★☆　10th.July.2005 Zepp Tokyo ライブレポ～!!　☆★

Early on Sunday morning, I woke up. Not a surprise really given the way that I tend to work myself up over these things. Got up and decorated myself as planned, then set to nagging my host mother to help me make the 1.5 hour trek from the little place known as Koyasu to the waterfront area of Aomi where Zepp Tokyo is located.

This wasn't my first time to this area (having visited Venus Fort and even rode the Kanransha), but it was my first time attending a concert at Zepp, so I didn't know what to expect. It was 10AM and already 30 degrees C. x_x

...After hearing about the camp-outs before the Sakurai shows last year, the last thing I expected to find was no one there. At ten AM I was alone on the premises - aside from me and the guys loading B-T's various equipment into the venue. (Point : the trucks are an ugly pair of blue things - not the cool black things with the red logo plastered on the side that could be seen in the Live R&R Newsmaker.)

I was flustered so the host mother asked what the deal was only to find out that supposedly no one would be there until 4:00. I disbelieved the man but wandered around the large area for some time, took a picture of this (which made me laugh) ~


(loved the little Yakuza picture, hahaha...)

Finally coming down to settle at the area around 2:00 or so, I was startled to find a lovely Sakurai boy loitering around looking just as confused as myself. We both (separately) wandered out back of the venue to where a few other crazy fans had begun to gather. (I even got to meet the die-hard Gunma entourage here - what a group!) Most carried gift bags and cameras, many were Imai fans, all were quite kind. Sadly, they had presents for all but the beloved Acchan(who then received a bunch of roses and a card on behalf of us all ^^;) - which were passed off to security to then be given to the band when they should arrive.

...which was the real meaning behind the gathering behind the venue. We all watched the various cars go by. This proved amusing, really - pimped out Lexus' with very tinted windows and Gunma plates blasting past, many dark Porsches or assorted German sports cars just going past the driveway...a really ghetto van with curtains and Gunma plates - then finally a regular old off-white minivan-esque (one of those weird short little things no words can really describe o.O) car with Shinagawa plates pulls in and out our heroes come.

Being the stupid gaijin, I was walking past at that moment having resigned from car watching. (I was just stunned however, leaned back against a pole and smiled. I imagine that I must have looked ridiculous. Especially when after that I proceeded to almost collide with a man moving large flower-arrangements into the venue for the band. >>;

The crew for this show looked outfitted for the Takasaki mafia itself with the power suits they were all made to wear despite the dreadful heat. No t-shirts for these guys, they all looked sharp and ready to kick some (hostile) ass. nAn/



One of them came out and eventually posted this sign - and began kicking asses into line for the first of the ID-checking. I was first in line, but this was no accomplishment of any real means. (I got to watch and Atsu slut trip down the stairs in her stilettos though - oddly gratifying.) While waiting MORE, some of the other fans gossiped and told me that there were AV idols among us. I had to laugh at that really, but I wouldn't quite have disbelieved it. >>;

I also got to see a lot of the shirts from over the years which was pretty cool. The farthest back was something from Somewhere Nowhere, I believe. I got to see the Toll cosplayer then, and he was amazing. ^_^ Out of all the people that I was talking to, the Imai fans were hands down the best.

Lots of drinks and cigarettes later, they finally began to round us up for getting into the place. I stood up front thinking it meant something until they shut me down with the numbers. There were 2000+ people there, and I was ticket #402. They had us stand in groups of like 500 people and then called us up to the doorway in groups of 20, eventually letting us in and picking our desired spot. Finally getting in some time later with my 400-420 group, I went for Imai side and wound up about 6th row (as much as there are rows with standing concerts/pits). Alas we were right against the stage, so it felt close no matter where I was.

While waiting I was able to take a pretty thorough look around at this place I had heard so much about. Thinking it was fan club only made me think small, but with as many people in attendance as were, it should have come as no surprise how wide the place really was. I paid no mind to the lobby at that moment as I dashed in, but once I had clung myself to my spot, I was able to observe the expansive floor with only the bars to separate the slightly raised sections, then look up into the wide balcony where no one would fill in for a long time. Of course everyone wondered who was hiding away in the third tier of the venue - the VIP section. My attention turned back to the stage, set up much like the other shows - staircase, lighting in reds, the floor that checked black, red, and off-white...the two couches, band members' items set in their well-known respective spots just waiting for their owners to come and liven them up. The room crackled with energy to the point you felt it. You didn't want that sexy saxophone song to play one more time if it meant the band staying back-stage.

