The GazettE Live Report
World Tour 16 DOGMATIC/TROIS
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Danforth Music Hall
by staff member and Press Op's Christine Wilson
MY JHOUSE ROCKS Promotions and Live Events
It was the first time The GazettE has come to Canada, and anticipation was high. I'd been notified via email that those with VIP tickets had to arrive at the venue before 5:00 p.m. to register, so I arranged to leave half an hour earlier from work to make it in time. Unfortunately there were issues on the subway and I was unable to procure a taxi, which meant I was 1 hour later than the time I was supposed to arrive. Luckily after talking with the security guard, I didn't actually need to register. So I found my friends in line, waiting to go in to pick up our VIP t-shirt and get first pick at the merchandise available. I purchased the tour t-shirt and the new UNDYING CD that was release that day. What a special feeling to have it released on the date of our concert! It was sold out by the time all the VIPs went through. While waiting in line to make our purchases, we could hear the band doing their sound check. So close but yet still so far, more excitement mounting.
Back outside to our line-up, where staff did an excellent job of managing the lines. Just after 6PM the VIP line was let in, and we took our places centerstage, straight in front of Ruki. After 5 minutes they announced that coat-check was now open, so we saved spots for those who required to check their items in. It would be another hour before the general admission line was let in, so my friends continued to rile up the crowd as they did while in line outside. We met lots of interesting fans, many were very accommodating with the fact that we would be touching each other during the concert, best to know your neighbors!!
7 p.m. finally rolled around, and general admission was let in. It was hard to see how many people were behind us as most of my friends are considerably taller than me and I didn't wear my platforms. Closer and closer to the time the band was to come on stage, the crowd was getting more anxious, cheering and calling their name. Staff announced via speaker that the concert would be starting soon and to take no photos or video during the performance. Unfortunately, as in previous concerts, this simple rule was not followed.
The band took to the stage after the lights fell, NIHIL played, the crowd started yelling and screaming, lights went BRIGHT white, blinding me so I had to look away. When I looked back, Ruki was standing three rows in front of me!!! Starting us off with DOGMA, we all head-banged to no end, I tried as best as I could with the space provided to me. Many of the songs from the night were from their new CD release, which I haven't committed to memory as of yet, as I only started really listening to them late last year. I can't remember during which song it was, but I noticed a lady in front of me trying to take pictures, so I poked her a couple times then she put the phone away. I did remember The Suicide Circus when those notes started to play. OMINOUS played next, which is my favorite song on that album. Ruki came out with the thurible, all was dark, it was lit, he was walking around slowly swinging it back and forth. He stopped, brought it up to his face, then leaned in to seductively kiss the thurible. I'm guessing, what woman there wouldn't give to be that thurible at that moment.
I recognized DEUX, which they played next, more of a faster beat and catchy lyrics. Finally after BLEMISH and UGLY played, we got to hear the new song UNDYING - wow what an amazing song! It was sooooo good!!! Next came the song which was the first song I heard from them, Filth in the Beauty. I finally was able to hear that played live. The crowd went crazy at the first note. After that song they went off-stage to change, we called them out for an encore, cheering and yelling. After about 10 minutes they came back out, a few members had changed into tour t-shirts, Ruki remained in his costume, holding out the Canadian flag. He then placed it on the riser in front of him, and a staff member collected it before they started to play Hyena. We got some fanservice from Ruki and Uruha, and I read elsewhere that Aoi kissed Uruha on the cheek, but I seemed to have missed that. After the last song played, members came over to toss items into the crowd. I wasn't able to catch anything, but then I noticed Ruki standing in front of us, saw the water bottle in his hands, shaking my head no. Thankfully he only allowed it to reach the people in front of me, leaving me dry.
Those with the VIP wristbands were told to form a line while everyone else was ushered out of the venue. We were near the end of the line of what seemed like 200 people. The band members were seated at a table, with the curtain behind them. Staff directed each fan, only to get a quick handshake and say a few words. One of my friends in front of me shook a staff member's hand which got us all to laugh! He looked quite shocked and thankful. My turn finally came. First up was Aoi, we did a double handshake and he said thank you in English and I replied the same. Next was Reita, same with him, then Aoi was giggling, I must have missed some inside joke or something. After him was Ruki, we did a double handshake, and I said thank you in Japanese and gave him a polite smile. Kai was the same as the first two members. Last was Uruha, after our handshake he was staring at me with a nice smile so I felt a little confident to give him a bigger smile. The whole VIP line was being filmed during this, which I'm assuming is for the DVD to come out later.
Overall, the band sounded amazing from start to finish. Their energy and stage presence was as expected. The crowd was very active - singing along, jumping, headbanging - yet most people were respectful and considerate of the people around them, not pushing and shoving as you'd expect at a heavier concert. It was a great experience all in all and I can't wait to see The GazettE again someday. I hope they had a good first impression of Canada and will return very soon!
Set List
NIHIL
DOGMA
RAGE
FADELESS
Derangement
BIZZARE
The Suicide Circus
OMINOUS
DEUX
BLEMISH
UGLY UNDYING
Filth in the Beauty
Encore
Hyena
INCUBUS
Tomorrow Never Dies
Listen To The GazettE at My JHOUSE ROCKS RADIO
Streaming 24/7.
All your Favorite J-Rock, J-POP, Anisong, J-HIPHOP, J-Reggae and more!
Tune in by Computer or Cell Phone
It was the first time The GazettE has come to Canada, and anticipation was high. I'd been notified via email that those with VIP tickets had to arrive at the venue before 5:00 p.m. to register, so I arranged to leave half an hour earlier from work to make it in time. Unfortunately there were issues on the subway and I was unable to procure a taxi, which meant I was 1 hour later than the time I was supposed to arrive. Luckily after talking with the security guard, I didn't actually need to register. So I found my friends in line, waiting to go in to pick up our VIP t-shirt and get first pick at the merchandise available. I purchased the tour t-shirt and the new UNDYING CD that was release that day. What a special feeling to have it released on the date of our concert! It was sold out by the time all the VIPs went through. While waiting in line to make our purchases, we could hear the band doing their sound check. So close but yet still so far, more excitement mounting.
Back outside to our line-up, where staff did an excellent job of managing the lines. Just after 6PM the VIP line was let in, and we took our places centerstage, straight in front of Ruki. After 5 minutes they announced that coat-check was now open, so we saved spots for those who required to check their items in. It would be another hour before the general admission line was let in, so my friends continued to rile up the crowd as they did while in line outside. We met lots of interesting fans, many were very accommodating with the fact that we would be touching each other during the concert, best to know your neighbors!!
No comments:
Post a Comment