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BTS’ Suga to Make History With Upcoming Solo Tour

• By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

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Suga will become the first BTS member to embark on a solo tour, with a slate of dates scheduled around the world this spring, including a U.S. run. The tour is notably being billed under Suga ’s own name, as well as his other stage moniker, Agust D.

The trek will kick off with two shows at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York — outside New York City — on April 26 and 27. Suga will then play one show in Newark, New Jersey, three in Rosemont, Illinois (just outside of Chicago), and three in Los Angeles. The U.S. leg wraps with two gigs in Oakland on May 16 and 17. 

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While all seven members of BTS are exploring solo projects right now (and completing their mandatory military service ), Suga has been ahead of the curve for a few years now. Back in 2016, he released a debut self-titled mixtape as Agust D, then followed that project up in 2020 with another mixtape, D-2 . Suga’s also done a bunch of production work for other artists recently, including Psy , the Japanese singer Ømi, and his BTS bandmate Jung Kook.

Suga Tour Dates Apr 26 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena Apr 27 – Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena Apr 29 – Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center May 3 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena May 5 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena May 6 – Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena May 10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum May 11 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum May 14 – Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum May 16 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena May 17 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena

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Everything We Know About Suga's Debut Solo Album, 'D-Day'

Continuing BTS' solo endeavors in the group's second chapter, Suga takes the wheel with the announcement of his debut studio album under his alias Agust D. Here's all the details we know about 'D-Day.'

It's almost hard to believe that it has already been almost 10 months since BTS rocked the world with the announcement of their hiatus. But that's mostly because the K-pop powerhouses haven't gone completely quiet — and now, it's Suga 's turn on the mic.

As BTS' label, Big Hit Music, announced on April 21, Suga will release his first solo album, D-Day , on April 21. The album will arrive just weeks after his BTS bandmate Jimin released his debut EP, and follows solo projects and performances from j-hope , Jung Kook , Jin and RM . 

Although D-Day marks the first studio album from Suga, his solo discography sees two mixtapes, a feature on MAX's 2020 hit "Blueberry Eyes," and an interlude of Halsey 's double-platinum album Manic . Suga has shown his solo chops within BTS, too, taking lead on "Intro: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life," "First Love," "Trivia: Seesaw," and "Interlude: Shadow."

Fans will get a first taste of what Suga is cooking up with his first studio LP with "People Pt. 2" on April 7. As fans get ready for the latest BTS solo venture, GRAMMY.com has compiled a list of everything we know about Suga's album D-Day .

D-DAY 2023. 4. 21. 1PM (KST) | 0AM (ET) #SUGA #슈가 #AgustD #D_DAY pic.twitter.com/ZRzcfsziad — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) April 2, 2023

D-Day Arrives April 21

Big Hit Music revealed on April 2 that Suga's debut studio album will be released on April 21. In an announcement post on BTS' Weverse page, D-Day was described as "an intimate portrayal of his life as an artist."

Agust D Makes A Comeback

Working on endeavors outside BTS, Suga commonly uses the alias "Agust D," which was used for his self-titled debut and second mixtape, D-2 . The moniker is an homage to Suga's stage name and his hometown of Daegu, South Korea — also known as "D-Town." Spelled backward, Agust D becomes "D-T Suga." 

Unfortunately for fans of Suga's alter ego, D-Day will be the closing chapter of the rapper's trilogy as Agust D, as Big Hit declared in the Weverse album announcement.

Suga Took Part In Both Songwriting And Producing

Suga has long been one of the masterminds behind BTS' record-breaking songs, first songwriting and producing on the group's first studio album, Dark & Wild . In 2017, Suga expanded his skills outside of BTS, working with Korean vocalist Suran on her track "Wine." In the years since, he has co-written and produced tracks with Juice WRLD, and Psy, as well as his interlude with Halsey and the BTS collab with Coldplay , "My Universe."

With such extensive and impressive credits under his belt, it was no surprise when Big Hit confirmed Suga participated in the songwriting and producing for D-Day .

He Reunites With A Previous Collaborator On The Pre-Release Single

Though the full tracklist for D-Day has yet to surface, Big Hit has revealed the first song from Suga's debut is "People Pt. 2" featuring K-pop superstar IU. The track is the second collaboration between the pair, who initially worked together in 2020 on IU's single, "Eight."

"People Pt. 2," out April 7, is a continuation of Suga's "People" from his 2020 mixtape, D-2 , that discusses the "endless relationships between people and the emotions felt in an Agust D way."

Suga Will Premiere The Music On A Solo Tour

Following the release of D-Day , Suga will embark on an international solo tour beginning April 26 in Belmont Park, New York, credited as both Suga and Agust D. Beyond the United States, Suga will also hit Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Korea.

The tour marks a first within BTS: Though bandmates j-hope, Jung Kook, and Jin performed at Lollapalooza, FIFA World Cup Qatar, and Coldplay's Music of Spheres stop in Argentina, respectively, Suga is the first BTS member to complete a headlining solo tour.

Disney+ Has Plans To Release A Documentary On Suga's Musical Journey

The day before "People Pt. 2" arrived, Disney+ dropped a trailer for a documentary special, SUGA: Road to D-Day , which will hit the streaming platform the same day the album is released. 

According to a press statement, the documentary follows Suga's musical journey across Korea, Japan, and the United States "in search of inspiration in the form of new sounds and experiences." The film also offers a behind-the-scenes look at Suga's lifestyle as a global phenom on tour as a member of one of the most successful musical groups in history.

D-Day Is Available For Pre-Order Now

If you want to be among the first to hear D-Day on April 21, you can pre-order the album now on the BTS Weverse Shop.

Customers who pre-order the album before April 20 will receive one of the special gifts listed on the Weverse website and will be entered into a raffle for an autographed poster or a video call with Suga.

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Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

J-Hope's Road To 'Hope On The Street Vol.1,' From Falling Back In Love With Dance To Tying Together His Global Influences

After 11 years in BTS, j-hope revisits the passion that started it all: dancing. Ahead of his new docuseries and special album, 'Hope on the Street Vol.1,' discover the full-circle journey that brought him back to his roots.

"Just dance," j-hope commands on his 2018 BTS solo track.

For the international sensation, that's what it's always been about: expressing himself through movement. Now, 11 years after the launch of the seven-piece group, j-hope takes a U-turn to where it all began, before his K-pop idol days, street dancing between his hometown, Gwangju, and Seoul, South Korea.

Out March 29, j-hope's new special album, Hope on the Street Vol.1 , is a musical ode to dancing that boasts a "vibrant collection of six tracks spanning a diverse array of sounds and moods that showcase j-hope's musical prowess and depth." Like j-hope's global perspective of dance, the EP expands borders and sounds, featuring appearances from HYBE labelmate HUH YUNJIN of LE SSERAFIM as well as American stars Nile Rodgers and Benny Blanco .

The mini-album will also be accompanied by a docuseries of the same name, premiering on Amazon Prime Video on March 28. According to a press statement, the six-part project will "highlight j-hope's story and love for dancing as he begins a new journey."

Ahead of Hope on the Street Vol.1 's arrival, take a look at how j-hope's origins inspired the project — from his enrollment in a local dance academy to songwriting with J. Cole on their 2023 single, "on the street."

Finding Purpose In Dance

Long before becoming a global superstar, j-hope (born Jung Ho-seok) first discovered his love for dancing on the playground.

"The school I went to had a dance lesson for 30 minutes in the morning. They would play a dance video, and we would copy it as exercise," j-hope recalled in a 2013 interview for the BTS Japan Fanclub magazine. "My friends around me would praise me, saying, 'You're really good!'"

Eventually, those recess workouts turned into a passion. J-hope began practicing moves at home and freestyling at local talent shows. By the sixth grade, he told his parents he was serious about it, enrolling him in Gwangju's Joy Dance Academy.

While at the Academy, j-hope also joined the underground dance crew, NEURON, building a reputation under the name "Smile Hoya." Though he hasn't participated in the troupe since his pre-BTS days, he still recognizes it as one of the most influential parts of his career.

He'll even honor the crew with Hope on the Street , which includes a track called "NEURON," featuring Gaeko and yoonmirae . He will also return to Gwangju in the closing chapter of the docuseries.

It's not the first time j-hope shouted out Gwangju, either. His 2019 collab with Becky G, "Chicken Noodle Soup," paid tribute to his beloved upbringing: "From Gwangju, one gang of you-know-what/ Geumnam Chungjang Street, that's my Harlem." (The same track also foreshadowed his latest release: "Hope on the street, now it's my own way.")

Forging A New Life In Music With BTS

J-hope continued to have a diligent mindset as a trainee at Big Hit Entertainment. But as revealed in BTS' 2018 docuseries, Burn the Stage , training and dieting became emotionally and physically tolling. At one point, j-hope even considered leaving the group.

