X Freaks Forum
The band => The Concerts => X JAPAN World Tour => Topic started by: Sander on August 18, 2010, 09:25:48 PM
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Fox Theatre, Oakland, CA - September 28th Buy tickets - $37.50 (http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C00450CF12C80FA?artistid=1481883&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=60)
(http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/cake-and-modest-mouse-at-the-fox-theater.3054006.36.jpg)
The Fox Oakland Theatre is a 2,800-seat movie theater, located at 1807 Telegraph Avenue in downtown Oakland, California. The theater was designed by Weeks and Day, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and reopened on February 5, 2009.
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Where are the Bay Area peeps? hehe this thread is lonely lol
Got the tickets in the mail today! I'll be going with my bros, can't wait!
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Got my tickets as well. Floor/Pit tix. I cannot wait...it's gonna be a slow month waiting lol
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Oh wow. I haven't read much X Japan news lately but this one is amazing as tomorrow I'll be going to near San Francisco to study. Gotta buy a ticket tomorrow after I arrive there.
edit: aah, what the heck, just bought the tickets. Wohoo!
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Where's the love for the Oakland gig? Come on people!
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Lol I've got some love for Oakland, Im actually from L.A. but me and a few friends also bought tickets for the Oakland show.
Have to Say September is an amazing month for me, Dir en Grey, J pop summit and 2 X Japan shows!
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A good article:
Deep-rooted Japanese band coming to Oakland (http://www.thecampanil.com/2010/09/08/x-japan-preview/) at The Campanil
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Xplosion gets a mention. Congrats are in order :)
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Yeah I noticed that too :) It's a student-run campus newspaper, but still it's a good thing :D
And congratulations to Katrin's xjapan.de website, she deserves it! :)
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If anyone is going to this show (as its the next one), can you check what sizes they do the t-shirts and hoodies in? I'm going to buy some at the NY show but just want to know what sizes they go up to :)
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Im leaving tonight for Oakland show because Wiltern shows was crazy, shirt sizes went from small to X Large but Large was sold out very quick. So many places reviewed the concert day after with tons of pictures and Oakland is next
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I hope Toshi's voice is in better condition for tomorrow's concert. It was very good at the Wiltern, but it needs to be better for a world tour.
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next stop is here, i hope people will keep updating using twitter again
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I'll be leaving tomorrow for the show. I"m afraid the line for the show is gonna be so long the merch will sell out before we get there o_O
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I hope Toshi's voice is in better condition for tomorrow's concert. It was very good at the Wiltern, but it needs to be better for a world tour.
I saw him only struggling with Silent Jealousy, it is very hard song to sing, that beginning.
I am more worried about Yoshiki's neck...Like I saw him headbanging and give it all while drumming, I am wondering how many times he can do that in 12 days to come...And then thereafter our Europe tour...
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I'll attempt to update info on the show. twitter.com/creepyklutz (http://twitter.com/creepyklutz)
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Have fun! Take care of Yoshiki for us! I hope the concert goes awesomely. Oh, and travel safe!
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Have fun! Take care of Yoshiki for us! I hope the concert goes awesomely. Oh, and travel safe!
Thank you. As I'm driving for a little over 4 hrs to get there! ;)
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Then, I really hope you like the concert enough to make the trip worth it. Make sure to get plenty of sleep! =P
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I hope Toshi's voice is in better condition for tomorrow's concert. It was very good at the Wiltern, but it needs to be better for a world tour.
I saw him only struggling with Silent Jealousy, it is very hard song to sing, that beginning.
That beginning section where Toshi has to sing on his own is one of the most pointless add ons to an X song I've seen, it does nothing but put pressure on Toshi's voice. There's no need for it, they should just start the song with Yoshiki hitting the cymbals like they used to.
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That beginning section where Toshi has to sing on his own is one of the most pointless add ons to an X song I've seen, it does nothing but put pressure on Toshi's voice. There's no need for it, they should just start the song with Yoshiki hitting the cymbals like they used to.
That's actually a really good idea. I can't remember the last time Toshi pulled the opening off flawlessly, and most of the time the song starts with Toshi holding an extended note (off-key) while Yoshiki comes in on the wrong beat. It just sounds like a trainwreck.
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There's a Yoshiki interview coming up tomorrow
http://live105.radio.com/tag/yoshiki/
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So when does the concert start?
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It doesn't seem like anywhere near as many fans are attending this as they did the Wiltern one.
Fingers crossed for another good attendance and lots of updates :)
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So when does the concert start?
In Oakland is now 11h15 am, it will start when I am driving to work and working in office :(
creepyklutz will update on twitter. But in my office we can't go on twiiter, facebook or youtube:Informatica team blocked those sites for staff!!! I'll have to wait tomorrow evening to know how it has been! ???
I am sure it will be a great succes this one too. So curious which songs they will change from the setlist compared with Wittern theater.
Please write the twitters on this forum. Because I can check forums!!! ;D
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I agree with the above sentiments!
Let's get some discussion going in this thread, let's get some buzz on.
I mean, come on! X Japan are playing live in a few hours, in America. Come on guys, where's the spirit? I'm shocked to see this thread so deserted right now. I hope the gig isn't a total attendance fail.
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Hmm...there wasn't that much patricipation in the Wiltern thread either I think?
I mean, before the live and even while the live was going on....
I guess because the majority of members seem to be from Europe and the timezones are too far apart.
