December 2000
2001 LIVE Report ARCHIVE 3
Sun/Dec/2000 17:10
Live Reports Vol.3
Circa 2001
Sweet Trance Main Stage:2001 The Space Odyssey Live Report featuring: Pierrot, La`cryma Christi,Plastic Tree,Psycho le Cemu,Waive and Fairy Fore
.This is and was a must see show and it should be better than last year!!!! Dec.8th. This was a big day for AMU. It was the first day for AMU Productions to shoot film for the movie. We had about 2 hours to interview people and it felt like 24 hours. It was a long but good day. Now on with the show! After dropping a few names, I was able to get a Press Pass which I would like to Thanks Mr. Hosobuchi and Sweet Heart/Child for their help! ! Also Thanks to Keiko Fuse my Assistant! The only bad thing is that I was not able to shoot film of the bands. However, I was able to get a seat really close to the right side of the stage. First on Stage was Fairy Fore. They played 4 songs and ended with their latest single "Vivid". They got a nice reception from the fans. The sound was not to good being the first band and that only helped Waive who came on next. They sounded really good! They had a six song set and also featured a new song called "One". Comparing this show with last years, I can say the production was much better. They had beautiful rear screen projection in the middle and on both sides. The theme was like the movie"2001 Space Odyssey" which had a cool backstage interviewing room where every band would go after the their set. The interviewer's where dressed in Space suits and where having a lot of fun while the stage crew was preparing for the next band. There was never a dull moment! After the Waive interview, which bass player Jun seems to be very popular with the fans, came Psycho le C`emu. With a pre-taped video segment of YURA(drummer) introducing the band members secret identity(Doppleganger`s) they rushed out on stage and began their song and dance routine! This got everyone into it. I have to say Psycho le Cemu and Pierrot were the most popular among the 12000 fans in attendance. After a 5 song set, they had landed in the interviewing chair. Daishi is a good vocalist but Lida(lead guitar) is the writer of all the songs and it shows while he is playing! Aya(guitar) is the crazy one and he is very popular with the people. Now as the first 3 bands were fairly green(new) the last 3 were the veteran bands. La`cryma Christi had a nice 8 song set and showed they were one of top bands in Japan. However, I must say, vocalist Taka is a little too mature for me. He is a cool guy and I did meet him before at the Loudness show last March. However, on stage he is just standing there without much movement. However, after seeing their live video, that is just the way he his. His voice is tight and that is what is concentrates on. Next was Pierrot who had the loudest applause of the night! The girls were just screaming all the way through! Vocalist Kirito had a new look with a painted greenish vertical stripe over his left eye and down his left arm. The fashion was really nice with custom made shirts and jackets with rhinestone! The songs, 8 in all, were all tight and showed a true overall band perform at their best. They are working on a new album and it will be out by next summer with a tour to follow. The interview was very risque with Kirito telling everyone to lick his nipples after taking off his shirt! The crowd went crazy. Last but not least was Plastic Tree! They also had an 8 song set and this was the last time this group would all be together. Takashi(drums) is leaving the band for bigger and brighter things. However, I don`t know what those things are! Ha,ha. Anyway, it was kind of a sad moment for many but they picked everyone up with the last 3 songs that are the hardest and heaviest songs they have(Psycho Garden,Cream, and Reset). After the concert, there was a band jam doing two songs. Happy X`mas(War is Over) and Stand by me. I was surprised by Kirito`s English! It sounded fairly clear! Also, a surprise guess came out to play and it none other than Shinya from Luna Sea! Oh, he was sharp too! With a beautiful Gold and Black silk suit! The night was great,however, next year I hope they don`t make us wait two hours again to let everyone in the place. It was suppose to open at 3pm and start at 4pm but it was more like 4:30 and 5:15 start!
Volcano: Dec.13, Guilty in Ebisu, Tokyo.
