'Exactly what we needed': BTS delights fans with 'Dynamite' Tiny Desk performance
The COVID-19 pandemic may be putting in-person concerts on hold, but that isn't stopping K-pop group BTS from performing.
On Monday, the South Korean boy band delighted fans on NPR's Tiny Desk series on YouTube, opening with disco-pop song "Dynamite" – the group's first single to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 songs chart.
In attempt to spread joy amid the pandemic, NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts provide remote performances with stripped-down sets for a more intimate experience. BTS is the latest musical group to perform for the series – Billie Eilish, Tame Impala and John Legend have also performed, among others – singing from a VINYL & PLASTIC record store in their hometown of Seoul, South Korea.
"It's been a while since we last sang "Save Me," said vocalist Jimin of the 2016 song the boy band performed. "It reminds me of when we were on tour with the band. Those are great times."
The group then sang 2017's "Spring Day" to spread some cheer. "It's been the roughest summer ever, but we know that spring will come," rapper RM assured.
Adorned in coordinated, colorful, retro-inspired outfits, BTS brought the concert to life with their dance moves and impressive vocals, and fans, who call themselves the "BTS Army," were loving the performance.
'Dynamite': BTS talk No. 1 hit achievement, thank their Army fans and look to the future
"#BTSxTinyDesk really drew my attention to how unique each member's vocal talents are," wrote user mere. "Their voices are so distinct and memorable. That's what caught my attention when I first found BTS."
#BTSxTinyDesk really drew my attention to how unique each member’s vocal talents are. Their voices are so distinct and memorable. That’s what caught my attention when I first found BTS. They all have great command of their voices and it’s just so fun to hear live 💜
— mere⁷ 💬 (@glosshypegirl) September 21, 2020
Another user wrote that the performance "makes me feel so happy."
Watching them like this, enjoying the performance makes me feel so happy🥺#BTSxTinyDesk pic.twitter.com/3sUD2EuvIN
— BTS_official⁷📼 (@EXPENSIVEMENBTS) September 21, 2020
When JK hit that high note in Dynamite, tears formed in my eyes @BTS_twt #BTSxTinyDesk
— Rafranz⁷ (@RafranzDavis) September 21, 2020
Jungkook hitting all that high notes effortlessly really blown me away!#BTSxTinyDeskpic.twitter.com/ZGLk9NRF1u
— BTS_official⁷📼 (@EXPENSIVEMENBTS) September 21, 2020
User Rachel lauded BTS for the live performance, writing "no choreo, no pyrotechnics, no enormous LED screen... just a live band and their mics ON."
I would honestly watch a 3hr concert like this. No choreo, no pyrotechnics, no enormous LED screen... just a live band and their mics ON 🥺 #BTSxTinyDesk
— Rachel⁷💋 (@DarlingSpectrum) September 21, 2020
"Dynamite with a live band is exactly what we needed in our lives," wrote user lea. "Look at the boys all hyped up and having fun."
DYNAMITE WITH A LIVE BAND IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED IN OUR LIVES OH MY GOD
AND LOOK AT THE BOYS ALL HYPED UP AND HAVING FUN #BTSxTinyDesk @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/yXfB1ogDM7— lea⁷ (@seokjinbit) September 21, 2020
Man, this performance was BTS just vibing out while showing their true skills and talent.
BTS in their element. This is why I really hoped for a NPR Tiny Desk Concert. The world needs to hear these vocals.
No autotune. No lipsyncing. @BTS_twt #BTS #BTSxTinyDesk pic.twitter.com/h4jfASy7oy— Yassin⁷ (semi-inactive) (@BTSBEINGBTSYT) September 21, 2020
taehyung and jin’s voice back and forth... and jin’s run at the end?? I AM IN LOVE WITH THAT PART #BTSxTinyDesk pic.twitter.com/4lUNlClu3V
— namjoon misser van⁷ (@btseternaIs) September 21, 2020
BTS: earns first No. 1 debut with 'Dynamite' on Billboard's Hot 100 chart
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: BTS: 'Dynamite,' 'Save Me' performance in Tiny Desk concert wows fans
