Taiwanese artist KIRE, known for his dynamic blend of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and pop, brought his storytelling prowess to London’s Outernet on the 7th of September for “The Kid Who Flew” UK TOUR. From his early days of songwriting to his recent EP ‘Push,’ KIRE has cultivated a unique sound and a captivating stage presence. This was my third time seeing him perform, and it was a night that highlighted his remarkable growth as an artist.
I first had the pleasure of seeing him open for Stray Kids at BST Hyde Park, and later that year, I attended a more intimate event in December which included the fun “KIRE’s Playlist With Davide K-pop” game.
“The Kid Who Flew” concert on September 7th was a clear leap forward. The entire performance was elevated by the addition of four dancers and incredible visuals on the massive screens, turning the show into a cohesive and immersive narrative. It was evident that KIRE poured immense effort into this production, and I was incredibly grateful to be there.
The show’s core theme was a journey of self-discovery, reflecting KIRE’s own life story. He opened up about his childhood, born in Taiwan and later living in a foster home, first in Taiwan and then moved to the US in Texas, and how these experiences fuelled his passion for music and his dream of becoming an entertainer. He shared the vulnerability of creating a stage persona, “KIRE,” that is distinct from his real self, Erik, which is his English name. This transparency made the performance deeply personal and resonated with the audience. Watching him move through his setlist, which included fan favourites like “Yao,” “fuh,” and “the 1,” as well as tracks from his new EP ‘Push,’ made me curious about the future. I found myself wondering how this stage persona will continue to evolve in his next comeback, and I’m excited to see him explore different concepts.
The seamless flow of the setlist, from the high energy of songs like “don’t stop” and “like that × 4” to the more reflective moments of “angel” and “Sky,” kept the audience engaged from start to finish. The way he wove his music into a single, overarching story was masterful. The performance of “l.s.d” and “comet” were particularly memorable, showcasing his musical versatility. The show’s finale, with a repetition of “angel” and “美,” felt like a perfect conclusion to the emotional arc of the evening.
In conclusion, KIRE’s “EROS” show was more than just a concert; it was a powerful piece of performance art that told his personal story with honesty and flair. The significant upgrades in production and the heartfelt storytelling made it a truly unforgettable experience and a testament to his dedication and artistry.
DAVIDE K-POP 