Lately, I’ve been mostly posting on Mixi, so I haven’t updated my blog.
Anyway, I’d like to do a roundup of this summer’s live events.
■Part 1: Fuji Rock
It was my first time participating.
I woke up around 5 AM and took my bike for a spin. I enjoyed a mountain touring ride on my way to Naeba.
There were a few friends I usually meet at live venues, and I spent about half the time with them, attending performances together.
At Fuji Rock, I found it refreshing that the default style was to relax in camping chairs.
I don’t know much about international artists, but I casually wandered around hoping to discover something good.
What stuck with me were S.P.A. and The Specials.
Overall, I got the impression that it’s a festival where people genuinely enjoy the music and performances without getting too caught up in elaborate staging or production.
Even though I could only attend for one day this year, it turned out to be a festival that made me wonder what I’ll do next year.
■Rock in Japan
This was my third time participating.
I’ve gotten quite used to it, but what stood out were Maximum the Hormone, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, miwa, Perfume, and Toru Hidaka and THE BEATLETS.
Yasutaka Nakata’s world exploded, but seeing Toru Hidaka up front, and sensing how much he genuinely loves music, I finally understood the appeal of BEAT CRUSADERS.
Also, Maximum the Hormone’s headbanging was hilarious!
Rock in Japan is fun, but honestly, now that it’s my third year, I’m starting to feel a bit of a rut with the lineup of Rockin’On-affiliated festivals. I might reconsider summer festivals… However, it’s undeniably stable, so I’m also honestly thinking I’ll come again next year, which puts me in a real dilemma.
But then, I also impulsively buy the 4-day Countdown Japan tickets at the end of the year. That’s just how it is.
■BAYCAMP
Since the venue was Higashi-Ogishima in Kawasaki, and I could get there by bike, I impulsively decided to go to this festival.
The age demographic was young! Mostly around 20 years old. I was definitely in the older crowd.
In my own estimation, Rock in Japan’s main demographic is 25-35, and Fuji Rock’s is 30 and up, so it’s definitely young.
At the BIGMAMA stage, there were constant crowd dives and many people giving shoulder rides. I felt like I saw the vigor of youth.
A festival where you can gaze at Kawasaki’s chemical plants must be unique to this place.
■Kishidan Banpaku
A timetable where you could see all the artists. It was called a “Rock ‘n’ Roll Olympics”, but I personally felt it was a highly entertaining live event.
The organizer was none other than Shimizu Octo, who works backstage at Rock in Japan. Whether that’s why or not, the stage was lavish. I felt it the moment I saw it.
The artists included DJ OZMA and Group Tamashii. It was a continuous stream of dirty jokes right from the morning.
I was worried about how the rest of the day would go, but then Sendai Kamotsu appeared… another group with strong characters. I’ll definitely never forget them.
Kyon Kyon, rarely seen at festivals. It seems it was her 30th anniversary. She looks so young! And I got to hear lots of nostalgic hits!
It was Shonan vs. Kisarazu, so Shonan no Kaze performed. I swung my towel a lot. ‘Junjouka’ is really good, after all.
Actually, the one I was most curious about was Momoiro Clover Z. Since they’re so popular right now, I went quite close to watch them.
The glow stick ratio was so high, I was almost embarrassed for not having one myself. Amazing. Truly amazing.
I, being an old man, wonder if I managed to absorb even a little bit of that youth.
Seeing those smiles and intense dancing up close made me realize how incredible they are even more. Hats off to them.
The performers themselves were amazing, but the fans were incredible too. Is this what they call call-and-response?
Finally, Kishidan appeared as the headliner, expressing their joy about holding the event in their hometown.
Alright, just as I was about to leave, a secret guest appeared! And it was none other than Masahiko Kondo! That genuinely surprised me. I can’t believe they managed to get him.
This summer, I was able to attend live events at various places. Next week, I plan to conclude the summer by participating in a summer festival reflection BBQ with my live music friends.