04/08 - Las Vegas, NV || RTOC @ The Pearl: Pt. 2
IDIOT PILOT
Now I must say I nearly fell over when I saw that MacBook up there. I had read a few reports where they were mentioned and I must say each one had me cringing. I went into this show knowing they were douches from comments and came out thinking a little less on that note, but sadly I can't say I can put it past them with all the testimonials. The bassist was freaking me out half the time, he was like one of those rock-em-sock-em robots with the weird way he kicked up one leg after another. Then the lead singer really DID want to devour that mic, I swear! He was always all over it, man I'd have hated to have been that poor mic. x-X; Oh and then later on he did this crazy like possessed movement with his head where he opened his mouth wide with these crazed eyes and frantically shook his hand to and fro. It was just plain out there... And he had some demonic yelling into the mic too. XD (Inside joke, he sounded like he was speaking in tongues, really. You know it's bad when you can understand the Japanese bands better than the English ones.)
The whole time I was keeping a look out for Yukke since I heard they always set up their own equipment and speak of the devil, as soon as the thought popped into my head I saw him walk on stage in his loose clothes and barefeet. XD I called out to him like the total fangirl I am even though no one probably even heard me except the other people seated nearby who probably thought I was crazy by now anyway. Also I saw the glorious bass that meant FUZZ was on the setlist for sure. Again I took the time to attack Tanya with fangirling shouting "OMG, they're going to play FUZZ! See that sexy bass down there? Awww yeah~" I was pleasantly surprised when Satochi appeared behind the drums too, I called out to him especially loud~ ^^ But I didn't do it while Idiot Pilot was playing because that would be totally rude even though I don't particularly care for them as a band or as people... (Kidding... <<)
Anyway in between there somewhere was one of the singer's famous obnoxious MC's. It involved a catchy little rhyme basically saying "We're playing up here so the least you could do is make some noise." He liked to drop the F bomb like every other word too... <<; (Yeah... makes you sound real smart.) Surprisingly the last MC he made before their last song he actually took the time to thank the Japanese bands, that gave him a few points in my book. (If he had named them then his points would have gone up. :P) I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy when they had finished their last song, though~
It took me a few minutes before my attention turned toward the MUCC banner but I noticed one really distinctive thing... THEY HAD THE ENTIRE STAGE SETUP FOR THEM! Needless to say I took a deep breath and got to my feet in anticipation.
MUCC
Setlist
1. Ranchuu [Video Clip 1 - 2]
2. Fukurou no Yurikago [Video Clip 1 - 2]
3. Shion
4. FUZZ [Video Clip]
5. Shadan
6. LIBRA
Another trickling of members to the stage as I tried my best to scream out their names in time. Actually, they went a lot slower compared to D'espairsRay so I actually could get everyone's name out in time. I'm pretty sure I beat every other fan to the chase too, unless there were pit people who knew them. << In usual fashion first came Satochi in all of his awesomeness, I clearly remember he had his arms out with an "Oh yeah! Let's rock this!" expression on. *fangirl* Then Yukke, he was so psyched it was so easy to tell. He pumped his fist toward the crowd and looked like he was going "Woo!" XD Miya followed, man I didn't realize how long his hair had gotten! And the makeup he had on was just too great, I could see it all the way where I was. Not to mention his bottoms he had on a wrap with this light blue tint to them, they stood out so much it was great. He came out and did a signature martial artist bow, it was very cool~ Then the great Tatsurou came on stage, I won't say strut because he walked up and I can almost guarantee that aside from his entrance and exit that would be the only time he actually WALKED and didn't strut or bounce around like a maniac. He had a big grin on his face despite himself though, I swear he did! <<
Tanya and I screamed at the top of our lungs for them though, it was so great having her with me or else I would've felt really out of place. x-X; Anyway I think there was a quick intro to the effect of "Hello Las Vegas! We are MUCC from Japan!" And anything else he said I can't recall... though I do remember the MC but that's later. ^ ~ (EDIT: In one of the videos there's the full intro and it's something like "Hello Las Vegas! Las Vegas! We are MUCC! Are you ready for some Taste of Chaos?!")