"I couldn't do things I wanted to do," he revealed during a 2021 You Quiz on the Block segment . "To be honest, I wanted to play games. I want to go out and hang out. I wanted to stay with my family. I had to give up a lot of things from that perspective."

The stress became so intense that he bought a one-way ticket to Gwangju. But ultimately, the brotherhood and love of music he formed with BTS gave him the courage to return: "I came back because I trusted you," j-hope recounted.

And they trusted him, too: "I told [Big Hit] that we needed Jung Ho-seok. We couldn't debut without him," RM responded. Meanwhile, Jung Kook delivered a tearful speech to encourage him to stay with the band.

The longer he stayed, the more j-hope began to love other sides of music, like producing and songwriting. Now, he has become one of the main writers for the group's tracks, alongside RM and Suga , and has co-penned all of his solo projects, including Hope on the Street .

Spreading His Wings With Two Full-Length Solo Projects

After nearly 10 projects with BTS, j-hope delivered his debut mixtape, Hope World , in March 2018.

"My fantasy had always been making a music video and performing with the music I had created. I wanted to put my own story to music and share it with the world," he told Time magazine upon Hope World ’s release.

It's an introduction to j-hope the artist, inviting listeners to step into Hope World , a colorful kaleidoscope of different cultures and styles — something that has also been a key part of his dance journey.

Though, j-hope still wanted to dig deeper into his artistry. He developed his sound, becoming more vulnerable in his lyricism on tracks like 2020's "Outro: Ego." By 2022, he was ready to drop his first studio album, Jack in the Box .

Where Hope World showcases j-hope's dance performance, Jack in the Box highlights "my artistry in music ." But Hope on the Street paints the full image of the phenom — part musician, part dancer.

Laying The Groundwork With "On The Street," Featuring J. Cole

One of j-hope's earliest musical influences was J. Cole. The rapper inspired j-hope's stage name and the title of his mixtape, which pays homage to 2011's Cole World . In 2022, j-hope honored Cole with "Born Singer," the BTS re-write of Cole's "Born Sinner." So, a celebratory meeting was in order when they were both scheduled to perform at Lollapalooza (where j-hope made history as the first Korean soloist to headline).

"[He's] my idol," j-hope said to Variety in 2023. Since they met, he "couldn't stop thinking about how great it would be if we could make music together." He reached out to J. Cole, and "on the street" was born.

As j-hope told Variety , the "street" concept became a metaphor for life: "The street is a place where people can actually encounter and feel real lives of people: a child's innocent mind; first encounter with someone and falling in love; someone in an urgent moment;" and so much more. It's the place where he learned to love dance — and where he grew a love for music and artists like J. Cole, who called their collab "a blessing" in the behind-the-scenes footage .

And thus, "on the street" became the springboard for his forthcoming project, Hope on the Street .

Unveiling A Docuseries And A Multi-Part Project

By the tail end of 2023, each member of BTS had enlisted in mandatory military service. But even during the septet's hiatus, j-hope managed to serve up a surprise announcement of Hope on the Street on Feb. 17 with a fitting montage of dance videos.

The joint docuseries and album follows j-hope's journey of self-discovery, accompanying his former instructor, Boogaloo Kin, as they dance their way through the streets of Osaka, Seoul, Paris, New York, and his hometown while meeting other dancers.

" Hope on the Street , my roots, the most important part of my life. This is how j-hope danced. I wanted to share this story with you," he said in an interview for the documentary .

After years of breaking records and making history as a member of BTS, it was "a chance to look back on my life," he explained in another trailer . "I realized the answer was in song and dance."

Culminating j-hope's skills in both art forms, Hope on the Street is a love letter to everything that's made him who he is today — and proof he'll never forget it.

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Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

9 Essential K-Pop/Western Collabs: From BTS And Megan Thee Stallion, To IVE And Saweetie

From Jungkook and Usher's tribute to their shared musical idol, to BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez' sugary sweet collab, K-pop and Western artists of all genres are joining forces to create killer hits.

It’s impossible to ignore the growing global popularity of K-pop. Although Korean pop has been around for decades, the genre's meteoric worldwide success over the past 10 years is reminiscent of Beatlemania and the early 2000s American boy band craze. With a steady increase year-over-year in album sales and K-pop groups touring the U.S. and Europe, interest in K-pop shows no signs of slowing down .

Initially launched in South Korea as a music subgenre with Western pop, R&B and hip-hop influences in the '90s, the K-pop industry is valued at around $10 billion .

Given the worldwide appetite for K-pop, several Western musicians are keen to partner with K-pop acts crossing over into more international markets, often with songs sung partially or entirely in English. While K-pop artists do not need Western artists to be successful — BTS sold out London’s Wembley stadium in under 90 minutes back in 2019, and BLACKPINK made Coachella history twice with performances in 2019 and 2023 — K-pop's massive fanbase and multi-genre influence make it an ideal collaboration for everyone from rappers and singers to electronic DJs.

But don’t take our word for it. Here are nine of the most iconic K-Pop/Western collaborations (not in any order; they are all great songs!).

Usher and Jungkook - "Standing Next to You (Usher Remix)" (2024)

The maknae (the youngest member of the group) of global K-pop superstars BTS and the King of R&B are both having banner years: Jungkook released his debut solo album, and Usher just performed at the Super Bowl . 

The Bangtan Boys have cited Usher as a significant influence (even singing a callback to his 2001 hit "U Got It Bad" in their No. 1 song, "Butter"), so BTS fans were delighted when the Jungkook tapped Usher for a remix of "Standing Next to You." The song marks the fourth single from his Billboard 200 chart-topping debut album, Golden . 

Both singers count Michael Jackson as a major influence. In their collaboration video, Usher and Jungkook pay tribute to the King of Pop as they slide, pop, and lock across the slick floor of an abandoned warehouse. 

John Legend and Wendy of Red Velvet - "Written in the Stars" (2018)

R&B singer/pianist John Legend was the perfect choice for an R&B ballad with Wendy, the main vocalist of K-pop quintet Red Velvet. The final song on the five-track SM Station x 0 , a digital music project, "Written in the Stars," is a beautiful, mid-tempo love song. A bit of a departure from K-pop’s typical upbeat sound, Wendy and Legend are in perfect harmony over a warm yet melancholic rhythm.

As Red Velvet’s main vocalist, Wendy was the ideal voice for this collaboration. Additionally, she split her childhood between Canada and the U.S., and has been comfortable singing in English since Red Velvet debuted in 2014. This wasn't her first collab with a Western artist: In 2017, she released an English-language version of the pop ballad " Vente Pa’Ca " with Ricky Martin . 

BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez - "Ice Cream" (2020)

A powerhouse debut single, BLACKPINK collaborated with pop royalty Selena Gomez on the massive 2020 hit "Ice Cream."

An electropop-bubblegum fusion filled with dairy double entendres, "Ice Cream" was an enormous success for both Gomez and the BLACKPINK girls. The track peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has racked up nearly 900 million YouTube views to date. 

Written by a consortium of hitmakers, including Ariana Grande and BLACKPINK’s longtime songwriter and producer Teddy Park (a former K-pop idol himself), "Ice Cream" shows that YG Entertainment’s golden foursome and Gomez were the correct partnership for this track. The pop-trap bop marked the first time a K-pop girl group broke the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and immediately solidified BLACKPINK as global superstars. 

Snoop Dogg and Monsta X - "How We Do" (2022)

West Coast rap godfather Snoop Dogg has quietly become one of the go-to Western acts for K-pop collabs, working with Psy, BTS, Girls’ Generation and 2NE1. K-pop is the Dogg Father's "guilty pleasure, " and he performed at the Mnet Asian Music Awards with Dr. Dre in 2011. Without Snoop's love of K-pop, the world might not have gotten this fun and energetic collaboration with Snoop and Monsta X, a five-member boy group under Starship Entertainment.

The song appears in The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run in a dance segment where Snoop, decked out in a pink and purple Western suit, is accompanied by zombie dancers. Though we do not see the members of Monsta X, their harmonious crooning is the perfect accent to Snoop Dogg’s trademark casual West Coast flow.

BTS and Steven Aoki - "MIC Drop (Steve Aoki remix)" (2017)

No K-pop list is complete with a nod to the magnificent seven, and "MIC Drop" is one of their catchiest Western collabs to date. 

"Mic Drop" is quintessential BTS: a nod to hip-hop with a heavy bass line and fun choreography. While the original version of "MIC Drop" is excellent, the remix with EDM superstar DJ Steve Aoki and rapper Desiigner cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 — the first of many hits for the Bulletproof Boy Scouts. 

Released at a time when BTS were just starting their ascent to chart-topping Western dominance, the track's boastful lyrics and tension-building electro-trap production offered an excellent introduction to the group that would soon become international superstars. 

JYJ, Kanye West and Malik Yusef - "Ayyy Girl" (2010)

A truly deep K-pop cut, you’d be hard-pressed to find many people who know that Kanye West collaborated with a first-generation K-pop group over 13 years ago. Released as the lead single on JYJ’s English-language album The Beginning , West’s signature bravado and wordplay are on full display over a track that sounds like the Neptunes produced it.