This was an exciting show for me because their were members in this band that I didn`t realize were in this band. First, was NOV from AION. He really didn`t look like the same person with short blond hair and a little heavier. I thought to myself" Umm, that looks kind of like NOV, but his voice sounds different. " Well, have he said who he was, my hunch was true. Wow!!!!!! He had really changed his singing style. It was rough and heavy like the music. On drums was Katsuji from Gargoyle. He was a lot better than I expected. He beat those double bass drums like a mad man and had a sweat little solo too. Next was who I did expect and that is Sheja(Ex-Gargyole/Animetal). He is very technical like Steve Vai/YJM. However, this is a Speed/Power Metal band and his style reflected that! He put on a cool guitar solo that started out with a traditional Japanese folk song. The band was very tight and the sound was great. It wasn`t too loud(which is good) and everyone was rocking all night! The show lasted about hour and forty five minutes. They will be playing at the Melodic Metal Convention in Osaka this weekend on Saturday and a One Man(the only band) on Sunday. If you get a chance, check these guys out. They will break your neck and rip out your guts!!!!!!
Saber Tiger: Dec. 14, Shibuya On Air East, Tokyo
Well, what can I say about this band!! They just really kicked some serious butt!! I only knew of them from a poster that came out last year saying they were Hide`s(X-Japan) first band. Then, I was told also later in the year by my friend Mr. T. Sasaki that they were jamming. So that is the only reason why I went. I was very surprised to here they have been together for 20 years. On vocals is Noritake"Aniki"Shimoyama(Double Dealer),Akihito Kinoshita(Guitars),Ponchi(Bass)and Isoda(Drums). Kinoshita is the only original member left and writes all of the songs. It was a very long show which is always good. They have a good mix of speed,power, and a few slower songs. All of the vocals seem to be in English. Shimoyama has a very powerful voice that matches his big body! Now,he is not fat per-say, just a big dude! This band seems to have a lot of fans and they filled the place! They also gave away free T-shirts and a single CD. What nice guys. I must check some of my old magazines to see I find any articles written on them. I can`t believe they have been playing that long and not have any real name recognition. They are up on the same level as Loudness,Anthem,EZO/Flatbacker,etc. I hope they continue to keep making some great heavy metal music. Thanks to Aya chan for the member info!!!
X.Y.Z.-A: Dec.28, Shibuya On Air East, Tokyo
Now this is a band I saw for a short set last year at the 2001 Japan Metal All Night Party. They are lead by non-other than Minoru Nihara from Loudness. I think he really likes this band because they allow him to be himself. He has a really funny personality and it shows on stage. On guitars is the talented Fumihiko Kitsutaka(ex.Kinnikushojyotai). He playing is some of the best I have heard and knows many styles. Now surprising was the quick fingers of their Bass Player Tatsuhiko Wasada. He had a bass solo that was not only funny but very good technically too. FUNKY Sueyoshi on drums is an old guy but has skills on the skins. Now the show had some great guest appearances. First was Mii(ex-Pink Lady)未唯 who has put out a single with the boys called "Nobody Knows Me(but only heaven)". It is a long 8 min. 6 second song in the vain of Bohemian Rhapsody(Queen). It is not really my style but it sounded good. She did another song with them which was a little heavier and sounded great. She was very sexy looking too. I don`t know how old she is, but she looked very young with a nice slender body(She is over 40 at least). None of the band members are spring chickens and with age comes wisdom and showmanship! Next on the guest list was Sheja from Volcano!! They did the same Judas Priest song as in Volcano`s the week before and also an XYZ-A song. Last but not least was the biggest surprise of all. Mr. Genki Hitomi from Vow Vow! The guy has a great voice and should still be in a band in my opinion! However, he does seem to have a little drinking problem!!Ha,ha. Oh, wait.... that is nothing to by laughing about. I hope he was just playing around on stage with a beer in his hand. But then again, he told a story about him on the same stage two years ago falling flat on his face because he was drunk!! Anyway he did a nice blues song from Led Zeppelin and another more up tempo number. After that, you had the feeling of waiting to here more XYZ-A songs and that is just what they did. It was a fun show even though the number of people wasn`t what the band thought would be coming but that Friday night had more live shows that any I had ever seen. I was having trouble myself picking which one to go to. I think I made the right choice!!!
