoers take the chorus to their hit song \u2018Haru Haru.\u2019 The fact that such a large East Coast venue could be filled with the lyrics of a song called \u2018Haru Haru\u2019 by the concertgoers is truly remarkable in and of itself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tFourteen years later, we\u2019re happy to report \u2014 again \u2014 both BIGBANG and VIPs\u2019 voices delivered, filling MetLife Stadium with the ballad\u2019s bittersweet lyrics.<\/p>\n

\tDaesung Brings Trot to the East Coast<\/p>\n

\n\tEarlier this year, Daesang pulled off the near-unbelievable spectacle of hearing Korea\u2019s traditional trot music at Coachella. This time, the vocalist filled MetLife Stadium by closing his solo set with \u201cHANDO-CHOGUA\u201d (his 2025 trot single with a music video co-starring Sana<\/a> of TWICE) with the crowd singing and shouting support the whole song.<\/p>\n

\n\tOnce again, it was a sight to not only hear the energetic, folky music style sung by a stadium full of East Coasters, but also to see huge Korean characters spelling out the song lyrics, undoubtedly encouraging even more of the audience to sing along and opening their eyes to learn more about an aspect of Korean culture beyond K-pop.<\/p>\n

\tTaeyang Does \u201cBAD\u201d So Good<\/p>\n

\n\tFor the opening number of his solo tracks, Taeyang delivered a physically and visually stunning performance of \u201cBAD\u201d off his album QUINTESSENCE released this past May.<\/p>\n

\n\tWithin the first 30 seconds of the song, Taeyang stage-dived from the riser he was singing on into a horde of backup dancers clad in spiky, pineapple-like masks. Not missing a beat, he kept singing as the dancers hoisted him, performing for an overhead camera and creating a visual on the LED screens that made Taeyang look like a rockstar crowd-surfing in a sea of fierce-looking supporters.<\/p>\n

\tG-Dragon Rides the Remixes<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile his bandmates stuck to more traditional renditions of their solo hits, G-Dragon\u2019s section saw him reimagining several of his past hits.<\/p>\n

\n\tHis 2024 comeback track \u201cPOWER\u201d got a reggaeton remix (as the stage lit up with a neon jungle backdrop), while 2012 hit \u201cCrayon\u201d replaced its trap beat with heavy live percussion (as the stage was drenched with a red-and-black church motif recalling the cover of the song\u2019s accompanying Billboard 200<\/a>\u2013charting One of a Kind album), all offering refreshing takes on his material that also showcased his diverse musical range.<\/p>\n

\tThe Unhinged \u201cSOBER\u201d Performance<\/p>\n

\n\tDespite the song\u2019s title, \u201cSOBER\u201d ended up being one of the wildest moments of the night as the BIGBANG trio\u2019s true brotherhood came out in full chaos.<\/p>\n

\n\tMaking faces and pointing directly into the camera lens, the guys clearly enjoyed themselves throughout the song. When Daesung took a moment to stand center stage and belt the last of the bridge, G-Dragon took it as an opportunity to grab his band mate\u2019s legs and crawl through them to deliver his next lines. The cameraman did not miss a beat, catching GD pushing through Daesung\u2019s leather pants, eliciting a wide-mouthed shocked smile from the singer as if he was birthing a Baby G-Dragon before our very eyes, with GD crawling out to sing his lines and eventually getting back on his feet.<\/p>\n

\n\tNot to be outdone by the younger members, Taeyang took the opportunity to twist himself on the concert stage floor to deliver his chorus while melodramatically reaching for the camera and sticking out his tongue for his final chorus lines before the performance ended with canons of confetti and a full-stage kickline from the trio and their troupe of dancers.<\/p>\n

\n\tUnhinged? Yes. Extremely fun? Extremely yes.<\/p>\n

\tThe Promise to \u201cKeep Going On and On\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tWith a massive Coachella set, the new single \u201cBiiiG\u201d and this tour, BIGBANG\u2019s 20th anniversary celebration has been in full swing throughout most of 2026. But in his final words to the MetLife Stadium audience, G-Dragon gave some big hints that more was on the way.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThis might sound a little personal, but since my solo comeback a couple years ago, I\u2019ve been very careful, step by step, where I kept trying to figure out a master plan to bring our golden days back,\u201d he shared. \u201cNot just for me, but for all of us, and this is what it\u2019s all about \u2014 finally, BIGBANG is so back. So, so back. Through the biggest world tour we\u2019ve ever had, and tonight in New Jersey, we\u2019re all here, together, again. It\u2019s been 11 years; we only got one single out so far, and the show gotta keep going on and on, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHe closed his speech with a message of gratitude, saying, \u201cNo matter what happens, some things never change, like us. So, VIPs, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much. We love you so much; thank you for everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tBIGBANG <3s NY<\/p>\n