The song garnered attention in the U.S., but after a string of bad luck (including a severely delayed U.S. visa process and issues with their management company, SM Entertainment), JYJ could not capitalize on their American success. The group continued to see success in Korea and Japan in the early 2010s but never made a splash in the Western market again.

IVE and Saweetie - "All Night" (2024)

A reimagining of Icona Pop’s 2013 song of the same name, "All Night," sees fourth-generation K-pop girl group IVE partner with rap’s resident glamor girl Saweetie for a funky, electronic-infused pop song that’s perfect for dancing from dusk till dawn. 

"All Night" is the first English song for the Starship Entertainment-backed group. Interestingly, none of the members of IVE have individual lines in the song, choosing instead to sing the lyrics in a six-part harmony. This choice is exciting but fun, giving listeners the feeling that they are more than welcome to sing along. 

The girl group embarked on their first 24-date world tour in January 2024, with stops in the U.S., Asia, Europe and South America. Given their quest for global dominance, there’s a good chance "All Night" won’t be IVE's last English-language release.

BTS and Megan Thee Stallion - "Butter (Remix)" (2021)

BTS’ "Butter" had already spent three weeks atop the Billboard charts and was declared the "song of the summer" when the group’s label announced Houston rapper Megan Thee Stallion as the guest star for the song’s remix in late August 2021. The GRAMMY-nominated septet is no stranger to collaborating with Western musicians, having worked with Halsey , Jason Derulo, and Coldplay . 

Though only slightly altered from the original (Megan’s verse was added in place of the song’s second original verse, along with several ad-libs), the remix was praised by both fans and critics alike, catapulting the song’s return back to the No. 1. Although the collaborators did not release a new music video featuring the group and the self-proclaimed "Hot Girl Coach," three members of BTS’ "dance line" (members J-Hope , Jungkook and Jimin ) released a specially choreographed dance video . Additionally, Megan was a surprise guest during BTS’ record-breaking Permission to Dance LA concert in November of the same year.

LE SSERAFIM and Niles Rodgers - "Unforgiven" (2023)

GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Nile Rodgers ' first foray into K-pop was a partnership with LE SSERAFIM , a fourth-gen girl group from the same parent company behind BTS. "Unforgiven" was released earlier this year as the lead single from the group’s debut album of the same name. 

A darker take on the familiar K-pop formula with A Western feel and look (the young quintuplet dons cowboy hats, boots and bolo ties in the song’s accompanying music video), "Unforgiven" is about rebellion and being a fierce, strong and independent risk taker. That riskiness drew Rodgers' ear. 

"It seems like a lot of the K-pop that I'm hearing lately, the…chord changes are a lot more interesting than what's been happening [in other music fields] over the last few years," he told GRAMMY.com in 2023. "I come from a jazz background, so to hear chord changes like that is really cool. They’re not afraid, which is great to me."

15 K-Pop Songs That Took 2023 By Storm: From Seventeen’s "Super (손오공)" to NewJeans' "Super Shy"

PHOTO: AXELLE/BAUER-GRIFFIN/FILMMAGIC

6 Takeaways From 'BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star'

In honor of BTS' 10th anniversary, Disney+ released 'BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star.' Two of the eight episode docuseries are available to stream; read on for a deeper look at the septet's history, accomplishments, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Today, it’s hard to avoid BTS . You might have heard their GRAMMY-nominated singles "Dynamite" and "Butter" playing at a random store. Maybe you learned about another record they broke in the news. Or, you probably know at least one person in their passionate, loyal fanbase, also known as Army.

But before there was BTS, the international sensation, there was Kim Seok-jin ( Jin ), Min Yoon-gi ( Suga ), Jung Ho-seok ( J-Hope ), Kim Nam-joon ( RM ), Park Ji-min ( Jimin ), Kim Tae-hyung ( V ), and Jeon Jung-kook ( Jung Kook ), seven hopefuls from across South Korea with one dream and thousands of hours of dedication to their craft.

A decade ago, it might have seemed impossible for a group like BTS to be at the top in their home country — let alone one of the biggest groups on the planet. In Korea, it was only likely to become successful if you had one of the legacy names, such as SM Entertainment, backing you, and they came from the virtually unknown Big Hit Entertainment (now Big Hit Music under conglomerate HYBE).

Year after year, the septet defied odds, from winning Best New Artist at the esteemed Melon Music Awards in 2013 to earning Top Social Artist across the globe at the Billboard Music Awards consecutively between 2017 and 2021. They have amassed 26 Guinness World Records and became the first Korean act to receive multiple nods from the GRAMMYs.

In honor of their 10th anniversary as BTS, Disney+ released BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star . The docuseries offers a deeper look at the septet's massive accomplishments, tracing back to their initial auditions in 2010. The first two of eight episodes are available to stream now.

Below, discover everything we learned thus far about the icons in their latest docuseries, BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star .

The BTS Grind Never Stops

You see their flawless choreography, calculated facial expressions and glamorous outfits, but you never know the amount of preparation it takes to get there.

For example, BTS rehearsed the lead single, "Danger," from their debut studio album, Dark & Wild , until the wee hours of the morning for weeks. They then traveled to Los Angeles to promote the single and, despite Big Hit’s unstable financial state, implemented a huge budget to produce the music video. The goal was to win the television competition "SBS Inkigayo."

"As expected, we didn’t place first and left the charts in a day," RM remarks in the episode.

The intense training and dieting caused them to question if their slow traction was worth the battle. "To be honest, I didn’t think this was fun in the past," Jin tearfully mentioned in a 2013 fan meeting. "There were a lot of things they couldn’t get started because they weren’t sure what path we were on."

Through their frustrations, BTS never gave up, and eventually, the perseverance led to their first mega-hits, "I Need U" and "Fire" in 2017. They obtained their desired results and still never decreased their work ethic, which skyrocketed their career to an even higher level. "We’ve always worked hard, whether there was a crisis or not," Jin explains.

Everyone Had Their Unique Strengths

What makes BTS a powerhouse is that each member had a clear-cut reason they joined, and as Suga notes, it took "countless" changes to perfect it into the current lineup.

According to HYBE chairman and the group’s creator, Bang Si-hyuk, he was impressed by RM’s "depth of character and base of knowledge"; Suga had a unique sarcastic, dark side; J-Hope was "the personification of diligence" and a strong dancer; Jin’s handsome features would easily attract a fandom; Jung Kook had "a lot" of potential; V was effortlessly charming; and Jimin was instantly talented and intrigued the team.

They’re More Than Colleagues — They’re Family

It’s common for manufactured groups not to bond beyond the stage. However, BTS see themselves more like family than co-workers.

Showing up for one another’s personal affairs was second nature. Without question, they watched Jung Kook enter high school, taking photos and teasing their younger brother, or maknae . The docuseries also flashes back to J-Hope’s surprise birthday party, where the six created a sentimental video of his family.

"I had found my place," J-Hope shares. "I believe that [joining BTS] was the most fateful moment of my life."

Being A K-Pop Idol Wasn’t Always Respected

For many aspiring musicians, especially those of Asian heritage, becoming an idol is the ultimate goal. You completely surrender to your art, spending nearly every waking hour doing what you love. If you’re lucky enough to debut at a company like HYBE, you will undoubtedly join the ranks of K-pop’s most influential. Better than anyone else, BTS knows that wasn’t always the case.

"There was a strong negative view of idols," Suga recounts of their breakthrough EP The Most Beautiful Moment in Life . "Nowadays, we are acknowledged for our achievements and performances overseas, but it was a really agonizing time for us back then. We had a lot of unreasonable controversies."

They became "desperate and spiteful," but because of the support from the Army, they overcame the rough patch and switched the narrative. As a thank you to their fans, they wrote "2! 3!" to say, "Let’s forget it all."

The United States Was A Turning Point In Their Career

By 2016, BTS knew they were stars in Korea. They performed in the biggest venue at the time, the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, with a capacity of 25,000 people. They won the Mnet Asian Music Awards' most coveted honor: Artist Of The Year.

"In a movie, the credits would start rolling. At that point, we’d done everything we could as Korean artists," Suga says with a laugh. So, what’s next? Conquer the rest of the world.

The following year, BTS performed at the Billboard Music Awards, certain that nothing would come of it. To their surprise, they won Top Social Artist, which had previously only been awarded to Justin Bieber .

"It was the start of raising people’s awareness of us as the group BTS," RM reveals. Things continued to snowball: they performed at the American Music Awards and dropped a remix with Steve Aoki.

By early 2022, BTS were making history. The group performed their smash hit "Butter" onstage at the 64th GRAMMY Awards.

They Believe In The Power Of Art

When the pandemic began in 2020, entertainment was the first sacrifice. "‘Concerts may never be held again. People are unable to gather,’" Suga recalls hearing on broadcasts. They began to wonder if there was a point in releasing music.

