rinlin | Neo Tokyo Samurai Black World Tour (Reply)

Last night's Miyavi concert fuckin' rocked! I'm going to report all of the details of my concert going experience because that's what I do.

I got up bright and early to take the train into the city with Dad. By the time I actually got to the House of Blues it was around 9 AM. And it was pouring rain. I was about the eighth or ninth person in line, standing there with my umbrella. After about an hour of standing in the rain, the HoB informed us that if we were willing to spend $15 in their gift shop or resturant they would let us wait for the concert inside, and that those of us inside would also be the first ones into the venue. Kind of a dirty way to do things, but everyone standing outside took the up on the offer. And boy, did it work to our benefit. We got out of the rain and were able to keep out of the heat when it stopped raining. I bought a pair of guitar pick earrings in the gift shop to gain my place waiting inside.

immelmanturn showed up to wait in line with me as well. She graciously agreed to be my concert buddy, despite not knowing Miyavi, after Meghan couldn't make it. The day was super long, but made somewhat better by chatting to the cool people around us in line.

Later in the day, the weather got so bad that they moved the outside line inside. None of us were too worried about the weather though. There were more important things going on, lol. They then let those of us who had been waiting inside up on the stairs leading into the concert hall, while Miyavi was completing his sound check! We couldn't see him, but we could hear him loud and clear, soundchecking "Survive". This just made us even more impatient. We cheered after he finished the song, which made MYV laugh when he heard us. After sound check was over, they let us into the concert hall. Sara and I were lucky enough to get spots at the barrier, front and center from where Miyavi would be standing! I was so excited, you have no idea. Lol. We had to wait forever for the concert to start though. Because they had let us in early, we ended up standing at the barrier for over two hours waiting for the concert to start. It seemed like the longest wait ever. But all that waiting meant nothing as soon as MYV took the stage!

I had seen Miyavi in Shibuya at his birthday concert this past fall. That concert was so awesome, but this one was even better. Nothing beats being in the first row. I couldn't believe how close I was to him. It was definitely one of the best concert experiences I've ever had. I can't get over how amazing he is on the guitar; how he's such a rock star, sexy, while still managing to be adorable and playful at the same time. I also enjoyed the more stripped down feeling of this concert. Nothing but Miyavi on guitar, his drummer, and sometimes some keyboards. I loved getting to hear MYV speak English during this show, too. He's doing so well at learning it and he's better at it than many other Japanese musicians that I've heard. He really wanted to express his message to us, that we can all unite and become one through music, regardless of the language barriers. It was so sweet.

MYV played a great set list. He had me yelling and screaming up a storm. I really enjoyed his new interpretations of some of his old songs. He did a gorgeous version of "Kimi ni negai wo". I was also happy to hear "Survive" live, as well as hearing "Super Hero" again. Miyavi played three of his brand new songs for us, too. They were pretty great and I can't wait to hear them on his new album. MYV was also super playful on stage all night. I love that about him. He was all over the stage, joking around with us and his band. I also love getting to rock out with him, during songs like "Shouri no V-rock!" and "Are you ready to rock?". Oh man, he was all over the place during "Are you ready to rock?". He even climbed up on the large speakers on both sides of the stage. I was a bit worried especially when people started reaching for him, but fortunately he kept his balance and rocked out at the same time. At the end of his set, he splashed us with water from his water bottle, which was great because we were so hot and sweaty. Of course, he came back out for an encore. It consisted of "Subarashiki kana, kono sekai" and "Sakihokoru hana no you ni". It was great because it seemed like almost everyone in the audience was singing along at that point. At the very end of the show, Miyavi jumped off the stage and came up to the barrier to touch hands with all of us in the front! He grabbed my hands and I definitely had Miyavi sweat on me afterwards, lol. I was super happy!

As soon as the show was over, I made my way to the merch table. I bought one of the black tank tops that they had. It's a concert shirt that actually fits me, instead of being too big! I then made may way back with

immelmanturn, to stay with her that night. This was her first J-rock concert and I'm pretty sure that she had a great time. When we woke up this morning, we found that our arms were really sore from leaning on the barrier for hours. It was worth it though. I wouldn't have given up being in the front for anything. In case you couldn't tell, I'm still in fangirl heaven. Thanks to Miyavi for putting on a great show!

Then, yaexrae paid me a visit this afternoon. It was good to see her, since the last time I saw her was at ACen. We ended up driving to Mitsuwa, a Japanese market that's a little ways away from here. (Don't worry stellawind, I still want to go there with you, too.) I'd never been before, so it was awesome to get to go. Like a little tiny slice of Japan in America. They had Japanese food and books there. I really don't have much cash at all at the moment (after those concerts), so I only bought a milk tea. It was delicious though. I miss so many Japanese foods. I really want to go back when I have more cash, so I can do some grocery shopping there!