8 hours Ago
South Korean rockstars CNBLUE returned to New York City on April 18 after 11 years, paving way for a new journey in their musical career. It’s been well over a decade since CNBLUE performed in New York City, and members Jung Yong Hwa (vocals, guitar), Kang Min-hyuk (drums), and Lee Jung Shin (bass) were ‘Back in Black,’ tearing down the Knockdown Center like true rockstars. That night the beloved Maspeth venue was reminiscent of the legendary music of CBGB, with CNBLUE giving a true, gritty performance with their alternative vibes and fun punk-pop sound.
With his custom 1957 Les Paul “Black Beauty” slung over his shoulder, Yong Hwa rolled up his sleeve, looked at the crowd filled to the brim with adoring fans waving their blue light sticks, and smiled. “We are so excited to be back in New York after 11 years. I’ve been looking forward to this night for so long.
Did you miss us?” he said.[caption id="attachment_137759244" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption]A roar of screams reverberated throughout the venue, followed by the clanking of Min-hyuk’s drumsticks, signaling that the night would be one to remember. Throughout his performance, Yong Hwa let out intense guttural vocals akin to AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, evoking nostalgia for CNBLUE’s alternative rock sound since its debut in 2009.
All the while Jung Shin sauntered over to Min-hyuk’s drum kit, strumming his Fender bass in rosewood and Olympic white and jumping to the beat. Beneath a scarlet hue, CNBLUE threw their heads back and performed with electric energy, feeding off the crowd’s roars and cheers. Their dynamic stage presence is reflective of their 16 years of experience and the group shared with amNewYork that their love for music drives their sound.
“I am grateful that CNBLUE, now in its 16th year, is still loved and supported. There is no change in our dedication to giving our best at every performance, not even by 1%. I want to make happy memories during this tour in North America,” Yong Hwa shared.
[caption id="attachment_137759245" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption]“Music has been by my side since I was young. It may seem like a difficult path, but to me, music has been the easiest path. I believe the key to maintaining creativity is always being sensitive and responsive to every change,” Yong Hwa said.
“I am influenced by many artists. I have wanted to create songs with riffs like ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’, and also write simple but warm-message songs like ‘Oasis’.” His love for classic rock legends like Queen was shown during their performance, where Yong Hwa recreated his own version of Freddie Mercury’s 1985 Wembly Stadium ‘Ay-Oh!’ While also playing a few riffs from Red Hot Chili Peppers “Can’t Stop” blended into their CNBLUE’s hit song “Wake Up.
” CNBLUE’s North American Tour, VOYAGE into X in NORTH AMERICA, consisted of three stops: Toronto, New York, and LA. This limited engagement marked the start of a new chapter in CNBLUE’s career as they celebrated the release of their album ‘X,’ which ended a three-year hiatus. [caption id="attachment_137759248" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption]“I do not know what kind of journey is waiting for me in the new chapter, but I think it could be more difficult or exhausting than I expected.
However, I will approach it as an opportunity and try to challenge myself,” Yong Hwa told amNewYork. “There are a lot more journeys ahead, so I hope CNBLUE’s music and performances become a part of your lives,” Min Hyuk added. For long-time fans like Kimberly Pizon, CNBLUE’s return to the Tri-State area brought pure joy to her heart since it marked her third time seeing the group live.
Trekking from Jersey City, Pizon says she started to like the group when she saw ‘Hey You’ on MTV in the Philippines.“They’re music makes me feel really happy and hyped! They always pour their hearts out when they create a song, and I think that’s one of the biggest factors of why I’m such a big fan,” Pizon shared excitedly. “[The concert] was amazing and surreal! I waited for such a long time to see them again and was really ecstatic when they decided to have a tour! I’m very thankful that I was able to learn and love the music they make.
They’ve brought so much inspiration and motivation in my life and I’m very proud that I’ve been a fan of them for almost half my life.”[caption id="attachment_137759247" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption]CNBLUE told amNewYork that their fans are their motivation and support for continuing to work hard in the music industry. “I am looking forward to communicating with our fans as they grow together with CNBLUE’s music that will mature over time,” Jung Shin said.
“I spent my brilliant 20s since debuting as CNBLUE. Now, as I enter my mid-30s, I want to paint an even more amazing future. There are tough times too, but I still love music and want to keep moving forward.
As time goes by, our music is remembered and becomes a part of people’s memories. I want to be an artist who can make new, inspiring music that will allow us to connect with the past, present, and future.”“I am so happy to meet everyone again after more than 10 years.
Through this opportunity, we will showcase CNBLUE’s music with amazing live performances, so I hope you come to our concert. I want to meet you more often in various cities,” Min Hyuk said. “Music has always been by my side.
It has comforted me and brought me joy. As a musical artist, I realized that I could also be that kind of presence for someone else. That keeps me from getting tired and helps me stay focused.
I have come to realize that music and live performances do not always have to be perfect as long as the message is conveyed and it reaches someone. I hope it can reach even more people. There is no one right answer, and that makes it easier to keep up with music,” Min Hyuk added.
CNBLUE culminated their tour in San Francisco on April 27.[caption id="attachment_137759249" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137759250" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137759251" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137759252" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption] [caption id="attachment_137759253" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Photo by Amanda Moses[/caption].
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