Madrid served as the electrifying launchpad for the European leg of the BTS ARIRANG World Tour, marking a long-awaited moment for thousands of Spanish fans. The energy was palpable from the moment the gates opened, signaling the beginning of an unforgettable journey.
More than 66,000 enthusiastic attendees gathered at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Friday (June 26) for the group’s inaugural show in Spain, celebrating a deep connection between the global fanbase and the artists.
The atmosphere was electric before the music even began. Thousands of light sticks illuminated the stadium stands, creating an energized vibe that radiated throughout the entire performance.
The concert itself was a vibrant mix of beloved tracks and exciting surprises. The show kicked off with a bang, featuring “Hooligan,” one of the signature songs from ARIRANG, before diving into hits like “Aliens” and “Run BTS.” Over 23 songs, BTS seamlessly blended their newest material with massive career anthems, ensuring every fan was singing along.
For those who followed the tour closely, the performance offered beloved surprises tailored for the Spanish audience. The selection included special tracks such as “Airplane Pt. 2” and “Interlude: Wings,” adding unique moments to the spectacle.
The stage itself was a marvel of production, keeping the energy soaring for nearly two and a half hours. A dynamic 360-degree stage system rose, descended, and split into various levels, allowing the seven members to move across the stadium and engage every section of the audience. With around 30 dancers executing complex choreography and costume changes, the performance was a constantly transforming visual feast.
The interaction between BTS and the audience was deeply personal. The members frequently addressed the crowd in Spanish, sparking huge cheers. V exclaimed, “ARMY is on fire!” while RM shared a playful nod in Spanglish, emphasizing that the fans were absolutely on fire.
The emotional peak came with a stunning fan gesture during “Body to Body.” Thousands of purple fans simultaneously raised their hands, honoring the group’s first Spanish concert and expressing their years-long devotion. It was a truly touching display of shared love.
As the night drew to a close, the artists shared heartfelt words with their audience. Jung Kook expressed gratitude by telling the crowd, “I want to hear your scream. We’ve felt your energy so much today. I love you,” eliciting an immediate roar of adoration. Jimin delivered one of the most moving moments when he reflected on the journey, stating, “I kept thinking, why are we only visiting Spain now? For the next tour, we won’t leave Madrid out.” This sentiment perfectly captured the excitement for future encounters.
The Madrid stop was just the beginning. Following the success in Spain, the group continued their epic journey across Europe in cities like Brussels, London, Munich, and Paris before concluding on March 14, 2027, in Manila, Philippines. The ARIRANG World Tour is set to continue this incredible trajectory.
Credit: Billboard