You think Japanese girls are small? Wait until you get them at concert and they bust out the big guns...or the huge vk-style platforms that they all seem to hide somewhere in their closet for special occasions.


It was well after 6 that the show actually started as it took quite a long time to get everyone into the venue. All around me, people kept gossiping about the fact that a gaijin was among them, but they assumed I knew no Japanese and bantered on as I stood there, amused. Such a tight feeling as the opening notes to ENTER CLOWN sounded up. They moved up and crushed, and suddenly I was even closer to Imai then I thought I would ever be. Just as this song curled my lips the first time I heard it, there's a certain way that even the blaring recording can seep into you and pull at your mouth like you're strung. Something that lets you know your favourite band is going to appear on the stage at any moment and take your breath away.

I was quickly thankful for my years of concert-going experience in America and just as hastily reminded of my mentality from that battlefield - find an opening, take it; have an ass, use it. Much as we were united by our love for a wonderful band, it suddenly became so hostile as down people went, losing barely-there balance in big shoes.

Imai-san was decked out in his lovely red duds, Sakurai in his tux, Hide in the mirror-ball shirt, U-ta in a black tux of some sort, and Anii in the red jacket. All was seen in perfect detail and I think I almost hyperventilated. You want to know where all the DVD noise comes from? It was all concentrated in that room. My ears still ring now. :) U-ta was the first to pop out I believe, waving to all and dashing across the stage, then Anii with a big wave before moving back to his drum set. Hoshino sauntered in next, moving rather inconspicuously to his side, followed by Imai acting too cool for us all and just picking up his instrument. Love that man.

降臨 was done as before from the throne upon the top of the stairs...except with the curtains being up the entire time, we all missed when Sakurai entered. There were jokes flying around sometime after the show musing about using magic to get there, but in all reality, I really missed the point when he came out.

道化師Ａ began and Sakurai draped himself across the couch after a brief tip of his hat and a deep bow. Screaming out his name, it didn't come as much of a shock that little-by-little I would shift and be pushed in his direction. At this point though, I was moving up towards Imai, close enough that I was able to touch THE SHOE when he was dancing at the stage's edge. (I touched the vocalist bait shoes, life is grand!) Although the acoustics seemed different and it was a quite different environment from the Kanazawa show before, the performance themselves of these songs was nothing DRASTICALLY different...not to mention the number of things to get caught up in! After about half the song was over, Sakurai stood, his pimping cane in hand and walked up to the microphone stand. From there he proceeded to stick the long object between his legs and suggestively stroke it...back and forth, long, wicked fingers nimbly stroking, thumbing the end. Yeah, we got it. Interesting the blissful look on his face, the continuously suggestive manner in which the cane was extracted from where it had been placed. Dirty man. >3

Cabaret was the first song where I felt something interesting happening. Atsushi was sort of dancing around Imai for a bit, but when it got to be too much and the audience was excessively cooing, he moved to the other side of the stage and did the same (though not as intensely) around Hoshino. The dance itself was more of a delicate walk, gracefully revolving around the person as he sang. It was lovely, though not quite a ballerina spin. The thing I love about this show was how much the guys moved. Standing in front of the stage, the only person I MISSED was Anii...and sort of Uta with the way I was moving about.

Sakurai draped a scarf over his head once more during his performance of 異人の夜 - another song that just gains so much momentum live. I tell you all - hearing this live will sell you on this album, even if the studio version wasn't really your thing. They dazzle and shine and Sakurai was just damned brilliant. (And pretty sober from what I could tell - in the duration of the show, he might have gone for the wine maybe twice, and even then it was just sips. No hitting the sauce this time. Must have gotten bitched at about the bills for trashing tuxedo shirts every show with his shenanigans.)