After two years of self-reflection and improvement, they knew COVID-19 could not be the end. Music gave them purpose. "That was the driving force," J-Hope says. "I wasn’t completely aware of how important music and dancing was to me. I realized that I shouldn’t take it all for granted."

The lockdown also showed them the impact Army had on their lives. They motivated them to keep going because they knew how much the band meant to their fans. They witnessed it constantly when they saw the fervent cheers and tears on tour. BTS has brought together millions of people. As Namjoon promises, "Art can change the world," and "Music transcends languages, nationalities and races."

Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for BAM

11 Iconic Concert Films To Watch After 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour'

The concert film seems to be having a moment. From the Talking Heads to Queen, read on for 11 concert film experiences that will help keep the party going.

A lavender haze has descended upon movie theaters across America. 

Taylor Swift ’s filmed version of her historic Eras tour is the movie-music event of the year, dominating the box office becoming highest grossing dometic concert film in Hollywood history after a single weekend. Byt the time the Eras credits roll, you know all too well that you’re going to want to keep the party going.

Luckily, there are a breadth of artists whose musical singularity is reflected on the silver screen. Swift's major influence notwithstanding, the concert film seems to be having a moment in recent years: Pop stars such as Lizzo ( Live in Concert ), Selena Gomez ( My Mind and Me ) and Lewis Capaldi have released popular concert films.

From Beyoncé ’s stunning Homecoming , to acclaimed concert films from Queen to Talking Heads and new entries like from the boys in BTS , read on for 11 excellent concert film experiences.

Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce (2019)

When Beyoncé headlined the Coachella Music and Arts Festival — the first Black woman to do so — in 2018, she didn’t just perform; she delivered a tour de force extravaganza that spurred a whole new moniker: Beychella. 

Shot over two nights, the Netflix film Homecoming includes a discography-spanning retrospective and memorable performances of "Run the World," "Single Ladies" and "Formation." Layered in ware nods to the Historically Black College and University experience, legends like Nina Simone and dazzling array of choreography, wardrobe and vocal chops .  

The New Yorker later hailed it a "triumphant self portrait" and " a spectacle of soul." Directed by Queen Bey herself, Homecoming took home the golden gramophone for Best Music Film at hte 62nd GRAMMYs. 

Stop Making Sense (1984)

The filmmaker Jonathan Demme is known for classics like Silence of the Lambs and Philadelphia , but he was also a major force in concert films. Among his achievements in this field is Stop Making Sense , his 1984 portrait of David Byrne and his Talking Heads.

Filmed at the peak of the band's popularity and following the release of Speaking in Tongues (which featured "This Must Be The Place" and "Burning Down the House,"), Stop Making Sense   is a cult classic, from its array of hits to the band’s massive suits which became their calling card. 

The film was re-released in theaters last month. "I'm kind of looking at it and thinking, who is that guy?," said David Byrne in a recent interview with NPR about watching his younger self. "I'm impressed with the film and impressed with our performance. But I'm also having this really jarring experience of thinking, ‘He's so serious .’" 

BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas (2023)

While the GRAMMY-nominated South Korean superstars BTS may be on a break — Jung Kook recently announced that he will release his debut solo full-length - bask in the glow of the K-pop and their rollicking concert film earlier this year. In the film, Jung Kook alongside Jin, RM, Jimin, V, J-Hope as they smoothly perform their calvadace of hits, including "Butter" and"Dynamite" in a 2022 performance for Busan, South Korea’s rally to host the 2030 World Expo. 

The boys are actually no stranger to the genre, with Yet To Come marking their fifth concert film in addition to BTS Permission to Dance on Stage — Seoul: Live Viewing and 2020’s Break the Silence: The Movie among others. 

Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)

With off-stage footage shot in black and white and performances in vivid color, this early '90s classic depicts Queen Madge at the height of her power. Taken from an actual game Madonna and friends play towards the end of the film (to scandalous results), Truth or Dare showcases the breadth of Madonna’s superstardom up until that point with performances of classics like "Holiday" and "Like a Virgin" with its artfully-shot juxtaposition of performance and documentary footage a trailblazer in the concert film genre. 

" The surprise of Truth or Dare is just what a blast Madonna is," wrote the Guardian on the occasion of the film’s 30th anniversary. "Nastily funny, openly horny, undisguised in her contempt for anyone she deems less fabulous than herself and her blessed collaborators." 

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011)

Way before Swiftmania, there was Bieber Fever. In the wake of Justin Bieber ’s explosive rise, Never Say Never interspersed performances with snapshots of his journey from humble Canadian roots to global pop force to be reckoned with. 

Helmed by Jon M. Chu (who’d go onto direct blockbusters like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights ), Never Say Never is a time capsule of a younger, more innocent Bieber and his early earworm bubblegum hits. Until Swift's Eras is tallied it’s the top-grossing concert movie ever released in the USA. 

Prince: Sign o’ the Times (1987)

This iconic concert film was once hard to come by; after its theatrical run, Sign o’ the Times was only issued on VHS and eventually went out of print. But thanks to the magic of streaming, one can now easily transport oneself back to the '80s and enjoy the magic that is Prince . 

Directed by the artist and using his acclaimed 1987 album Sign o’ the Times as a jumping off point (the album itself was a 2017 inductee into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame), the film reminds viewers of the Purple One's magnetism. Under an array of colorful lights and performing to a raucous crowd, the icon may have died in 2016, but S ign o’ the Times serves as a deft time capsule of his royal talent. 

Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)

As Katy Perry was in the midst of releasing her acclaimed album Teenage Dream , the pop singer had the foresight to chronicle the ensuing pandemonium.

 " I feel like it was, like, a big wave coming," she told ABC upon the release of Katy Perry: Part of Me , the 2012 concert film that documented her blockbuster California Dreams tour. "I thought to myself, 'Well, I think this is going to be a moment. Maybe I should catch it on tape. I'm either going to go completely mental, completely bankrupt, or have the best success of my life." 

Fortunately the later wound up occurring, with the subsequent film a celebrity-packed (featuring everyone from Lady Gaga to Adele ) hit-filled ("Teenage Dream" and "California Girls") look into the life, times and music of the star. 

Queen: Live at Wembley ‘86 (1986)

Freddie Mercury and Queen were staples of London's Wembley Stadium, performing many memorable shows, including an iconic turn at Live Aid in the early '80s and a Mercury tribute show in the '90s. 

Songs like "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions" fit right in on Wembley's massive stage, with the concert film depicting the thundering live versions of those classics. Relive those heady days with this film which showcases just what made Mercury and his band rock icons, and huge ones at that. 

"Mercury was indeed a born ringmaster," wrote CNN in a piece about their status as stadium savants. "There was no alienating affectation, no wallowing in sentiment... Queen consciously wrote their songs as vehicles for theatrics."

Summer of Soul (2021)

Back in 1969, Stevie Wonder , Gladys Knight , Nina Simone and B.B. King joined forces for the Harlem Cultural Festival, a mostly forgotten multi-week legendary summit. That all changed when Roots frontman Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson obtained a treasure trove worth of footage and directed this stunning film, aptly dubbed Summer of Soul , which brought the event back to vivid life and subsequent acclaim including a GRAMMY Award for Best Music Film. 

"It was gold," Thompson told Pitchfork of his process of sifting through the footage to create what would become a passion project. "If anything, it was an embarrassment of riches. It was too much. I kept this on a 24-hour loop for about six months straight. Slept to it. Traveled to it. It was the only thing I consumed."

Justin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids (2016)

Also directed by Jonathan Demme and released before his 2017 death, J ustin Timberlake + The Tennessee Kids showcases Timberlake 's  popular 20/20 Experience World Tour and litany of solo hits including "Sexyback" and "Suit & Tie."  

"I don’t think anything can compete with live performance," admitted Demme to Rolling Stone before his death in 2017. "You can’t beat it. But we strive to provide the most exciting interpretation of that feeling, as filmmakers. We can provide a roving best seat in the house. We can linger on closeups. We can follow the dynamics of the music. I love shooting music." 

The Last Waltz (1978)

One of the earliest projects of director Martin Scorsese ’s career was helping edit the monumental film version of Woodstock in 1970. But as that decade progressed and the auteur became known for narrative features including Mean Streets, he revisited his roots by directing The Last Waltz. A trailblazer in the genre, the film captures the last performance of The Band featuring frontman Robbie Robertson alongside a range of guests including Bob Dylan , Ringo Starr and Eric Clapton . Filmed on Thanksgiving Day in 1976, it’s a time capsule of the day’s biggest acts at the height of their artistry. 

"It's a picture that kind of saved my life at the time," Scorsese told an audience at the Toronto International Film Festival during a 2019 screening. "It's very special to me. Forty years on, it's very special to a great number of us."

