Show Review: Babymonster @ Climate Pledge Arena

Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena

Babymonster Wraps Up First North American Tour in Seattle

SEATTLE (September, 12, 2025) – Rising K-pop group Babymonster closed out their first North American tour Friday night at Climate Pledge Arena, delivering a polished, high-energy show that was equal parts celebration and farewell. For fans, known as Monstiez, it was a night of firsts: the group’s debut Seattle performance and the bittersweet finale of their inaugural North American tour.

Formed by YG Entertainment, Babymonster emerged from the 2022 filmed documentary “Last Evaluation,” which chronicled the intense process of member selection. Initial announcements in early 2023 confirmed Pharita, Ahyeon, Rami, Rora and Chiquita as the lineup, before Ruka and Asa joined in May to complete the seven-member group. The band officially debuted in November 2023 with “Batter Up,” which broke K-pop debut records, the music video garnering about 22.59 million views within 24 hours and earning the group international recognition.

Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena

Monstiez of all ages, from children to longtime K-pop devotees, turned out in force to witness the milestone finale. The nearly two-hour set featured multiple costume and backdrop changes, seamlessly blending Babymonster originals with solo stages and unexpected covers.

The setlist included group songs such as “Drip,” “Clik Clak,” “Like That,” “Sheesh,” “Woke Up in Tokyo,” “Dream,” “Billionaire,” “Hot Sauce” and “Stuck in the Middle,” alongside remixes of “Batter Up.” Fans cheered through heartfelt performances of ballads like “Love, Maybe” and “Forever,” while pop-infused tracks such as “Love in My Heart” and “Really Like You” showcased the group’s versatility. Solo and unit covers ranged from Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved” to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” Charlie Puth’s “Dangerously,” and even Eminem’s rapid-fire “Godzilla.” One of the biggest highlights came when Babymonster paid homage to their labelmates with a mash-up of BLACKPINK’s “Kill This Love” and “As If It’s Your Last,” which sent the arena into a frenzy as fans sang and danced along.

Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena

Staging was ambitious, with members frequently walking the extended runway that stretched into the main floor to engage directly with fans. They waved, posed for selfies and filmed clips with a handheld camera, footage they teased might appear in behind-the-scenes content after the tour’s conclusion. Audience participation was encouraged throughout, with Monstiez singing along not only during songs but also during intermissions when members prompted them to keep the energy alive.

Visually, the production relied on dynamic digital backdrops and two massive video screens flanking the stage, ensuring every fan had a clear view. The choreography, a hallmark of YG’s performance style, was delivered with sharp precision yet still felt relaxed and natural. Between songs, the members introduced themselves, reflected on their journey and expressed gratitude, creating an intimate, inclusive atmosphere despite the arena setting.

Notably absent was Rami, who is on hiatus for health reasons. Her absence was acknowledged by fans, but the remaining six members carried the show with strong cohesion.

Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena

The night ended under a sky of brightly colored confetti and with hints about the group’s next chapter, leaving fans buzzing about what’s to come, perhaps new music, another tour or both.

For a debut North American tour, Babymonster’s Seattle finale proved the group has not only the stamina but also the artistry to establish themselves as one of K-pop’s next global powerhouses.

Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena
Babymonster - Climate Pledge Arena

Photos: Sierra Hull @ Neptune Theater

Sierra Hull @ Neptune Theater – 9/9/2025
Photos by Kirk Stauffer

Mandolin virtuoso Sierra Hull captivated the full house at the Neptune Theater with her unique bluegrass style, warm voice, and interesting stories.  Backed by Shaun Richardson (guitar), Erik Coveney (bass), Mark Raudabaugh (drums), and Avery Merritt (fiddle), they’re on the road in support of Hull’s recently released fourth studio album, A Tip Toe High Wire.  Each member was given the opportunity to display their instrumental skills and the harmonies were outstanding, while the five gathered around a single mic during the latter part of the show.

