In Tempe, The Rose didn’t just perform their chart-topping songs—they invited their Black Roses into a fantasy-like world of dreaming, healing, and finding strength. Fresh off the release of their seven-track EP, WRLD, the evening served as a testament to the unbreakable bond The Rose has forged. This bond was strengthened during their HEAL Together World Tour and the heartfelt reunion that followed each member’s military hiatus. The performance showcased the raw honesty that has defined the band since its inception. The Rose features vocalist and guitarist Woosung, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dojoon, bassist Jaehyeong, and drummer Hajoon. Marking the twenty-first stop on their Once Upon a WRLD tour, The Rose united fans, affectionately known as Black Roses, of all ages with music that heals the soul. From the moment fans set foot inside Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ, the electricity that has become synonymous with this Korean alt-pop indie quartet was palpable.
Suddenly, a voice rose in the darkness, painting a picture of a train no one could see, floating among the stars, and carrying lost dreams. No one had ever set foot on the train until a boy chasing his dreams jumped on board. As the narration concluded, The Rose appeared, and an acoustic rendition of “Ticket To The Sky” rang out into the arena. The mellow opening of the concert continued with songs “Childhood,” “Definition of ugly is,” and mega-hit “She’s In The Rain.” Picking up the pace, the quartet danced as they sang “Tomorrow,” drawing an upbeat conclusion to the stripped-down segment of the show.
A quick set change, punctuated by the arrival of electric guitars and a full drum set, ignited a wave of excitement among Black Roses. For the remainder of the concert, the backdrop was a bedroom that featured a large window that revealed various magical settings. Songs “Nebula” and “Lifeline” fueled the energy in the arena and brought fans to their feet with their soaring vocals, explosive instrumentals, and emotionally charged words. As Black Roses joined in singing “You’re beautiful / I’ll tell you why,” the lyrics of “You’re Beautiful” echoed through the arena. Following that emotional high, the mellow, introspective energy of “Shift” offered a seamless transition into the concert’s first ment.
Setting the tone for an unforgettable night, Woosung told the crowd, “This show is special—just for you, Phoenix. It’s exceptional because we’ve brought you into our f*ing bedroom!” The audience erupted in cheers and applause. With a playful grin, Woosung went on to thank all the dads and boyfriends for “being straight-up dragged” to the show. The rest of the band chimed in, agreeing that they “love all the dads”—especially when they leave as newly converted Black Roses.
The next set opened with “Slowly,” an introspective song that showcased both Woosung’s and Dojoon’s vocal ranges.“Nauseous,” “Yes,” and “Back To Me” brought out the playful side of The Rose as members Dojoon and Jaehyeong danced around on stage. Mega-hits “Alive” and “Red” had Black Roses captivated and singing along to every line.
“We started in Korea in a place called Hongdae,” Woosung said. “Hongdae was a hub for indie musicians, and a lot of Korean bands were coming out of there.” He continued, talking about how if someone had asked what their goals were at the time, they would have responded with “Maybe fill the seats with 50 people? 50. Maybe 100.” From those humble beginnings, The Rose never imagined performing in a place like Phoenix. They expressed deep gratitude to their fans for making moments like this possible. The band spoke candidly about the struggles they faced even as their success grew. Ultimately, they came to understand that chasing big milestones wasn’t what sustained them. It was the healing power of music—and the act of creating together—that kept them going. As Woosung put it, they found beauty in both the “little traumas and the big traumas,” learning to live with them and eventually to move on.
“That is what we want to share with all of you here today. I know we say a lot of bullshit and a lot of things, but this I mean, and we mean. Thank you for sharing your energies and sharing your love here in Phoenix tonight,” Woosung continued. The Rose gave their sincere thanks to the fans, and the beginning chords of “Sorry” began to play. With every verse, The Rose delivered raw emotion, their voices layered with pain, gratitude, and something unspoken. The performance didn’t need flash—it was stripped down, honest, and deeply moving. All around the arena, fans swayed, many singing with eyes closed, letting the lyrics wash over them like a memory.
Dojoon, Jaehyeong, and Woosung ignited the stage with breathtaking harmonies, their voices blending seamlessly across “Eclipse,” “Beauty And The Beast,” and “Nevermind.” “Eclipse” captivated with its moody, atmospheric tones, “Beauty And The Beast” unfolded like a sweeping, emotional story, and “Nevermind” exploded with fierce intensity—each performance leaving the audience utterly spellbound. The boys fed off the energy of Black Roses as they vibed to the beat and danced around the bedroom set during “Wonder” and “Sour.”
Wrapping up the evening, “Cosmo” ignited the crowd like no other song, sparking the most enthusiastic audience participation of the evening. The sea of Black Roses sang along passionately, their voices rising in unison and filling the venue with vibrant energy. Adding to the electric atmosphere, vocalists Woosung and Dojoon delighted fans with a brief, synchronized dance at center stage—an unexpected moment of playful connection that had everyone cheering.
The show reached its powerful finale as The Rose poured their hearts into the closing song, “O.” Woosung led Black Roses in what became a chorus of voices filling the arena. As Woosung delivered the last line of “We go as one,” the stage faded to black, leaving only those glowing words behind them. The WRLD Tour stop in Phoenix was more than just a concert—it was a shared moment of healing through music. The Rose performed with a raw honesty that felt like emotional alchemy, turning their own hardships into something beautiful, powerful, and deeply connective. Black Roses left with memories, and their hearts cracked open in the best way. With every note, The Rose transformed melody into medicine, offering the kind of healing only music can provide.