Newly reformed Taiwanese boy band Energy, consisting (from left) Shuwei, Edy, Kunda, Milk and Toro, performed a concert at the Taipei Arena on July 28. TAIPEI – It has been two decades since they sang, rapped and danced together, but Energy are determined to live up to their name. At one of their comeback concerts in Taipei on July 28, which The Straits Times attended, the Taiwanese boy band proved they still got it.
Before a sold-out crowd at the 13,000-capacity Taipei Arena, the group’s five original members – Milk, Edy, Toro, Kunda and Shuwei – performed a spirited 165-minute show of more than 20 numbers. The set list included bass-heavy hits like Come On (2002) and fun hip-hop songs such as Ra-Men Song (2003), which shot them to fame in the early 2000s. Although it seemed only Milk executed the more challenging breakdancing moves such as backspins and holding acrobatic poses, the others were still capable of locking, popping and shuffling their way into fans’ hearts.
Edy’s vocals retained their brightness and expressiveness on ballads such as More Than Words (2002), and Kunda made it a point to jokingly remind the audience that he was just as good-looking as he was in the past. Formed in 2002, Energy fell victim to internal conflicts and other tensions, which led to the group splintering from 2003. In 2009, they went on hiatus and the members focused on their individual pursuits.
Toro joined another boy band, Typhoon; Milk formed his own artiste management company; Kunda became a television host; while Shuwei and Edy focused on acting. In April 2023, however, the quintet made a surprise guest appearance at a concert by Taiwanese rock band Mayday in Kaohsiung. In their first onstage reunion in 20 years, Energy performed their 2002 hit Let Go to frenzied cheers, and Milk and Toro appeared visibly moved.
In January, it was reported that they all signed with Taiwan-based recording company B’in Music and a comeback tour was announced. Apart from two shows in Taipei on July 27 and 28, and another two in Kaohsiung on Sept 7 and 8, Energy will stop in Singapore on Nov 23. Dance-focused boy band Energy are known for their bass-heavy songs such as Come On (2002).
PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE In recent interviews, the group attributed their initial split to the impulsiveness of youth, and shared that they have resolved their differences, and are more tolerant of one another and better at handling disagreements. Now aged 42 to 45, the members are mostly in different stages of life. Four are married, leaving Toro the remaining bachelor.
At Energy’s July 28 Taipei concert, Toro admitted their journey back to the stage has not been easy. Leader Milk agreed, adding that Energy would not be where they are had Mayday not invited them to be guest performers. Milk added: “Mayday have always supported us, from the release of new music to backstage.
” Toro has revealed that Energy’s journey back to the stage has not been easy. PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE Sharing some of Energy’s concerns about regrouping, he added: “I know everyone wants us to come back again, but even after all five of us were on board with the idea, what were we going to do? What should we bring to our fans?” For him, becoming idols again has a different meaning from before. He said: “In the past, being an idol was just about being good-looking and having everyone support you.
But now, I hope to convey a certain attitude and message to everyone – that as long as you believe in yourself and work hard, you will become the best version of yourself.” Energy’s leader Milk said that, for him, becoming an idol again has a different meaning from before. PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE Edy also thanked their fans for supporting them over the years, adding: “It has allowed me to be the Edy who loves to sing and perform again.
I am so happy that I am no longer alone. We are five again.” Edy (in foreground) shared that the support from fans has allowed him to be someone who loves to sing and perform again.
PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE Shuwei said: “I once forgot about Energy, but our fans remembered. Let us accompany everyone to relive the purity of youth, and embrace the beauty of tomorrow.” Shuwei said he once forgot about Energy, but was reminded of it by fans of the boy band.
PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE Kunda added: “I hope everyone can go back (in time) with us, and rediscover that zaniness from 20 years ago.” Kunda hopes Energy and their fans can rediscover the zaniness they had from 20 years ago. PHOTO: LIVE NATION SINGAPORE Book It/2024 Energy Imminent Live in Singapore Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk When: Nov 23, 8pm Admission: $168 to $328 via Ticketmaster (go to ticketmaster.
sg or call 3158-8588) Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now.
