On Monday, March 10th, 2025, the legendary Troubadour in West Hollywood played host to a night filled with electrifying performances, genre-blending sounds, and unforgettable moments. The evening featured an incredible lineup with DJ PENNYWILD kicking things off, followed by the rising Japanese sensation Ayumu Imazu, and culminating in a high-energy set by MAX and Party Pupils. But among the night’s highlights, Ayumu Imazu’s performance stood out as a poignant and powerful moment in his musical journey.
Ayumu Imazu: A Dream Realized
Taking the stage with an undeniable presence, Ayumu Imazu introduced himself to the crowd, sharing that this was his first U.S. tour and, sadly, the final stop. He admitted waking up feeling bittersweet, as this tour was a dream come true. That heartfelt confession set the tone for his deeply personal and energetic performance.
He opened with “Bandage”, a song that immediately drew the audience into his world. His ability to convey emotion through his vocals and stage presence was mesmerizing. He then performed “Thrifted”, his newest release from just two weeks prior, showcasing his ability to craft fresh and relatable music that resonates with fans.
One of the standout moments of his set came during “Lonely Boy”, where he taught the audience a call-and-response section after the chorus. The room lit up as fans enthusiastically joined in, creating an interactive and unforgettable experience. From there, he smoothly transitioned into “Superstar” and “Tangerine”, demonstrating his versatility in both upbeat and melancholic melodies.
To close out his set on an electrifying note, Ayumu performed his viral track “Obsessed”, featuring none other than MAX himself. The two artists fed off each other’s energy, delivering a dynamic performance that perfectly bridged the transition into the headlining act.
MAX and Party Pupils Keep the Party Alive
The night was far from over as MAX and Party Pupils took the stage, making an entrance with “California Love”, already hyped and ready to keep the afterparty vibes alive. The setlist was an explosive mix of originals and remixes, including “Sorry Ms. Jackson”, MAX’s very own “Checklist”, and a remix medley featuring “Milkshake “and “That’s What I Like”.
MAX made sure to celebrate the night in style, even taking a moment during “Burn It” to wish BTS’s Suga a happy birthday before seamlessly transitioning into the crowd-favorite “Satisfied”. The energy was infectious, with his tracks like “Weekend”, which went into a “No Scrubs”-infused remix. He then had to sing the iconic “Blueberry Eyes”—where MAX effortlessly delivered Suga’s Korean rap—bringing the house down.
As the show neared its end, MAX kept the momentum high with and oldie “Sax on the Beach”, before transitioning to the newer “Stupid in Love”, and then a favorite “Lights Down Low”. The night wrapped up with Love Me Less, leaving the audience buzzing long after the final note.
From Ayumu Imazu’s heartfelt and impressive U.S. tour finale to MAX’s electrifying and nostalgic set, the night at the Troubadour was a perfect blend of passion, talent, and celebration. For Ayumu, this was not just another show—it was a milestone. And for the fans, it was a night of music they won’t soon forget. Even though he gave us a short set that night, we hope it created an opportunity for him to come back on his own solo tour in the USA one day.
Written by: Diana |Photos by: Ephney Tsai
