X Japan takes on Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Theatre

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      "Taking on America" seems to be a goal of certain Japanese bands, sports stars, and others, so what an achievement that on its first North American tour, top Japanese group X Japan was received with open arms.

      The show began with drummer Yoshiki taking the stage, climbing atop his drum kit, and standing there basking in the lights, some prerecorded music, and the attention of the adoring crowd. Shirtless and wearing tight pants, a flowing white jacket, and a thick white collar, he exuded charisma, and it was obvious why his name was chanted throughout the evening.

      As Yoshiki alluded to in a recent interview with the Straight, the show was more heavy than pop-y, though there were some more ballad-like pieces. Besides a drum performance that channelled Animal from The Muppet Show in an awesome way, Yoshiki did some amazing things on piano, and Sugizo rocked the violin as well as the guitar and was a lot of fun to watch.

      For me, Jade was a particular highlight.

      The audience really held up its end of the bargain. Many brought along glow sticks to cross above their heads in the form of an X, and on more than one occasion the crowd sang a cappella for long periods of time without any prompting from lead singer Toshi. There was also much pounding the air with fists, and much of the audience was on its feet for the whole show.

      I'm sure I wasn't the only one who shed a few tears when Yoshiki talked about deceased guitarist Hide during the encore. It was sad to think of the band achieving this "dream", as Yoshiki described it, without him. Let's hope he really was listening in.


      X Japan performs "Endless Rain" the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. KunisakiShugo video.

      Comments

      5 Comments

      Xyath

      Oct 4, 2010 at 1:33am

      Such an epic performance, glad I was there, come back soon X!

      Gordana

      Oct 4, 2010 at 2:32am

      X Japan deserved every scream from every fan in the audience tonight. Brilliant doesn't begin to describe the experience. I was floored (especially by the a cappella audience performance of Endless Rain). It's a shame we weren't able to see them after the concert, but everyone should experience a show like this at some point. Worth every penny!

      wtwong

      Oct 4, 2010 at 2:32pm

      Amazing concert with awesome fans new and old. Definitely a switch in style in songs from Kurenai to Jade. But it is still all X JAPAN! The Endless Rain chorus by the fans was very moving for all and the band members. Come back soon X! Thanks for the show in Vancouver!

      char

      Oct 4, 2010 at 4:20pm

      Amazing experience. Definitely a dream come true! Didn't think I'd be able to go to one of their concerts...ever, but there I was! There WE were! In the chorus! WE ARE X!

      Kenn

      Oct 4, 2010 at 8:15pm

      It was a truly awesome performance. Never thought I'd ever be able to see these guys in concert. WE ARE X!! WE ARE X!! Oh and I see that the videos I put up are pretty much everywhere now xD.