All it took was those few notes that Miya and Yukke played for me to realize that we were going to dive straight into a frenzy with Ranchuu. I nudged Tanya and whispered to her before the song got underway "This song is going to be freaking heavy, you ready?!" (Dork alert! XD) Anyway, I was right of course and I totally just let loose and pulled out some full body headbangs that I told myself I'd never do, so much for that~ I sang along every now and then but Ranchuu's all about Tatsu's yelling for the most part. I got to go along with the chorus every now and then and that was fun but I knew I'd rather save what little energy I could spare. Lord I couldn't resist looking up every now and then to see Tatsu the spastic monkey on stage in his baggy clothed, barefooted glory as he flung himself to and fro and rested his foot on the speakers when he had to bellow out some beautiful note. Obviously I ended up rocking out a whole lot more than I planned for Ranchuu anyway just because it was MUCC and I love them~
Next up was Fukurou no Yurikago (Which I must mention now that I totally went brain dead and wrote Furikago on my arm and etched it out. I felt so stupid after that. ><) and I got out a few quick "TATSUROU I LOVE YOU"s (j/k) I called out all of their names again as loud as I could in the break just because I could. ^^ I think Tatsurou had some mic problems at the beginning of the song because I do clearly remember the first few lyrics went from really soft to BOOM in your face. XD But man did he belt out those words so brilliantly, I was totally caught in the ambience of the song. I'm sure I looked really weird copying him where I was since I had to move my arms around when I was singing along just to get the whole feeling. I told myself I'd let loose and let the music take me wherever and I did. I am proud to say I held that first long note just as long as he did before I went into some crazy headbanging and foot stomping to compliment the beat.
I must say I was quite happy to hear Shion next just because I had seen a little live footage of it and just fell in love with Miya at the beginning, that boy really knows how to rock his guitar. My whole attention was on him until the lyrics started, but it was pretty great when Satochi popped in with his 'jungle drumming'. Then of course the Tatsu howl/scream. That was just plain greatness. XD Another trancey song for me but I still sang along, swayed to the beat and rocked out like there was no tomorrow. (I wish that would've been true... <<;) I got a glimpse of the pit and noticed there was a hefty circle where people were sort of moshing, but the existence of the huge circle made it clear there was a nice one going on at some point. Now the one thing I remember most about Shion that made it so awesome was during the break in the song Tatsurou stopped, got to the edge of the stage and said in that glorious voice "Scream... scream for me!" Which he continued to repeat as the noise got louder and louder. Finally one of the cameras made it's way directly in front of him and he went straight up to it, mic in hand with that mesmerized look in his eyes and chanted "Scream louder!" It was like we had cast a spell on him as the song started back up again, they all were re-energized and the energy in the crowd just went crazy!
When Shion finished there was a break and that great MC I was so happy to hear. Tatsurou was like a crack happy little kid in a candy store, I swear. He would NOT stand still for a second and wandered back and forth on stage as he said his 'speech'. "Hello everyone, how are you? We are MUCC from Japan and we are so happy to be here at Rockstar Taste of Chaos!" He really played the crowd well, just saying the tour name got everyone shouting. I was very pleased that the crowd was responding well to them. "We know you are waiting for some great bands like Bullet for My Valentine." he paused and waited for the crowd, it was cute. But I must also mention that after he said that he did this little jog in place that was really hyper and dorky and I swear he had a face like "=D" when he did it. XD Then the second name drop "...and Atreyu!" he did another funny movement after that, I don't remember what it was all I know is that I was glad I wasn't drinking something or else it would've been all over the place. <<; There were some "Yeah, yeah..." and "Okay!" 's during his speech too but I just remember when he said "We are having such a great time and we want to share it with all of you!" in which everyone sort of stopped and had to figure what he said thanks to his cute little accent. It took me all of five seconds to register it before I screamed my answer. "Are you ready to rock?" *insert screaming* "Say yeah!" *more screaming* "Are you ready to go crazy?!" *SUPER loud screaming* Also let me add before I get that the whole time he didn't use a cheat sheet! He did it all from memory, but that was probably why he was pacing around so much. Either way though I was really impressed, his English was a great step up from what had originally imagined.
What I heard next made me seriously just lose my mind and go crazy. I turned to Tanya hopping up and down again and was like "OMG IT'S FUZZ!!!" Yukke was positioned with his sexy stand up bass and Tatsurou had his hands in the air getting the crowd to do the same and clap along. I obeyed obediently! XD When I heard that harmonica resonate I swear I will never be able to listen to the song the same again after hearing it live like that it was just unbelievable. I sung my little heart and lungs out whenever I screamed out "TOKYO COIN TOSS DIVE!" And held my hand to my heart whenever "Kotae wo kokoro wo." was sung. That guitar solo from Miya was so sexy too, he strutted and everything! I shouted his name so much~ But I admit I couldn't hold those long notes Tatsurou did in the beginning because I was so out of breath. It was fun hearing the live track of the song too, it really is such a different experience when performed live, so much more impressive.
