Last Updated on 2025 年 12 月 27 日 by 総合編集組
Mayday’s “Back to That Day” 25th Anniversary Tour: Taichung New Year Edition – Complete Guide & Highlights (2025–2026)
Introduction: Why This Tour Matters
Taiwan’s legendary rock band Mayday (五月天), often called the “Asian Beatles,” celebrates 25 years since their debut album in 1999 with the massive #5525 Back To That Day global stadium tour. The code “5525” carries deep meaning: “5” for the five members, “525” for over 525 large-scale stadium concerts completed, and “25” for their 25-year journey.
The tour kicked off on December 31, 2023, at Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium and will run through 2026 across Asia, Oceania, and North America. Taichung serves as both the global launch venue and the key location for the highly anticipated “Happy New Year” edition from late 2025 to early 2026, making it one of the biggest New Year’s Eve events in the Chinese-speaking music world.
Confirmed Taichung Schedule (2025–2026)
The New Year edition features multiple dates, with special emphasis on the countdown show:
- December 27, 2025 (Sat) – 18:30
- December 28, 2025 (Sun) – 18:30
- December 31, 2025 (Wed) – 21:15 (New Year’s Eve countdown with fireworks)
- January 1, 2026 (Thu) – 18:30
- January 3, 2026 (Sat) – 18:30
- January 4, 2026 (Sun) – 18:30
The December 31 show starts later and includes exclusive fireworks and countdown features.
Groundbreaking Stage Technology
Mayday’s production team, B’in Live, has created one of the most advanced concert setups in Asia. The centerpiece is a 12-meter diameter giant LED sphere called the “Celestial Time Machine,” surrounded by five 5-meter 3D LED spheres symbolizing the five members and their bond with fans. These spheres use seamless splicing and over 13,000 custom LED modules with precise 3D mapping, creating an immersive, wrap-around visual experience that makes the entire stadium feel like a time-travel vessel.
The interactive 2.0 smart glow sticks take fan participation to another level. Using 2.5G wireless communication and NFC/app seat-binding, the control system allows pixel-level control of tens of thousands of sticks. This means the audience can form dynamic patterns, text, or even individual names during the show, turning the stands into an extension of the stage.
This innovative design has earned prestigious international awards, including:
- Red Dot Design Award (Exhibition & Event Design)
- iF Design Award (Interior Architecture & Installation)
- A’ Design Award Gold (Performing Arts & Stage Design)
- TITAN Innovation Award (Concert Production)
Experts from Live Nation APAC have praised it as world-class, comparable to top Western productions.
Ticket Pricing & Seating Guide
Tickets are divided into categories to suit different fans, with higher prices for the New Year’s Eve show due to its festive extras:
- Crazy World Rock Zone: NT$4,580–3,280 (general) / NT$5,580–3,880 (NYE) – Closest to stage, no height difference
- Reserved Grandstand Seats: NT$3,280–1,280 (general) / NT$3,880–1,880 (NYE) – Elevated view for full light show
- Free-Entry Standing Zone: NT$2,280 (general) / NT$2,880 (NYE) – First-come, first-served
- Family Zone: NT$2,880–2,280 per person (general) / NT$3,280–2,880 (NYE) – Raised platform for kids
- Lower-Level VIP Boxes (8 seats): NT$35,000 (general) / NT$50,000 (NYE) – Private space
- Accessible Seats: NT$1,440 (general) / NT$1,640 (NYE)
Important Viewing Notes
Due to the stadium’s structure, some seats have obstructed views (blocked by sound towers, lighting rigs, or safety nets). Upper grandstand offers the best panoramic view but has steep stairs—those with acrophobia should choose carefully. Official ticket pages clearly mark these limitations.
Transportation & Getting There
Taichung City and B’in Music provide four free shuttle routes connecting major hubs:
- High-Speed Rail Taichung Station (for long-distance travelers)
- Autumn Red Valley Line (for bus arrivals at Chaoma)
- MRT Songzhu Station Line (MRT Green Line connection)
- Taichung Railway Station Line (for train passengers)
For fans traveling from Taipei:
- Fastest: High-speed rail to Taichung + MRT Green Line to Wenxin Chongde Station + short bus ride
- Budget: Bus 1620 or 1826 via Zhongqing Interchange (about 10 minutes to venue)
On New Year’s Eve, roads around the stadium (Chongde 19th Rd, Intercontinental Rd, etc.) are closed from 16:00 onward for pedestrian and shuttle priority.
Taichung as a “Mayday Theme Park”
The concert extends beyond the stadium. Taichung MRT stations feature themed installations (giant cat balloons at Songzhu Station, photo backdrops at High-Speed Rail). The “Chicken Leg Butler” stamp collection activity encourages fans to visit multiple stations, collect five colored stamps representing the members, and redeem a special postcard.
Outside the venue, five life-sized member figures in racing suits (license plate “0329” – their formation date: March 29, 1997) hide Easter eggs from early MVs and albums.
Exclusive Merchandise
- 2.0 Interactive Glow Sticks
- “Sing Until 80” Glow Stick Cane (emotional nod to Ashin’s promise)
- Member-colored ball pendants
- 25th Anniversary collectible paper tickets
Fan & Industry Reception
Fans love the nostalgic setlist that feels like a personal time machine. Industry professionals highlight the production quality. Common complaints include steep stairs, wind affecting sound in outdoor areas, and high resale prices despite anti-scalping measures.
Global Standing
By late 2024, the tour had sold 5.96 million tickets, topping Pollstar rankings among Chinese-language artists. Compared to Taylor Swift (10.16 million) and Coldplay (13.13 million), Mayday has established itself as a global stadium act outside the English-speaking world.
Conclusion
The Taichung New Year edition is more than a concert—it’s a 25-year emotional journey shared with generations of fans. Whether you’re seeking the immersive visuals, the city-wide celebration, or simply a night of nostalgia, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