It was odd this time to be focusing on balance and not losing my hat while listening to this music. The audience was INSANE - dancing, screaming, jumping, shoving, falling, crying, laughing, flailing, sweating, fighting. So much passion in those Japanese FISH TANKers for their B-T. So much hostility. >>; Even so, it was amazing to be with them, to have this kind of crazy spinning environment fueled by adrenaline and kick-ass music. It was precious.

I think Atsushi thanked us between every song, but I was having a hard time understanding his Japanese. (The man is easier to understand when he's drunk if you're me...don't ask.) The hat was gone quickly and though the masks were there as props, he never once picked them up. He was quite fond of showering the audience with water (most of whom were wearing black concert shirts - they foiled his plan?) and then tossing the bottles out. Very nice and concerned for us dehydrating and melting for him. <3

Atsushi mumbled something about loving us and always being thankful for us over CLOWN Loves Senorita, we just clapped a lot and it ended...essentially I don't remember what happened it seems. ^^; We were all bouncing around crazily for Goblin though because how could you not?

I wound up in front of Imai at this point, and when the chorus "lalala"s came about, I got the microphone shoved in my face. I believe one of my personal highlights happened right around this time -

Imai: *sees foreign girl in the audience of fan club members* O.O

Good old too-cool-for-us, unexcitable Imai's eyes widened at seeing me. It was a good moment! Locking eyes with Atsushi, he offered me a smirk.

Atsushi: *sees a foreign girl in the audience of fan club members* >3

Then (probably NOT connected, but we like to amuse ourselves) he went for Grand Feel #1 for the night, one leg wrapped around the mic stand, hand going for the goods and just giving it a good thorough feel that my eyes were definitely on. I almost got crushed then because I think I stopped moving...but I got shoved over more towards the center. They don't want my kind in the Imai section. Ahaha.

The closer I got though, the more I was astounded. We all admire pictures and the like, but observing Imai-san and Sakurai-san up close was something else altogether. Sakurai has to be the most beautiful man I have ever seen; his eyes, the subtle smiles, the lively look from the energy pulsing through the room...little quirks, the delicate motions of his hands, the movements of his body...everything I got to see up close and I can't compare it to anything.

...probably easy enough to understand why I don't remember much more than bouncing up and down for the duration of ALIVE.
...except that before the song Acchan thanked us again, looked to the Imai section and shouted "fuck me!" before getting into the song...
...ironically after I had shouted in perfect English "I love you Atsushi!"...

I remember 月蝕 though, such a cult experience. Lost my hat for a few minutes here until someone plunked it back on my head. Hands up, everyone singing along, it was just so intense. Or rather, I was trying to sing along. Having attempted this song at karaoke, I know well that it isn't the easiest when you're not Cult-master-Sakurai. The sound really made you feel like you were getting swallowed up and it was almost creepy, everyone with their arms up, hanging on every word. I love this song on CD, it is twice as amazing live - again - if not more. Everyone sounded amazing and just created such a powerful sound that pulsed through you and made you feel like you were really moving on some sort of twisted gypsy trek. FISH TANK style that is.

It seemed for a moment there that Atsushi was going to throw himself into the audience, but he pulled back last minute, before I anyone could grope more than his arms. He more or less retreated and took the first sip of wine then, lighting up a cigarette and moving back to the microphone to talk about something as Lullaby II played on. This sort of blurred as well...I was having a hard time understanding him. :/

Before DOLL, Sakurai thanked us again...and then told us he had to go to the bathroom. It was pretty funny, I'm not sure why he said it, but for a good half of that song, when he wasn't stroking the blonde hair of the doll, he had it plastered to his groin where he moved the doll's head around a good dozen times, singing about his swaying and turning. I'd say it was a new doll because it looked rather in tact. Ahaha.

Now Passion was my song. The lights were pretty, the music was good, the band was great - but that wasn't what had my attention. I have heard the tales of Atsushi and his candelabra, dripping it on himself - hot wax play and all. I wanted to see this up close. I got to, but when he still wasn't singing and moved with the flaming object to the stage's edge and bent down, willing the fans to extend their arms out to him, he met the eyes of each person who he dripped the wax upon, such a heated, sybaritic stare. Damn him.

