J-rock Revolution Festival

The 2-night J-Rock Revolution Festival this past Memorial Day weekend blew the roof off the Wiltern Theatre. Nothing could have prepared LA for what they were about to encounter. Before anyone knew it, the streets were filled with J-rock fans dressed representing the visual kei culture, gothic lolita, and the occasional (annoying) posers. Each night, the line went on for at least 10 blocks and continued to grow and wrap around buildings even after the doors were opened at 6:00 p.m. As we were in line on night 1, people were already lining up on the other side of the theater for night 2!

You could feel the excitement in the air and as hours passed by and the sun continued to shine down on us, the frivolity and pure anticipation still persisted. Things got even more electrifying when a red convertible drove past the moving line driven by none other than Miyavi himself!!! Days have passed already, but the adrenaline rush still hasn't subsided for me. This was truly a once in a lifetime event that has a stamp of lasting impression.

As Yoshiki pointed out, this event brought many fans together from far and wide. I'm sure we weren't the only ones that traveled from one coast to another for this epic event.

The 9 bands all gave breathtaking performances and no one disappointed. Duel Jewel, the first j-rock band to ever play at a US anime convention, totally rocked it out. Miyavi and Kagrra, get the award for one of the coolest opening acts. But in truth, all 9 were there for reason -- they truly represent the epitome and origins of the revolution of J-rock. Since there are a growing number of live reports showing up on the web as I write, I will just touch upon the major highlights.

Surprises were definitely not a minor commodity. The one and only Sugizo made an appearance, picked up a guitar and joined Miyavi on stage. This appearance led into Yoshiki's first big announcement. The super group SKIN, making up the J-rock gods Gackt, Yoshiki, Miyavi, and Sugizo, will be performing at the Anime Expo in Long Beach, CA this year. I was totally unprepared for this news...I gave up going to Anime Expo this year to go to the J-rock Revolution Festival!!! And the news didn't stop there. On night 2, Yoshiki announced his appearance at this year's Japan Expo in Paris, France. And believe it or not, I've got con tickets, but alas, am missing my plane ticket.

Nevertheless, the J-rock Revolution Festival was beyond belief and anyone can only do so much to explain it. Sadly, you had to be there to grasp the awe of this event. Based on the response, a second concert most definitely wouldn't be a bad idea. I mean, just look at that line-up of this 2007 concert. There were just a few bands I thought should have been there -- had Gackt and L'arc~en~Ciel, and maybe Nightmare had been there, it would have made it all a bittersweet treat to the next level.

NIGHT 1 - MAY 25, 2007

Kagrra,
1. Kotodama
2. Arishi Hi no Bishou
3. Nue no naku koro
4. Yousai
5. Utakata
6. Urei

Duel Jewel
1. Hanauta
2. Kamisori
3. Reincarnation Flow
4. Mxxder Marble
5. Tales

miyavi
1. Selfish Love
2. ROCK N'ROLL IS NOT DEAD
3. Kabuki Boyz
4. Neo Visualizm (Sakihokoru hana no yoni)
5. Are you ready to rock?

Vidoll
1. nevaeH
2. Sangakoronda
3. Tomei nakago
4. Chocoripeyes
5. Ningyo

alice nine
1. Velvet
2. Red Carpet Going On
3. Yamini chiru sakura
4. NINE HEADS RODEO SHOW
5. Haikara-naru-rondo
6. Shun ka shu toh
7. Blue Planet

NIGHT 2 - MAY 26, 2007

Merry
1. Rojiura elegy
2. Omohide sunsegt
3. Saihate no Parade
4. Dekiai no suiso
5. Meisai no shinshi
6. Japanese Modernist
7. Oriental BL Circus
8. rendezvous

girugamesh
1. Volcano
2. Shadan
3. Owari to mirai
4. Fukai no yami
5. Omaeni sasageru minikui koe
6. Take a Look Around
7. Deceived Mad Pain

DespairsRay
1. Damned
2. Angeldust
3. MIRROR
4. Closer to Ideal
5. SCREEN
6. Kogoeru yoruni saita hana
7. Sixty-Nine
8. HOLLOW

MUCC
1. Gokusai
2. Rojiura boku to kimie
3. Saishu ressha
4. D.O.G.
5. Nijyu-goji no yuutsu
6. Libra
7. Utsuro no heya
8. Ryu sei