\n\tWith the MetLife Stadium show marking BIGBANG\u2019s first show in the tri-state area in over a decade, and taking place on the historically significant 25th anniversary of the 9\/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, there were multiple moments showing love for New York City.<\/p>\n

\n\tFor the finale section of the concert, G-Dragon returned to the stage in a classic \u201cI <3 NY\u201d T-shirt, which he initially paired with a giant green mushroom before replacing it with one of the tour\u2019s official trucker hats. Then, in the final moments of the show, fans gifted Taeyang a Statue of Liberty costume crown and torch, which the star touted proudly \u2014 and hilariously \u2014 as the band said goodbye to fans, standing there holding the torch like Lady Liberty herself.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhether intentional or not, the lighthearted tributes to New York were well-received by the audience, who could see the two beams of light shining in tribute to the World Trade Center even in Jersey.<\/p>\n

\tJoining Fans for the Finale<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile BIGBANG spent a large part of the concert at MetLife Stadium thanking fans for sticking with them all these years, the guys also spent considerable time with fans during their performances of \u201cSunset Glow\u201d and \u201cLast Farewell\u201d in the finale. The two \u201900s singles saw the members head into the crowd to meet fans directly, take selfies, accept fan gifts, and have more fun interactions.<\/p>\n

\n\tTwenty years into their careers, BIGBANG clearly feels comfortable enough to spend quality time with fans and doesn\u2019t need to rush their interactions, as is sometimes typical in K-pop shows. Even those watching from the rafters had fun seeing all the ways BIGBANG and VIPs were meeting in person.<\/p>\n

\tDaesung Celebrates His Health<\/p>\n

\n\tOne of the most endearing moments came when Daesung shared a surprising comment about his health.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cI feel like I\u2019m in the best shape ever \u2014 physically and mentally,\u201d he said, with the mention of his mental health earning an extra whoop of support. He continued, \u201cI think I\u2019m in the best place I\u2019ve ever been and you are a big part of that. Thank you, I love you. You\u2019re so amazing, you\u2019re unbeatable.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile it\u2019s more common for artists in and out of the K-pop scene to speak more openly about their mental health today, BIGBANG has traditionally not been as candid about such experiences during their overseas concerts. Seeing Daesung not only in prime health but also wanting to share that with the MetLife Stadium audience was another moment worth celebrating.<\/p>\n

\t\u201cStill\u201d Remembering T.O.P<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile BIGBANG\u2019s membership has downsized from five to three in the last decade for various reasons, the final song of the night was \u201cStill Life,\u201d which the group introduced as \u201cthe story of BIGBANG.\u201d It was also the last song the group recorded with member T.O.P before his exit, and his rap section was still included in the performance, eliciting a sizable cheer from the audience.<\/p>\n

\n\tEarlier this year, T.O.P shared his feelings about the group today<\/a> with Billboard, saying, \u201cThe members of BIGBANG and I make very different kinds of music now, but I\u2019ll always support and respect their music.\u201d With seemingly no bad blood between them professionally, including T.O.P for \u201cStill Life\u201d as the concert\u2019s final song felt like a true tribute to the group\u2019s 20-year history and a way for fans to say goodbye to the group\u2019s former rapper in a meaningful way.<\/p>\n

\tThe Final Deep Bows<\/p>\n

\n\tIn many cultures around the world, a bow is a sign of respect, with the deeper the bow traditionally representing a deeper sense of regard and gratitude. While nearly every Korean performer will end their show with at least one bow to their audience, BIGBANG gave the MetLife Stadium crowd some of the highest forms of respect.<\/p>\n

\n\tWhile closing out the concert after the setlist\u2019s final song, \u201cStill Life,\u201d Daesung took his final moment in the center of the runway stage in the middle of the audience to deliver 90-degree bows to his right, to his left and to the center to show his gratitude to every person in the stadium. Taeyang and G-Dragon took things a step further with both getting on their knees and bringing their heads to the floor in the kind of deep bow that\u2019s rarely seen in overseas shows, likely due to the cultural differences.<\/p>\n

\n\tBy showing true gratitude and humility for such superstars, BIGBANG\u2019s deep bows being the final visuals for the concert show how important it was to leave fans with the highest sign of respect and thanks.<\/p>\n

\t


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