ROMANCE was next...probably the best performance of that song I had heard up until that point. Imai had one of the little guitars with him then and was playing it...adorable thing if not for the cost. No bride doll, no cigarette play, just the band giving their best and the audience swaying along...I think. I had been having hydration problems and this was about the point where I realised that my drink had fallen out of my bag. Still, my stubborn ass didn't want to leave its nice little Sakurai niche so I stubbornly stood through seraphim with the sayounaras and most of 夢魔 -The Nightmare-...until I started bouncing and jumping so much again that something gave out and I was suddenly falling back into the other people and having to attempt to excuse myself until finally some security person kinda helped drag me out. I was grateful that Sakurai wasn't right in the front at that point because as I realised my error, I felt extremely stupid. I wound up in the hall and was given some water enough to get my head better but then had to drop my own five bucks for more of a drink after that. It sounds ridiculous and it WAS, I assure you. After standing from ten in the morning not drinking enough and sweating to the point of dripping - it shouldn't have come as a shock. It was embarrassing and as a result I missed the last two songs of the first section.

I think I was more worried that I wouldn't be able to see the rest, but alas I took my expensive water and took a spot towards the back. Of course to my dread, the first thing Atsushi said then when the band reappeared for the second act, so-to-speak, was "Ah, I see some different faces from before intermission...everyone okay? No one passed out on me right?" And then proceeded to toss more water. I missed the action part of the action, but at least where I stood then I was able to breathe and stand of my own accord.

Every band member had changed over to their other Thirteenth Floor with Moonshine outfit at this point - Sakurai in the lamé; Imai in the white jacket, green pants and fur; Hoshino in his tux; Uta in...another black suit; and Toll in the black jacket that I was seeing for the first time then. During the break, the stage had been made to look rather regular and you could tell they were taking off 13Kai in a way.

ICONOCLASM is without a doubt classic B-T. You know it within notes. I think it makes you tingle because you KNOW that you are experiencing BUCK-TICK. I was standing with the veterans at this point - those fans that out of curiosity had checked out a certain BOOWY-esque band back in the day and continued following them out of intrigue. They were nurturing to me, laughing with me when I was messing up the hand-gestures to the songs that they collectively made up so many years back. Some of the people looked terribly nostalgic, some even crying as the songs in this section progressed. I think it was the first time I had seen the B-T guys publicly acknowledge the 20 years passed, though as we have seen recurring in many interviews and the like, everyone brought it up only to have the guys respond with something to the effect of "never really thought about it". What energy in that song though, there wasn't a person NOT bouncing and singing along. Nothing really changed about it aside from maybe Atsushi's pronunciation, but then that was part of the charm. Still do and always will love that "um...skip a three and four". ^_^

Sakurai thanked the audience again at this point, then Baby, I want you. started up. Whoever brought it up about Sakurai sounding as if he was hungry when writing the song, that came to mind here and I laughed. This song is just funny. We got Grand Feel #2 here. I'd say the one before was more exotic, this one more purposeful. A quick grind before running around and spinning around Imai for a bit. I got distracted here by my own dancing and a rather bold Japanese guy that came up and started dancing with me. For awhile I just listened and danced with this most...energetic fellow. He didn't try to grab me or anything, it was just funny really. The song is intensely catchy though, but when the "baby I want you"s started up at the end, the audience yelling back to Sakurai, it began to sound more and more like "baby eyewanchuuu" - I love Japanese. :)

MY FUCKIN' VALENTINE came on next. Gods this song is great. AMAZING live. Of course any of the Sakurai and Imai duets always sit well with me. The audience loudly sang along and the energy was explosive. "HAIL PSYCHO BiTch! RISE ABOVE YOURSELF!" "YOU'RE MY FACKIN' VALENTINE!" Everyone was bouncing. Imai IS the BiTch during this song, hand on his hip. I love that posture. Dancing man was still rather genki. I think my throat went officially raw during this song. Imai's theremin was INCREDIBLE...even if sometimes I think we need to take it away from him. XD; Sakurai was so energetic, bouncing around. He and Imai seem to feed off of each other. ^_^ If I recall, Imai was just spinning around during the middle section. Such fun. Imai does insane things with his eyes as well. o.O o.o O.O o.@ O.o *spin* Even the SSL version wasn't as insane as this, Sakurai was far more sober, but it didn't seem to matter.

