KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Malaysia’s adoration for Japanese kawaii (Japanese for cute) metal band Babymetal roared to life once again at Zepp KL on Monday, October 6 — this time as part of the Asia leg of their 2025 world tour, celebrating the group’s monumental 15th anniversary.
Following their explosive debut at Zepp KL in 2023 and a massive co-headlining show with British rock giants Bring Me the Horizon at Surf Beach, Sunway Lagoon last year, the kawaii metal sensation made a powerful third return to Malaysia.
It felt as if the impact they left in 2023 and last year had never faded, with over a thousand fans filling the venue — rocking out together in a shared wave of energy and excitement.
Su-metal showcasing her aura to the crowd during Babymetal’s explosive performance at Zepp KL on October 6. — Picture courtesy of ACO Media
Inside the fandom
The buzz was palpable from early on, as fans — many clad in Babymetal gear — began queuing outside Zepp KL as early as 9am, and Malay Mail had the opportunity to talk to some of these fans.
Some, like Hao Yun, 23, are seasoned concertgoers — this show marked his third time seeing the band live in Malaysia.
When asked what keeps him coming back for more, he said, “They’re just so energetic.”
He also shared that he’s a dedicated collector of Babymetal merchandise, proudly owning over a thousand items — and still adding to his collection today.
He was joined by Hairi, 33, a newcomer who caught the Babymetal bug after seeing them in Singapore last year, and this marked his first time seeing the band perform in Malaysia.
Others flew in from across the region, including Kenji from Japan, who has been a fan since the band’s formation and first saw them perform at Budokan 15 years ago.
Some local fans also shared what drew them to the band.
Momometal bringing her signature energy to the Zepp KL stage during Babymetal’s October 6 show. — Picture courtesy of ACO Media
“The songs are just really good,” said Ikram, 27.
Mac, 26, shared, “This is my first time listening to kawaii metal — I like how they perform, it’s really ‘kawaii’.”
For Akid, 28, this marked his second Babymetal concert.
“If I had to describe them in one word — it’s fun,” he said.
For 24-year-old Farah Jessli, the concert was her first time seeing Babymetal live, and she told Malay Mail she was drawn to the group’s originality.
“It’s a very unique band — there hasn’t been anything like this before,” she said.
“My first Babymetal song was Gimme Chocolate!!, which I found surprisingly compatible and catchy.”
She added that she’s eager to attend more shows if the band returns to Malaysia.
Moametal holding the Babymetal flag during their performance at Zepp KL. — Picture courtesy of ACO Media
Stellar show
The night kicked off at 7.20pm with an opening act by Metalverse, a rising next-generation metal-idol group from Japan, marking their first-ever international performance.
At approximately 8.15pm, Babymetal — led by Su-metal, together with Moametal and Momometal — stormed the stage with Babymetal Death, setting the tone for a high-energy night.
The setlist featured many fan favourites, which included Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!!, PA PA YA!!, KxAxWxAxIxI, METALI!!, KON! KON! (feat. Bloodywood), My Queen (feat. Spiritbox), Song 3 (feat. Slaughter to Prevail), RATATATA and Gimme Chocolate!!.
The encore included tracks such as From Me to You (feat. Poppy) and Road of Resistance, keeping fans on their feet the entire time.
Despite the intensity of their performance, the trio maintained a heartfelt connection with the crowd — smiling, waving and bowing in gratitude between songs.
Their balance of power and warmth created an atmosphere that was both electrifying and emotionally resonant.
The concert ended on a triumphant high, cementing Babymetal’s Kuala Lumpur show as one of the tour’s most unforgettable nights and a landmark moment in the rise of Japan’s modern metal scene on Malaysian soil.