When the live in Wiltern was happening it was 6:30 in the morning where I live or sth like that.
I want to be up for today's live too but it's already 1.27, I still haven't slept and I'm not sure exactly what time the live WILL start...XD
Anyway, hmm...does anyone think there will actually be any set list changes for this live? And what song do you think might change?
I'd like to see Week End pop up somewhere in the tour because so many people seem to be asking about it. XD
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Nothing on twitter either.....
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Yeah, they havn't played Week End for four of their recent lives, and I had a feeling that was going to happen when they cut the song in half at the Taipei concert. I have no idea why they're not playing it now, its a classic right up there with Kurenai and X.
And for me its currently 00:34 am. I thought the concert would've started hours ago since it was today, maybe its a 8 or 9:00pm concert over there or something, meaning it would be 2-3:00 am here when the concert starts.
I think the setlist will remain the same, except for one song change and maybe the order will be slightly different.
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Yeah, they havn't played Week End for four of their recent lives, and I had a feeling that was going to happen when they cut the song in half at the Taipei concert. I have no idea why they're not playing it now, its a classic right up there with Kurenai and X.
And for me its currently 00:34 am. I thought the concert would've started hours ago since it was today, maybe its a 8 or 9:00pm concert over there or something, meaning it would be 2-3:00 am here when the concert starts.
I think the setlist will remain the same, except for one song change and maybe the order will be slightly different.
It would be awesome if they played Week End, its one of their best live songs in my opinion, and I personally love that song!
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Well, since they HAVE to play Rusty Nail, Jade, Born To Be Free, I.V., X and I guess Endless Rain....that hardly leaves room for many changes. The ones I can see being changed are Silent Jealousy and Art Of Life...? Kurenai is more than likely staying too.
Also, I prefer Silent Jealousy over Weekend since I think it has showed up in lives a lot less times than Weekend. (not that I was counting so....).
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Well, since they HAVE to play Rusty Nail, Jade, Born To Be Free, I.V., X and I guess Endless Rain....that hardly leaves room for many changes. The ones I can see being changed are Silent Jealousy and Art Of Life...? Kurenai is more than likely staying too.
Also, I prefer Silent Jealousy over Weekend since I think it has showed up in lives a lot less times than Weekend. (not that I was counting so....).
Agreed, if its a chance to have Silent Jealousy played at a live that i'll be at, then yes, Silent Jealousy first.
They could also replace Drain with Week End. I wouldn't mind that.
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Hmm...I think Drain stays as a sort of hide song? Maybe they could replace Drain with Scars for example....
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It would be awesome if they played Week End
It annoys me that we even have to say that now.
"Well, since they HAVE to play Rusty Nail, Jade, Born To Be Free, I.V., X and I guess Endless Rain....that hardly leaves room for many changes."
Or they could have 15-20 songs on their setlist, as every other rock band their age touring does, if its Yoshiki's neck problems that prevents that (which is most probably the case) then I don't blame him for that.
"Hmm...I think Drain stays as a sort of hide song? Maybe they could replace Drain with Scars for example...."
Well there's a a small chance they've redone english lyrics for Scars for this tour, but that's a small chance, and if they havn't they'll definatly be keeping Drain for the whole tour because its already completely in english.
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Hmmm...true, the fact that Drain is already in English does make it more likely to stay.
But well, they played Silent Jealousy in Japanese right? Only the intro was in English as I understood.
And Endless Rain wasn't translated either...
I think if they are indeed changing the set list Dahlia has pretty high chances of showing up too...
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the most possible thing is they add another ballad or CRUCIFY MY LOVe (all in english) ,
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Hmm...I think Drain stays as a sort of hide song? Maybe they could replace Drain with Scars for example....
While its true that its a hide song, but its the fact that Drain isn't as much of a regular song as the rest of their catalogue. So if a song were to be edited in the setlist, I would think it would be Drain they replace.
If its a hide song to have included, it would be nice to use Celebration, but seeing that they can't use his image, it wouldn't be the same, lol.
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I'd love to get all worked up over this, but I have a TON of work and should probably sleep before it ends (especially if it ends as late as the last one did).
It's just because it's a Tuesday. I'm really curious about the setlist though, and I'm absolutely going to be refreshing twitter. I'll be there in spirit. X!
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twitter form twitter.com/creepyklutz
finally, i think its starting
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http://twitter.com/#search?q=%23XJAPAN
I'm keeping a watch on this. I'm interested in seeing how busy this show will be as well.
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Following tons of people on twitter.
VE just ended (apparently the drummer yawned while they were playing)!
Twitter is waiting for X now.
前座終了~ http://yfrog.com/mlqswj
Fitting picture posted by @hirokiful
人いっぱい http://yfrog.com/6razojj
Audience, posted by @hirokiful. I like his pictures.
If people can get to twitter, I made an account to stalk people posting at (hopefully) each live.
http://twitter.com/xjapanlivestalk
Check the people I'm following if you want more updated posts.
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Haha he yawned. I haven't heard a single positive thing about the openers so far.
Looks like a decent sized crowd I suppose. Someone heard them practicing Art of Life, so I'm guessing that'll be the last song.
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もうすぐなう〜 (≧∀≦) http://twitpic.com/2sypgl
INA's there! Nice pic of Yoshiki's piano.
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Thanks for the updates CharonCaori!
