Starting with this list first since there's no event scheduled till 2025.
( p.s. all photos were taken by me )
I don't consider myself a Swiftie, but felt compelled to see her at least once in my life, and a 3-plus hour concert was the best time to do it.
Thanks to a friend's amazing luck, I was in the 4th row - the closest I've ever been to Ed - and it completely altered the experience.
Their F1 gig was a late announcement, and to be honest, I was initially hesitant about going 'cos my last Padang show was 7 years ago and I've reached that age where standing in a sweaty crowd for hours is no longer appealing.
#5: Taylor Swift - National Stadium, March 2024
Tay-Tay did not disappoint, displaying lots of energy and showmanship, whipping the crowd into a frenzy.
Kudos to the fans as well, for their infectious enthusiasm and consideration for others.
The latter was most evident at the Stadium MRT station, where everyone obediently followed the ushers' instructions so we could enter safely.
#4: Trevor Noah - Star Theatre, June 2024
Didn't manage to take any photos for this one, but he was nothing short of incredible, performing 3 sell-out shows.
I last saw him in 2019 ( laughed till I cried ).
This time round, he was equally funny, though I didn't shed any tears haha.
One of the best parts of his shows is his keen observation of local culture.
He did this 5 years ago and stuck to the same formula, with terrific results.
I also enjoyed his jokes about Trump, but the highlight was the impromptu segment, where the audience lobbed random questions and received witty replies.
Watching him during my birthday week was a huge bonus!
Hope it won't take another 5 years for him to return.
#3: Ed Sheeran - National Stadium, February 2024
The previous time I watched him at the Indoor Stadium was already magical.
But this show gave me a high that lasted for weeks.
Compared to Taylor's performance which had lots of bells and whistles, Ed stayed his minimalist self, which I feel greatly enhanced the performance.
Together with his trusty looper machine, a 360-degree rotating stage and intermittent pyrotechnics, he had everyone under his spell.
#2: OneRepublic - The Padang, September 2024
Their F1 gig was a late announcement, and to be honest, I was initially hesitant about going 'cos my last Padang show was 7 years ago and I've reached that age where standing in a sweaty crowd for hours is no longer appealing.
But go I did, after finding a friend/colleague and fellow 1R fan to accompany me.
Compared to their 2017 F1 concert, this seemed more tame, or maybe the people around me just weren't as effusive.
The last 30 minutes, however, took a sharp turn when the skies opened up and a heavy downpour began.
While some started leaving, most - myself included - braved the rain and stayed on.
The sudden change in weather also had a major effect on Ryan Tedder, whose energy level spiked, causing him to jump off the stage and mingle with those nearby.
This photo is definitely one of my favourites this year, effectively conveying our euphoria.
It was also a memorable first for me, i.e. the first time I watched an outdoor concert in the rain. I got thoroughly drenched, but doing this with OneRepublic was absolutely perfect. :)
#1: Take That - Star Theatre, October 2024
Why did this trio take the top spot, despite not being superstars and attracting fewer than 5000 fans?
I have a LONG history with these guys.
First, TT is my all-time favourite boy band.
Second, I'm still a fan, which makes it 32 years and counting ( their debut album came out in 1992 ).
Third, this was only the second time I managed to watch them on stage.
The first show was around 20 years ago at the Indoor Stadium.
They returned once or twice but I abstained 'cos I didn't like the venues.
This concert was a wonderful reunion for all of us.
The large number of Brits in the audience made a huge difference, as their energy and deafening screams got us locals revved up.
Everyone was on their feet from the first minute and the screams continued until the encore.
I was a little sad that Jason and Robbie were absent, but Gary, Howard and Mark more than made up for it.
They've aged beautifully - slim, full heads of thick hair, still boyish - and their physical fitness enabled them to reproduce dance moves from early uptempo hits like Pray and Relight My Fire.
I was in the 5th row with excellent close-up views. Unfortunately, I didn't muster the courage to go right up to the front to see if I could get a handshake or high-five.
I'm notoriously bad at remembering lyrics, but had zero problem recalling those for TT songs. Belting along with my idols was so cathartic!
The early '90s were a fabulous period of my life ( that and the entire '80s ).
Really hope they'll come back soon.
More rundowns to follow at a later date. Thanks for reading!
