Rolling Quartz, an all-female rock band from South Korea, has been making waves in the global music scene since their formation in August 2019. The group emerged from the merger of two bands, Rolling Girlz and Rose Quartz, bringing together the talents of vocalist Jayoung, guitarists Iree and Hyunjung, bassist Arem, and drummer Yeongeun.

Their debut single, “Blaze” released in December 2020, marked the beginning of their rise in the rock genre. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, they connected with fans through vibrant online concerts, establishing a dedicated following. Their first mini-album, “Fighting”, released in February 2022, achieved impressive international chart success, reaching No. 23 on the iTunes Worldwide Album chart and No. 5 on the U.S. Rock Album chart.

On February 11, 2025, Rolling Quartz brought their dynamic “Stand Up 2nd EU Tour 2025” to Oslo’s Cosmopolite Scene. Known for their electrifying energy and blend of hard rock with K-pop aesthetics, the five-member band delivered a memorable show that left a lasting impression. As someone with a deep interest in East Asian culture and music, I first heard about Rolling Quartz in 2020 and checked them out. I watched some of their online concerts and followed them on social media over the years. After Hanabie’s concert in Oslo in 2024, I had been eager for another rock show from a band from Japan or Korea. So
when I heard that Rolling Quartz was coming to Oslo, I knew immediately that I had to be there.

From the moment they took the stage, the band commanded the audience’s attention with their presence and technical prowess. Opening with a cover of AC/DC’s “Highway to Hell” they set the tone for the night. Vocalist Jayoung’s vocals carried the emotional weight of each song, while guitarists Iree and Hyunjung shredded through intricate solos. Meanwhile, bassist Arem and drummer Yeongeun provided a tight,
driving rhythm and groove that kept the energy high throughout the performance. The setlist featured a mix of original songs and well-chosen covers. Fan favorites such as “Blaze” “Holler” and my personal favorite, “Fearless” had the crowd singing along.

Midway through the concert, they surprised the audience with a cover of Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” a staple of their live shows apparently. The chemistry between the band members was evident as they playfully interacted on stage and engaged with the audience, creating an intimate and fun atmosphere.

The production value of the show was relatively basic, as this is the band’s first “big” international tour. However, their performance, energy, and visuals more than made up for it. While the lighting and stage setup were minimalistic, the sheer passion and musicianship of Rolling Quartz created an immersive experience. The sound mix at Cosmopolite Scene was relatively well-balanced, ensuring that every instrument was clearly heard.

One of the highlights of the night was the band’s interaction with their Norwegian fans. Expressing their gratitude and excitement to be performing in Oslo, each member took a moment between songs to connect with the audience, sharing heartfelt messages, attempting a few Norwegian phrases to the delight of the fans, and even singing a snippet of the classic “Tanta til Beate.” Though the venue was not sold out, the band gave their all, providing an experience that left me wanting more by the time the last
song ended.

As the concert reached its climax, the band returned for an encore with their cover of My Chemical Romance’s “Helena” which had the crowd singing along—and honestly, I was surprised by the choice. Even after the final note, many fans stayed behind, not quite ready for the night to end. Rolling Quartz made a strong impression with their first show in Norway, and if the audience’s reaction was anything to go by, they’ll be warmlywelcomed back in the future.