Buck-Tick: Dec.29, Nihon Budokan, Tokyo.
Now this was a little change in mood from the past few shows I have seen but I can handle it!! Now the last time I saw BT was last year at the same place and same time of the year! However, the big difference was that they were pushing their last album(One life One Death) and this time they have nothing new except their last single "21 Century Boy". So I was not sure what to expect. However, they did not disappoint by starting out with "ICONOCLASM" and that is one of my favorite songs" 5,4, Japanese babies"!! Yes, so that was the kind of night it was many old songs mixed in with new ones and I thing that was the best BT live I have seen yet!(It was my 3rd in all). It is amazing that these guys are still together and making music. They were very popular about 10 years ago, but many people don`t even know they are still playing. Someone told me they started out as a BOOWY copy band? Who is BOOWY you might ask, well they are one of Japan`s legendary Rock bands that only lasted for 6 years. BT has been going for about 13-14 years. There style has changed with the times but they still have that rock edge when it comes down to just playing. I was a pleasure not to hear all the Keyboards this time around. They seemingly tried to go back to their roots with this show and I hope that continues! If you don`t have any BT CD`s or Live video`s, I suggest you get some quick. They are not really Visual Kei but have the look that many visual bands have stolen from them. Long Live Buck Tick!!
stylish wave Count Down 01-02: 12/31/01 Yokohama Bay Hall
Okay, I just wrote this once and had a computer crash and it didn`t save my article!!!! So now you have a idea of how I am feeling about right now!! Anyway, here we go again(save)Ha,ha. After getting out of my apartment a little late, I thought to myself" All the good bands won`t be playing until around close to Midnight". Wrong!!! I didn`t find out until about 4 am in the morning that CARESS, Dear Loving,and Akira had already played!!! Oh, Well. So I arrived about 7:45pm and it was a long way from where I live!! They said in the paper that would take 20 minutes to get there. However, after taking a taxi from the station, I knew it would have taken me at least 30 minutes(which is what it took coming back to the station at 5 am in the morning). Now, on with the show!!! First up for me was Plastic. They did not impress me too much but the vocals were decent. Oh, the bassist looks and acts like Shuse(La`cryma Christi). It was funny!! Next was J+Jenius. This is a band that looks real professional and plays the same way. M on vocals has great stage presence. However, this band should be this way because of Takuya(ex.Maschera) on guitars. I would like to see them again. Landscape came out and it was hard for them after J+Jenius and it showed. They have a good song on the Shock Edge 2001 CD called Monster edge, but they did not play that song! Why? I don`t know, but their other songs weren`t that good! Oh, one important thing I forgot to mention. Every band could only play about 3 songs!!! So you can only get a taste of each band. However, some of them stood out more than others with their 3 song limit! the next band was one of them. Aioria whose leader is Michiru(未散)came out dressed like a Victorian Doll with a parasol and all! The girls just love him!! Sarino on vocals sounds good and Misa on Keys/Guitar keep the band glued together while 未散 was busy playing with the crowd. However, they seemed to have lost Bass player Kazu! So they had a bass track playing along with the songs. After them, things heated up with 雀羅(Jakura). Now I had heard and seen Jakura in many magazines and word of mouth. However, they did not live up the the hype in my book! They have a cool look(just like many of the visual bands with lots of money) but the songs were just so-so. The vocalist 明透遊(Asuyu) was like a little kid and not very forceful! He needs to pick it up a bit. He voice is not the best so he need more energy. However, with all those clothes on, he must have been tired! Also, like many of the other bands, this was not the only live show of the night for them. Jakura,J+Jenius,Nightmare,RONDE,D`espairs Ray,Vivid,Shion,Caress,and Dear Loving all had other places they had to play the same night! Anyway, Jakura needs a little more to make it big. Next as Jurassic!! Now these guys know how to play and I have been wanted to see them for sometime. They are nice crazy guys who I have meet before at other shows. They came out hard and heavy and woke everyone up! By this time, it was around 11pm. After a short but sweet set, they came out and did a funny fan interview(which all the bands did