The electric buzz of anticipation filled the air as we stepped into the venue, determined not to miss our chance at BE:FIRST merch. What followed was a night of pure magic as the seven-member Japanese pop group delivered an unforgettable performance in New York City.

Standing in the merchandise line, screens displaying the concert's opening let us witness the explosive start with "Mainstream" – a perfect opener that set the tone for the night. When we finally entered the main space, what struck us immediately was how different this fan experience felt from other concerts. The crowd created a welcoming atmosphere that felt less like attending a show and more like friends gathering to enjoy music together.

Each member brought their distinct personality to the stage through both performance and fashion choices. Ryoki embodied his "bad boy" image in dark green with a cap, while Ryuhei caught every eye in sparkly hot pink. Junon's fluid, graceful movements contrasted with Sota's powerful dance breaks, showcasing the group's diverse talents. What truly amazed us was experiencing their individual styles while witnessing flawlessly synchronized choreography.

The intimate venue allowed for genuine connections between artists and fans. When members asked where people were from, you could hear individual responses – Boston, Colombia, Brazil, DC – creating moments impossible in stadium settings. We even spotted fans representing other fandoms, including ATINY and ARMY with their light sticks, showing a beautiful cross-fandom support system.

What made this concert particularly poignant was knowing it featured all seven members, including Ryoki, who will soon depart the group. During a brief moment addressing fans, he became visibly emotional, simply stating he wants to "live life" – words that resonated deeply with everyone present.

For anyone who hasn't experienced BE:FIRST live, we cannot recommend it enough. Their online presence, while impressive, doesn't capture the energy they bring to their live performance. 

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BE:FIRST info: Instagram X YouTube official

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