Wherever you are in the world, whichever time zone you are in, whether you are an ARMY or not, if you witnessed those 25 minutes of BTS on “MTV Unplugged,” you have witnessed history. BTS became the first Korean act to headline an entire episode of “MTV Unplugged.” On this globally acclaimed show, BTS delivered one of the most iconic performances of their career so far. BTS has been on American television for quite some time now, but this “MTV Unplugged” episode perfectly showcased why they are the biggest boy band in the world – sheer brilliance, of course!
Since their early days, BTS has performed various stripped-down versions of their songs such as “Let Me Know,” “Tomorrow,” and “Miss Right.” They have also performed song covers on Korean television and radio shows.
During their own “BTS Talk Show” they performed songs including “No More Dream” with a live band. They have also rendered beautiful acoustic versions at fan signs and concerts as well. One of my favorite renditions is the acoustic version of “Boy In Luv” which Jin, Jimin, and V performed at their Japan fan meeting Vol.3, along with “Danger” and “I Need You (Japanese ver.).” Apart from the official performances, the members are often spotted singing acoustic versions of their songs on “BANGTAN BOMB” and VLIVE.
Last year, BTS performed an intimate version of their songs at the “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert.” BTS sang their Billboard Hot 100 number one single “Dynamite” with a live band for the first time and wowed music-lovers across the world.
On Feb. 23, 2021, BTS performed on “MTV Unplugged” for the very first time. In the run-up to the telecast, MTV streamed a 24-hour BTS marathon on their YouTube channel. With no in-person concerts for both Map of the Soul: 7 and BE, every performance is now highly anticipated by ARMY. But the magic BTS spun upon even non-ARMY music enthusiasts across the globe is the biggest takeaway from this performance.
The 25-minute episode felt nothing short of a mini-concert. They chose a beautiful setlist from their latest album BE and for the first time performed B-side tracks from the album along with Billboard Hot 100 number one songs “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On.”
The Setlist
1) “Telepathy”
Dressed in colorful outfits, in a gaming arcade-inspired set, BTS started the proceedings with this peppy number from BE. The set brought back 90’s vibes with elements of pop-culture, for example, a video game machine, a “FRIENDS” inspired couch, a foosball table, and a Vespa. Disney’s Donald Duck also made quite the appearance, albeit on the members’ outfits.
The highlight of this song was J-Hope’s bridge where he switched between scales with all the swag in the world. After the song ended, Suga spoke about what went into writing “Telepathy” and why he thought this would be a perfect mood-uplifting song. Undoubtedly, they didn’t disappoint!
2) “Blue and Grey”
Another B-side track performed for the first time on stage. A song inspired by the constant hardships and loneliness of this COVID-19 pandemic; it is a complete contrast to “Telepathy.” The performance of this unplugged pop ballad was perfectly presented with a setting of blue flowers, warm sunlight, and of course, BTS looking charming in shades of grey. V, who had taken part in writing the lyrics, shared his thoughts on the melody before thanking his members for singing the song.
3) “Fix You” – (Original by Coldplay)
BTS covered “Fix You,” a song originally sung by British rock band Coldplay, as a surprise for ARMY. “Fix You” has been one of Coldplay’s most successful and loved songs of their career, and the lyrics are a comfort to anyone in pain or despair. Before the performance, Jimin spoke about the song’s importance in their lives and how it has comforted them in difficult times, before adding it was one of their favorites. The vocal and rap lines harmonizing to this beautiful melody left no floodgates closed. The septet brought their own flavors to the song, but Jin’s angelic high notes left audiences mesmerized. A light and shadow play accompanied the performance; in line with the lyrics “lights will guide you home.”
Coldplay, one of the most popular rock bands in the world were left awed and congratulated BTS in their mother tongue Hangul for such a beautiful cover. The crossover between two of the biggest bands blurred the language and cultural barriers with class and finesse, rewriting the global music scene.
After the performance, BTS individually thanked ARMY and all listeners across the world. RM concluded by expressing their desire to hold in-person concerts as soon as the pandemic situation improves.
4) “Life Goes On”
BTS began their curtain call with “Life Goes On,” the title track from BE. Jungkook, with his honey voice, soulfully began this version, accompanied by live band Ghost. BTS looked ravishing in brown and beige suits, performing in a simple living room style set. Though we have heard different versions of this song, each time it feels refreshing and beautiful in its own right.
5) “Dynamite”
This GRAMMY-nominated number had to be the closing song of the set. BTS in all-white suits truly lit up the tempo “like a dynamite.” Though they had previously performed “Dynamite” with a live band, this performance added a refreshing tone to the song. After all the heavily lyricized songs, “Dynamite” was just the number we needed to end this legendary episode on a hopeful and happy note.
All good things come to an end. 25 minutes passed in a flash, leaving music lovers hungry for more. This performance was all about BTS’ musical prowess rather than the numbers and analytics. This episode was for someone who enjoys music, for someone unaware of who BTS are, and for someone who is looking for a perfect introduction to BTS. Two months into 2021, and we have been blessed with a performance for the ages; ARMY can only look forward to another amazing year with BTS!
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Written By: Basabdatta
Edit By: Ash
Checked By: Aury
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