Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, TX— July 25, 2025

Korean indie-rock band The Rose marked their return to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with a theatrical performance at Texas Trust CU Theatre last month. Unlike The Rose’s last few tours, which all included some space for general admission, this show was fully seated. This made sense when the lights dimmed and a voiceover introduction came on, telling a fantasy story and setting the scene for a whimsical, magical show in a perfect universe. “In the wind, came a voice,” the echoing narration concluded, fading into music as the band took the stage. The first part of the show was intimate and dimly lit, carrying the warmth of the introduction into an acoustic set. The Rose sat four in a row, a spotlight illuminating each member as they sung or played their parts. Then, a curtain dropped, revealing the full stage, dressed up as a room in a house, and they launched into the rest of their set. The members, who introduced themselves with their English names—Sammy, Leo, Jeff, and Dylan—kept the crowd engaged with little speeches in between songs, talking to the fans like they were friends and family. The happiness of both the band and audience was infectious and made for a bright, joyful atmosphere. While fans had stayed seated during the first part of the show, they spent the rest of it on their feet, lightsticks in the air, dancing and singing along. The band performed hits like their debut song “Sorry” and closed with their most recent single, “O.” This show was unlike any of their others I had attended in the past. The Rose of 2025 feels evolved, firmer in their identity. I am already looking forward to seeing where they go from here.

Words & Photography: Uma Snow