6 Must-Watch Hip-Hop Documentaries: 'Hip-Hop x Siempre,' 'My Mic Sounds Nice' & More

• 1 Everything We Know About Suga's Debut Solo Album, 'D-Day'
• 2 J-Hope's Road To 'Hope On The Street Vol.1,' From Falling Back In Love With Dance To Tying Together His Global Influences
• 3 9 Essential K-Pop/Western Collabs: From BTS And Megan Thee Stallion, To IVE And Saweetie
• 4 6 Takeaways From 'BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star'
• 5 11 Iconic Concert Films To Watch After 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour'

BTS’ SUGA Announces Global Tour

TOUR MARKS FIRST-EVER SOLO RUN FOR A BTS MEMBER   

Ticketmaster verified fan registration open now here through february 23  , presales begin wednesday, march 1st  .

Today, SUGA of 21st century pop icons BTS announces his first-ever solo international  tour. Produced by HYBE, BIGHIT MUSIC and Live Nation, the tour begins with two nights in Belmont Park, NY at UBS Arena on April 26 & 27 and continues across the U.S. with stops in Newark, Rosemont, and Los Angeles before wrapping up in Oakland, CA with two nights at Oakland Arena on May 16 and 17. The tour then proceeds to Asia in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan.  

Information about ticketing for the tour can be found on Weverse . Additional information on U.S. ticketing can be found below. 

TICKETS: Tickets for shows in the U.S. can be purchased through the Ticketmaster Verified Fan platform. Fans can register for the two unique Verified Fan presales HERE now through Thursday, February 23rd at 7PM PT/9PM CT/10PM ET. More information on each presale is below.  

Only fans that have received a unique code will have the chance to purchase tickets for performances on a first come, first served basis. More details available HERE . 

• ARMY MEMBER Presale Powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan: ARMY MEMBERSHIP holders will have the first chance to participate in the ARMY MEMBER Presale Powered by Ticketmaster Verified Fan beginning Wednesday, March 1 st .. All tickets will be available during this presale. If tickets sell out during the ARMY MEMBER Presale, there will not be a General Verified Fan presale or public onsale. 
• GENERAL VERIFIED FAN: The General Verified Fan presale (for non-fan club members) will begin Thursday, March 2 nd , pending ticket availability. 

PUBLIC ON SALE: If there are any tickets remaining after the ARMY MEMBER presale and the general verified fan presale, a general onsale will take place Friday, March 3 at 3pm local time at Ticketmaster.com . 

SUGA | AGUST D TOUR DATES:   

Wed Apr 26 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena 

Thu Apr 27 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena 

Sat Apr 29 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center 

Wed May 03 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena 

Fri May 05 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena 

Sat May 06 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena 

Wed May 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 

Thu May 11 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 

Sun May 14 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 

Tue May 16 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena 

Wed May 17 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena 

Fri May 26 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 

Sat May 27 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 

Sun May 28 – Jakarta, ID – Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 

Sat June 10 – Bangkok, TH – Impact Arena 

Sun June 10 – Bangkok, TH – Impact Arena 

Sat June 17 – Singapore, SG – Singapore Indoor Stadium 

Sun June 18 – Singapore, SG – Singapore Indoor Stadium 

Sat June 24 – Seoul, KR – Jamsil Indoor Stadium 

Sun June 25 – Seoul, KR – Jamsil Indoor Stadium 

Japan dates to be announced soon 

MORE:  

About SUGA of BTS  

SUGA (Min, Yunki) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and member of 21st century pop icons, BTS. SUGA is globally known for his record producing ability with his own solid musical philosophy, constantly pushing the boundaries through his works on BTS albums, solo projects and collaborations with other artists. Since BTS’ 2014 Skool Luv Affair, BTS’ albums include tracks produced by SUGA. Through his mixtapes under Agust D, SUGA also suggested his vision as an artist. He participated as a featured artist in music by international musicians such as Juice WRLD, Max, and So-ra Lee, and he also produced music for globally influential artists including Halsey, PSY, Epik High, ØMI and more. Furthermore, SUGA participated in producing the remix version of Coldplay x BTS’ “My Universe,” an Original Soundtrack for HYBE’s original story 7FATES: CHAKHO called “Stay Live (Prod. SUGA of BTS),” a mobile game OST “Our Island (Prod. SUGA of BTS) [Original Soundtrack],” and Samsung Electronics Galaxy’s official ringtone “Over The Horizon.” 

About BTS  

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), collected six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles in a span of a year and just over a month, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards.  

About Live Nation Entertainment  

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com . 

MEDIA CONTACTS:  

Live Nation Concerts  

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]  

Valeska Thomas | [email protected]   

HYBE   

Global PR | [email protected]   

Read more about

BTS’ Suga Plots First Solo Tour Around U.S. and Asia

By Thania Garcia

Thania Garcia

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BTS ‘ Suga has unveiled a string of tour dates for his first solo trek outside of the K-pop supergroup. The tour has no official title just yet but has been tagged under Suga’s own name, as well as his other stage persona, Agust D.

With the U.S. leg set to launch this spring, the tour will kick off with a pair of shows at the UBS Arena in Belmont Park, New York on April 26 and 27. Suga will then follow up with several performances in New Jersey, Illinois and California, with the U.S. run will closing in Oakland on May 16 and 17. Then the tour will hit Asia in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea and Japan (with those dates to be announced soon).

SUGA | Agust D TOUR 공연 개최 #SUGA #AgustD #슈가 #SUGA_AgustD_TOUR pic.twitter.com/wbbMd3Ezzl — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) February 14, 2023

Popular on Variety

This marks the first solo tour for a member of BTS. The seven-member band announced a temporary break last year with the aim of exploring solo opportunities, while others complete their mandatory military service . Like other members, Suga has previously released solo mixtapes, including a pair under his alter-ego Agust D. He has also tinkered with production work for other artists like Psy and his fellow bandmate Jung Kook.

Suga | Agust D Tour Dates :

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BTS' SUGA | Agust D announces solo world tour; concerts in Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok, Seoul, Los Angeles, Japan, and more confirmed

BTS ' SUGA is taking Agust D on tour.

SUGA | Agust D TOUR 공연 개최 #SUGA #AgustD #슈가 #SUGA_AgustD_TOUR pic.twitter.com/wbbMd3Ezzl — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) February 14, 2023

On a post today (14/02) , it was revealed that the South Korean rapper will be performing in the U.S. and in certain parts of Asia including Singapore, Bangkok, Indonesia, Seoul, Japan. This follows the announcement that BTS members will be focusing on solo activities for the time being .

Get Ready for the Day #SUGA #AgustD #슈가 #SUGA_AgustD_TOUR pic.twitter.com/Vjanqstyd1 — BTS_official (@bts_bighit) February 21, 2023

BANDWAGON TV

Suga is the first member of the award-winning global pop group to go on a solo tour.

Get to know BTS SUGA's D-DAY Tour team – live band, dance crew, tour dog, and more

Here are the confirmed tour dates and venues for the concert:

U.S. 20-27 April  - UBS Arena, Belmont Park 29 April  - Prudential Center, Newark 3, 5 and 6 May  - Allstate Arena, Rosemont 10, 11 and 14 May  - Kia Forum, Los Angeles 16 and 17 May  - Oakland Arena, Oakland

[공지] SUGA | Agust D TOUR IN U.S. 예매 안내 (+ENG) https://t.co/Xj3PoTZpjm #SUGA #AgustD #슈가 #SUGA_AgustD_TOUR — BTS_official (@bts_bighit) February 14, 2023

Southeast Asia 26-28 May - Indonesia Convention Exhibition, Jakarta 10-11 June - Impact Arena, Bangkok 17-18 June - Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore

Korea 24-25 June - Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Seoul

Japan 2-4 June - PIA Arena MM, Kanagawa

The public on-sale date for tickets for US shows is on 3 March 2023, Friday from 3 PM onwards . Fans may apply for ARMY MEMBER Presale. Instructions are available below:

1. Apply for Weverse ARMY MEMBER Presale: - via Weverse (Link available here .) - via Ticketmaster (Link available here .)

2. Register for General Verified Fan Presale here .

• In order to be eligible for ARMY MEMBER Presale, you must apply for both the Weverse and Ticketmaster.
• Your ARMY MEMBERSHIP should be valid when you apply for ARMY MEMBER Presale. Application will be opened for limited period so please make sure to check the application dates.
• All seats are available for purchase in the ARMY MEMBER Presale.
• The remaining seats after the ARMY MEMBER Presale will be available for the General Verified Fan Presale.
• The remaining seats after all presales will be available for the Public Onsale.

Application for ARMY MEMBER Presale and General Verified Fan Presale starts on  Wednesday, 15 February at 12:30 AM KST to Friday, 24 February at 12 PM KST

ARMY MEMBER Presale starts on Wednesday, 1 March 2023 from 3 PM to 10 PM (local time). General Verified Fan Presale  starts on Thursday, 2 March 2023 from 3PM to 10PM (local time).