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Sure! I'll probably get caught up in homework soon. =P If I decide to be responsible... tests tomorrow...
Guy with camera onstage filming the crowd #xjapan
@teruist
And one here on the balcony! #xjapan
@teruist
Shortly~ http://yfrog.com/nchmwfj
@Hirokiful posting more crowd shots. They're pretty excited.
It's starting!
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Apparently it just started!
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They're playing Jade, first song.
Started http://yfrog.com/n4doxyj
And we have a slightly blurry pic already from @hirokiful!
http://yfrog.com/0rouhnj
Make that two! Just follow this guy, he seems awesome.
始まった～!! 超近い！ http://twitpic.com/2syxrv
@hidetnk
Setlist:
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
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Silent Jealousy is playing now. So far the setlist is the same as the last show.
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http://yfrog.com/j3c1qrj
http://yfrog.com/7hqedmj
http://yfrog.com/g42g7dj
http://twitpic.com/2syxrv
http://flic.kr/p/8EXZaJ
http://twitpic.com/2sywo4
http://yfrog.com/87y9dzj
http://yfrog.com/eve60pj
I'll try to keep up with pictures, but they're fast. @CreepyKlutz says about silent jealousy, "Its not english"
Pictures are too fast, just go here: http://twitter.com/Hirokiful These are fucking awesome pictures.
Current list:
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
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@jimthecritic selling $100 #hellokitty dolls @ #foxoakland show.
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@AR3Y0UAWAK3:Jade, Rusty Nail, Drain, and now sugizo on violin. :DDD. Sound was off on drain though.
I'm personally disappointed about the sound...
So now, violin solo, violin+piano, Kurenai!
@RichardHaick:
Wow, X Japan puts on a great show. I am a bit let down that the guitar solos are a backing track.
I don't see any hide in the pictures, either... Sucks to have a backing track with no visuals.
@Ar3Y0UAWAK3
This crowd is laaaaame
--one minute later--
@foxoakland
Hands down the most enthusiastic crowd we've ever had here.
Haha!
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
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So far, it seems as if there's no variation at all...I was hoping for SOMETHING different at each show...but it still sounds like a great show regardless!!
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So far, it seems as if there's no variation at all...I was hoping for SOMETHING different at each show...but it still sounds like a great show regardless!!
Yeah, me too... It even looks like they're wearing the same clothes!! Maybe I won't keep up with the next live so closely if it's going to be the same setlist.
Drum solo now!
http://yfrog.com/0kikvqj @Hirokiful
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So far, it seems as if there's no variation at all...I was hoping for SOMETHING different at each show...but it still sounds like a great show regardless!!
Yeah, me too... It even looks like they're wearing the same clothes!! Maybe I won't keep up with the next live so closely if it's going to be the same setlist.
Agreed! I'm gonna be at the Roseland Ballroom one, and I'm already a little disappointed that there won't be any surprises (which is my own fault, really), because I feel like in the old lives they always used to change up songs here and there on the setlist. I was holding out hope for "Weekend" or their new "Blue Blood" or something....Oh well...
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i.v next. same setlist as last show, fair for everyshow, got the same setlist, lol
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They said they might change up the list! Who knows, maybe they'll pull out all the stops for the last place on the tour. =P I'll be there, too!
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
9. Drum Solo
10. I.V.
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Oh, cool! Maybe I'll see you there!
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I'm sure I will! Can't freaking wait. I might dress up (half-assedly, probably) as hide, too. =P
@MagicalEmi
Lol it's the yoshiki show now XD he's hopping back and forth from drums to piano and back again - solo solo solo lol
@CreepyKlutz
Toshi screaming and yoshiki actually hit the gong
http://live105.radio.com/2010/09/28/photos-x-japan-at-the-fox-theater/
Live photos ALREADY?
http://yfrog.com/4jb53rj
They're playing X now.
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
9. Drum Solo
10. I.V.
--------------
11. X
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X next
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Who wants to bet Endless Rain and Art of Life are next? =P
@Hirokiful:
Good one http://yfrog.com/jkpfdj
Hahaha I think this is my favorite picture so far.
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i.v next. same setlist as last show, fair for everyshow, got the same setlist, lol
agree ^_^
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Encore break!
@Hirokiful
http://yfrog.com/myrysqj
Haha, is that a squirt gun? Or is Toshi just really, really freaking happy to see them?
@summanaro
OH GOD OH GOD X JAPAN CONCERT COMMERCIAL ON MY FUCKING TV. I JUST FLAILED AT MY TV.
Wow, PUBLICITY! Look at that!! It's about freaking time.
And I think the encore has started...
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
9. Drum Solo
10. I.V.
11. X
---------
12. Endless Rain
13. Art of Life
There are rumors that Yoshiki is wearing a yukata? Want pics.
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yukata
http://yfrog.com/44i8kbj
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So cute! Thank you! Haha, I missed the picture before.
Forever love SE now.
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
9. Drum Solo
10. I.V.
11. X
---------
12. Endless Rain
13. Art of Life
14. Forever Love SE
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So cute! Thank you! Haha, I missed the picture before.
Forever love SE now.
1.SE
2.JADE
3.Rusty Nail
4. Silent Jealousy
5. Drain
6. Violin+piano solo
7. Kurenai
8. Born to Be Free
9. Drum Solo
10. I.V.
11. X
---------
12. Endless Rain
13. Art of Life
14. Forever Love SE
Thank you so much for update, 2 am here ,I gotta go.
