8TURN’s First World Tour: 8TURNRISE Live in Dallas
by Britney McVey | April 27th, 2025
All images from 8TURN’s 8TURNRISE Tour in Dallas (4/23) taken by Britney McVey
Seeing 8TURN live for the first time at the Echo Lounge and Music Hall was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked into the venue, the energy was perfect in the hum of the crowd, the glow of fan-made banners, and the excitement that seemed to bounce off every wall. The intimacy of the venue made everything feel personal. Even as a newer fan, I never once felt out of place. The atmosphere was open, inclusive, and filled with warmth.
The crowd erupted as the lights dimmed and the opening notes of “WORLD” rang out. It was the perfect start—bold and high-energy, immediately pulling everyone in, even the security guards. They kept the momentum going with “RU‐PUM PUM” and “WALK IT OUT,” two tracks that showed off their hard-hitting choreography and stage presence. Every move was precise, yet filled with personality which allowed each member to bring their own twist to the performance.
After just a few songs, they paused to introduce themselves and speak to the crowd. It was in that moment that I realized how much heart this group carries. They weren’t just delivering a rehearsed speech—they were genuinely grateful, clearly moved by the support, and eager to connect. You could see it in their eyes, hear it in their voices. That sincerity turned the concert from just a spectacle into something much more emotional.
They shifted seamlessly into “WONDER” and “EXCEL,” showing off their vocal strength and versatility. Then came “SKETCH,” a softer moment that I adored for it’s whimsical choreography. The lighting complemented them, the choreography eased up, and it felt like a shared moment of fun between both the crowd and the members.
We also got a break between their stages featuring “Crown” by TXT and “Rover” by KAI where the members challenged one another to do the corresponding dances in groups. The surprises didn’t stop there—Myungho, Kyungmin, and Haemin delivered a beautiful cover of BTS’s “Black Swan,” a performance that drew audible gasps from the audience. It was theatrical, dramatic, and emotionally intense—easily one of the night's most memorable moments due to their attention to detail.
As the main set wrapped up with “TIC TAC,” “LEGGO,” and another round of “WE,” the energy in the room reached it’s peak. But the encore was where the night turned sentimental yet remained energetic. They returned to the stage for three closing songs: “Like a Friend,” “GLOW,” and finally, “You Are My Reason.” Each of these tracks felt like a gentle goodbye, intimate and heartfelt, as if they were personally thanking every fan in the room for being there.
By the end, I was left feeling overwhelmed in the best way. 8TURN isn’t just a group of incredible performers; they’re deeply sincere artists who pour their soul into every moment on stage. Their connection with fans, their versatility, their ability to make even a first-timer feel like part of the family—it all came through clearly and powerfully.