In an update from  Ticketmaster on 28 February, all tickets will be available during the ARMY MEMBER presale due to high demand. Due to this, if all tickets are sold during the presale, there will no longer be a general verified fan presale which was initially scheduled on 2 March.

The @BTS_BigHit SUGA | Agust D TOUR IN U.S. presales powered by Verified Fan are nearly here and demand is high. As such, it's expected that many registered fans will not be able to get tickets. pic.twitter.com/yRulneQLPk — Ticketmaster (@Ticketmaster) February 28, 2023

For SUGA's Southeast Asia shows, which includes Bangkok, Singapore, and Jakarta, the ARMY MEMBERSHIP application period will run from 16 March, 3 PM KST to 20 March, 3 PM KST . Check out the city-specific ticket sale dates below. 

Jakarta  via Tiket

ARMY Pre-sale date: 10 AM to 10 PM WIB, 27 March General on-sale date: 10 AM onwards WIB, 28 March

Bangkok  via Thaiticketmajor

ARMY Pre-sale date: 10 AM to 10 PM ICT, 2 April General on-sale date: 10 AM onwards ICT, 3 April

Tickets: THB 2,500 - THB 6,200

(1/4) ผังที่นั่งและวีไอพีแพ็กเกจ ของ SUGA | Agust D TOUR IN BANGKOK ในวันที่ 10-11 มิถุนายน 2566 อิมแพ็ค อารีน่า เมืองทองธานี ออกแล้ว มาดูกัน! • จำหน่ายบัตร ARMY MEMBERSHIP PRESALE วันที่ 2 เม.ย. (เวลา 10.00 - 22.00 น.) ที่ https://t.co/WCsk7t0uDv pic.twitter.com/HwuAeo0mOm — Live Nation Tero (@livenationth) March 22, 2023

Singapore  via Ticketmaster

ARMY Pre-sale date: 11 AM to 11:59 PM SGT, 3 April Live Nation Pre-sale date: 11 AM to 11:59 PM SGT, 4 April General on-sale date: 11 AM onwards SGT, 5 April

Tickets: SGD 168 - SGD 348

📢 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐀 | 𝐀𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐄 🇸🇬 ⁠ ⁠ 📅 17 & 18 JUNE 2023 📍 SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM⁠ THE WAIT IS OVER! Who's ready to catch the multi-talented BTS' SUGA live in Singapore?! 😻🙌🏼 🎫: https://t.co/ICE8yZDyJM pic.twitter.com/GJdomT1sbW — Live Nation SG (@livenationsg) March 29, 2023

Watch this space for more updates. For now, watch the music video for Agust D '대취타' here:

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BTS’ Suga Announces First-Ever Solo Tour in 2023

The post BTS’ Suga Announces First-Ever Solo Tour in 2023 appeared first on Consequence .

Suga has announced a solo tour, the first member of BTS to embark on such a trek.

The second-eldest member of the Bangtan Boys is expected to follow his bandmate Jin and begin military service in 2023, but that enlistment seems like it will have to wait until at least the end of June. Suga’s “Agust D Tour,” in support of his 2020 mixtape of the same name, will kick off the US leg on April 26th and 27th with a two-night stand in Belmont Park, New York. He’ll play Newark, New Jersey, before heading to Rosemont, IL for three shows, followed by a triple-booking in Los Angeles and wrapping up the American jaunt with two nights in Oakland, California.

Suga will then head to Indonesia for three nights in Jakarta, followed by two-night stops in Thailand and Singapore, ending in his home country of South Korea. Additionally, his agency Big Hit Entertainment has also teased a stop in Japan, with more information coming soon. Peep the full itinerary after the jump.

Members of BTS ARMY will have the first chance to score tickets beginning Wednesday, March 1st. Ticketmaster Verified pre-sale will follow on Thursday, March 2nd, pending ticket availability ( registration is now ongoing through February 23rd at 10:00 p.m. ET).

Once tickets inevitably sell out, they can be purchased via Stubhub — — where your order is 100% guaranteed through Stubhub’s FanProtect program.

Editor’s Note: Head here for more details on how to get tickets to Suga’s first solo tour.

Suga 2023 Tour Dates: 04/26 — Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena 04/27 — Belmont Park, NY @ UBS Arena 04/29 — Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center 05/03 — Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena 05/05 — Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena 05/06 — Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena 05/10 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum 05/11 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum 05/14 — Los Angeles, CA @ Kia Forum 05/16 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena 05/17 — Oakland, CA @ Oakland Arena 05/26 — Jakarta, ID @ Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 05/27 — Jakarta, ID @ Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 05/28 — Jakarta, ID @ Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE BSD) Hall 5-6 06/10 — Bangkok, TH @ Impact Arena 06/11 — Bangkok, TH @ Impact Arena 06/17 — Singapore @ Singapore Indoor Stadium 06/18 — Singapore @ Singapore Indoor Stadium 06/24 — Seoul, KR @ Jamsil Indoor Stadium 06/25 — Seoul, KR @ Jamsil Indoor Stadium

SUGA | Agust D TOUR 공연 개최 #SUGA #AgustD #슈가 #SUGA_AgustD_TOUR pic.twitter.com/wbbMd3Ezzl — BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) February 14, 2023

BTS’ Suga Announces First-Ever Solo Tour in 2023 Wren Graves

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SUGA Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE | Home

BTS Suga's 'Agust D TOUR D-DAY THE MOVIE' tops live concert film worldwide

SEOUL April 17 (Yonhap) -- Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has achieved a remarkable milestone with his solo concert film "Agust D TOUR D-DAY THE MOVIE" becoming the highest-grossing live concert film worldwide this year.

According to distributor Trafalgar Releasing on the 16th (local time), the film, screened from the 10th to the 14th of this month, recorded a revenue of $11.6 million (approximately 141 billion won) globally.

Trafalgar Releasing explained, "This marks the highest revenue-generating film among concert films in the United States and worldwide this year, as well as the highest revenue-generating film event by a solo K-pop artist."

"Agust D TOUR D-DAY THE MOVIE" was screened in over 100 regions during the period, meeting audiences in more than 3,500 cinemas.

In the North American region, the film ranked second at the box office, earning $961,000 (approximately 13 billion won) from 784 cinemas on the 10th. The average revenue per screen was $1,264 (approximately 1.75 million won). The cumulative revenue in North America reached $2.3 million (approximately 32 billion won).

Mark Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, expressed excitement over the explosive response to 'Agust D TOUR D-DAY THE MOVIE'. He stated, "This is a true testament to Suga's artistry and showcases the power he holds to inspire fans globally, while also indicating a strong desire for live concert film experiences worldwide."

With the success of Suga's concert film, screenings in the United States have been extended until the 21st.

Suga, who completed a world tour last year, attracted over 300,000 audiences in 10 cities, including encore concerts. He has been fulfilling his military duty as a conscripted policeman since September last year.

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• Record at THE STUDIO by Rolling Stone India at Creatorland Mumbai

SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ Movie Is the Best-Selling Concert Film of 2024 Thus Far

Suga’s Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE stands as a testament to his unparalleled artistry and the impact of his sound on a global scale.

SUGA │ Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE. Photo: Courtesy of HYBE; Trafalgar Releasing

BTS Suga’s alternately Agust D ‘s SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE set new milestones and cemented its spot as the highest-grossing concert film of the year including April 10-14 screenings, according to a recent statement from Trafalgar Releasing, the world leader in event cinema distribution, and HYBE.

The movie has not only enthralled viewers domestically but also achieved massive success internationally, becoming the most lucrative K-pop concert film in the United States and beyond in 2024. The staggering success is credited to the film’s enormous appeal, Suga’s extraordinary talent, and the unwavering support of the audience. It’s Trafalgar Releasing and HYBE’s latest partnership; their previous initiatives for BTS featured record-breaking event cinema releases.

With 25 shows spread over 10 cities and millions of fans during its run, the world tour SUGA | Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE FINAL finds its impressive theatrical edit in the film. Featuring the throbbing momentum and vibe of ‘D-DAY’ THE FINAL , Suga’s gorgeous music and dynamic performance, along with special duet stages with RM, Jimin, and Jung Kook included, the stage comes to life.

Suga’s Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE stands as a testament to his unparalleled artistry and the impact of his sound on a global scale. From the electrifying performances to the stunning visuals, the film encapsulates Suga’s unique artistic vision and is a powerful representation of his creative genius. With the overwhelming popularity of the concert film, Suga has not only broken records but has also redefined the concert film experience, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

The event was heavily screened on April 10 and 13, with extra showings added based on demand, in more than 3,500 theaters across more than 100 territories, according to the news release from Trafalgar Releasing. The film debuted at number two at the North American box office on April 10 and took the eighth spot on April 13, with North America making $2.3 million in total revenue thus far. The event also entered the weekend’s North American and global top-ten rankings.

