Not too long after Covid and injury affected their tour, Stray Kids continued on as if nothing happened. It’s been a little bit under 3 years since they’ve been in the area and they are back with an impact. On July 12th, all 8 members of the South Korean boy group took to the stage in Oakland Arena, to a packed crowd. This marked the 4th stop on their Maniac World Tour to promote their mini-album, “Oddinary”.
Prior to the show opening, there was no shortage of merch stands to visit. I believe I passed at least 3 on the way to my seat, so waiting a long time wasn’t needed. To help promote a safe environment, the screens on the stage and occasional announcements encouraged patrons to keep their masks on in the arena.
As showtime approached, the music swelled to get the audience into the mood for what’s to come. Fans were actively singing together to all of the songs. For a moment, a video package played, highlighting the other JYP Entertainment artists. Around 8pm, the show was set to start.
As epic music started, the lights dimmed, and the big LED fixture on the mainstage lowered. Soon, the fixture raised up, revealing all 8 members to a roaring crowd. The group started off with the titular song, “Maniac,” a grungier piece that set the mood for the night. Following up with “Venom” and “Red Lights,” the audience is pulled into the concept with the high stage production. Spider leg props help explain the spider web iconography on the preshow screens and chains draped on the members. Soon, we also get the members all leashed, as if they’re controlled by the spider. This whole set started the night with high energy.
As a breather, the lights came up to give them a chance to introduce themselves and talk to the crowd. Most of the emceeing was led by the aussie english speakers, Bang Chan and Felix. They talked about their previous time in the states and recapped the songs they just performed. Shortly after, we proceeded to the next set.
With songs like “Easy,” “All In,” and “District 9,” there was no time to slow down with this high intensity set. After a well produced video package, the group switched things up. “Back Door” brought a little funk to the set list. They also got to take a break from choreography and sing with mic stands for “Lonely St.” We got to see more of the stage production when members danced on several raised platforms for “Charmer.”
After another video package, the members came out with pieces of modern looking hanbok, traditional Korean dress. When leading into “Thunderous,” they revealed a live band that was lifted on a platform from below the stage. In this set, we got live versions of songs, including “Domino” and the wildly popular, “Gods Menu.” The production value doesn't stop, as a LED lowered over the stage at the end of the catwalk.
Following another talking segment, the group turned the concert into a rock show with the likes of “Cheese” and “Yayaya.” Without choreography, the members were free to fill the stage and rock out with the crowd.
Leading into unit stages, half of the members stayed on stage to occupy the crowd while the others got ready. With segments like noise contests, aegyo, and freestyle rap, fans were treated to multiple surprises. The first unit took to the stage with a more vocal focused piece with “Waiting for Us.” The vocal unit also got to treat the crowd to a few song covers. The rap unit then came out and turned the concert into a hip hop show with “Muddy Water.” Felix would later explain that the song symbolized the coming of the new generation.
Before you knew it, it was already the last set of the show. They ended with a very epic set of songs like “Hellevator,” “Top,” and “Victory Song.” To go full circle, they brought the band back out.
Shortly after they left the stage, there was no surprise that an encore was on its way. The audience became part of the show and cameras turned to them to do a few dance challenges and pose games. Soon enough, the group came back out, covered in merch, to greet the crowd again with more songs and segments. Before the last few songs, the members all gave thank you speeches one by one, in english.
Stray Kids definitely knows how to put on a show. With a song catalog like theirs, I am in awe of how they maintained a high energy throughout the night. There was a good mix of genres throughout the show. With high stage production and the addition of a live band, they pulled all the stops for this show. Even coming off Covid and active injuries, the full group presented themselves as if none of it happened. I look forward to what their next visit will be like.