Global boy group JO1 lights up the stage at The Novo in Los Angeles. The 9-member group has embarked on their first North America tour, which kicked off in Toronto at the Danforth Music Hall on October 2.
The group recently released an all-English EP, “ANIMAL”, which includes the hit single “WHATCHA DOIN”. The US debut EP has six tracks: ANIMAL, WHATCHA DOIN, SAKURA, THIS DAT FYAH, DOWN, and STATUS.
Having seen JO1 at KCON LA in years past (including this year), I’ve always been impressed by their stage presence and energy. I was lucky to interview them about their experience on the Apple TV show “Kpopped,” where they did collab stages with KE$HA and EVE. This Los Angeles show is the perfect way to experience JO1 as they leave it all out on the floor.
The LA show opened with WHATCHA DOIN, the perfect song to get the crowd up on their feet. Without a moment’s rest, JO1 jumps straight into the next song, ICY. Before moving on, the group takes a moment to greet the audience, share their excitement about seeing JAM (their fandom name) and performing in Los Angeles, and affectionately call LA their “second home.”
The group performs songs such as STATUS, Be Classic, Handz In My Pocket, and more as they continue to ramp up the show. JO1 certainly has no limit when it comes to their stage presence and energy. Despite this being the final show of their North America tour, they gave it their all as if it were their first stop.
They did not have any fancy LCD screens behind them or backup dancers. It was 100% all JO1 from dance moves to raw vocals – and the mic was on! To slow things down, Junki sat down with a keyboard. This intimate moment showcases each member’s vocals and range.
Ramping the energy back up, Takumi delivered a solo rap, followed by a dance stage with Ren, Keigo, Sukai, and Issei, highlighting their intricate choreography and skills.
They even stepped outside their discography by covering Taylor Swift’s “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”. It was a pleasant surprise and a fun moment for the audience as everyone sang along.
They ended the show with their latest single ANIMAL, and it couldn’t have been a better way to bring it to a close. ANIMAL is fast-paced and energetically uninhibited. Everyone was up on their feet and jumping to the beat. It felt like the venue was bouncing along, too. I saw them perform ANIMAL at KCON earlier this year and loved it. At this show, it was an even better experience being wrapped up in their contagious energy.
Returning to the stage for their encore set, they brought the house down with SAKURA and IGNITE. I was anticipating hearing SAKURA all night, and it was worth the wait! Joining the rest of the crowd in jumping and singing along, this was a show I will never forget, and one of the best times I’ve had at a concert.
JO1 members took their time to say their final goodbyes, even getting a little choked up before promising that they will be back.
It’s hard to believe this is their first North America tour. They are a force to be reckoned with as a unit, but each member is also so strong in vocals, rap, and dancing. It’s easy to see how connected they are as a group, always playful with each other on stage. They constantly interacted with the fans on both levels of the venue, making sure to wave hello to the balcony section as well.
I was already impressed with JO1 after seeing them at KCON in 2023, and each time they return to the convention, they show so much growth as artists. This tour has shown what they can do, and anyone can see their drive and hunger to be one of the best. Trust me, you won’t want to miss JO1 the next time they tour.
