KUALA LUMPUR: The American pop-rock band One Republic delighted fans at KL Convention Centre last week (March 1), marking a return to the city after their 2018 show.
The one-night concert was part of their One Republic Live in Concert Asia Tour, which included stops in Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei, and Tokyo.
Canadian singer Jessika Harling, better known by her stage name Jessia, opened the show, getting the crowd of more than 3,000 people hyped up for the band with hits like 'Nobody Hates You' and 'I'm Not Pretty'.
Three minutes later than scheduled, the crowd erupted in excitement as One Republic launched into their first song of the night, 'Secrets'.
The band, comprised of singer-songwriter and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, keyboardist and violinist Brian Willett, bassist and cellist Brent Kutzle, and drummer Eddie Fisher, brought their infectious energy to the stage, charging up the audience in Hall 5 of the convention centre.
The setlist included old favourites like 'Good Life', 'Apologise', and 'Counting Stars', as well as newer hits like 'Love Runs Out', 'Sunshine', and songs from their recent album Human.
Ryan, in bringing the crowd into the second half of the show, thanked the fans for the love and support shown to the group throughout their 16 years of band life.
"We first came here (to KL) in 2008. That was some time ago. Some of you were kids. And even I was 14 years old then.
"It's beautiful. It's been incredible. And tonight's gonna be unique because it's been so long since we've seen all of you.
"So tonight… it's all about hit songs. We're gonna have all our fists pumped up in the air, and we're gonna keep on jumping till the end of the show," he said, as the acoustic tune of 'Stop and Stare' played in the background before belting out the whole song.
The band did an amazing job of holding their audience's attention during the immersive acoustic guitar, violin, and bass rifts in the bridge of 'Counting Stars.'
They also surprised their fans by performing several songs written by Ryan, including 'Halo' popularised by the legendary Beyonce, 'Rumor Has it' by Adele, and 'Sucker' by Jonas Brothers, which was included in their comeback album 'Happiness Begins'.
To end the show with a bang, they played 'Lose Myself' to live tunes before bidding goodbye to their fans.
Despite leaving concert-goers feeling recharged, many couldn't help but grumble about the lack of a proper huge cut-out poster for fans to take photos with.
There were also some grumbles and groans from the crowd, who were surprised by the 'missing' big screens set up at both sides of the hall as they entered.
While those who queued to get into the hall since 11am managed to secure a good spot, those who stood farther back could not catch a glimpse of Ryan.
Those in the back mostly relied on the visuals seen from the sea of mobile phones held up high, recording moments of the band's performance.
Nevertheless, the band's live performance left every single soul beaming at the end of the night.