BIGBANG live in London: 20 years in, the K-pop kings still have plenty to offer

bigbang × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close live review london setlist photos [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Big-Bang-Live-3-Credit-YG-Entertainment.jpg]

“Reaching our 20th anniversary is like a miracle to me,” reflects Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close , as the end of BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s first London show in 14 years approaches. You can understand why he’d feel that way – when the now-trio first debuted in 2006, it was rare for K-pop groups to last even a decade together, let alone two. As they’ve done in so many ways over the last 20 years, though, BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close are once again breaking the mould.

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While the group might stand as one of the most iconic acts in K-pop, it’s still impressive that they can pack out stadiums at this point in their career. So, in a venue almost filled with diehard fans and curious newcomers, it’s only right that G-Dragon × Artist bio G-DRAGON Real name: Kwon Ji-yongPosition: Leader, Rapper, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-08-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea G-DRAGON is the leader of BIGBANG and one of the most influential artists in modern K-pop. He is known for shaping the group’s sound and image through songwriting, production, and concept direction. He is widely recognized for distinctive performance style and creative leadership, and he has maintained a major solo career alongside group activities. G-Dragon is a visionary leader and producer, known for his experimental fashion sense, creative risk-taking, and quiet but intense personality. Tap again to view profile → Close , Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close and Daesung × Artist bio Daesung Real name: Kang Dae-sungPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1989-04-26Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea Daesung is a vocalist of BIGBANG recognized for powerful vocals, stage energy, and variety presence. He has contributed strongly to BIGBANG’s live identity, often praised for stable performance and emotional delivery. He has also pursued solo activities, including music releases and performances, while remaining an important part of BIGBANG’s public image. Daesung is bright, humorous, and optimistic, famous for his loud laughter and positive energy despite having a shy side. Tap again to view profile → Close get to celebrate all they’ve achieved and recap some of the numerous highlights of their last two decades.

bigbang × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close live review london setlist photos [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Big-Bang-Live-4-Credit-YG-Entertainment.jpg]BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close . Credit: YG Entertainment

As G-Dragon × Artist bio G-DRAGON Real name: Kwon Ji-yongPosition: Leader, Rapper, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-08-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea G-DRAGON is the leader of BIGBANG and one of the most influential artists in modern K-pop. He is known for shaping the group’s sound and image through songwriting, production, and concept direction. He is widely recognized for distinctive performance style and creative leadership, and he has maintained a major solo career alongside group activities. G-Dragon is a visionary leader and producer, known for his experimental fashion sense, creative risk-taking, and quiet but intense personality. Tap again to view profile → Close will point out later in the night, they’ve only released one single (August’s ‘BiiiG’) in recent years, so instead of focusing on newer material, the XX: Cosmos setlist casts its net wide and brings together a selection of tracks spanning BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s career. Opener ‘Fantastic Baby’ and, later, ‘Bang Bang Bang’ have become K-pop classics and synonymous with a more maximalist, EDM-embracing era of the scene, and both are given fittingly energetic performances tonight (September 26), complete with choreography, fire and hordes of dancers. ‘Bad Boy’ – still one of BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s best – sounds as sublime as it did in 2012, while ‘Sober’ and ‘Stupid Liar’ shake the stadium.

In the first section of the show, there’s rarely a break between songs, as the trio deliver slick renditions of fan favourites. They still find ways to throw in some silliness and chaos, though. As Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close closes out a swaying version of ‘Loser’, his bandmates jokingly waltz arm-in-arm behind him. As he takes to the stage alone during the second act, Daesung × Artist bio Daesung Real name: Kang Dae-sungPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1989-04-26Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea Daesung is a vocalist of BIGBANG recognized for powerful vocals, stage energy, and variety presence. He has contributed strongly to BIGBANG’s live identity, often praised for stable performance and emotional delivery. He has also pursued solo activities, including music releases and performances, while remaining an important part of BIGBANG’s public image. Daesung is bright, humorous, and optimistic, famous for his loud laughter and positive energy despite having a shy side. Tap again to view profile → Close pays tribute to his “inspiration”, Freddie Mercury – but not before leading the crowd in his take on the Queen frontman’s iconic call-and-response, each refrain becoming increasingly nonsensical, operatic, or both.

bigbang × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close live review london setlist photos [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Big-Bang-Live-1-Credit-YG-Entertainment.jpg]BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close . Credit: YG Entertainment

BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close would be nothing without its individual members, and while their distinct personalities and styles are clear from their mannerisms and aesthetic choices (the highlight of which is G-Dragon × Artist bio G-DRAGON Real name: Kwon Ji-yongPosition: Leader, Rapper, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-08-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea G-DRAGON is the leader of BIGBANG and one of the most influential artists in modern K-pop. He is known for shaping the group’s sound and image through songwriting, production, and concept direction. He is widely recognized for distinctive performance style and creative leadership, and he has maintained a major solo career alongside group activities. G-Dragon is a visionary leader and producer, known for his experimental fashion sense, creative risk-taking, and quiet but intense personality. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s ridiculously oversized, bright red fluffy hat), the setlist also gives them the chance to showcase their musical propensities, too. Either side of that Mercury tribute, Daesung × Artist bio Daesung Real name: Kang Dae-sungPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1989-04-26Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea Daesung is a vocalist of BIGBANG recognized for powerful vocals, stage energy, and variety presence. He has contributed strongly to BIGBANG’s live identity, often praised for stable performance and emotional delivery. He has also pursued solo activities, including music releases and performances, while remaining an important part of BIGBANG’s public image. Daesung is bright, humorous, and optimistic, famous for his loud laughter and positive energy despite having a shy side. Tap again to view profile → Close dazzles with his brand of joyful, wholesome pop and trot, before handing over to Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close , who does a 180 into sexier territory. “I can’t take it off,” he chides the audience after flashing his bare torso following ‘Ringa Linga’. “That’s quite illegal. That’s not the gentleman way.” Then it’s on to G-Dragon × Artist bio G-DRAGON Real name: Kwon Ji-yongPosition: Leader, Rapper, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-08-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea G-DRAGON is the leader of BIGBANG and one of the most influential artists in modern K-pop. He is known for shaping the group’s sound and image through songwriting, production, and concept direction. He is widely recognized for distinctive performance style and creative leadership, and he has maintained a major solo career alongside group activities. G-Dragon is a visionary leader and producer, known for his experimental fashion sense, creative risk-taking, and quiet but intense personality. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s colourful rap-pop, the king of K-pop dipping into his early 2010s bag with ‘Crayon’ and ‘Crooked’.

The setlist tonight might be mostly backwards-looking, but this show doesn’t feel like a victory lap for a group past their best. ‘BiiiG’ proves they’ve still got plenty to offer, and G-D hints that there’s still more to come. “I’ve been trying to figure out my masterplan to bring our golden days back – not just for myself, but for all of us,” he shares in the show’s final moments.

bigbang × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close live review london setlist photos [https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Big-Bang-Live-2-Credit-YG-Entertainment.jpg]BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close . Credit: YG Entertainment

It’s no secret that recent years haven’t been the kindest to the group – their last decade has seen their lineup reduce from five members to three, each departure traumatic in different ways. Most of the material tonight is reworked to suit the remaining trio, but closer ‘Still Life’, their last release featuring rapper T.O.P., retains his verse – an emotional nod to some of what they’ve lost.

All in all, tonight is a celebration almost fit for K-pop royalty. The sound in the first section of the show often feels muddy, the group’s vocals getting lost in the mix and mayhem, rather than leading it. The reception from the audience, too, is frequently more muted than you’d expect for an act of BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close ’s ilk. While Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close tells us London is “the best crowd”, G-Dragon × Artist bio G-DRAGON Real name: Kwon Ji-yongPosition: Leader, Rapper, VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-08-18Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea G-DRAGON is the leader of BIGBANG and one of the most influential artists in modern K-pop. He is known for shaping the group’s sound and image through songwriting, production, and concept direction. He is widely recognized for distinctive performance style and creative leadership, and he has maintained a major solo career alongside group activities. G-Dragon is a visionary leader and producer, known for his experimental fashion sense, creative risk-taking, and quiet but intense personality. Tap again to view profile → Close is less impressed. “Taeyang × Artist bio Taeyang Real name: Dong Young-baePosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1988-05-18Birthplace: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Taeyang is a vocalist of BIGBANG known for a strong R&B-leaning style and expressive live performances. He has built a successful solo career with multiple well-known releases and is respected for consistent vocal delivery. He remains closely associated with BIGBANG’s legacy and is widely viewed as one of the defining voices of his generation. Taeyang is warm, sincere, and thoughtful, often seen as steady and grounded with a strong focus on music and faith. Tap again to view profile → Close said you guys are the best – I don’t think so,” he says later, scepticism colouring his face. Luckily, the UK should have more chances to convince him – as fireworks shoot up into the night sky, Daesung × Artist bio Daesung Real name: Kang Dae-sungPosition: VocalistNationality: South KoreanBirthday: 1989-04-26Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea Daesung is a vocalist of BIGBANG recognized for powerful vocals, stage energy, and variety presence. He has contributed strongly to BIGBANG’s live identity, often praised for stable performance and emotional delivery. He has also pursued solo activities, including music releases and performances, while remaining an important part of BIGBANG’s public image. Daesung is bright, humorous, and optimistic, famous for his loud laughter and positive energy despite having a shy side. Tap again to view profile → Close makes a sincere vow: “We’re gonna sing for you guys forever. I swear.” BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close are well and truly back, and here to stay.

BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close played:
‘Fantastic Baby’
‘Hands Up’
‘Tonight’
‘Blue’
‘Loser’
‘If You’
‘Bad Boy’
‘Bae Bae’
‘Haru Haru’
‘Lies’
‘Universe’
‘Wings’
‘Hando-Chogua’
‘Look At Me, Gwisun’
‘Bad’
‘Ringa Linga’
‘Live Fast Die Slow’
‘Power’
‘Crayon’
‘Crooked’
‘Bang Bang Bang’
‘Stupid Liar’
‘Sober’
‘We Like 2 Party’
‘BiiiG’
‘Home Sweet Home’
‘My Heaven’
‘Sunset Glow’
‘Last Farewell’
‘Feeling’
‘Flower Road’
‘Still Life’

The post BIGBANG × About group BIGBANG BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group that debuted in 2006. Known for major influence on modern K-pop, the group is widely associated with hits across multiple eras and a strong global fanbase. The group is commonly treated as currently active with G-DRAGON, Taeyang, and Daesung. Tap again to view profile → Close live in London: 20 years in, the K-pop kings still have plenty to offer appeared first on NME.