Author: Abby Graham
Rain would not dampen the magic in Tacoma. On October 11th, SEVENTEEN lit up the stage with their music, their dances, and with their spirits as they opened the American leg of their FOLLOW [NEW_] World Tour at the Tacoma Dome — their second concert in Seattle. It’s always funny the way all performers at the venue call us “Seattle,” but CARATs (SEVENTEENS fanbase name) from everywhere across the Pacific Northwest packed the dome anyway, proudly proclaiming Tacoma, Seattle, and all points in between.
The energy was insane from the beginning. The lights dropped, the boys appeared walking down the stage in slow motion and when “Bad Influence” started playing, the deafening screams of thousands of screaming fans filled the venue. The screaming when “HBD” and “Domino” came on proved why Seattle is always one of the loudest crowds. Outside, rain fell in sheets, but it only added to the amazing atmosphere of the evening. Poncho-wearing fans and wet sneakers danced and chanted along, not letting the rain or wind get them down. Despite being soaked, Carats danced, light sticks held high, sending waves of color and energy into the air that were equal to the energy released from the stage.
I went with one of my best friends, Nenet, and that made the night all the more special. We jumped, screamed, danced, and ugly cried out, disregarding the rain or our feet tiring us out halfway through the performance. Something unique about getting to enjoy a concert like this with someone who had the same experience — hearing the songs all those years back on streaming and now being able to see them live finally. It really made me so grateful to be sharing this experience with people I love.
(Photo creds: PLEDIS ENT.)
The actual performance was perfectly choreographed, with fans receiving everything they possibly could have wanted — from crazy group numbers to intimate solo pieces. DINO’s “Trigger” had the fire to light up the arena, THE8’s “Skyfall” was stunning and graceful, and DK and SEUNGKWAN’s solos had everyone crying out of joy in the audience. All of these were so in-your-face personal-feeling — like little captures of who each member is, apart from the choreo and lights.
The group numbers land just as big of a blow. Songs like “SOS,” “HOT,” “HIGHLIGHT,” “HIT,” and “Rock With You” proved that SEVENTEEN does everything better and the kind of chemistry built up over years of trust and hard work. Their live band and backup dancers also added an exuberant amount of energy – each and every person on stage made me go cross-eyed trying to enjoy and acknowledge each individual.
The most emotional moments were when the members talked about Hoshi, Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Woozi, who are currently serving in the military. Even though they were not present, their absence was felt greatly. The rest of the group alluded to them frequently, assuring fans SEVENTEEN is coming back as 13 in no time, and it elicited huge applause from the crowd. It was a thoughtful reminder of how much the group loves staying intact — and how deeply fans relate to that.
(Photo creds: PLEDIS ENT.)
And then, of course, there was the big finale: “Aju Nice.” Any veteran CARAT knows that it’s never done just once — it’s sung at least three times. Tacoma was given three versions by fans in the audience: a smooth R&B version, a kazoo one, and a dramatically sung “Hugh Jackman” version which had everyone in stitches. With every restart of the music, the crowd went absolutely wild waiting for that legendary high belting note which gets to be sung along with by the fans. It’s the kind of tradition which represents SEVENTEEN’s very being — playful, participatory, and unforgettable.
As the final confetti fell and the members bid their real goodbyes, the entire arena buzzed with that kind of post-concert high — the kind that lingers long after the lights have been turned on. Fans sang on their ways out, laughing through fallen confetti, beaming with happiness.
SEVENTEEN didn’t just start their US tour in Tacoma — they started it with heart, humor, and history. The second return to “Seattle” (as they called it) was a homecoming, not just a concert. Their promise to return as thirteen echoed through the crowd, reminding everyone that even in their tenth year as a group, their unity is their strongest asset.
(Photo creds: PLEDIS ENT.)
Abby Graham | Digital Media Director