Sleep well everyone ^_^
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Thank you so much for update, 2 am here ,I gotta go.
Sleep well everyone ^_^
It's 2AM here, too. I'm going to bed soon, I have tests...ugh. Good night! Hope everyone liked the show, make sure to tell us all about it!!
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Thank you so much for update, 2 am here ,I gotta go.
Sleep well everyone ^_^
It's 2AM here, too. I'm going to bed soon, I have tests...ugh. Good night! Hope everyone liked the show, make sure to tell us all about it!!
Oh , Good luck with your test ^_^
Good night !
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Well it's actually pretty normal to have the same setlist for the whole tour, no? oO;
I agree that it might be boring if there aren't any surprises, but well, if I was planning to go to one of the later concerts, I'd just not check to much about the first ones... XD
Waiting for nice pictures now...:)
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Thanks for the updates. I don't mind the same setlist being used a lot, but I hope they have a song change at least once during the tour.
Kurenai opening
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeRnwB7aEWA
I really don't like how they've taken out hide's guitar intro and Toshi's opening verse, they were very iconic moments of the song, you can't just get rid of them just because you can't have hide on a screen.
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I don't mind the same set list at all but because it was mentioned that there might be changes, I guess we all are waiting for them...XD Kind of anticlimactic if they don't happen...XD
Well, as I'm in the European side of the ocean and can't attend any of the lives I don't have to worry THAT much about what they are playing.
So, because sleep won the battle and I was peacefully snoring while the live took place.....do we know anything about the attendance number and the crowd reception in general? I only saw info on the setlist so far.
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I'm sure there's a reason for it. I think it's mostly due to not being allowed to show hide..
But yeah, it's pretty common to have the same setlist throughout the tour. There might be changes at the end of the tour, but yeah. Also, ya gotta consider that X is probably playing this tour safely and keeping it close to the chest.. They're trying out an entirely new audience, an entire new country, Yoshiki's not new to this and understands that the fans are aware it's a Japanese band but he's not just trying to please the old fans but reach out to new ones.
Kinda gotta be forgiving at least a little bit. This isn't a safe place where X can pretty much do whatever and play whatever on stage.. This is an all new demographic. I am hopeful that this is going to be the first tour of the states and we'll have at least a couple more to look forward to. I mean, Aerosmith is well into their late 50's and going on tour... I think we'll be treated the same with these guys.
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Photos from the Oakland live:
http://live105.radio.com/2010/09/28/photos-x-japan-at-the-fox-theater/
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe_ANbDg6rs
Endless Rain
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Jade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCcuQHEa5ms
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I really don't like how they've taken out hide's guitar intro and Toshi's opening verse, they were very iconic moments of the song, you can't just get rid of them just because you can't have hide on a screen.
My favorite opening was the one with piano and vocals. I can't remember when they did that but I remember hearing it on some bootleg. In my opinion they should have either the guitar+vocals intro or try piano+violion+vocals without the guitar intro part.
In my opinion the thing they have done lately with first piano+violin then guitar+vocal just doesn't work. The latter just feels out of place.
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First half of Silent Jealousy (well, Toshi singing the opening on his own, and then a minute of the song, also, Japanese version)
Toshi is kicking ass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xb7sz3Cepw
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First half of Silent Jealousy (well, Toshi singing the opening on his own, and then a minute of the song, also, Japanese version)
Toshi is kicking ass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xb7sz3Cepw
Oh man, yeah! He NAILED it!!
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Not very good quality, last half of Kurenai, titled Rusty Nail because uploader fail.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqD8c2atgWU
The line outside the theatre, I think its safe to say the show sold out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i4O8s4p6OA
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There were about 2000 people there according to this report:
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_16203878?nclick_check=1
The author doesn't seem very fond of X... ::)
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First half of Silent Jealousy (well, Toshi singing the opening on his own, and then a minute of the song, also, Japanese version)
Toshi is kicking ass.
he can nailed it because its japanese? if he still sing in english, maybe he cant , lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xb7sz3Cepw
Oh man, yeah! He NAILED it!!
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There were about 2000 people there according to this report:
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_16203878?nclick_check=1
The author doesn't seem very fond of X... ::)
but still, credit for toshi
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There were about 2000 people there according to this report:
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_16203878?nclick_check=1
The author doesn't seem very fond of X... ::)
Wait... So he says that X Japan wont conquer America, despite playing to 2000 people at a gig which has received little or no promotion and was only really announced about a month ago?
Sure, he thinks X are garbage - but so are the Jonas Brothers to a lot of people, they're still hugely successful.
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What this proves that X Japan already has a solid following in North America and YES they will be able to convert more people as long as they are given the chance. Enthusiasm is contagious. When it comes to theatrics Yoshiki has stated that he is trying to bring back the stage show effect to rock music, which has kind of went out of style with grunge.
Why shouldn't he? Why shouldn't the fans get their money's worth? I say: Go Yoshiki, go X!
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As far as the members and the audience enjoy the show, I think they get successful. It will sound terrible if 50% of 2000 people don't like their show which I previously found from Lives@Yokohama (mostly came from people who watched online broadcast.) Anyway, feedback from people who attended the lives sound good almost 95%, as far as I can see.
