Following A Dream On A Sketched Out Map: ATEEZ Touches Utopia in Arizona on ‘In Your Fantasy’ Tour

Music.. our universal language, an art form that can be understood without translation, a feeling that grants sparks in your chest and tears in your eyes. Without music where would we all be?

7:30pm, Desert diamond Arena, Glendale AZ, over 18,000 in attendance. Atinys (ATEEZ’s fandom name) lined up hours before doors opened, trading freebies and doing Random dance plays in the scorching heat, a 109 high for the day which isn’t anything out of the ordinary. Which goes to show Never doubt the enthusiasm of die hard fans, especially when it involves their favs.

Starting off the night with an opening performance of “BOUNCY (K-HOT CHILLI PEPPER) “ a song on the group's The World EP.2: OUTLAW album, the arena erupted with screams of enthusiasm while fans shook their lightsticks. The 8-member group, which consists of leader Hongjoong, and members Seonghwa, Yunho, Yeosang, San, Mingi, Wooyoung, and Jongho could be seen showing off their outstanding performances and captivating stage presence on the main stage, illuminated by a LED backdrop.

Clad in all Black, the screams turned from loud to deafening, with fans watching in intensity and soaking in every moment. Performing “ Fireworks (I’m the one)“ a track off of their 2021 album Zero : FEVER, Pt.2, followed by the Powerful track “Blind” and “Man On Fire” the arena never once stood quiet, as the strong mix of new and old releases kickstarted the evening.

“I’m always surprised that you all came here in this same venue and we can sing along and dance together. I think it’s the most amazing thing in the world. And I can truly understand your heart and mine, how you love Ateez” Leader Hongjoong said as he addressed the crowd. This year marks the group's Third time in the desert state & every time the love gets bigger. Many fans felt the fondness and called out “our captain” making the moment feel that much more special.

As the show continued, the LED backdrop turns into Dollar bills with Atiny written on them, and ATEEZ steps out in Monochrome White outfits, setting the tone for “Work” Ateez’s chart-topping song, and let me tell you the fans did not disappoint with singing along. After a captivating performance with high-end energy for “Ice On My Teeth”, ATEEZ showed the world just who they really are with “Guerilla”.

Phoenix Atiny truly broke the wall with ATEEZ as the whole area erupted into the iconic Fanchant which could be heard even outside the arena. “Phoenix 잘했어요 ! “ Mingi and Wooyoung told the crowd. Giggles and laughter exploded from fans which earned them a quick Korean lesson.

The feelings of gratefulness, contentment and warmth did not stop once, As a fake out ending of “This House Ain’t a Home” came to a close “Enough” trailed soon after. Emerging in their own tour merchandise, all eight members came back on stage one last time for their encore stage “The Real” which earned much dismay. Saying their final thank yous to their dancers and fans, ATEEZ took their final bow, “8 makes one team, thank you!”, they said in unison, basking in the cherished screams of their fans.

Two hours seems so short when you're having fun, when the outside world is drowned out and you’re sharing fond memories with the people who turned into friends and the music you love being performed for everyone who listens. I can attest and say music stirs emotions, tells stories, and connects everyone.

It’s truly a beautiful thing to have witnessed eight talented performers shine as bright as the midnight moon, to be captivated by their powerful and distinctive stage presence and to catch a glimpse of their heart in the stands. There’s absolutely no doubt that ATEEZ deserves to be at the top of 4th gen, because the ones who make the most noise are the ones always remembered and they truly caused beautiful chaos that no one will ever forget.