Dropping his latest studio album, Voice Memo, earlier this year, rising Korean hip-hop artist ASH ISLAND announced his summer takeover celebrations in the form of the 2025 Voice Memo: Black Rose World Tour, which would kick off on August 1 in Taipei, Taiwan, and end in Vancouver, Canada, on September 16. However, before that sweet curtain call ending, ASH ISLAND would take over the streets of Los Angeles, bringing fan favorites to the party-styled Vermont Hollywood.
With parking being a bit on the pricy side across Los Angeles that Friday evening, with a plethora of top-performing artists down every which way, I made my way to the City of Angels a little earlier than usual and took part in my own explorations before making my way to the Vermont Hollywood, where I would instantly find my place in line, awaiting the few minutes before doors would open, and my memories to begin to take form.
Those in line were friendly, hyped, and simply filled with so much spirit it was contagious. Huge shout-out to the girl in line who handed me one of her extra Celsius energy drinks; it would prove to be a huge help throughout the night. And of course shout-out to Michelle for being one of the nicest individuals I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with. Overall, the pre-show experience with ASH ISLAND’s fan base was a great one, aside from a few concertgoers; those in attendance were all ready to have an amazing time and build an atmosphere of love and support.
The time quickly flew by thanks to the fantastic company out in line, and the staff at the Vermont Hollywood quickly got us inside. Unfortunately, for those attending future dates of the North American branch of the Voice Memo: Black Rose World Tour, there was no merch. I don’t know if that could randomly change as the tour continues. But, just my observation at the Los Angeles showcase.
It wouldn’t be long before the house music would lower, the lights would shift their glare, and ASH ISLAND’s intro piece “ECHO” would begin, and the enigmatic entity himself would appear on stage, quickly creating a flow that would constantly push and pull from the crowd’s energy as time froze around us for the few hours we had with the artist and his unique take on storytelling.
The entire floor of the Vermont Hollywood would continuously erupt into screams, cheers, and “gang gang” chants, with an every so often “I love you” or “take it off” from the male portion of the crowd, which would see ASH ISLAND respond in earnest or just flash a quick laugh or smile. It could instantly be felt that the artist and fan connection was prominent and filled with respect, both ways.
For his first time performing in Los Angeles, ASH ISLAND did an amazing job making the Southern California city feel so much love, while jumping between “Drop Top” and “A STAR IS BORN,” the artist could be seen high-fiving those in attendance constantly. There was never a moment throughout his over 30-song setlist that he didn’t have the crowd feeling the love and appreciation.
Another no-brainer of the night was just how strong a vocal range ASH ISLAND has and brings to his live shows. You can actually feel the raw weight of each note that left his lips, which would completely wash over the crowd like a shooting star flying across the night sky. I knew from his studio albums the type of artist my head would imagine. But, experiencing the emotional weight live was on an entirely new level.
Fans would eagerly sing along to each lyric as ASH ISLAND jumped between songs like “Empty Head” and “WONDER” before jumping into one of my favorites of the night, “OST,” taken off Voice Memo, which he would go on to explain to the crowd as being the most lovely song he had ever created. He would continue to interact with the crowd, asking us all, “Does it rain a lot in LA?” Which the crowd, in unison, would reply with a resounding “NO,” before exclaiming, “Let’s make it rain,” and jumping right into the song “Rainy Day.” This in itself would become a highlight for the very eager and energetic crowd.
Adding to the emotional weight already flowing throughout the venue, ASH ISLAND would go on to reveal that he had been having a tough time lately. But, everyone there that night and being on stage was giving him strength, giving himself a moment he claims he will remember forever.
He would continue to keep the feel-good atmosphere going with “Smoking Roses,” “Last Moments,” and “I don’t wanna be your hero,” to even “Beer,” to name just a few songs included in the long, stretching setlist. Keeping the vibes high and fan interaction a key point, after a resounding performance of “Everything,” ASH ISLAND would ask the crowd if they wanted to take a photo with him as he would go on to direct the crowd between two different poses for the photos.
ASH ISLAND would take a few wardrobe changes throughout the night, nothing too flashy, and would slowly, over time, remove an article of clothing before he was just performing in a tank top that would get the crowd going all over again. He would even go on to take a fan’s phone to record a portion of the performance, giving the lucky concertgoer their own personal memory.
Keeping the energy going as the night was quickly heading towards its end with “Ghost of You” and “1+1,” which had the most singing throughout the night as the party atmosphere kicked up a notch for the final leg of the show’s performance.
Now being commanded to turn on the flashlights of our phones, ASH ISLAND would grip hold of our heartstrings once again with a beautiful performance of “One More Night,” before heading off the stage.
Of course, as all good concertgoers, we would begin to cheer for an encore as the venue’s lights would egg us on, flashing between colors, keeping the energy levels upwards before jumping into a fiery performance of “Black Rose,” promising to be back as he would wave goodbye to the crowd and our experience would quickly turn from cheers to rushing feet out of the venue.
The Los Angeles stop of ASH ISLAND’s 2025 Voice Memo: Black Rose World Tour was an amazing experience from beginning to end, from the pre-show line to the shuffling of feet. The party-like atmosphere of the entire showcase paints ASH ISLAND’s performance as one filled with fun, love, and support through music. Everyone in the Vermont Hollywood was there for an unforgettable time, and ASH ISLAND delivered, while vice versa, the fans made sure to leave the same mark themselves, as ASH ISLAND is sure to not forget his first performance in the City of Angels.
The tour continues tonight in San Francisco and onwards throughout September if you’re interested in having an amazing time. Tickets are still available, and dates can be found on ASH ISLAND’s tour announcement post via Instagram.
Also, if you would like to check out even more of our pictures from ASH ISLAND’s takeover of Los Angeles’ Vermont Hollywood, you can check out our Instagram post dedicated to the show.