To tell the truth, I felt furious when I saw Lives in US looked very good, compare to Lives@Yokohama where I attended. They give US audience very good shows, but crummy ones to their loyal fans in JP. IMO :P
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Any publicity is good publicity. The more people write bad about x the more young people get interested.
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As far as the members and the audience enjoy the show, I think they get successful. It will sound terrible if 50% of 2000 people don't like their show which I previously found from Lives@Yokohama (mostly came from people who watched online broadcast.) Anyway, feedback from people who attended the lives sound good almost 95%, as far as I can see.
To tell the truth, I felt furious when I saw Lives in US looked very good, compare to Lives@Yokohama where I attended. They give US audience very good shows, but crummy ones to their loyal fans in JP. IMO :P
You know this might sound funny but IMO it is the setting. Yokohama and most shows in Japan are stadium shows. Stadiums can fit lots of people but the acoustics are shit. In these theatres the acoustics are legendary. Also X's performance is very theatrical so I always felt that it would look and sound amazing in an actual theatre.
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Ok Just got home...5 hours after the show. Excuse me if my memory is slightly off..it may have to do with the fact my right ear is still ringing...also my voice is shot (I've been sick for 4 days..so that made it worse haha)
Before the show :We had arrived at around 2pm to which there was already a small gathering of people outside. We sat down at a building opposite of the theater because the sun was scorching hot and with me in 4inch platform boot and dressed in all black...the sun didn't seem like something I wanted to deal with. As the minutes and hours passed random people most likely on drugs walked around asking us if we wanted some weed or had some spare change. A man even had his car break down on the street near us (the poor guy sat there even when we went inside). Chatted with some fellow X fans while we waited and waited and waited. The line gradually grew so long I couldn't see the end. It felt like forever since the Staff had told us the door would open at 7pm and they didn't until about 7:30. Once inside i had bolted towards the merch booth and bought a shirt and since my girlfriend could not make it I bought her a Yoshikitty.
Also: Security checked peoples' bags and purses but they did not even pat us down and did not even seem to care that there were people right in front of them filming the show.
Vampires Everywhere: When VE took the stage they were met with a decent applause. The crowd appeared to be somewhat unsure about them throughout the show, although they did cheer. There wasn't a large amount of negative reception towards them however, at one time something (could not tell what it was) was thrown at the vocalist and missed. The singer attempted to pump up the crowd by yelling at them to jump which was met with little response at all. VE seemed to have a very easier performance than in LA. My personal opinion? The band was very boring..and the singer does not know how to use his lungs to actually sing or the sound was so bad I could not hear his singing voice AT ALL (and I was very close to the stage).
-insert a half hour long soundcheck here-
X Japan: It was difficult to compose myself. I was only about 3 people away from the stage, Sugizo's side, and this is/was my very first X show. I had never seen a crowd so excited in my life. Constant chanting and screaming up until Jade begins to be played after the SE to which the crowd responds to positively. As Rusty Nail is performed I notice Pata is having a lot of fun. I don't remember seeing him laugh and smile as much as he did during this show (although he DOES seem to enjoy this song).
The lights dim a bit and Yoshiki plays around on the piano until we all begin to realize that Silent Jealousy is next. Toshi did a GREAT job nailing the opening this time and the the crowd went nuts when the rest of the band joined in. Sugizo left the stage after SJ and Heath stand where he was, as the Drain begins. Personally, this is the one song that can be removed from the set. The audience just did not seem very into this one.
The band walks off as dramatic music begins to play in the background as Sugizo reappears for a mini-Violin solo that Yoshiki soon joins in as they lead into Kurenai. It was at this point in the concert that the crowd really used it's energy in. Toshi's screams overpowered us and the bass and drums sounded as if the whole building would cave in. I can honestly say I was surprised just how much the crowd enjoyed Born to Be Free. After witnessing the crowd reaction, it makes perfect sense for it to be the 2nd single for the upcoming album.
As for the drum solo, it was funny as Yoshiki bashed on the drumkit as Toshi yelled "on drums: Yoshiki!" to which Yoshiki runs to the piano as Toshi goes "On piano, A PIANO-YOSHIKI!" Yoshiki went back to the kit after noodling around on the piano. Toshi definitely forced the audience to give it there all during the beginning of I.V. It took multiple attempts before he was really satisfied with them.
X. The crowd used every last bit of strength they had into this song. It honestly felt like a quake as audience members' feet hit the floor. Screams, Singing, Chanting, as the band rips through the song. I could barely believe how much power was in the theater. It was a full blown relentless explosion of power during this. If this spectacle didn't prove X can dominate America, I have no clue what does. The song ended by the time the crowd had worn out. There was a small break that was filled with the audience chanting "hide" "X" and "Encore". They didn't simply want more from X. They sure as hell let them know they did.
Until a few hours ago I didn't expect Endless Rain to be as powerful as it did. Witnessing half if not more of the room in tears by the time the band stopped temporarily as the audience sang back to them. I was lost within that sea of people entranced by it all. The emotion was overpowering. It amazes me how both the crowd and band had enough energy to make it through Art of Life. As the SE of Forever Love began playing the band threw audience members bottles of water while Sugizo and Yoshiki shocked us all at just how far they can throw (which ended up being as far as the room allowed). We soon left after that.
Although there were some minor sound issues throughout the show...it doesn't matter. X destroyed Oakland.
