The boisterous cheers of excited fans filled up Peacock Theater Nov. 11 to welcome K-pop boyband RIIZE back to Los Angeles. The group performed the newest songs from their first studio album “Odyssey” as well as many other fan-favorites like “Get a Guitar” and “Love 119” for their last stop on the “RIIZING LOUD” tour.
With their unique sound, mesmerizing choreography and powerful stage presence, RIIZE kept the crowd on its feet from the opening to the encore. Despite being a relatively new group, debuting in September 2023, RIIZE has already carved out their own artistic identity. With new releases and recognitions, such as winning four categories at the D Awards, including “Performance of the Year,” they are consistently building a colorful career as well as a passionate fandom.
“I just really enjoy the fact that their vocals are very good, and I feel like they have a 2000s boy band type sound,” said Linda Arredondo, a new fan of RIIZE. “They have such a variety with their music, so anyone can find something for them. There is a song for everyone.”
Having recently discovered the group, Arrendondo shared she was “really excited to just come out with a bigger fan” after seeing them perform live.
After the house lights dimmed, a deep sound gradually intensified, leading up to RIIZE’s grand entrance onto the stage. With vivid red images depicting fire and the space on the stage grid behind them, RIIZE started off the show strong with a rendition of “Ember to Solar.” The upbeat, dance-pop with a blend of melodic harmonies and bold rhythms truly brought out each member’s distinct voices to the crowd.
“It was so lit, I screamed literally every second,” said Jiyu Choi, a RIIZE fan since pre-debut.
Following the striking opening, the band launched into a nonstop mix of songs from their new and previous albums, such as “Siren,” which showcased energetic choreography, as well as “Odyssey,” “Combo” and “Midnight Mirage,” which highlighted the group’s live vocals.
The show continued on to more interactive performances during “Love 119,” “Lucky,” and “Show Me Love,” where members and fans connected through chants and sing-alongs. Fans loved seeing members sharing sweet moments, like when Shotaro and Anton made a heart together.
Loud, echoing cheers transitioned to the next set with performances that highlighted creative stage blocking and dance breaks, including “Memories,” “Fly Up,” “Honestly” and “Impossible.” The group choreographed a unique dance break transition between “Memories” and “Fly Up” for every stop, with Los Angeles’ moment orchestrated by RIIZE member Shotaro.
In between each batch of songs, the group took time to talk to the crowd. All six members — Shotaro, Eunseok, Sungchan, Wonbin, Sohee and Anton — greeted their fans.The band described the “RIIZING LOUD” tour as a “journey of sharing their voices across the globe.” It marks a significant milestone for the group, a transition into being a global touring artist as well as expanding their footprint beyond Asia.
“We have so many wonderful memories here in LA,” Wonbin said. “Tonight is going to be a night that we can’t forget about. Because you guys were having so much fun, we were also having so much fun on stage.”
Wonbin reminded the fans of the different memories the group made in the city, such as hosting the fan concert in 2024 and shooting the music video for their recent comeback “Fly Up.” He remarked that LA is “number one.”
Fans from all over Southern California — and some from even farther — came to see RIIZE live in LA. One fan, Shirley Chen, who saw RIIZE in Seattle, traveled to see them for a second time in LA.
With LA having a prominent interactive concert culture, many fans expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with other fans at the concert. A popular practice is giving and receiving “freebies,” free items that fans craft and package as gifts for other fans at events like concerts.
“I have freebies with me. I love passing them out to people. And I just love connecting with more people overall,” Carolina Barrera said.
Her friend Jennifer Le said it’s common to see fans dress up as inside jokes within the fandom or create outfits inspired by music videos.
Denise Ruvalcaba, who became a fan of RIIZE after seeing them at KCON in 2023, said she hopes for the group to “continue to be themselves and continue to just make their fans proud as they are now.”
“It’s been good to see the growth, especially from the members individually,” Ruvalcaba said. “I hope to see them get even bigger.”