The leading market globally with a $2.58 million gross and the number two spot on the weekend chart was Mexico; other significant regional earnings were from Brazil, and Germany. In addition to standard movie formats, SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE was on the largest screens internationally in IMAX, the film’s exclusive premium partner, making $2.04 million. The global gross of $10 million+ is given as of the press release’s publication date (April 16). Subsequent releases are scheduled for a few more countries, particularly Japan and India.

The film is another potent illustration of Suga’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music, and his captivating stage presence has again solidified his renown as a true artist. His innovative approach to blending his music and addressing pertinent themes in his songwriting and rap lines has thus invariably and rightfully been loved and praised.

“It’s a true testament to Suga’s artistry and not only speaks volumes about his power to motivate fans but also signifies the strong appetite for event cinema experiences worldwide,” said Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing, about how thrilled they are over the phenomenal response to SUGA│Agust D TOUR ‘D-DAY’ THE MOVIE .

• SUGA│Agust D TOUR 'D-DAY' THE MOVIE

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Bts singer suga’s concert film opens inside the top 10 at the u.s. box office.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 12: Suga, a member of the South Korean band BTS, attends the Los Angeles ... [+] Lakers and Dallas Mavericks game at Crypto.com Arena on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Concert films are more popular than they have been in a long time, thanks in part to superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, who scored box office wins in 2023 with filmed performances. BTS singer Suga is the latest musical favorite who has found success in cinemas across the U.S. with his first theatrically-released film.

SUGA | Agust D TOUR 'D-DAY' THE MOVIE finished the weekend as one of the top-grossing films in America. The title lands at No. 10 on the list of the highest-grossing releases in theaters across the U.S. from April 12 through 14.

According to Box Office Mojo , Suga’s movie pulled in just under $1 million at the U.S. box office. The film racked up a total of $990,000 in ticket sales, but that’s not the full story of the title’s performance.

SUGA | Agust D TOUR 'D-DAY' THE MOVIE is one of four titles that debut inside the top 10 as this past weekend finished. Civil War opens at No. 1, with more than $25 million domestically. Just ahead of Suga come both The Long Game at No. 8 ($1.39 million) and the re-release of Shrek 2 at No. 9 ($1.35 million).

The BTS singer’s concert film actually opened on Wednesday (April 10), so it made money before this weekend. In the U.S. alone, Suga’s movie has now earned $2.2 million domestically.

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SUGA | Agust D TOUR 'D-DAY' THE MOVIE is Suga’s first theatrically released concert film. Suga claims a huge fan base in the country, and even though he’s on a career hiatus as he fulfills his military duties in his home nation of South Korea, clearly interest is still high in everything he does. He has previously found success at the box office in America with some of BTS’ projects.

Suga’s concert film—distributed by Trafalgar Releasing, which is known for its music-related movies—features footage from his recent global tour, known simply as the Suga Agust D Tour. The BTS singer and rapper traveled the world throughout several months in 2023, hitting the stage in the U.S., Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, and, of course, South Korea.

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• 'SUGA/Agust D: Tour D-Day - The Movie' owns the spotlight as the second highest-grossing movie at the US Box Office in 2024

'SUGA/Agust D: Tour D-Day - The Movie' owns the spotlight as the second highest-grossing movie at the US Box Office in 2024

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The TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More

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PGA Tour stars ball out to start RBC Heritage, Signature Event

PGA Tour stars started strong at the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head, the fifth Signature Event of the season.

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There may have been a major championship last week, but the PGA Tour stars at RBC Heritage started this event with a bang.

Ludvig Åberg , Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, Patrick Cantlay and many others went low in Hilton Head Thursday.

But it is J.T. Poston who shot the low round of the day with an 8-under 63. Morikawa posted a 6-under 65 and is tied for second. Six guys shot 5-under 66, including Åberg.

Rory McIlory is right there also after firing off a 4-under 67 along with six other guys. This Pete Dye course was rewarding to the biggest names in golf all day long.

The top of the leaderboard is stacked after the first 18 holes. Fifty-six players shot even par or better.

There were 267 birdies made during Thursday’s round.

Poston led the field with nine of them. He also leads in strokes gained total, averaging 6.36.

Chip-in birdie delivered by @JT_ThePostman pic.twitter.com/ty3PApFDDr — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 18, 2024

“I chipped and putted it really well,” Poston said. “I felt like it was one of those days where if I could give myself a look, and I felt pretty confident in being able to make those putts, whether it was a close one or a 20-, 25-footer.”

Morikawa redeemed himself from his meltdown at Augusta National. The world saw him shoot 2-over and settle for a T3 Sunday. However, he made seven birdies and one bogey at Hilton Head to start strong.

“When you find this little rhythm, and you find this kind of — just pathway to play golf, it’s very simple,” Morikawa said. “Sometimes when you’re playing bad, you look back and you wonder why it can’t be that simple. It’s a nice little groove to be in, and hopefully, we can keep this going throughout the rest of this week.”

Åberg, meanwhile, brought his momentum from Augusta National with him South Carolina. He recorded an eagle at the par-5 5th after hitting a perfect shot with his 2-iron off the tee.

A 271-yard 2-iron from Ludvig Åberg to set up eagle. Sheesh. pic.twitter.com/ZjHdtuGRmv — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 18, 2024

The former Texas Tech Red Raider refused to let his error on Masters Sunday follow him to Hilton Head.

It was a fresh start for the young Swedish phenom, who was nearly perfect off the tee. He hit 13-of-14 fairways and led the field in strokes gained off the tee, picking up two shots on the field.

“I think tee to green was really good,” Åberg said. “It makes it a lot easier if you’re good off the tee here at this golf course because you avoid the trees and all the angles. Did that very well today. You can be a little bit more aggressive into the greens, but still can’t really force anything. Felt like we did that very well today, and hopefully, we’ll be able to keep that up the rest of the week.”

The reigning RSM Classic winner played alongside McIlroy, who is four shots off the lead.

McIlroy started his day with a birdie and made an eagle on the 5th. He coughed up a shot on 12 but redeemed himself, making back-to-back birdies to close his round.

Birdie-birdie finish for @McIlroyRory pic.twitter.com/z2QwLzZgXQ — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 18, 2024

“I made two good swings at the last to put it in there close, and nice to finish with a three,” McIlroy said. “Managed my game quite well during the middle when I didn’t have it. Feel like I’ve got a good chance to get myself right in the tournament tomorrow morning. I could have made a couple more bogeys around the turn, and I didn’t.”

Players better take advantage of conditions on Friday because there is a higher chance of rain for the weekend, which lowers the scoring opportunities.

For now, some of the best players in the world are in contention, making the RBC Heritage a must-watch tournament.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

Next Up In Golf

• RBC Heritage: Ludvig Åberg uses militaristic approach to remain in contention
• Collin Morikawa scrambles around Harbour Town, shares RBC Heritage lead
• Lottie Woad, ANWA winner, exhibiting prodigy status at Chevron Championship
• Nelly Korda 36 holes from history, takes Chevron Championship lead
• Bernhard Langer delves deep into LIV Golf problem, golf ball rollback, Ryder Cup
• RBC Heritage: “Uncomfortable” Tom Hoge shining at Harbour Town

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Taylor Swift fans in the UK have been scammed out of $1.2 million, bank says

• UK Taylor Swift fans have lost over $1.2 million to Eras Tour ticket scams, Lloyds Bank says.
• The bank issued an urgent warning after it said 600 of its customers fell victim to the scam.
• Most of the ticket scams targeted 25- 34-year-olds through fake ads on Facebook.

It looks like it's heating up to be a Cruel Summer — at least for Swifties in the United Kingdom seeking Eras Tour tickets.

Fans of Taylor Swift have already been scammed out of over $1.2 million trying to purchase concert tickets, mostly through Facebook, according to Lloyds Bank .

This prompted the bank, which is among the United Kingdom's largest, to issue an "urgent warning." The warning said that at least 600 of its customers had been victimized by a ticket scam, losing anywhere from £332 to over £1,000.

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Outside of its own banking system, Lloyds estimated some 3,000 more Brits may have fallen prey to the scams, losing as much as £1 million, or over $1.2 million, in total nationwide.

Most of the scams appeared to target 25- to 34-year-olds using fake ads on Facebook, the bank said.

"For her legion of dedicated Swifties, the excitement is building ahead of Taylor's Eras Tour finally touching down in the UK this summer. However cruel fraudsters have wasted no time in targeting her most loyal fans as they rush to pick up tickets for her must-see concerts," fraud prevention director Liz Ziegler said.

The popularity of Swift's Eras Tour has caused all manner of problems for its ticket-seeking fans.

Many Swift fans in the United States were forced to purchase resale tickets after Ticketmaster botched the 2022 release of tickets, prompting a congressional inquiry the following year. Swifties stateside told Business Insider they had to do serious sleuthing to confirm they weren't being scammed when they paid for resale tickets.