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I'm very happy that they don't make those long pauses, like they do in japan!! :D
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There were about 2000 people there according to this report:
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_16203878?nclick_check=1
The author doesn't seem very fond of X... ::)
I think this is the first negative review I read for the tour. In all honesty, I think that it's pretty accurate in general. It's just that I happen to enjoy the exact same things he bashed haha... Yes, Yoshiki is over dramatic and corny. I think I noticed that myself a long time ago. Yes, they are theatrical and play white washed metal. Where is the problem? I think it's good to read the average American review from times to times, not only the ones written by rabid fans!
EDIT: I don't agree that no one cares about the rest of the band outside of Yoshiki and Toshi though. Even though they have clearly kept the focus on them since the beginning (and hide while he was still around), fans have always been aware, and fond of Pata, Taiji, Heath and now Sugizo. This is what a non fan wouldn't see.
By the way, I've been a lurker here for a while but this is my first post! :) Be gentle!
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@CreepyKlutz: Thanks for the report, it´s always cool to read it from people who were actually there! I am happy that so many people seem to enjoy the shows.
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Thank you CreepyKlutz! Your report is awesome.
Haha, look at the fourth picture in the article.
"X Japan guitarist Hide left, and lead singer Toshi perform in concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. (Ray Chavez/Staff) ( RAY CHAVEZ )"
They didn't even get the INSTRUMENT right.
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That was a very nice review, thanks a lot, CreepyKlutz! :)
ashtraxx, welcome to the forums!
I think there are a lot of fans who think exactly the same way as you about those things the writer pointed out. Sure Yoshiki is a drama queen, but that's why we love him. :P And I agree that this focus on toshi and yoshiki is probably really mostly in the media; i don't think any member gets forgotten here? I know quite a few Pata-Fans for example haha. :D
Well, let's see how this tour keep going... :)
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CreepyKlutz, thanks for the report. I've always said that while I skip the live versions of Endless Rain almost always, it would be epic to see it live :)
By the way, I've been a lurker here for a while but this is my first post! :) Be gentle!
Welcome here :) I imagine you are going to the Toronto show?
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ashtrayxx I fully agree with you; even if I pay more attention to Yoshiki sometimes, it doesn't mean that other band members aren't important to me. They are BAND, not only one musician, and I like them as an entire band.
Welcome to the forum btw ^.^/
... X destroyed Oakland.
haha, that's what I've been waiting for! ^^ Thank you a lot for the great report, it was very interesting to read it =)
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CreepyKlutz:Thanks for the great report!
Everybody else:thanks for all the updates, I was able to read some while being at work!
I just saw the video with the half song Silent Jealousy: Just perfect! But it is really very very difficult to hitt those notes!
(And you can't command your voice: sometimes the voice is perfect, and some days the voice cracks.When it cracks, you can't cast it like a guitar or a piano...)
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsNm5ogmiTg
silent jealousy
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Here's a better review:
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2010/09/reunited_x_japan_finally_comes.php
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And some pictures from the show:
http://raymondahner.typepad.com/raymondahner/2010/09/-x-japan-the-fox-theater-oakland-ca-928.html
The tweet by the photographer (@photoray): "I'm not sure I "get" them, but they were pretty awesome to photograph. Photos of X Japan - http://tinyurl.com/268qgmh"
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And some pictures from the show:
http://raymondahner.typepad.com/raymondahner/2010/09/-x-japan-the-fox-theater-oakland-ca-928.html
LOL at Pata on the pictures!!! :D
Heath seems to be a successfull 'model' for photograps. I noticed he is sometimes more on the photo's in some reviews that the other members.
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And some pictures from the show:
http://raymondahner.typepad.com/raymondahner/2010/09/-x-japan-the-fox-theater-oakland-ca-928.html
Sugizo's guitar looks AWESOME! I want it.
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http://raymondahner.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341ea99753ef0133f4b16d8f970b-500wi
Heath always seems to have the best outfits...at least in my opinion. :D
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Hi everyone,
I went to last night show. I agree with CreepyKlutz review, it was an epic show! You guys at the GA section were awesome!!!!! Toshi's voice was phenomenal, he's so good. Yoshiki gave a hell of a show. Sugizo's solo was stunning, my dear old Pata and Heath were amazing too! What a night :) Domo arigato *bows*
Here are some of my pictures I took, if somebody here was pictured and don't want to be shown, please feel free to pm me, I'll take them off. :)
http://s797.photobucket.com/albums/yy256/autumnglitter01/X%20Japan%202010%20World%20Tour%20-%20Oakland%20CA%20%20Sep%2028%202010/
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Thanks for the pictures Autumnglitter and welcome to the forum!
Did Toshi do the fucked and sucked 'poem' like he did in Los Angeles?
And for the people who are in sitting places, can they do the X jump?
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Oh wow, I just watched the Silent Jealousy video and it really is so fucking epic!!!! *tears of happiness etc*
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Thanks for the great review CreepyKlutz! Bring on Seattle!
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wow, thank you everyone for the updates ^^
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Wow, I just watched the Silent Jealousy video, Toshi was perfect, not one thing wrong, that was amazing. And Sugizo did really well as well.
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Yep, that video of silent jealousy was the best thing X has given to me/us in a loong time! Atleast that's my opinion.
... If we don't count the US tour.
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Born to be free, Toshi's vocals when he sings 'Born to be Free' at 4:16 in the video is just, woah, deep operatic Toshi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcCCvvip1Ys
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It wasn't only the floor that did the X Jump...let's just say I thought the balcony would fall.
