Braving the freezing temperatures, Universe embarked on an exhilarating journey to Columbus, eagerly anticipating the long-awaited return of Kino to the U.S.!
On January 25, 2025, fans braved the early morning cold as they headed to a popular local diner on N. High St known as Skully’s Music Diner. The chilly air only fueled their excitement, as they bonded over their shared passion for Kino and swapped everyday stories while waiting to enter the venue. Once inside, vibrant purple and red lights illuminated the space, as fans eagerly found their spots on the floor, buzzing with anticipation about the night's show. Some couldn't wait to hear the set list, others were thrilled to be surrounded by fellow fans, and everyone was overjoyed to finally see Kino after so many years!
As the venue dimmed and the sound of a heart beating took over the sound system, everyone focused on the stage where Kino's silhouette appeared, kneeling -- ready to take fans on a journey of fun, unfiltered thoughts, and raw emotion. As the sound carried listeners through snippets of Kino's journey -- some that were known to fans, and many that were not -- one could feel the change in the air as Kino's voice in the recording shouted, "WHY AM I DOING THIS?!?" Little did anyone know how foreshadowing this introduction would be to the night's events -- as Kino raised himself during the intro, and commenced the night by saying, “I think I think too much,” before smoothly transitioning into “Broke My Heart.” His unprecedented energy filled the venue as he seamlessly transitioned into “Everglow” and “Call My Name,” songs that highlighted the artist's thoughts. He greeted Columbus with a cheerful “O! H!” to which the crowd replied, “I! O!” Kino thanked everyone for coming out -- despite the weather, smiling genuinely and with admiration in his eyes. He apologized for the delay in returning to the U.S., joking that it was his previous company’s fault, but then showed maturity by asking fans not to be upset with them and expressed his gratitude to his team at NAKED and how he was finally able to keep his promise. No one expected this upbeat atmosphere to turn into one of the most emotionally raw and intense experiences they’d ever have.
Kino kicked off with his own unique vibe and now he's diving into the rest of the night with a carefully curated and highly emotionally impacted set list that highlights various points in his career. This next segment showcased the chaos of his career, a treat for the long-time fans, as he throws it back to 2017 with “Voicegasm,” and then cranks up the energy with “Cerberus.” Showcasing his growth as an artist, Kino owned the stage, making sure to connect with fans all over the place. He leaned into the crowd, really getting everyone pumped, showing a confidence that one discovers from self-reflection. Taking a moment to chat with the fans about the set, one shouted, “CAN YOU PUT VOICEGASM ON APPLE MUSIC?!?” This got a good laugh from everyone, including Kino, who then asked, “Who here has Apple Music? Who here has Spotify?” Seeing most folks showing their Spotify love, Kino joked, “Can I put VOICEGASM on Spotify, instead?” With a smile that lit up the room, Kino was all set for his next act.
With a request for attendees to remain in their space, Kino made his way through the respectful crowd to the back of the venue, hopping on the bar, as he started his exploration segment with “Valentine.” Looking around with admiration at both Universe and new fans, Kino grabbed his phone, recording everyone singing and swaying along. Then he jumped down and casually headed back to the stage. Prepared to elevate the energy, Kino transitions into the next part of his expertly curated set list, featuring fan favorites such as "Tell Me What You Want" and "Pose," before taking the venue's energy for a spin.
As the newly set stage greeted Kino with a single spotlight and keyboard, Kino began to pour his very soul into every note of the next stage. The weight of this turning point filled the venue—shattering hearts and bringing tears to others—as Kino sang "Skyfall." While this next segment did not need an introduction, Kino's desire to share his story with fans drove the moment as one fan responded to Kino that he made her sob. This interaction took attendees on a roller coaster of emotions in such a short amount of time. In these few short minutes, Kino's face lit up as he learned the meaning of the word 'sob,' teasing fans as he expressed his curiosity about whether or not it was a real word, or a "Gen Z thing, like rizz?" The quick transition from this lighthearted moment into the next song's introduction was one that fans were unsure of how to respond to. With typical "ahhh" and "oooh" and encouragements from the crowd, Kino introduced the next segment in the most human way imaginable—with an admission of fear and regret, followed by an introduction for the next song—one that was born from regret. Regret from not appreciating the fans' love and assuring fans that he would not do that ever again before being highlighted with the solo spotlight once more as a more genuine and heartfelt question began a beautiful jazz rendition of "Do I Deserve It" as each note carried his heartfelt admiration for Universe.
