Cover “It’s been a big change for us, from smaller venues to massive crowds,” the members of ONE OK ROCK shared, reflecting on how far both their live shows and the band itself have come over the years. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
“It’s been a big change for us, from smaller venues to massive crowds,” the members of ONE OK ROCK shared, reflecting on how far both their live shows and the band itself have come over the years. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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At Unifi Arena Kuala Lumpur on April 29, ONE OK ROCK played to a full house, with an electric crowd making it one of the most unforgettable nights of the tour
“It’s been a big change for us, from smaller venues to massive crowds,” the members of ONE OK ROCK shared, reflecting on how far both their live shows and the band itself have come over the years.
Formed in Tokyo nearly two decades ago, ONE OK ROCK consists of vocalist Takahiro Moriuchi, guitarist Toru Yamashita, bassist Ryota Kohama, and drummer Tomoya Kanki. Known for their emotive rock sound and high-energy performances, the band’s music often explores themes of chasing dreams, staying true to oneself, and overcoming adversity.
Now, after months of touring across Asia, one thing has become increasingly clear to them: every crowd changes the performance in a different way.
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Every city, a different energy
Above The band performed tracks from their latest album, DETOX. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
The band performed tracks from their latest album, DETOX. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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We spoke to ONE OK ROCK during their DETOX Asia tour and asked them what it has been like moving from city to city. One thing became clear almost immediately; no two shows ever feel the same.
From Bangkok to Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, the band noticed how each city brings a different kind of energy, making every performance feel slightly unpredictable. But Malaysia stood out to them in particular, with the band sharing that the crowd seems to get better, louder, and more energetic every time they return.
“It really depends on the crowd,” they reflected, describing how the audience can completely shift the feeling of a performance in real time.
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Malaysia keeps raising the bar
Above Sold-out seats at the Kuala Lumpur show. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Sold-out seats at the Kuala Lumpur show. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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Now on their fourth visit to Malaysia, ONE OK ROCK shared that each return has felt different in a positive way. The band noted that the crowd doesn’t just grow in size but also in energy and connection every time they come back.
They described the Kuala Lumpur audience as especially intense, the kind that keeps the energy high from start to finish and naturally pulls them into more spontaneous moments on stage. At times, the set itself can shift in real time depending on how the crowd responds.
That constant back-and-forth, they explained, is what keeps every show feeling different each night.
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From 1,000 fans to sold out shows
Above Electric crowd energy at Unifi Arena Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Electric crowd energy at Unifi Arena Kuala Lumpur. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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Looking back on their journey in Malaysia, the growth has been impossible to ignore. When the band first performed in the country more than a decade ago, they played to a crowd of around 1,000 people. This time, they returned to a fully sold-out show, a clear sign of how much the connection between the band and their Malaysian fans has evolved.
Now on their fourth visit to Malaysia, that connection feels more natural than ever, as if both sides have grown into the experience together over time. And as they wrapped up this stop, ONE OK ROCK shared a hope to return again soon. This time on an even bigger stage, with the dream of bringing their show to a full-scale stadium in Malaysia.
It’s a journey that has come a long way from their earlier days in the country, including moments like opening for Ed Sheeran in Malaysia to now headlining their own fully sold-out shows a clear reflection of just how far they’ve grown alongside their audience.
Next time, bring one or two of your friends to the show too
Above Guitarist Toru Yamashita of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Above Vocalist Takahiro Moriuchi of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Guitarist Toru Yamashita of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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Above Drummer Tomoya Kanki of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Above Bassist Ryota Kohama of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
Drummer Tomoya Kanki of ONE OK ROCK. (Photo: Masahiro Yamada)
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Before wrapping up, the band left fans with one simple request: “Next time, bring one or two of your friends to the show too,” hoping to one day return for an even bigger stadium performance in Malaysia.
By the end of such an unforgettable night, the connection between band and crowd still felt intact. The band shared that they’re already looking forward to coming back again soon. Just as excited for the next show as their fans are for their return.
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Aliya Qarina is the Junior Style Writer at Tatler Malaysia with an interest in fashion and beauty. Her writing often focuses on contemporary style, beauty culture and emerging trends.
