Lay Zhang (레이/张艺兴), the multifaceted artist known for his impressive career as a singer, dancer, and actor, once again mesmerised his Malaysian fans at his “Grandline 4: Step” concert held at the Mega Star Arena KL. Having previously graced Kuala Lumpur’s stage both as a member of EXO (엑소) and as a solo performer, Lay’s return for the fourth instalment of his “Grandline” tour was highly anticipated.
If there was ever a night when Kuala Lumpur’s Mega Star Arena was set to explode with star power, it was on 8th July 2024. Lay, the unstoppable force of the Chinese music scene, lit up the stage with his sensational performances and let us tell you, it was nothing short of a mind-blowing spectacle!
The evening began with an impressive spectacle that set the tone for the rest of the show. The stage was bathed in a vibrant red hue as the performer made his entrance seated on a majestic sheep prop, performing his hit song “Sheep.” Dressed in an oversized fur coat, he exuded a regal presence that immediately captivated the audience. The grandiosity of the setup and his charismatic performance had fans roaring with excitement right from the start.
Following the dramatic opening, the singer launched into a series of crowd-pleasing tracks, blending both old favourites and new releases. He delivered powerful renditions of “BOSS,” “Lit,” and “Lay U Down,” each performance showcasing his dynamic vocal abilities and energetic dance moves. The addition of new songs like “Daisy” introduced fresh material to the setlist, and the audience responded with enthusiastic cheers.
As the night progressed, the 32-year-old had the crowd on cloud nine with hits like “Mornings With You,” “Run Back To You,” “Before You Let Go,” and “Psychic.” The atmosphere was electric, with fans waving their purple lightsticks in unison, creating a sea of violet that pulsed with the beat of the music.
The multitalented EXO member’s performance was not just about singing and dancing. He also took the opportunity to showcase his instrumental skills. A piano was brought on stage, and Lay demonstrated his talent by playing both the piano and guitar while performing some Chinese songs.
One particularly memorable moment was when he sang “Satay Sedap,” a song he had previously shared during a “Grandline 2.” The song brought smiles to the faces of fans who had followed him through the years. The singer also dedicated a moment of the concert to celebrate his mother’s birthday, singing a special birthday song in 4 different dialects.
As the concert moved towards its climax, the singer cranked up the energy with “Step,” making the most of the DJ mixer to deliver an electrifying performance. The setlist included fan favourites like “I Need U,” “Boom,” “Namanana,” and “Mapo Tofu,” each song bringing its own flavour and keeping the excitement high. One of the night’s highlights was when he descended into the crowd during “Right Back,” giving fans the chance to get up close and personal with the star. His genuine interactions and willingness to engage with his fans made the experience even more memorable.
To close out the concert, Lay’s encore of “Breathe” was the perfect way to wrap up the night. The song was a beautiful breather from the high-energy madness, with its chill melody and reflective vibes giving everyone a chance to just soak it all in. Fans sang along and swayed to the gentle rhythm, making it a calm and introspective end to an absolutely epic show.
Even Malaysian girl group DOLLA agreed that the show was spectacular. We were sad that the show ended but after what we’ve seen on stage, we’re very much looking forward to the next one!
Melissa Royan contributed to this article.
