OnAFallingStar

Additionally, the 1st album commemorative release events held in Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo simultaneous to their tours also finished with great success. On the last day, the event was held on basement 1F of Tower Records Shibuya. However, the line stretched from 9F to basement 3F, and pushed the scheduled finishing time back by 4 hours. Despite this, the members greeted fans with warm smiles from start to finish, and received overflowing praise on twitter for ‘incredible service for 9 hours.’

During interviews for their album Brotherhood, the members would eagerly say things like ‘we’re happy to be able to hold concerts’ and ‘we hope to hold a concert soon.’ Even during this live, they said ‘we’re happy to be able to hold concerts’. The shared this happiness with a full-house of fans, who filled Studio Coast to the fullest capacity in its history. In this place, everyone became one through music and it became a night of shared happiness.

NFLYING is the ‘Cinderella Story’ of the 2019 Korean music industry. Soon after the new year, they released Rooftop. After finishing its (promotional) activities, steadily there was an increase in word-of-mouth. Approximately a month and a half after its release, the song began its chart reversal. It was the first time they had acquired the number 1 spot. In March, in an unusual move, they restarted their promotional activities and also claimed their first number 1 spot on broadcast. As the current ‘hot stars’, the passion of the fans who had been waiting impatiently was also tremendous. As soon as the opening SE (sound effects) began to play, the fans raised their fists while screaming ‘Waah!’. The members were greeted by this as they entered (the stage).

In this concert was: Lee Seunghyub (Vo, Rap), Cha Hun (Gt), Kim Jaehyun (Dr), Yoo Hweseung (Vo), accompanied by their senior, FTISLAND’s Lee Jaejin to support them as (guest) bassist. Upon entering the stage, Seunghyub screamed ‘What’s up Tokyo? Make some noise!’ before they began to play The World is Mine and Lupin from Brotherhood in quick succession. The richness and overwhelming quick rhythm from the twin vocals had the audience’s hands stretching toward the stage. It was also likely the first time for them (NF) to feel this sense of unity being born right from the start.

Within their setlist they showcased all of their songs from the album Brotherhood, while also weaving in their teppan* (?) songs. As has become the norm since Hweseung joined, during the concert they also performed an elaborate collection of songs arranged into an ‘NFLYING style’ in a mash-up medley.

*(Could mean like ‘tasting platter’ teppan style. Meaning short snippets of songs of their choosing)

This time they also showcased a Queen Medley, which was uploaded to their dedicated Japanese Youtube channel (opened in February). Imitating Freddy Mercury, Hweseung picked up the mic stand and announced ‘there’s something I want to do.’ He had fun doing the ‘eeeh oh’ call-and-response from the movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ with the fans on the floor.

While wearing black hats, they also performed a Michael Jackson Medley which was prepared specifically for this tour. Hweseung said, ‘Covers are fun, so I want to study them.’ However, he has (already) been showcasing covers of Japanese songs including ones from Aimyon and Yonezu Kenshi in his ‘Try to Sing’ series on his Youtube channel. As a vocalist, Hweseung’s skill, range and expressiveness added to NFLYING seems to have allowed the band to gain musical freedom.

Additionally, Seunghyub who is a vocalist alongside Hweseung, will (in future) not have to focus only on vocals, but can also rap. With Seunghyub the vocals are rich, and the NFLYING-like ‘mixture sound’ is established. The twin vocals are NFLYING’s greatest weapon. Seunghyub, who was on piano during Run, Heal the World and the Michael Jackson Medley, then acoustic guitar for Delight, is a man of many talents. As the main songwriter for Brotherhood and the writer/composer of the huge hit song Rooftop, Seunghyub is displaying the results of his blossoming musical talents.

Then there is the guitarist who unveils his hardcore guitar (skills) Hun, who greatly respects Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Mark Tremonti (Alter Bridge). Also Jaehyun who, although he is a drummer, is the charming mood maker who draws your attention within songs. While watching the concert, just like the title of the album Brotherhood, the strength of the member’s relationship lies in their musical bond. Through this, I feel as they have been pushed into a higher stage.

From the time of their Rooftop activities, they became a 4 member band. In regards to this, Hun said, “I’ve always wanted to say this. I’m sorry for always causing you to worry. At the beginning of this year we had a big turning point. We, who were always chasing after our dreams together like brothers came apart. Our hearts hurt. The more I thought of everyone who was always cheering us on, the more painful it was. However, your voices saved us.”

He was met with loud applause.

“We wish to repay you with great music and great concerts.” He conveyed his gratitude to the fans.

This time, the empty bass position was filled by Jaejin, a veteran who is in his 12th year since debut. He plays with live-band veteran FTISLAND, and playing with NFLYING this time, I expect they also gained something from him.

