FAN ACCOUNT JYJ in VANCOUVER

On Saturday 21st May 2011, @ctoast said:

This JYJ World Concert – Vancouver stop fan account is dedicated to the wonderful @Spring_Breezes, who is the most awesome JYJ fangirl ever. Thanks for always answering my random tweets, and making me smile w/ your spazzing! 😀

First of all, I don’t think I ever properly introduced myself. I’m definitely a “noona” fan also, although I’m not THAT much older than the boys (lol!). I support JYJ from DBSK. I will always remember them with fond memories from when they were 5, but now I’m a JYJ supporter.

Vancouver is my home town, so when I found out they were coming here, I was quite excited, but at the same time apprehensive. Vancouver is not exactly a town where Asian concerts always sell out. Even the biggest acts from Asia (like Jay Chou) don’t sell out at Rogers Arena. So I was hoping JYJ would choose a smaller venue when they came. Alas, Rogers Arena it was, and I already knew in the back of my mind it would be hard to fill up, but I was hoping for the best.

You may be disappointed to hear that the venue wasn’t full. As I said, I can’t say I’m surprised, but I can offer some additional reasons as to maybe why it wasn’t that full. a) It’s Victoria Day long weekend Friday for Canadians, and most people usually take out of town trips for this weekend; b) It’s Game 3 of the Canucks vs San Jose hockey playoffs, and Vancouver is a huge hockey town so some potential casual concert goers might choose hockey instead; c) I honestly didn’t see any promotion around town. I thought there would be at least a poster in H-Mart (local Korean super market). I might be wrong, but even a week before the concert I didn’t see any posters? The local newspaper listed “JYJ” as a concert event, but surprisingly had no information on it (it usually gives a quick blurb). I think all these factors added to less ticket sales than expected. Despite that, I think there were a couple thousand ppl at the venue, which is impressive despite the above. So I think everyone should be satisfied and proud of JYJ, as they had a lot of odds to go against!

I took a friend of mine to the concert. She doesn’t really know anything about JYJ, but she was nice enough to give it a try. I have to say I was a bit distracted during the concert by making sure my friend was enjoying herself. I gave her a red light stick to wave around (lol). So my fan account is not the most detailed ever, sorry!

We arrived at 8pm sharp, and the concert started at around 8:25. The concert allowed small cameras, but anything big would be taken away. The stage was two tiered, with a raised area with steps coming down, and a main stage that included a protruding area that went into the floor seats. I sat to the right of the stage (non floor seats). There were 3 big screens behind the stage which provided everyone with great views of what was going on.

I’m proud to say that Vancouver fans chanted “JYJ”, and “JYJ” only! I am really proud!

When the boys finally came on stage to sing Empty, all I could honestly do was cover my mouth and go “GASP!” It felt so surreal finally seeing them in person, after years of staring at them thru a computer screen. My friend poked me and asked “which one do you like best again? This one?” I look up and there was Jaejoong’s face on the giant screen. I let out quite an undignified squeal, because his hair was straightened!!!! 😀 I was so happy it wasn’t the “poodle perm” as my coworkers called it, because honestly in my mind Jaejoong’s perfect straight hair is a draw for me to see the concerts! (yeah sorry, I’m one of THOSE fans that obsesses about his hair lol. That’s why @Spring_Breezes I laughed so hard at your Jaejoong bald comments!)

The boys sound AMAZING live, especially Junsu. Jaejoong wasn’t bad either, but Yoochun was a bit hard to hear. Yoochun did look extremely tired, so hopefully he’ll get some rest?

The song list was basically the same as the ones at the other concerts, except there was no Unnamed Song Part 1. I guess they decided that 8+ mins of rap in Korean wasn’t suitable for a North American audience. Hopefully it’ll come back for the other stops, as I personally think it’s great!

All their dancing was really good, and Ayyy Girl is 1000000 times better live than on the album! I think it was Mission when they came out, and Yoochun wore… just a weird strap thing under his jacket without a top?!?! Did he do that at the other concerts too?! I don’t remember, so my reaction was “Is he really topless under that jacket?!! o_0”. He was really skinny, I hope he gets more rest after the drama. (umm.. always keep the health?!! XD)

The boys didn’t really speak much at the concert, and Yoochun did most of the talking in English (just the usual “are you guys having fun?” type phrases). Junsu spoke a bit too (so, so cute!!), but I think Jaejoong kept just saying “arigatou” in Japanese?? lol! maybe he said “thank you” too, I don’t quite remember. My non-fan friend said she was impressed with their English, and that it was better than she thought it’d be. so good job, JYJ!

Overall, the concert was AMAZING, worth every penny I paid (and I paid for my friend’s ticket too! lol). it’s just so great to see them live, and you can totally appreciate what great artists they are. I’m sure other fan accounts go into more details, like Jaejoong making a cute smile when he almost (or did he?) miss the que for one of the new songs (was it boy’s letter or you’re?), and Jaejoong and Yoochun making eye contact and smiling at each other on stage, or when the two made “you go first!” gestures to each other during one of the songs. These little moments are what make me love JYJ, and I’m so glad I got to see them in person. I also believe some coordinated fan message signs were held up like at other concerts, but because we arrived at the venue late we didn’t know what was being done.

I’m sooo happy that I went to the concert, and I’m sure everyone who went would agree it was incredible. You know how people make lists of things they want to do before they die, like climb the sydney harbour bridge or see the pyramids in Egypt? Well one of mine is to “see a JYJ concert, anywhere in the world, with my best friend”. When we first made this resolution together JYJ was still only active mainly in Korea/Japan. Who would have guessed we can actually see them in North America? We are so lucky that they decide to tour here. So everyone please go support, bring your friends! I’m flying down to LA to see them again w/ my best friend, and paid for another ticket for a friend in LA. (ok as a Noona Fan it’s hard for me to learn the flash mob but I can provide financial support 🙂 My non-fan friend said at the end tonight “The show was really good, and I don’t even know any of their songs!” So please show support if you can, hope to see lots of you in LA!

credit: @ctoast
Momma’s Source: Twitlonger