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One Direction rocks Jakarta, as Zayn quits
Here they go: British boyband One Direction performs at Bung Karno Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Thursday
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span class="inline inline-center">Here they go: British boyband One Direction performs at Bung Karno Stadium, Central Jakarta, on Thursday. The concert was part of the group's 'On the Road Again 2015' international tour. JP/Awo
The four lads of boy band One Direction captivated over 30,000 concertgoers at a concert in Jakarta on Wednesday, despite downpour and the absence of band member Zayn Malik, who released a statement saying he would leave the group.
'One Directioners', as the band's fans are called, started lining up at the venue, Bung Karno Stadium in South Jakarta, at 7 a.m. Some from out-of-town even camped out overnight in their cars outside the stadium, according to a security guard.
'Many of them were from Java and Bengkulu. Maybe those who have money can afford a hotel room, but those who don't stay here,' Herry, the guard, said.
Ticket prices for the British-Irish band's 'On the Road Again Tour 2015' ranged from Rp 1 million to Rp 2.75 million, more than the capitial's monthly minimum wage. Promoters Ismaya Live and Sound Rhythm had prepared almost 40,000 tickets.
'My festival ticket was my 16th birthday present,' said one avid fan, Evinola, who traveled from Jepara, Central Java, with her family but watched the concert alone.
Fans also left gifts for band members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn at six drop spots at the venue.
While Harry seemed to have been the favorite, all the singers received gifts, ranging from paintings, letters, batik shirts, Javanese blangkon caps to Indomie instant noodles.
'You have a good time and recover soon Zayn. There are so many haters in the world, but never forget that your fans will always be with you,' one fan wrote on a piece of decorated cardboard left at a drop spot.
In a statement released on Facebook around the time of the concert, Zayn, who left the band's tour after media alleged he cheated on his fiance, said he would quit the group.
'I have to do what feels right in my heart. I am leaving because I want to be a normal 22-year-old who is able to relax and have some private time out of the spotlight,' Malik said, as reported by Reuters.
Among the spectators was 37-year-old Lisa, who held her 7-month baby on the side of the concert venue.
'I am accompanying my daughter, Sandra, who's 11. It took five hours of driving to reach the venue from our home in Cibubur due to heavy traffic. Normally, it only takes an hour,' Lisa said.
There were ear-piercing screams and applause as the boys, clad in black t-shirts, opened the show late at around 8:50 p.m. singing the upbeat 'Clouds', with Niall on guitar. Without pause, the band then leapt into the chart-topping 'Steal My Girl' from their latest album, Four.
'You look spectacular,' said Harry, 21, to a crowd of mostly teen and tween girls before the band performed 'Little Black Dress'.
As the band began 'One Thing', people in the festival area started singing along. Some jumped in the air as others waved glow sticks. Most simply screamed and people in the crowd sang along, word for word, with almost every song, especially for 'Story of My Life'.
As the concert closed about an hour-and-a-half later, the boys left the stage. Chants of 'we want more' brought them back for an encore. 'Jakarta, thank you so much. We'll see you very soon. Love you,' Niall said as 'Best Song Ever', the concert's 23rd and last song, played.