If you weren't a fan of the new stuff like Jade or Born To Be Free...It's simply because you need to experience it yourself. Trust me.
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Born to be free, Toshi's vocals when he sings 'Born to be Free' at 4:16 in the video is just, woah, deep operatic Toshi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcCCvvip1Ys
Where are the girls dancing in the cages? Well, I never was a fan of them.
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I'm not sure they work that well either.
Art of Life, I wish Toshi wouldn't scream the end, apart from that its great.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-G9fPiCbmw
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And to our fear...non-fans have began to notice. =/
"My only criticism is the use of backing tracks. Several times it was clear that the guitar solos were not coming from the guys on stage. I found myself panning between the two guitarists, looking for the fast fingers and whammy bar tricks only to find both chopping away at the rhythm parts. It was a let down, but far from being a ruined show."
if only Yoshiki could see it from this point of view...
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@Feudal ...I was afraid of that. I don't think it would have bugged people if SOMEBODY had allowed the videos of hide.
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Exactly...it's really a shame because their solo's are so ridiculous and awesome! Just a little personal experience, I remember having one of their cd's playing in my car last year and a friend of mine was like damn this band has insane solo's and he's never heard of them. I wish Yoshiki would see it this way. Simply having hide playing them on video would perhaps satisfy those in doubt, we definitely don't want new and potential fans to be questioning their skill/talent...when they are in reality, some of the best musicians in the world in front of them, haha.
To add to that, it's about time Yoshiki allowed Sugizo to play the solo's and make them look even better. If I was so easily able to find one new/potential fan already commenting on the fact of back tracks, I guarantee many others have noticed it too. He just needs to let the whole hide playback gooooo. let this be a new start for them..it's not like people are trying to forget hide or remove his place as a spiritual member in the band but let a more than capable guitarist play the full parts damnit >_<
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I think Sugizo was actually playing the Endless Rain solo...or maybe I was just too lost in the moment. The fingers matched the solo from what I saw anyway.
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"X Japan with Vampires Everywhere! at The Fox Oakland (http://spinningplatters.com/2010/09/29/show-review-x-japan-with-vampires-everywhere-at-the-fox-oakland-9282010/)" at the Spinning Platters
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You know...about this playback thing.
Tjhis whole discussion almost depresses me.
I see your point, all of you who think they should quit the playbacks.
And I also see the point of those who really want hide to stay as a member of the band and to keep 'showing up' at lives.
And I'm standing somewhere in the middle and I understand both sides and I really wish there was a middle solution that would satisfy both sides........:-(
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Just have hide on the screen at the end of X going "tobe tobe tober", bring back the proper kurenai opening ith hide playing acoustic guitar, and keep his last live vocal track for scars as a backup singer during Scars. That's a perfect hide tribute during concerts right there.
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I guess so....though didn't Hiroshi Matsumoto killed that option...? :-S
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Yeah I forgot, sorry. They could just have his voice as a backup on Scars, and the Kurenai acoustic guitar opening could just be the sound without having to see hide as well.
There's been like 10 different uploads of Endless Rain now, didn't anybody record Rusty Nail, Kurenai, X and I.V?
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Love the pics and reviews, 8 more days until I witness the greatness myself!
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Thanks for the pictures Autumnglitter and welcome to the forum!
Did Toshi do the fucked and sucked 'poem' like he did in Los Angeles?
And for the people who are in sitting places, can they do the X jump?
Thanks for the welcome :)
I don't know about LA but he did say a few like 'Can't you fucking scream?' :)
I was sitting in the seating area and people were able to do the X jump as well, it's spacious enough I think.
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There's been like 10 different uploads of Endless Rain now, didn't anybody record Rusty Nail, Kurenai, X and I.V?
There are some:
Kurenai http://bit.ly/9Lso08 / http://bit.ly/a6DHeg
X http://bit.ly/a0mICT
I.V http://bit.ly/chdv06
I don't really mind them using recorded tracks. Maybe they should say it so people doesn't misunderstand?
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I've seen those already, hopefully soon we'll have the full versions, thanks for posting the links anyway :).
Ah, Kurenai's just been uploaded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrQDzknrdko
The original studio version of Kurenai had very raw raspy vocals from Toshi, I hope the english verses in the new version doesn't sound as clean as on this video, something felt a bit boring about it. The second half of the song was exciting, great performance by toshi.
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oh thanks for the videos ..
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I just saw this article.
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2010/09/reunited_x_japan_finally_comes.php
(http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2010/09/reunited_x_japan_finally_comes.php)
It is a good one. ;D
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I was thereeee ^^, It was one hell of a night!! I'll never forget it. Ever. Even if I get Alzheimer's I'll freakin chant it til my grand kids bleed their ears XD
Yeah I don't mind a hide image or two but I think we're never going to see one in this tour. So despite my minor issues about the backtracks, I didn't mind it at all... at least hide's still part of it all, in a sense =)
Vampires Everywhere. Man oh man. Goodluck to them coz they'll seriously need it. The crowd was almost still.. save for these teenage girls beside me. I've heard better screamo bands.. but really now, why a screamo band to open for X Japan??? I saw someone at the front giving them the two thumbs down. I was just.. I was just expressionless and looking around.. the ceiling.. staff.. alcohol serving lady.. she has very good balance.
