On August 3, 2024, I.M, the multifaceted rapper and singer from the acclaimed K-pop group Monsta X, brought his solo European tour to a triumphant close in Berlin. The anticipation for this event was so intense that organizers had to upgrade the venue from Huxleys Neue Welt, with its 1,600-person capacity, to the larger Tempodrom, which can accommodate 3,500 fans. This last-minute change was a testament to I.M's skyrocketing popularity as a solo artist and the devotion of his fanbase.
As fans filed into the impressive Tempodrom, there was an electric buzz in the air. This wasn't just any concert; it was a return to a significant milestone. Seven years ago, in 2017, Monsta X had performed at this very venue for the first time in Germany. Now, I.M was back as a solo artist, showing how much he’s grown as a musician. The significance of this return to Tempodrom wasn't lost on anyone, least of all I.M himself, who referenced this full-circle moment several times throughout the night.
From the moment he stepped on stage, it was clear that I.M was there to give everything he had. Opening with the powerful "Burn," he immediately captivated the audience with his commanding presence and razor-sharp rap skills. The live band accompanying him added an extra layer of richness to his music, elevating each song to new heights. I.M's
interaction with the band throughout the night was a joy to watch, as he frequently engaged with them on stage, introducing each member and giving them moments to shine.
Throughout the evening, I.M showcased his versatility as an artist. From the intense energy of "God Damn" to the emotional depth of "Flower-ed," he demonstrated why he's considered one of K-pop's most talented solo performers. His vocals soared during softer moments, while his rap verses hit with precision and power. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through I.M's solo work, featuring hits like "OVERDRIVE," "Scent," and the introspective "Loop."
But it wasn't just about the music. I.M took time between songs to connect with his fans, affectionately known as Monbebes. He shared anecdotes, cracked jokes, and expressed his gratitude repeatedly. In one particularly touching moment, he opened up about "MMI," a song he wrote during one of the lowest points in his life. As he performed it, the crowd's voices rose in unison, singing along to every word - a powerful display of the connection between artist and audience.
Despite his charismatic stage presence, I.M endearingly admitted to his shyness. "I'm shy, so even though my face looks like this (deadpan), I'm the happiest right now," he confessed, earning laughs and cheers from the crowd. This honesty only made him more endearing to his fans.
One of the night's highlights came when I.M surprised everyone by leaving the stage and walking around the venue. He high-fived fans and interacted with them up close, breaking down the barrier between performer and audience. It was a gesture that spoke volumes about his appreciation for his supporters, and it was met with ecstatic cheers from the lucky fans who got to experience this unexpected close encounter.
Throughout the night, I.M showered his fans with affection, blowing kisses and expressing his gratitude in both words and actions. His promise to return to Germany was met with deafening cheers, leaving no doubt that he'd be welcomed back with open arms.
As the main set came to a close with the emotional "MMI," the energy in the room reached its peak. Fans chanted along, their voices mixing with I.M's in a powerful moment of unity. The encore brought even more excitement, with "Happy to Die" and "Dumb" sending the crowd into a final frenzy of joy.
The concert, while relatively compact at around two hours, was packed with memorable moments. I.M's vocals and rap skills were consistently impressive, proving that he is an artist who truly shines in a live setting. His ability to connect with the audience, whether through his music or his between-song banter, created an atmosphere that was both electrifying and intimate.
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