On Saturday the corner of Wilshire Blvd and Western Ave, the home of the Wiltern Theater, was like being transported to Harajuku Rabid fans in their cosplay best came out to see X Japan for their first North American tour. You would not think a band like X Japan, which enjoys immense popularity in Japan, would have waited almost 30 years before visiting the US. Well they finally made and the fans came out in their Goth kimono get-ups and dyed hair. The excited anticipation of fans of this glam speed metal band were such that they were lined up and camped out two days prior to the show. The crowd was mixed with ex-pat Japanese and serious Japanophiles, where nihongo was definitely the language of choice.
Although glam speed metal is not my music of choice, I was extremely surprised how fun and enjoyable this show was. Not only from the photographic perspective, but musically as well. They pretty much packed a large stadium show onto a smaller theater stage, replete all the accoutrements of smoke, fire and water. The show jumps from fast tempo heavy guitar songs to the slow power ballad sing-alongs with over-the-top theatrics. This band would have felt right at home at any of the Sunset Strip clubs during the late 80’s. You can definitely see a heavy Queen influence in their performance and style, which is why I enjoyed the show. Hmmm…Toshi the Japanese Freddy Mercury.
This being the first stop on their North American tour, they confessed that they were still working out some kinks in their special effects. Regardless of any production glitches, the fans were patient and polite, as only a Japanese crowd can be. I highly recommend you go out and catch X Japan, if you are nearby. Especially you Japanophiles! Just remember “We Are! X! We Are! X!”
Tour Dates
9/28 Oakland, CA Fox Theater
10/1 Seattle WA Paramount Theater
10/3 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theater
10/6 Chicago, IL Riviera Theater
10/7 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
10/10 New York, NY Roseland Ballroom