After that was the OTHER Valentine song. This promptly set me to tears. Why? I have a complex with this song. It is my favourite off of Climax Together for no particular reason and just a dear song to me. One of those "OMFG I love B-T! ;_;"moments I guess. After the song before, then that song...I just felt so incredibly blessed to be there. So much wonderful music going...I thought my face would split if I smiled anymore. ^_^; Anyways, this performance of MY FUNNY VALENTINE was just beautiful. I was singing along (to the best of my ability) and just swinging around. It's so pretty and I adore Imai's harmony. The album version seems to lack whereas the live versions shine...It was a special moment for me. I think the audience was at a lack, but they sure swayed a bunch. Am I the only one who finds this song incredibly sexy?
The guitar was gorgeous, the vocals were amazing and I was just delighted. Excellent moment, one of my favourites. "Oh my Funny!"

The stage grew darker for a moment and flooded with bluish lights, the place grew silent momentarily and ノクターンRain Song started up. The audience was pretty still for this, but respectfully so. This song is simply beautiful in my opinion. Hearing it live just made it better for me I think, though the energy almost seemed to slump for the duration of it. Not that it was bad; the band just seemed a little mellower for the time. I love when Imai starts to look bored because he can't spin around with his guitar. Sakurai spun some though, the golden lamé coat fluttering out around him. Gorgeous in the light, tranquil like the song. A lovely performance. I had to pay close attention to Hoshino's acoustic guitar in this. So delicate, perfect really. It didn't seem that much of a thing was out of place in this live. Everyone was radiant, and it reflected in all they did.

I feel terrible that I can't seem to recall what was said in Sakurai's MC other than thanking the fans for everything over the years. He spoke of various things in the past, spoke of his gratitude for the band members. Asked us to stay with him. Told us he loved us. It was touching, even if I can't seem to recall specifically what was said. I'm sorry. ._. I think I was crying again anyways. ;_;

He DID introduce the next song, I remember. That would be 悪の華. "Blind blue boy." What a damned catchy song. This live needed this song I think, Sakurai's yells and falls to his knees. It was like the PV just with better lighting. Did you know about the furi to this song? I sure didn't, but it really seemed to make a good majority of the people around me nostalgic. Damn the guitars and just EVERYTHING. Classic BUCK-TICK again. Everyone was just bouncing uncontrollably, singing along, enjoying themselves. I loved the feelings I could get from being there. The band seemed to fall into those times as well, I don't think any of them made it through the song without smiling at least once. Yuta was SO cute, bouncing grinning from here to there ^________^ singing along with Sakurai. Imai was crazy again, bouncing about. Such a moment I think. Perhaps this is one of those songs everyone knows, but I think it's for a reason. Such love.

Again with スピード...such classic B-T going down. The fans that seemed to be grudgingly there as the group had gone through 13Kai couldn't deny the love they still had as they smiled and bounced along. Oh, and just for misatojaganshi - Sakurai had a hat and some maracas. BOLERO!!! This cracked me up. Made me especially pissed off when the photo-pirating man wouldn't sell to me later. >( Damn this song was amazing. Sang along again, fumbled for the hand-gestures long ago established. Every time Sakurai moaned you had to throw your right hand up...otherwise you just stuck your fingers to your head and jumped up and down. Or acted like you were doing the robot when he sang about the glass case...it was interesting. XD There was something for the boys and girls too, but I failed. Who the hell made up the dances I don't know, but it was fun trying to figure it out!

Next came 鼓動. I simply can't say enough wonderful things about this performance, just that it was better than the OLOD Cut Up or Devil & Freud versions by far...mostly because it didn't sound so sad at the end. The guitars are just AMAZING. This song is definitely in my top ten. If I had to pick the last song to hear ever, it would be this song. Hell, I just can't express how it touched me, but it was by far my favourite song of the night. Elegant vocals, beautiful music...the guitar at the end made me - big shock here - cry some more. Just gave me chills - you know that kind of feeling? Should there have ever been any doubt in my mind of my love for the group, this killed that. Just THINKING about it makes my heart flutter. I got goose bumps just now writing that. That guitar sang, it soared, and instead of wailing on top of that, Sakurai just...I don't even know...he flew. It sounds ridiculous, but I mean that it sounded HOPEFUL and not sad like I've heard it sound before. It meant so much. He smiled and I watched him, tears in his eyes, smiling so beautifully, bowing with his full waist, voice somewhat choked thanking us once more and leaving the stage as the other members continued playing for us. Always giving so much. There was so much love in that room then. It was dizzying. ^_^

