By Lorenzo dela Cruz | May 13, 2025

all images taken from the crowd

Rolling Quartz, the all-female South Korean rock band made up of Hayoung, Hyunjung, Yeongeun, Arem, and Iree, made their San Antonio debut on Mother’s Day at the Vibes Event Center. As part of the tail end of their 2025 North American Tour, the stop marked not only a first for the group but also a testament to San Antonio’s growing presence in the global live music scene.

Fans—known as Diadems—lined up early outside the downtown venue, ready to snag merch and stake out front-row spots. The crowd was an eclectic mix: younger K-rock fans stood shoulder to shoulder with grizzled rock veterans, and while some may have just been regulars at the Vibes looking for their weekend fix, everyone had one thing in common—at least one piece of black clothing, as any true rock audience should.

As the stage was set, phones were raised and anticipation thickened. One by one, the members took to the stage, standing atop risers to introduce themselves to a wave of cheers. What immediately stood out was the group’s signature color coordination—hair, outfits, and instruments all aligned by hue. It was a stylish visual touch that reinforced their distinct identities. Then, with a grin, Hyunjung tore into the “Star-Spangled Banner” on her baby blue guitar—a playful warm-up before launching into a fiery cover of Mötley Crüe’s Kickstart My Heart. The song’s revving intro was like a motorcycle gunning through gears in the night, mirroring the energy spike in the room.

The band’s original tracks—Higher, Blaze, and Rock’n’Roll Paradise—followed, and it became clear: these women know how to rock. Unlike the dreamy haze of shoegaze I’m used to, Rolling Quartz delivered raw, high-voltage energy—the kind that hits like a punch to the face in the best possible way. Jayoung’s commanding vocals (which reminded me of a rock version of Jihyo from TWICE) and the relentless synergy between Hyunjung, Iree, Arem, and Yeongeun on their respective instruments showcased their expertise and skill.

There was a visceral power in the room. You could feel it coursing through the crowd—manifesting as headbanging, fist-pumping, and the obligatory finger horns. Jayoung continued to own the stage throughout the night, leading the crowd through a rowdy cover of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance. Her blend of expressive gestures and precision punches cemented her as the group’s clear leader.

A personal highlight—shared by my siblings who dragged me along—was a medley of BTS’s Anpanman and BLACKPINK’s Pink Venom. It felt like a loving tribute to the OG K-pop wave, though it might also say something about the group’s age (in the best way).

At one point, Jayoung, sweating through her set, exclaimed how hot it was. Fans shouted back, “Welcome to Texas!” and “Don’t forget to hydrate!”—sparking a hilarious “Water! Water! Water!” chant that had all five members laughing.

The encore was Helena by My Chemical Romance, and the crowd erupted—singing, jumping, and headbanging like it was 2006 all over again. Even the tour videographer was caught lip-syncing the lyrics. When the band said their goodbyes, fans weren’t ready to let go, shouting for “one more song!” and even an outrageous, “two more songs!”

Rolling Quartz’s San Antonio set was a full-blown rock experience. The city’s established rock and metal roots merge with a growing wave of Asian cultural influence, and this show was proof that even emerging international acts can find enthusiastic audiences in cities like San Antonio. Rolling Quartz is a group to watch—and if you’re looking for a night of unforgettable energy, they’re a band you need to see live.