On Sept. 19, Korean rock band Rolling Quartz made its Los Angeles stop on the “MY TURN” 2026 tour at Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, delivering a high-energy set built around live instrumentation and the members’ distinct stage presence.
The five-member band centered the show on its live rock sound, with two guitars, bass and drums filling the intimate venue at close range. At the same time, playful exchanges between members and occasional interactions with fans added a lighter, warmer side to the set.
Clyde Shenefield, who attended the concert with his brother Steve Shenefield, approached Rolling Quartz more from a rock background.
“I’m not a real big K-pop fan,” Shenefield said. “Unless they’re a little edgy. These guys have a nice rock edge to them.”
He first came across Rolling Quartz through social media and his brother. What caught his attention in videos of the band was “the raw energy.”
“Any opportunity to see a really good band that I haven’t had a chance to see live, I’m going to take that opportunity,” Shenefield said.
Rolling Quartz brought that “raw energy” onstage immediately with “RE.BOLD.” An instrumental introduction played under alternating blue and purple lights before vocalist Jayoung came in. Moving with the beat, she repeatedly lifted her arms as the song built, gradually raising the energy in the room.
The stage was already close to the audience, but members repeatedly shortened the distance. During some of the set’s most energetic moments, they moved onto the extended portion of the stage, bringing themselves and their instruments closer to the crowd and drawing louder cheers from them.
Rolling Quartz grew out of two earlier bands. Jayoung, guitarist Hyunjung and drummer Yeongeun had performed together in Rose Quartz, while guitarist Iree and bassist Arem were members of Rolling Girls. The five later joined forces and combined the two names to form Rolling Quartz before debuting with “Blaze” in 2020.
Different hair colors and individual styling gave each member a distinct presence onstage, while a shared mix of feminine and rock-inspired elements tied the group together visually.
Concertgoer Bert Hsu regularly attends anime and idol events and said he had become increasingly interested in female musicians and bands.
“It’s really nice to see this nice mix of anime and idol singers and rock music together,” Hsu said.
That blend came through clearly in the members themselves.
Iree, recognizable by her bright red hair, played guitar with a sharp and commanding presence. When she spoke, she came across noticeably softer and more playful. Small exchanges with Jayoung added to that contrast and brought a more relaxed tone into the heavier rock set.
Shenefield also pointed to the members’ relationship with one another.
“The chemistry between all the band members,” he said when asked what stood out about Rolling Quartz. “They’re really good with their fans, and that’s a big thing. They give back a lot to the fans.”
Behind the drum kit, Yeongeun’s purple gradient hair and softer styling contrasted with the force of her playing. Even with two guitars, bass and vocals filling the room, her drumming remained one of the most prominent parts of the live sound.
Midway through the set, the crowd responded especially strongly when Rolling Quartz turned to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Jayoung introduced it as “a famous song of Queen that everyone knows, loves and has many memories of,” adding, “We worked hard to prepare. Hope you enjoy.”
She began seated at the keyboard, playing as she sang through the song’s quieter, more somber opening. Her delivery grew more intense as the arrangement expanded. By the climactic “let me go” section, Jayoung had climbed onto the bench, singing above the keyboard.
The band’s connection with fans was visible during its short member talks, where the members often used the moment to thank the audience. Later in the night, Arem referred to having “dreamed of this moment,” telling the audience, “You made it come true.”
Hyunjung followed by thanking fans for the energy they had given the band throughout the tour.
“Thank you for your energy during the tour,” she said. “I feel like I’m gaining more strength.”
After the band left the stage, the crowd continued calling for an encore. Rolling Quartz soon returned with “Romantist,” with drummer Yeongeun seated at the keyboard and playing through the song’s softer opening.
Just as “Romantist” seemed ready to end, Jayoung took over at the keys.
“Thank you for giving us a reason to come back,” Jayoung told the audience before asking everyone to turn on their phone flashlights.
Small points of light began appearing across the venue. When the drums came back in, the full band sound returned with them, drawing another round of cheers from the crowd.
Even after the song ended, the crowd kept calling for Rolling Quartz to stay.
Following its Los Angeles show, Rolling Quartz continued its “MY TURN” tour with stops in Salt Lake City and Denver. The band will next perform in Oklahoma City on Sept. 29, followed by shows in Albuquerque, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and Dallas.
Edited by Justin Ha