Special personal note on this show: This was the first concert that I shot after needing a wheelchair. These photos are the most shared of any show that I’ve shot. ONE OK ROCK, while not considered by many Jrock fans as “Jrock”, are one of the most prolific bands from Japan outside Japan, which is an incredible accomplishment.
(First appeared on JRockRevolution.com) On January 31st, MORRIE held an intimate performance at the 99-seat capacity Kraine Theater. This was the second of his Solitude performances in the New York City that stripped away flair down to a man, his guitar, his music and his words. Fans might be more familiar with his bands DEAD END and creature creature in addition to his solo work. MORRIE has been considered one of the original fathers of modern Jrock and Visual Kei. Indeed, his style remains visual, an expression of the man as much as his music. That’s not to say that his music is dark and foreboding. During the interlude between songs, MORRIE delighted the audience with little stories that spoke of philosophy, of what it means to be human, punctuated by soft humor and a sharp wit. While the songs were the focus for the evening, MORRIE made the entirety a performance. One could genuinely feel the appreciation he had for his audience and likewise, the near silence from the audience during the performance of …
Dir en grey – Ghoul tour 2013 in NYC
NSDP at A-Kon 24, 2013
Following his appearance at the SXSW showcase at St David’s Bethell Hall on March 14th, YOSHIKI held an intimate party at the Qui Restaurant off of 6th Ave. in downtown Austin. Incredible food and drinks were served as guests eagerly awaited the anticipated YOSHIKI vs. hologram that was to take place that night. The hologram appeared almost discreetly from the feet up to the excited and hushed whispers of those in attendance. Once the full image appeared, the apparition of YOSHIKI announced the commencement of the night’s event beginning with Art of Life. In a surreal and ethereal show, the image sat at the waiting piano and began playing the familiar song. Almost halfway through, the flesh and blood YOSHIKI took the stage without introduction and began to play as well. Watching the two play was an experience perhaps never to be seen again. For those lucky enough to witness this epic event, it will not soon be forgotten. For the most well known, and, perhaps, the most beloved, rock star in Japan, such events seem …
On November 14th, Tomoyasu Hotei took over New York City’s Highline Ballroom for a sold out performance. Hotei, whose roots include the band BOØWY (pronounced like ‘boy’), has been part of an influential movement in the Japanese music industry, which continues to this day. Over the years, he’s furthered his skill and shared his talent with various sources, collaborating with artists and performing around the world. Arguably, his most well known achievement in the Western world is the theme “Battle without Honor or Humanity” from the Quinton Tarantino motion picture Kill Bill. The occasional theme song is just a taste of the talent and expertise of this guitar virtuoso. He’s sung in many tracks, as he did during his performance in New York City. Complementing his music were musicians: Zachary Alford- Drums Tony Grey- Bass Toshiyuki Kishi- Keyboard/Programming Steve Eto- Percussion Over the years, Hotei has produced albums that sell millions, cultivating an international fanbase and demonstrating time and time again why he’s one of the top guitarists in the world. That night in New …
