When I heard that MEIS would be closed down, I wasn’t really shocked since previously I had been informed about this. I had a love-hate relationship with that place though. The fact that it’s extremely far from my house always bothered me, so going there was a big deal to me. On the other hand, MEIS has given me some memorable concert moments, like SUPER SHOW 4, MBLAQ The BLAQ% Tour and the amazing BIGBANG Alive Tour. Waiting for the concert while sitting next to the beach, with sea breeze blowing your hair, was quite enjoyable too.
We used to have high hopes for MEIS, well at least I did. I used to wish that it would compete Singapore Indoor Stadium or Hong Kong Asia World Arena. Both could contain a lot of people, provide a comfortable waiting place and, most importantly, are accessible. But it seems that it took a lot of time for the venue to progress, and before it could be placed in the list of Asia’s great music venues, it’s closing down, which is unfortunate.
When it comes to size, I think MEIS is proper. I once watched in the centre tribune, in the upper part, and I still could see what’s going on the stage. I mean Jaejoong still looked like Jaejoong. Meanwhile, Tokyo Dome is huge, grand and atmospheric, but if you don’t get a seat at the floor area, you will only see your bias like a jumping bug, or even worse, a jumping ant. The upper floors are too far from the stage so you reallyhave to focus on the big screens. The intimacy to the performers is missing there.
I still have this hope that the place will still be used instead of being abandoned. For big concerts, we still need a venue as big as MEIS, which not only can hold thousand of people but also provides enough space to construct a massive and sophisticated stage. Remember that water spring effect and moving stage during Super Show 4? I’m not sure it can be built in other venues beside MEIS …
As a concert-goer, a beautiful, clean, and comfortable venue is one of my concerns. Can’t wait to have that kind of place in Jakarta!
Confettis of words 