Dreams Come True: ONE OK ROCK At Kia Forum

October 23, 2024 – Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get to cover ONE OK ROCK for ZRockR Magazine. As the lights went down and the first notes of “Delusion” began to play at the Kia Forum, I was hit with so many emotions. My hands were shaking as I held my camera, and I could hardly contain my excitement.

Each song felt like a journey. They flowed from “Deeper Deeper” into “Taking Off,” and the energy in the venue was electric. Everyone was singing along, their voices blending beautifully with Taka’s amazing vocals. It was a moment of pure unity.

When “Save Yourself” came on, I had to take a second to catch my breath. The lyrics hit home, reminding me of times when I needed support and strength from others. Then “Vandalize” kicked in, and the upbeat rhythm had everyone jumping and dancing.

The transition into “Make It Out Alive” was uplifting, and in that moment, I realized how much this music and the band really meant to me. When “Renegades” played, I felt so empowered and alive.

In a quieter part of the show, they performed “Wherever You Are” acoustically, and I almost teared up. The stripped-down version made the song even more emotional, and I noticed a lot of fans around me were singing along with tears in their eyes too.

After that heartfelt performance, “Take What You Want” brought back the energy with its strong acoustic intro. The music of “Wonder” filled the space, and I felt like I was taken to another world where nothing else mattered.

They kept blowing us away with “Prove” and “Neon.” The energy was off the charts. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, they went into “The Beginning” and “Mighty Long Fall,” and the crowd went wild, pumping their fists and cheering together.

When they ended the main set with “We Are,” I was completely overwhelmed. That song summed up everything I loved about ONE OK ROCK: how they inspire and lift people up through their music.

After a round of cheers and applause, the band came back for an encore. The first notes of “We All Matter” filled the air, and Taka’s heartfelt performance reminded me why so many people connect with their music. To wrap up the night, “Wasted Nights” echoed through the venue, leaving all of us feeling euphoric and connected.

When I got back from the concert, I felt so inspired. Writing the article for ZRockR Magazine turned into something special for me. It was a way to celebrate not only ONE OK ROCK but also the amazing experience I had at the concert. Trying to express all the energy and emotions from that night in words was both exciting and challenging, but I really loved every moment of it.

Covering ONE OK ROCK was more than just a personal dream coming true; it showed me how powerful music can be in connecting people and following your passion. Looking back, I feel so thankful for the chance I had—it reminded me that dreams can come true if you’re willing to chase them.

My experience writing about ONE OK ROCK and took photos of them for ZRockR Magazine has made a lasting impression on my journey as a concert photographer/music writer and a fan. Experiences like this make all the hard work so worth it. So for every otaku or anyone dreaming of being a concert photographer/music writer, remember to dream big—the possibilities are endless!