“Is there anything we can do to repay you for this?” Jaehyun asked Jaejin in regards to the matter.

To which Jaejin proposed, “We have FNC Kingdom right? Our (FTISLAND’s) vocalist will need to leave us (for army enlistment), however me, Seunghyun (Gt) and Minhwan (Dr) will be performing. Because I helped you out this time, please help us out next time. With that, we’ll be even.”

It seems the brotherhood between FTISLAND and NFLYING will deepen at FNC Kingdom.

From the middle of the stage, came their newest Korean song Spring Memories. It was their first time using acoustic guitars for their (lead) promotional track. As they played this gentle song, loud fan-chants rose from the venue.

The final stage opened with Delight, with Hweseung singing lyrics which conveyed their thanks, and which spoke of the red, star-like lights from the fans which connect NFLYING and NFIA. They performed their Korean debut song Awesome as well as other nostalgic songs.

During their MC section, a surprise announcement was made to their fans. They announced that they were to release a Japanese single in November, and perform their first hall concerts in Nakano Sun Plaza across two days.

Hun revealed excitedly “We’ve started preparing the music and there will be a double title track. Our commemorative release event will be held at Nakano Sunplaza. We’re finally able to perform in halls!”

Seunghyub added reverently, “It’s thanks to all of you that we were able to ascend those stairs. Just a little, Budokan is coming into our sights. Will you keep an eye on our dream with us? For as long as I live, I will never forget this day. Stand by you! Stand by me! Please remain by our side from now on too!” before launching into the lead track of the album Stand by Me.

Matching the rhythm of the drums, calls of ‘Hey!’ rose from the floor as a sudden sense of unity rose for Endless Summer.

To finish, Seunghyub blew a kiss into the audience and said, “We decided on this song for our final song. You gifted us with 1st place, and it was with this song that we were reborn. Your support connects to our current and future dreams. Thank you so much!”

As he conveyed his gratitude, they started singing Rooftop -Japanese ver-, with the audience singing along passionately. They brought it to a close as one, with the highest tension of the day.

During the encore, Hweseung said, “Because you all requested it, today there is one (an encore). From now on, please continue to shine your red lights on us.”

Jaehyun: “When we were the opening act for our seniors, the lights from the audience seemed to float like stars in the universe. Today, I was able to witness NFLYING’s universe. Please continue to exist in NFLYING’s sparkling universe from now on too.”

Hun: “Even if we perform in bigger venues, the image of our first live in Shibuya Cyclone (a venue with 300 capacity) in 2013, remains in my heart. I hope to grow without forgetting my original intentions.”

Seunghub: “I’ve said that in Nagoya and Osaka we wished to convey our power to you. However, instead we received power from you. We want to become a force to be reckoned with.“

One by one they expressed their gratitude. Lastly, the supporting Jaejin also spoke.

“So that NFLYING can become an amazing band from here on out, please give them lots of love,” he conveyed warmly to the fans.

After finishing all 3 songs in the encore Leave It, Fall With You and Songbird, everyone gathered in the centre of the stage. However, for a second time, voices called loudly for an ‘encore’ without stopping.

Seunghyun said in bewilderment as everyone gathered to discuss, “This is a new situation…but if we can stay on stage longer, it makes me happy.”

They played a double encore with Stand by Me. From the audience, shouts of joy sounded, once again showing incredible excitement. Hweseung turned his mic to the audience and shouted echoingly with great strength, as if his happiness were about to explode. Seunghyub gave a thumbs up and said “You’re the best!”

When they all gathered for the final time in the centre of the stage, they gave their final greetings without a mic. “This was NFLYING!”

Having done this, they all gathered around the supporting Jaejin and hugged him in gratitude.

NFLYING began indie activities in Japan in 2013, and have doggedly persevered for 6 years to reach where they are today. They were able to put out a concert overflowing with passionate emotions. However, here, I was able to witness their gratitude to their fans and the member’s strong brotherhood with each other. Looking back in the coming years, I believe this concert will have become a milestone.

Original Author (Jpn): Yukari Sakamoto @ Excite News Translation by: @onafallingstar​ Photos by: Yamada Masahiro

Setlist:

The World Is Mine

Lupin

The Real

Wanna Be

Hot Potato

Run

R U Ready?

Queen Medley

Michael Jackson Medley

Spring Memories ～春めいて～

HOW R U TODAY

Color

Delight

Pinhole

ギガマッキョ (Awesome) -Japanese ver.-

UP ALL NIGHT

Stand By Me

Endless Summer

Rooftop -Japanese ver.-

Leave It

Fall With you

Songbird

＜ENCORE＞

Stand By Me

Live Information

N.Flying 2019 1st Hall Live in Japan 28 (Thu) and 29 (Fri) November 2019 Nakano Sun Plaza

Event Appearance Information