Article and Photos by: Kimmi Taylor

Washington, DC – ONE OK ROCK brought their DETOX North American 2025 Tour to The Anthem, with support from Stand Atlantic. The Anthem in Washington, DC, has quickly become one of the city’s hottest spots for live music. The massive multi-tiered venue held over 7,000 fans of all ages.

Kicking off the night were the Aussie rockers Stand Atlantic. They are no strangers to ONE OK ROCK’s fanbase, having toured with them during the Eye of the Storm North American Tour in 2019. They were the perfect group to set the tone, immediately igniting the crowd with their intense energy and raw emotional sound.

To slow things down, they brought out saxophonist Saxl Rose to join them for “LOVE U ANYWAY.” Lead singer Bonnie Fraser even got the crowd to start a circle pit during one of their songs. From fan favorites like “KILL[H]ER” and “GIRLS$” to older hits like “Hate Me” and “Rockstar,” their set was solid from start to finish. They closed with their hit song “deathwish,” ending their performance on a high note. Stand Atlantic proved to be an excellent choice as an opening act, setting the mood perfectly for the rest of the evening.

Suddenly, the lights went out, and the entire venue erupted in cheers as ONE OK ROCK took the stage. From the moment the Japanese rock band appeared, their energy was electric. The night began with “puppets can’t control” from their newest album, DETOX. The setlist featured over 18 songs spanning their entire discography, including fan favorites like “Stand Out Fit In,” “Tropical Therapy,” and “Dystopia.” Fans sang their hearts out and danced to every song.

The production was phenomenal and larger than life, with strobe lights, lasers, and a giant screen flashing lyrics and live footage of the band. Midway through the set, lead singer Taka stepped forward and addressed the crowd:

“Even though we speak different languages and live in different cultures, the fact that we’re connecting tonight like this means everything to me. Asians still face discrimination in many parts of the world. But, honestly that mindset is dated. We are all human. We have to live together as equals. Hate and prejudice don’t come from culture they come from individuals.”

「カルチャ―も言語も、本当にすべてかJ道う中で 皆さんたちと、今日にうやって交わるほと, 僕は
にれが何よりも、まだアシア人というのは、なかなか世界的に見て差別されたり することは多分あると思いますけど
僕はそういうのははっきり言って 古いと思ってて、もう僕らは、同じ人間として生きていかなきゃいけないんですよ
何かをやじったりとか 嫌いになったりするのは 別にカルチャーとか 文化とかじゃなくて、一人ひとりの問選なんで」

The night was packed with standout moments. Each band member took a moment to speak to the fans and offer heartfelt thanks for their continued support. During the final song of the night, “We Are,” the crowd pulled out their cell phone flashlights, illuminating the beautiful venue in a sea of light.

At the end of the set, it was clear the band didn’t want the night to end. They tossed drumsticks and shirts into the crowd. Drummer Tomoya even left his kit to fly a paper plane into the audience, earning a wave of laughter and cheers.

With just a few dates left on the tour, be sure to catch ONE OK ROCK the next time they come through — you won’t want to miss it.