The atmosphere was farrrr different when X took the stage tho. Everyone went wild.. I sure did, I surprised myself there xD Me and my brothers were spotted midway through the pit, Sugi's side. So if you see someone dancing to Drain that would be me haha
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Better quality video of Silent Jealousy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwdTZ4AT5pA
Jade
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8v_yfD0J0g
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Just for back from school and my trip from Oakland over the weekend to see the show, and have to say the show was jsut as awesome as the Wiltern show...I'm sad no more shows for now but Canada will get some X love.
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I.V, the sound technicians majorly failed when Toshi started singing up until the chorus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHrF-nzA-2c
A much better quality video of Born to be Free, some very cool closeup shots in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLH9ermKApU
Same user with Art of Life
http://www.youtube.com/user/khu834#p/a/u/0/6oSWUnhJR9E
Will somebody post Rusty Nail already! Surely someone there must've been recording it.
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Epic photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theowlmag/5036599507/in/set-72157625061729368
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5036599507_c9ebc6bc4e_b.jpg)
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Epic photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/theowlmag/5036599507/in/set-72157625061729368
Wow, thanks for the link! Favorited a few.
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
I enjoyed this. Wow, I can't wait.
Haha, I wonder how that girl felt after getting hit with Sugizo's water bottle? That must've hurt.
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
I was in that same spot! The tall guys were RIGHT in front of us. -_-
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
Thanks Lei for the blow by blow account of your Xperience. You see, upon reading it, it felt like I was there, too.
I especially liked that part of your Endless Rain story. I got teary-eyed because I thought of hide.
My all time favorite from them is also Art of Life. Thanks so much.
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I enjoyed this. Wow, I can't wait.
Haha, I wonder how that girl felt after getting hit with Sugizo's water bottle? That must've hurt.
Glad you did ^^, awesome, which venue are you going to? Have funnn!!!
I also wondered that but she seemed fine.. would sting for a while I bet but she held up a peace sign at him haha
I was in that same spot! The tall guys were RIGHT in front of us. -_-
Whoa cool!! YEAH those guys -,-" I can't help but notice there were more tall people in our side of the pit T-T
But it's ok, had a blast anyway haha
Thanks Lei for the blow by blow account of your Xperience. You see, upon reading it, it felt like I was there, too.
I especially liked that part of your Endless Rain story. I got teary-eyed because I thought of hide.
My all time favorite from them is also Art of Life. Thanks so much.
No problem at all, glad to share hehe!
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
Thanks for sharing your eXperience! I also felt like I was there....lol
I wish I could go to one of their lives. It looked like you had a great time.
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Watching all these videos is getting my so pumped up. 6 more days!
By the way, I've been a lurker here for a while but this is my first post! :) Be gentle!
Welcome here :) I imagine you are going to the Toronto show?
Thank you! And yes! My boyfriend (HerrAmn on the forum) and I bought our tickets the second they went up!
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hehe blogged about it http://yoran2009x.tumblr.com/
Thanks for your report too!
Reading it, it gives really the impression of being there too! Great for us how can't go to the shows on the other side of the world!
I am wondering: did ToshI in Kurenai sang the sentences: “I couldn’t look back, you’d gone away from me. I felt my heartache. I was afraid of losing you.”
Because in the video's it looked like that intro sentences from Kurenai was skipped???
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Unfortunatly it was skipped on both shows, and I hope its not skipped in the new studio version, listen to that acoustic guitar opening, they can't take something that iconic out of the song. Sugizo's violin opening is just a different version of the chorus.
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I hope too it will not be skipped. It is an important part of the song!!! I like very much like they did in 2009: the intro with piano/violin/and Toshi singing those intro sentences.
They can't skip such an important part of the song.
I agree with you Ulquiorra. Mayby they skipped it because of the last moment they heard they couldn't use hide's image?
If they skip it forever, then we'll have to respect it, the only reason I can imagine is it being too hard emotionally for ToshI to sing those sentences now?
We will see in the future...
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Yeah that was my favorite part of the song too. I like what they did for the Lollapalooza concert, hope they do something like that. Sugizo and Yoshiki on violin and piano respectively, then hide's guitar intro. Sure it's longer intro but it works. I hope they don't take it out in the recorded version too.. if song length is their main concern, they could just make a radio edit version.
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Thank you! And yes! My boyfriend (HerrAmn on the forum) and I bought our tickets the second they went up!
cool! i met him years ago online...just sorta reconnected recently on facebook :) just might see you at the show!
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Here are some more pictures from the Oakland show ... epic night!
http://www.digitaldiversion.net/2010/09/x-japan-september-28-2010/
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LunaSlave, it's a small world, isn't it? When him and I met, we had no idea the other went through a huge Japanese rock phase, and now we're seeing X Japan together haha.
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definitely a small world - and in the world of Canadian jrock fans I think it's doubly small :) I know I certainly haven't encountered that many...although it's certainly much more popular now than it was when I got into it.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOToY3f8qe0
This is a great quality clip of Sugizo's violin solo, also I thought at the beginning the guy crowd shouted "Freeza!!". Even though it was just him shouting Sugizo very quickly it was hilarious.
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^That make me laugh. I had to listen to it 5 times before I could hear "Sugizo" instead of "Freeza"
I was wondering...does anybody have any bootlegs of the whole show? I'm dying to get one.