The band exited then, the "encore" chanting starting up - to which I just shouted "I love you"..."encore" in proper English...clapped, whistled...made other appreciative noise and waited. Some few minutes later, the group appeared once more, outfits changed once more...well at least Sakurai and Imai. (This was something that made me laugh - Sakurai was wearing the fanclub-only t-shirt and black leather pants...and Imai was wearing the same pants as before, but what appeared to be only Sakurai's tux jacket on top. I say this as it was the same cut as what Sakurai had been wearing before...and what else was it? No shirt below, they looked like they got dressed in a hurry. Ahaha.)

I was so distracted by the clothing that I didn't grasp all that Sakurai was saying. He sure spoke a lot though! It was the indicator that he hadn't had a lot to drink, at least in my experience. COSMOS began then, and it was majestic. Swirling and swaying, such a lovely song. A HOPEFUL song as someone else put it. It's rare to end like that for them perhaps, but this was such an uplifting concert. "Ai dake ga soko ni aru..." So nice to sing together, everyone so united, loving. It was a good feeling that should exist in all the world. I don't think there was many a dry eye at that point. Sakurai told us we were wonderful over and over, then finally the band left. It was such a great ending. I say it again - I was blessed to be there. It was worth anything I did to get there. Worth anything. I'm glad the guys appeared well. We need them around for another 20. :)

I dashed out then in a wicked sort of trance. Such a high after that. I don't think there was an ounce of hostility in that moment (even amongst the Sakurai fans *cough*). It was to the enquête and tour goods after that. Tour goods did NOT go well, but I admit that it didn't seem to matter much after what I had experienced. In short, I need to get in touch with some people to negotiate what did and didn't happen and what I should do now. That's for later though. (I should have bought some damned socks! BUCK-TICK SOCKS!!?!?!!)

The enquête was the same as the one from Kanazawa, except this time I filled it out in Japanese. In the "comment for the band" section, I wrote the following (in my best Japanese I could manage ^_^;) : Tonight was so amazing, I'm so glad to have been here! Fans in other countries exist and we love you. It may be a little more difficult for us to go to concerts or buy CDs, but we try our best because you deserve it! I honestly, from my heart, thank you guys - both on my own account and for everyone else. Please, if you ever have time, please check out a group online that we have formed out of our respect for and interest in you, as well as our desire to spread the love! *enter lj link* Thanks again!

(Now damn, I am a good little pimp-in-waiting, making that plug. Couldn't help it though, I just wish I could share more with everyone!)

After that I hit a convenience store, downed way too much Aquarius, bought a bag for the tour goods, got shut down by the photo pirate >|, thought I'd truly lost my beloved hat after everything though I hadn't, and then proceeded to royally mess up the train home. 8D Well first I took the yurikamome with all the B-T fans...and I'll tell you, everyone was so peaceful and happy (rather sated? XD) and never again will I have that many B-T fans in one place all loving and sharing. The air was full of sleepy excitement, discussion over the show and general contentment. Life was good. After that I messed my train up getting home and got in trouble with my host family...then screwed my chances for the ISSAY show, but not a whole lot could get to me then - I was on cloud nine. 8D

All-in-all, a delightful experience. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I just wish the best for these guys!

Set-list:

Pt. I
ENTER CLOWN
降臨
道化師Ａ
Cabaret
異人の夜
CLOWN LOVES Senorita
Goblin
ALIVE
月蝕（Ａｃｃｈｕ）
LullabyII
DOLL
Passion
ROMANCE -Incubo-
seraphim
夢魔-The Nightmare
DIABOLO -Lucifer-
WHO'S CLOWN?

Pt. II
ICONOCLASM
Baby,I want you
MY FUCKIN VALENTINE
MY FUNNY VALENTINE
ノクターンRain Song
惡の華
Speed
鼓動

Encore
COSMOS

If you made it through that, thanks for reading, ne? ^_^

Raia♥