By the time the song ended I was very winded but I knew I had to keep up my strength for the last song. However, when that crazy guitar rift echoed through the speakers I let out a sad laugh. Of course it was Shadan, it HAD to be a crazy song just when I wanted to catch my breath. = =; I spent most of this song just going into a frenzy of headbangs and foot stomps, I felt like I was on stage because I was joining in on their antics. <<; I just lost myself in that crazy guitar though, lord Miya's so awesome~ I didn't really know the lyrics so well so I just rocked my socks off or so to speak for this one, heh. I did get to watch the guys during this song though and I savored the moment. They were really having fun, it was great, and the crowd was totally digging it. After the last notes rang out from the song though I almost dropped to the ground as I caught my breath and tried to steady my head so I could get a hold of myself for what was coming up next.
Tatsurou did a mini MC in which all I remember him saying was "This is our last song... Libra." And that's where my mind went blank for a split second and I realized I was about to hear an already amazing song done live, and it was so much MORE amazing. I knew every beat, every note and every word and I hung on to each one as they came along in the song. Miya, Satochi and Yukke were absolutely brilliant during the intro to Libra. I was entranced and at the same time moving to that all too intoxicating heavy beat. Speaking of intoxicating, Tatsurou's voice was thick and *sexy*. During the chorus I felt like I was being preached to and that choir echo was brilliant, as I sang along it felt like I was a part of it. I could go on forever about this song and all of the others though, there was just so much happening and so many emotions going threw me it was incredible.
At the very end of the song Tatsurou had his arms outstretched and his head toward the ceiling as he heaved a heavy breath and slowly brought his hands together as he bowed to the crowd. He bowed low too, out of complete instinct I bowed a little too but just enough so I could keep watching him. He bowed one last low bow and said "Thank you! We are MUCC, good night!" and a little "Bye-bye." when he was pulling the mic away as he slowly turned and walked off stage. It took me a while before I started calling out to them before they left. As they were filing out I heard some guy shout "Encore!" and I must say it pulled at my heartstrings. With as much in me as I had left I shouted "Mou Ikkai!" and "Ikenaide!" to no avail of course but I can't deny it felt good to do. ^^
As a whole MUCC was simply amazing and really did deserve that spot as the Jrock headliners I'm positive they sent a great message across throughout the whole tour as they did at the Vegas show. Yukke's skills on the bass are amazing, as were Zero's now that I remember it. I never noticed how crazy bassists were until this live, really. Miya's guitar solos were superb and very pro! If I can one day be a quarter of the guitarist he is I can probably die happy. XD Satochi was pure love~ I've had a soft spot for drummers ever since I got my own kit and he was just wild on that set. Finally of course, Tatsurou. I officially LOVE that man, he is incredible and so humble! After every song he bowed and said a "Thank you!" to the crowd. (That's why I have no respect for Idiot Pilot. XP)
I scribbled down the rest of the setlist on my arm and fell back in my chair quite literally, as did Tanya. We looked at each and laughed and I realized that I had just had an amazing live experience and would not be forgetting it anytime soon. But just as I was ready to breathe easy I checked my cell real quick to get a handle on time and noticed that some people were coming up on stage. I weakly pushed myself back up with a slight moan. "We've gotta keep going..!" I chanted. Tanya simply replied "Uh huh..." Though I imagine she had at least a little more energy left than I did...
THE UNDERNEATH
Setlist
1. Getting Closer [Video Clip]
2. Fat Fatty Fuckin' Pigs
3. Gekkoh
4. Deep
5. Bite the Bullet
I was really mad that they all came out so fast that I could barely get their names out on time. Then of course Taka comes out and goes straight into an MC as the others prep their instruments. He cut me off right when I was calling out to Ryo, I was peeved! (Darn it Taka, give ME your members some time to catch their breath too! <<) "Hello! We are The Underneath from Tokyo, Japan! Do you want to rock?!" <-- or something to that effect. I thought it was funny he clarified that it was Tokyo, Japan and not just Japan though since the others didn't care. Oh, and the way he said 'The Underneath' was just too great. XD I must be honest and say that Taka had the worst English at the show but even that was pretty darn good by any standards. He had the whole Engrish thing going but he was a lot more understandable than you'd imagine.
