Maroon 5 show draws hundreds of international fans to Phu Quoc

The American pop rock band closed the 8Wonder Winter Festival at around 10:30 p.m. with “Sugar,” a hit with nearly 4 billion views on YouTube. Many audiences continuously chanted “Maroon 5” and the song title “One More Night” to express their desire for the band to perform more.

Michael Kidshan, 40, from Germany, and his partner joined the sea of people to chant “Adam, we love you.” His wife Marry exclaimed “Unbelievable, a dream come true,” when lead singer Adam Levine sang “She will be loved” with guitarist James Valentine.

The couple said they will return to Vietnam to travel and support large-scale music festivals such as the 8Wonder Winter Festival.

Earlier on the show, the band’s lead singer also said said, “It’s an honor to come here for the first time, performing in such a wonderful place. I will come back. Do you want me to come back?”

Below the nearly 1,000 m2 stand, the audience said “yes” in unison.

In 75 minutes, the group also performed “This Love,” “Moves Like Jagger,” “Don’t Wanna Know,” “Sunday Morning,” “Girls Like You,” “Memories,” “Animals,” and “Maps.”

Adam Levine performs at the 8Wonder Winter Festival in Phu Quoc, Dec. 16, 2023. Photo by Giang Huy

Iria, 39, said she was satisfied when she took the long flight from Spain to Phu Quoc to watch her idol. She danced to every song during the show. “I sang with the group for 75 minutes without missing a song,” Iria said.

Ella, 60, and her close friend from England arrived in Phu Quoc at noon on Saturday. They thought they wouldn’t be able to watch the American group’s performance, but they luckily found a flight that fit their schedule. Throughout the show, the two continuously recorded their idol’s performance on their phones.

“I want to save the most beautiful moments of Maroon 5. Even though the years have passed, they still do not lose their performance, burning every auditorium wherever they go. Maroon 5’s music will forever live in my heart. It’s really interesting,” Ella said.

International fans at the 8Wonder Winter Festival in Phu Quoc, Dec. 16, 2023. Photo by Thi Quan

Lucas Ødegaard, 43, from Denmark, said he and his friends intended to go to the U.S. to watch a live music night of Maroon 5, but when they learned that the group was coming to Southeast Asia, they decided to change direction.

“We have never traveled to Vietnam; Maroon 5 led us to Phu Quoc. It was a pleasure to sing along with Levine’s songs associated with early 80’s youth like us, especially “Memories”, “This Love”, and “One More Night”. Beautiful stage, passionate audience. I can’t describe my feelings right now,” Degaard said.

A international couple are in Phu Quoc for the 8Wonder Winter Festival, Dec. 16, 2023. Photo by Nick M

Besides Maroon 5, the show also featured six Vietnamese singers – Toc Tien, Justatee, Phuong Ly, Double 2T, Gray D, and DJ 2Pillz. The entire set had a mix of rap, R&B, pop, rock, and soul.

8Wonder Winter Festival is part of the series of tourism and entertainment events Wake Up Festival 2023, taking place for 30 days and nights from Dec. 9 to Jan. 7, 2024.

In addition to music events gathering Vpop stars, audiences can immerse themselves in many activities, such as gondola noble boat racing, food festival, Copenhagen fair, Christmas and New Year gala dinner, and the “Wake Up Santa” parade.