after playing). The last band of 2001 was S ! They had a rough year with vocalist Dai being in the hospital after a car accident. However, he was very energetic jumping around and acting crazy. The band had another fashion change and they said in the interview that their next single and album will have a new feel to it. The Countdown was well.....okay!! Not the greatest but not the worst either. There was a live link up to NTT telephone time and some of the members made a mistake and counted wrong but at Midnight everyone jumps and screamed and just waved to the band members(every band that played before got up on stage) that were still there. Now after a 10 to 15 minute wait, came WAIVE! The first band of 2002 and I think this band is going to be the band of 2002 to keep your eye on! I got to meet vocalist Takayuki last Wednesday night in Shibuya at a record store. He was a very cool dude and was just checking out the videos after drinking with his friends! Oh, girls.. He was alone!!! Waive played the longest of any band with 5 songs and had everyone including me jumping up and down! Next was nightmare(ナイトメア). They kind of looked like Jakura but had a little better feel for the music and sounded good. The vocalist was very small but as the girls behind me were saying " He`s Cute" Cute is a very important in the Visual Kei world. I don`t really have a good grasp on what is cute and what is not. It doesn`t mean looks as more as total fashion concept!! Anyway after them came 紫苑 (shion) who really put on a show!! They had a great entrance with an MC speaking Japanese with an Italian accent!!! The members were introduced one by one with finally the Vocalist Asuta twirling around with a faux long steam rose in his mouth. They are a Pop rock act that look like male host from Shinjuku's Kabukicho(Kind of like gigolos). Now the music is very up tempo and you can`t help but getting into the groove. They are a fun band to see. Next was Vogus Image. This band is interesting and the vocalist sho-ka, has a nice look and not too much make up. The songs are tight and they are good but they kind of fall into the rehash visual dungeon. Most of the visual bands are copying each other too much and it show with every band. Next was Vivid! Keita is the cool vocalist who I thought was more feminism but is all male! He is actually a pretty big guy and seemed to be bulging out of his pants. The songs are vivid just like the name of the band and popish all the way. I don`t know if they can make it big time but have a good chance if they keep doing what they are doing! Good luck to them. Now there were only four bands left and D`espairs Ray came out hard and heavy and never let the kids come down. Lots of head banging and the they just loved it. However, the vocals(Hizumi) were not the best but the look he had was very scary!!! They seem to have a lot of people behind them too. So keep and eye on these dudes. Ta-rot was next and it seemed nobody knew who they were! However, by the end of the their set, I think they won over a few people. The vocals sounded good! The guitarist was sort of too loose and didn`t seem to play the solo`s very good but he looked just like Jun of Pierrot!!! They also have the interviewer a free CD and he was very happy and said he would play them on his radio program!(I guess he was a famous Deejay but since I came late I didn`t get his name). Next to last was RONDE. They were stuck on the highway and just made it time to play! They were very energetic for 4:00am in the morning! They played only three songs but they sounded good. They have a Pop sound with very top 40 style vocals. They also have a good song called "As if..." Which is on the Shock Edge 2001 CD. The last band to play was El Dorado! I think everyone thought they were going to have a heavy set like Jakura,Vogus Image,etc. but they did not. The had good songs but very low tempo numbers. They ended with "suna no ookoku" which also on that Shock Edge CD and it is a very cool song. They will have there own concert at On Air West in Feb. 2002. Well that is it. It was a long night and it took me a long time to write this too. Oh, next door to the Bay Hall was a Afro-American New Year party and I have never seen so many bothers in one place before in Japan! I think most of them were from the Yokosuka Base which is not too far from Yokohama. We were all walking to the same place ;the station, after both events ended around the same time. This will be the last live report for January I think! However, DASIEN is playing the Shibuya Kokkaido on Jan.3; Duele quartz is playing on Jan.7th at Akasaka Blitz!! So who knows were I will be! Thanks for reading!
William White: Webmaster!!