From “TOKYO DRIFT” to debuting a brand new track, ONE OR EIGHT gave 1DERZ an unforgettable opening night of their new tour in LA.
The vibes at The Roxy on April 8th, 2026, were incredible as ONE OR EIGHT took the stage. On this opening night of their “GATHER” tour, the group delivered a performance that fans will never forget – and they likely won’t either. As I stood among the sea of 1DERZ, the energy was high, and it became impossible not to lose myself in the music. ONE OR EIGHT – the powerhouse octet formed under Avex – had finally arrived on North American soil.
The group’s name, derived from the Japanese idiom ichi ka hachi ka (“all or nothing”), felt like the mission statement for the entire evening. From the second the lights dimmed, and the first heavy bass notes shook the floor, it was clear that MIZUKI, NEO, REIA, RYOTA, SOUMA, TAKERU, TSUBASA, and YUGA weren’t there just to perform – they were there to leave every fiber of their being on that stage.
The show kicked off with a relentless, high-energy surge that immediately demanded everyone’s attention. Starting off with several of their heavy hitters and fan favorites, they were sure to get the crowd jumping before slowing things down a bit.
We were then treated to a few solo stages and specialized vocal line performances that allowed the individual colors of the members to shine. These moments were crucial because they stripped away the heavy production and let the raw talent of the group take center stage. Whether it was a soaring high note or an incredible focused dance break, the group proved that while they are a collective unit, they are also eight distinct stars who know exactly how to highlight each other’s strengths.
Towards the end of the evening, they caught us off guard with a brand-new track: “Live Laugh Loud.” The title suggests a lightness, but the performance was an absolute anthem. It was infectious, groovy, and seemingly designed for a live crowd to move to.
I found myself dancing along to a song I had never heard before as if it were an old favorite. Since the final note rang out, it has been playing on a loop in my head – Avex, if you’re reading this, we need the studio version on streaming platforms immediately.
The show concluded by circling back to the beginning, ending on a massive high. Having run an Instagram poll earlier in the day, the group revealed that the fans had chosen the finale. By popular demand, they performed “TOKYO DRIFT” one last time. The familiarity of the track, combined with the pulsating energy of the final encore, had 1DERZ and ONE OR EIGHT saying goodbye in the best way possible – while simultaneously seemingly wanting to stick around forever and not leave each other.
What truly defined the night for me, however, wasn’t just the unforgettable performances or the well planned out setlist – it was the heart. Throughout the hour-and-a-half-long set, the interactions between ONE OR EIGHT and 1DERZ was incredibly genuine. There were moments where the members seemed legitimately taken aback by the volume of the crowd. This was a sold-out show, and the fans made sure the group felt every bit of that support through chants, screams, and knowing the lyrics by heart.
Towards the end of the evening, as the reality of a successful tour opener set in, several members became visibly emotional. Seeing them look out into the crowd with tears in their eyes and realize that their music had traveled across the world and built this community was a beautiful, vulnerable moment. They gave us everything – a mix of sexy stage presence and down-to-earth sincerity – and the audience gave it right back.
Before I wrap up this review, I have to mention the choreography – specifically in the second half of the show. The stamina required to maintain that level of precision for ninety minutes is staggering. Add in just how hot it was in that room, and it is somethign that should be applauded.
The dance breaks were perfectly timed and technically perfect (at least from where I was standing). The performances showcased a group that has spent countless hours practicing and perfecting their craft. They know exactly who excels at what. When a member took the lead for a solo, the others supported them without overshadowing, creating a balanced dynamic that kept the audience locked in.
As the “GATHER” tour moves on to Mesa, San Antonio, New York, and beyond, I can only imagine how these performances will evolve. This is a group that thrives on the energy of the room, and as the venues get bigger, their sound is only going to expand.
ONE OR EIGHT officially debuted in August 2024, but they perform with the confidence of veterans. They are the perfect embodiment of their name – taking the gamble, putting it all on the line, and coming out on top. If you have the chance to catch them on this North American leg, do not hesitate. If you don’t, you will regret not seeing such an intimate show when they are headlining stadiums. ONE OR EIGHT is going somewhere, and after that night at The Roxy, I’m fully strapped in for the ride.
Despite a rocky start to the evening, which was a fault of the venue, not the artists, it ended up being an unforgettable night that I will never forget. My ears are still ringing, my feet are sore, and “Live Laugh Loud” is etched into my brain. Keep an eye on these eight, because this is only the beginning.
ONE OR EIGHT NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA TOUR DATES
- 4/8/ 26 – Los Angeles, California – The Roxy Theatre
- 4/14/26 – Mesa, Arizona – The Nile Theater
- 4/16/26 – San Antonio, Texas – The Rock Box
- 4/18/26 – Fort Worth, Texas – Ridglea Theater
- 4/22/26 – Mexico City, Mexico – Foro Puebla
- 4/24/26 – Buenos Aires, Argentina – Vorterix
- 4/26/26 – São Paulo, Brazil – Cine Joia
- 4/18/26 – Atlanta, Georgia – Center Stage Theater
- 4/30/26 – Chicago, Illinois – Distro Music Hall
- 5/5/26 – New York, New York – Racket NYC
Tickets for the ONE OR EIGHT 1ST LIVE TOUR – GATHER are available now HERE.
Stream the new mini album GATHER on all major platforms HERE.