With regret also comes the moment of overcoming these events that caused the heaviness in one's heart—which Kino introduced with, "Hey, I am human. I told you I get scared, and I get sad. I sob. I fear failing, but you know what? I regret and I overcome." Commencing this part with "Nostalgia" and "Sparkling Night," Kino was caught showcasing fans as they sang along by placing the mic in front of them. Keeping the energy light, Kino finally burst into a more carefree choreography highlighted by a beaming smile and look of admiration as he continued into "Solo" and "Freaky Love." Taking a moment to jokingly call fans out for not dancing with him, Kino was ready to show fans the choreography so they could dance along—where one fan shouted, "I GOT THIS!" Inviting the fan onto the stage to teach the choreography brought another beaming reaction from Kino, as she motioned for him to step aside with a simple, "I got this shit. Oops, sorry." before teaching the choreography. After a small slip-up in choreography, she apologized, to which Kino responded, "Oh shit! It's okay," generating a genuine room-filling laugh from himself and attendees. Upon learning the choreography, Kino invited the fan to remain on stage and dance with him, to which she happily obliged.
It was time to shift into a period of joy as Kino delivered fan favorites, "How it Was," "Dancing on the Road," and "Fashion Style," before leaving the stage to get ready for the final encore performances. As his journey aligns with the present, it is time for the show to move towards a conclusion as Kino returns for an encore performance of fan favorites, "Shine," and "Spring Snow," with fans singing along to every word. As he carries on his ending mentions, Kino continues to boldly express his unfiltered emotions by telling attendees that they are, "so fucking crazy. You guys make me happy. You guys make me sob. You guys make me crazy. How can I live without you?" As fans encourage Kino to just stay in Columbus by offering to buy him a house enough for Kino and his bandmate, he asked if he would be able to bring Michael and his NAKED team, too -- to which everyone shouted in agreement. This generated another beam of excitement as Kino exclaimed, "NAKED! We have another office in Columbus," before the crowd serenaded him with a beautiful and harmonious version of “Happy Birthday,” just a few short hours ahead of his birthday (KST). Generating a slightly bashful, but undeniably grateful aura from Kino as he initiated another, “O! H!,” “I! O!,” call and response before taking his spot near the edge of the stage for a photo to commemorate the night. Next, it was time for the most heartfelt performance of the night with an unreleased song that speaks Kino's mind the most.
Once again, with a solo spotlight on him, Kino began to share his innermost feelings and thoughts, and he began to perform his unreleased track, "Back In Time." Beginning with a light instrumental riff, the emotions of gratitude began to seep their way out as Kino threw his head back before a tear began to fall. Quickly wiping it away and composing himself, Kino was able to carry on and successfully make it to the bridge of the song, Kino was visibly seen fighting back the tears that wished to flow freely a few times. Entering the chorus, the weight of the lyrics and his own emotions finally overcame him as Kino -- unable to hold himself back -- shed a tear and belted out, "Can you take us back in time?!" Initiating an acapella call and response that the crowd carried on their own as he took a moment to allow his emotions to flow, facing the back of the stage in an attempt to once more gather himself before making his next attempt to face the crowd -- unable to sing and still allowing his emotions to flow -- Kino stood for just a moment fighting -- and losing -- shedding tears -- momentarily frozen in place -- head in hand -- as the cheers and acapella voices of the crowd continued to carry throughout the venue. Finally able to continue, with tears still flowing, Kino completed the stage with a look of longing towards the fans, and short reassurances that he was okay. After such a heart-wrenching performance, he expressed gratitude to the fans for their presence, thanked each band member, acknowledged his team at NAKED, and embraced them all. As he bid farewell with a powerful "O! H!", the crowd responded even more passionately with "I! O!", leaving no dry eye as everyone departed.
Don't miss this chance to learn about Kino's journey like never before as he continues his 'I think I think too much tour' through Mexico and Brazil! Tickets are still available here!
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