Anyway they flew right into their first song and I couldn't peg what it was for the life of me, it really bugged me. I originally thought it might be Chain but after checking it doesn't sound like it at all! ; ; Either way though I tried to get into the groove of the song and did my fair share of headbanging. EDIT: I found out what the song was and I'm so happy I did~ It's a new song that will be released on their next single called Getting Closer, I'm so excited for it! ^^
They had a lot more space on the 'mini stage' than the last two bands but it still was obviously not enough for them. I mean COME ON! They've got FIVE members, it was like cruel squishing them in that confined space... ; ; But somehow they still rocked it! They really did, I saw a pit form within seconds of the first song, it was amazing. Though the mosh was small it was energized and there were quite a few people in it. Did I mention that at the beginning of the song Taka took his overshirt off..? I *fangirl* screamed like there was no tomorrow. <<
The next song totally made my day, when I heard them shout "Fat fatty, fat fatty fucking pigs!" I kind of missed it but knew I was going to totally lose myself. XD The next time around I did shout it out and I'm sure I got a few weird looks because you know... when someone shouts something like that at the top of their lungs even in the wake of a song it sounds pretty strange. The chorus of this song is really so fun though, I was bouncing because on stage they all were too! It was so fun, I wished I was down in the pit... but I was really beat. x-X; I must also add that Masato's solo in this was uber sexy, he owned it~
After that crazy song I was pleased to hear the all too familiar Gekkoh resonate through the hall. I knew this song so well from their CD since it was the first track so I always heard it, plus it was easy to remember with the chorus and the transition they did since it's the only kind on their album. Just about every chorus started with "AH-" or some other long vowel too, fun fun fun! Speaking of the CD though... it did them absolutely NO justice with these awesome songs. They are definitely a live band until they come out with an album that blows me away but even then I'll know they're a great live band. ^^ I also realized there was a mini solo in just about every song because I saw Masato and Tal going at it again. XD Wish I could've seen some more of Masaki and Ryo though, they kept getting sort of left behind and not on camera... <<;
At this point I was telling myself if they didn't play Bite the Bullet next I was going to run over and check on the signing session because it would be starting in about twenty and I had heard things like the lines were so big sometimes people couldn't get in a second time for pictures. I would not have that! >< It just so happened they played Deep next too so I nudged Tanya and told her we were heading to the signing to see what was up. Turned out it was a total false alarm and there was no one there, NO ONE. (At that time Idiot Pilot was supposed to do their signing so I saw them but they were like talking to friends and roadies, I sort of felt bad but not really. XD)
So we decided to head back for the rest of Deep, I'm so glad they played it because I needed to mellow out even just a little. It was really nice to hear live and again the recording did not do them justice for it at all! I don't know if I mentioned it before either but in the lobby they have tons of little TVs that stream the performance live from the same screens at the sides of the stage so technically I didn't miss anything. ^^
I figured they had one song left, and I was right as Taka announced it. "This is our last song ---" He like really slurred the last part or something because I couldn't make it out but in my head I filled in the blank; Bite the Bullet. And of course it took only a few seconds before the chanting of it started at the beginning of the song. I'll just say I shouted in response *insert more weird stares* XD I tried so hard to totally let loose and I did a lot but I was getting some really bad recoil headaches from it even before this song. x-X; I knew this would be the last song I really stuck around for and could put my heart into so I tried my best! It was kind of funny actually because since we had run out and came back in I still had my backpack on so I tried to refrain from full body headbangs so it wouldn't open or fly off. <<;
As a whole (I'm sure you're sick of reading that line) another great and amazing performance from the Japanese bands yet again. Out of the three I think I was looking most forward to The Underneath because I hadn't heard them as a live band and I was very pleased with the outcome. I came into the concert worrying I might miss their performance but I got to stick around for the whole thing and it was so worth it! Tal and Masato are a great guitar duo, they shared the stage and the spotlight and had a lot of fun with it. Ryo was awesome~ He was up there duking it out with the guitar duo but they all kept moving in sync and giving each other equal time in the limelight. I wish I saw more of Masaki because I knew he was playing with all of his heart and I really love live drums~ And of course Taka. Taka was Taka, just what I expected from all the things I heard and so much more. Plus he was so *sexy* on stage! XD
The last notes rang out and they said their thank you’s to the crowd. I was really sad to see them go, I yelled out all of their names one last time as they filed off stage and the set for Bullet for My Valentine came to life. That was my trigger to book it out of there!
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Part 1 - Before the Live, Tragedy of Me and D'espairsRay
Part 3 - MUCC Signing and After the Live