In July 2023, the San Francisco Better Business Bureau warned Swift fans that scammers were running ticket scams as her "Eras Tour" date approached in the city, according to ABC .

Alma Galvan, BBB regional communications manager, told the outlet that scammers will sometimes pretend to be friends on social media and sell fans fake tickets for a large price.

The BBB recommends only purchasing tickets from reputable vendors and using a credit card before a debit card, cash transfer app, or cash, the report said.

One Swift fan who spent more than $1,500 on tickets on Facebook Marketplace told BI that she insisted on using Paypal Goods and Services for the transaction because it helps users get a refund if their concert tickets never arrive.

Watch: The Taylor Swift effect: How a pop star created her own economy

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Texas Tech Now

Newly hired rawls college leader founded the world poker tour.

April 19, 2024

Steve Lipscomb will use his expertise to expand the Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship as its executive director.

Steve Lipscomb wants his students at Texas Tech University 's Jerry S. Rawls College of Business to understand it's not often a business comes together according to plan. 

He knows success stories like that can seem unrealistic, but from his experience creating the World Poker Tour (WPT) in the early 2000s, it can happen – and fast. 

“The first three to five years played exactly as I had pitched to our investors,” Lipscomb recalled. “I told them we were going to make this into a televised sport and people were going to flock to it.”

Lipscomb remembers it was like riding a wave as he juggled the titles of CEO, promoter, writer, producer and director, determined to transform poker into a televised mainstream sport. As he gained his balance and began to enjoy the view, he became a huge believer in the art of doing – an endurance race he still enjoys today. 

Lipscomb will not only practice this work ethic, but also will strive to “create and iterate” as the newly hired executive director for the Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship . The center provides innovative networking opportunities, insightful educational forums and discussions, relevant academic programs and applied research to a wide range of entrepreneurs including emerging leaders, successors, senior generations, students and key nonfamily executives.

“The center is an important addition to the fertile ground we are seeding at Rawls and Texas Tech to encourage students, faculty and our community to help us build the futures we all desire,” said Rawls College Dean Margaret L. Williams . “We are excited to have Mr. Lipscomb join our exceptional faculty as an associate practice professor and look forward to benefiting from his years of experience building, advising and shaping successful public and private ventures.”

The Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship is strategically positioned at the intersection of corporate enterprise, entrepreneurial innovation and academic research. Lipscomb is “all in” to further elevate its collective creation, progress and understanding.

“I think nobody knows what you're capable of more than you do,” he said. “The center will be a place where people can discover what that means for them.”

Taking a Gamble

In Lipscomb's case, the more he was told the WPT would never work, the more he knew it would. 

There was a time when The New Yorker magazine even weighed in on the WPT phenomenon with a cartoon that jokingly questioned why poker was featured on the Travel Channel. Lipscomb shares in the same bewilderment about his own life path, having earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence from University of Chicago Law School with the intent to become a lawyer. 

While he enjoyed law school and thrived there, the Tennessee native found himself equally intrigued by the classes and performances he participated in at The Second City, a comedy club/theater and school of improvisation in Chicago. Post graduation, he moved to Los Angeles and quickly realized his law firm work was just a way to support his entertainment habit. 

“It was pretty clear in my mind that I was headed do some sort of crazy showbiz stuff,” he said. 

His first film venture was a documentary chronicling changes in the Southern Baptist Convention and its impact on women pastors. The film performed well at festivals, won numerous awards and garnered the attention of Hollywood producers and screenwriters like Al Burton and Norman Lear. 

That opened the door for Lipscomb to begin producing television with them and others. While on hiatus from producing a show for Comedy Central, Lipscomb had the opportunity to produce and direct a one-hour documentary about poker to air on the Discovery Channel. He accepted and quickly became intrigued about the poker world. 

“I witnessed this remarkable, but very small community of people playing poker for a living,” Lipscomb said. “When that one-hour documentary aired, it doubled its audience in an hour with no promotion. Very clearly, there was an audience who wanted to watch poker.”

Lipscomb pitched “poker as a sport” to every network he could find focused on sports or reality programming but was turned down flat. 

“They thought I was nuts,” he recalled, “which turned out to be the best “bad beat” of my life. When they said ‘no,' I quickly managed to raise money and launched the World Poker Tour as the first poker sports league on the planet.”

At first, it was a challenge for Lipscomb to figure out how to make a card game appear exciting and digestible to viewers who are not poker aficionados. He described this trial-and-error process as a post-production tangled mess that took eight months to unravel. 

The solution involved 16 cameras with angles that showed the cards not too little or too much, paired with custom-built graphics that popped out when players looked at their cards and disappeared when they folded. This enabled viewers to comprehend the game even while on mute or in a bar.  

“We did testing in Las Vegas that helped the network understand people were not just interested in fluffy pieces about casinos,” Lipscomb explained. “They wanted to watch the poker.”

Sure enough, once the WPT began airing in 2003, all doubts about Lipscomb's creation were crushed by numbers. Almost immediately on the Travel Channel, they had a household rating of 1.5-2% – comparable to National Basketball Association games at the time. 

Publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Inc. Magazine featured Lipscomb and his WPT success story on their front pages and covers as the show continued to skyrocket in popularity. 

Just one year later, Lipscomb and his executive team looked up in awe at the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square after ringing the bell to take WPT Enterprises, Inc. public. From that point forward, he progressively removed many of his early WPT hats, one by one, to focus on the company's growth as its president and CEO.

“The world changed and I sort of found what I would call ‘my jam,' which was the excitement of building something from nothing and scaling every vertical we could find,” he said, “from consumer products to electronic video games and other categories.”

No Bluff Business

Looking back, Lipscomb considers the WPT as his business school of sorts as he worked to transform a television show into a global sports/gaming brand.

“We had an incredible team that didn't say ‘no' a lot,” he credited. “We found ways to say ‘yes' to build things that worked, and when they didn't work, we got better and better at moving on quickly.”

He and his teammates created award-winning consumer products, marketing partnerships and brand-building verticals; while, at the same time, seeding and launching numerous businesses, including the world's first poker talent management company, the first televised card tour in China's history and a popular mobile phone game. 

By 2009, Lipscomb was approached by multiple companies interested in purchasing the WPT. After carefully analyzing the hand in front of them, he and the board decided it was time to cash in those chips. 

“The acquirer was an online gaming group in the market segment that was making most of the money at the time,” he said. “I was not interested in staying onboard, so I walked off into the sunset to find the next thing.”

After his WPT chapter closed, Lipscomb felt empowered by the business knowledge he absorbed from the experience. He remained CEO of the publicly traded shell company and merged it to expand an existing energy company, quadrupling the stock price. He then became CEO of the spinoff company to oversee a private placement memorandum and the monetization of leftover WPT assets, which produced more than $25 million for the new company to deploy in the domestic oil and gas industry.

“Once I handed off management of the two spinoff public companies, I blissfully worked myself out of a job,” he said. “I planned to spend the rest of my time trying to help people build stuff to make the world a better place.”

Lipscomb formed Practicrats, LLC to chase this passion by working with corporations, sports leagues and foundations to build businesses. He is founder/board chair of Gamers.Vote which partners with gamers, influencers and companies to encourage voter participation, as well as GamersAct.org, inspiring gamers to address climate change. He also spent a decade as managing director of FixItAmerica.org which supported bi-partisan resolutions in state legislatures. 

As part of those initiatives, he attended the EarthX conference in Dallas last year where a government official inspired him and other private enterprises to aim toward a more sustainable future. 

“I walked away from there thinking I needed to find a way to do more,” he admitted.

A few conversations later, he learned about the job posting for the Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship and felt what he describes as a “Star Wars” tractor beam drawing him to the position. 

He is convinced the work being done at Texas Tech can change the world, and this belief only strengthened after his visit to campus. 

“The sort of visionary people like Dean Williams and the leadership at Texas Tech pulled me in,” he said. “I think we have lofty goals, and I say ‘we' because I feel like nothing gets done by an individual. It's always done with people, so to join that community and find a way to try to help it grow and flourish is exciting to me.”

Lipscomb officially began his Rawls College role April 11. He plans to teach one class a semester beginning in the fall, but the Alderson & Griffin Center for Family Business & Entrepreneurship activities will begin immediately and include the ongoing McCoy Family Business Speaker Series .  

“There are great minds here and great things happening,” he said. “I think there's never been a better time, with all of the resources around us, for people to join together and do amazing things. That's what this opportunity means to me.”

Lipscomb laughs as he discloses he would have never imagined jumping up and down to participate in a business school program a year ago. But he says that is the beauty of his remarkably blessed and wonderful journey. 

“I find in life it's always better to pick a path and start walking,” he shared. “If you had told me when I made my first social issue documentary about religious faith that I was going to be the poker guy, I would have told you that was crazy. But that's the way life works, I think. 

“And I certainly encourage everyone around me to do the same. So, if you have something in you that just won't be quiet – something you feel like you need to build – please come and join us.”

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