Sierra Hull – Photos by Kirk Stauffer

Bumbershoot 2025 – Day One

Another fantastic year has come to a close for Bumbershoot, the beloved arts and music festival in Seattle. The event once again proved its success, drawing large crowds for a full day of incredible performances from a diverse range of bands, both from the thriving local scene and from around the world. Here are some of the standout moments and performances that made this year’s Bumbershoot a truly memorable experience.

SCOWL

Scowl performing at Bumbershoot 2025 in Settle, Washington.

At this year’s Mural Stage, Santa Cruz’s own punk rockers, Scowl, delivered a blistering performance that left no doubt about their raw power. The band tore through their set with a fierce and unrelenting intensity, captivating the crowd with their high-energy stage presence and powerful, hard-hitting sound. It was a chaotic and unforgettable show that solidified Scowl‘s reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the punk scene.

TANK AND THE BANGAS


At the Mural Stage, Tarriona “Tank” Ball’s voice was a source of pure joy, instantly winning over the crowd. Her melodies, a captivating blend of funk, soul, and jazz, with a dash of Disney cheer for good measure, created an atmosphere that was both relaxed and incredibly uplifting. She delivered each note with an effortless grace that captivated the audience from start to finish. The performance was a perfect fusion of polished musicianship and raw, heartfelt emotion, making it a truly unforgettable and inspiring experience for everyone in attendance.

PRETTY GIRLS MAKE GRAVES

Hailing from Seattle’s vibrant late ’90s club scene, Pretty Girls Make Graves were a staple for music lovers, known for their captivating live shows. Now, the band has reunited, and they’re bringing their signature indie rock sound back to the stage. With their unique blend of post-punk energy and melodic hooks, they’re reintroducing their patented sound to a whole new generation of fans who are eager to experience the raw power and artistry that made the band so legendar

WEEZER

A multi-generational crowd of fans, both young and old, gathered to see the iconic alt-rock band Weezer. The group mostly focused on their beloved 1994 self-titled debut, often called the “Blue Album,” much to the delight of the eager fans. Weezer kicked off their set with the 2001 hit “Hash Pipe,” setting the stage for a performance that cruised through a succession of fan favorites. The enthusiastic audience sang along to every word, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated the enduring appeal of the band’s classic hits.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs at the Tractor Tavern

Newcastle upon Tyne stoner metal behemoth Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (henceforth referred to as ‘Pigs x7’) partnered with lo-fi fuzz pop garagesters The Paranoyds for an evening of good loud fun at Ballard’s venerable Tractor Tavern earlier this week. The somewhat unlikely English metal act took the stage to the made to order klaxon call of AC/DC’s ‘For Those About to Rock’, which was an appropriate foreshadowing of the din that was to follow. I’ve heard plenty of truly LOUD metal bands over the years but never anything that approached the sheer air moving, floor shaking impact of Pigs x7 at the Tractor.

The band drew heavily from their most recent release, ‘Death Hilarious’, opening with the punishing, repetitive riffs of ‘The Wyrm’ before transitioning into an innervating Black Sabbath meets Melvins workout after the song’s first bridge. Pigs x7 aren’t shy about acknowledging their allegiance to Sabbath, cramming the bulk of their tunes with Tony Iommi style drop tuned sledgehammer riffs and a substrate rattling bass that would make Geezer Butler green with envy.

While the entire Pigs x7 crew is top notch and worthy of note, frontman Matthew Baty is the band’s visual focus and an absolute marvel of non-stop fist pumping physical activity and enthusiasm. He reminds me a lot of Idles’ front guy Joe Talbot, but where Idles leans punk and seems to draw from hardcore and noise influences, Pigs x7 is all about the Sabbath.

The Paranoyds set the table for Pigs x7 with a fun and upbeat set of garage-ish guitar rock. Their comparatively breezy (and somewhat quieter) performance paired nicely with the headliner, and they were rewarded with a warm and appreciative response from the capacity audience.