When Kamijo announced his world tour last year, I was eager to hear whether he would tour North America. Indeed he did choose to perform in the States and I was really happy to see that he picked New York City. I live in this sleepless city and I absolutely cannot miss this show. Four months ago I ordered the tickets with fear and anticipation. I was afraid I would lose my interest in Kamijo, but at the same time I wanted to see him in person (not as VIP though). Because of this concert, I ended my trip to China early and I'm glad I made the right choice.
During this waiting period of half a year or maybe even more, I purposely took off all Kamijo and Versailles songs off my phone. I wanted to listen to the songs live as if they were new material. I wanted a fresh start and a nostalgia hit. Even though I would never be able to remember lyrics or even the song titles, I would remember the sound of Kamijo's work. Looking back to a few years ago, I discovered Versailles. I was immediately attracted to the costume and orchestral sound. On top of that, there was symphonic metal. I was addicted to Kamijo's singing. As part of the visual kei rock and metal, he had the most potential and it still stands true today. Visual kei today in the music scene has become superficial to me in order to attract a very young demographic. It is no longer an extreme mode of artistic expression like it was before. The predecessors of visual kei were the pioneers and have long abandoned the culture. Here in this generation, we are getting imitation. I support Kamijo with his aristocrat-look because that is now his brand and no one else can wear it as good as he can. I guarantee that if you look for French inspired visual kei, most people would get exposed to Versailles/Kamijo and Mana first.
It was 5:50 pm and I was not on the train. I had debated whether or not I should arrive early to the concert. Doors open at 6:00 pm and here I am waiting for the train. "The next _ train will arrive in 21 minutes." Oh shit. What if I get there late and end up in the back of the room? I wanna see Kamijo up close! Soon enough when I got to the Highline Ballroom, it wasn't even 7:00 pm and there was no line outside. I started to doubt myself if I came on the wrong day or appeared at the wrong venue. I can think very stupid things. I showed the bouncer my ticket to which he didn't need to scan at all. He asked for my ID to ensure of my legal age, wrapped a blue band around my wrist and I was in. This was the first time I entered a bar and club-like setting for a concert. As I walked up the stairs, I wondered if it was a large ballroom. Soon enough I learned that it looked much smaller than how the photos portrayed it. The merchandise table was set up outside and I decided that I would get stuff after the concert. I don't want my poster to get squashed while I am melded with the crowd.
There was still an hour and a half before the concert started at 8pm. I was surprised that there was so little people that arrived. I thought it would be packed. I also imagined that maybe Japanese fans from overseas and local communities would be at the Highline Ballroom, but it seems it would not be the case. I was probably part of the very few Asian attendees that appeared that night. I felt pretty out of place in a hoodie while fans around me were in band t-shirts or lolita cosplays. I looked like some school kid coming alone to a bar. The waiting time was killing me. I got really impatient and kept looking at the time. The dramatic trailer-esque background music couldn't keep me occupied, but I was glad I was closer to the stage than I had imagined. There were only 5 rows of people in front of me and I could see Kamijo perform.
The Highline Ballroom announcer gave us a warning that no video and photography was allowed or else you would be escorted out the venue. I was disappointed that I couldn't film since I'm so close to the stage, but I respect that decision. I think towards the end, someone behind me snapped a picture and got kicked out of the venue. At least I know the rules are being enforced. I read some bad reviews about the Highline Ballroom being a terrible venue, but I think actually being there, it's a pretty good place. If other bands decide to perform here again, I would attend. The lights on the stage had dimmed and Vive le Roi was playing. We all knew the big moment had come.
Kamijo that night was gorgeous. I knew that even under all that makeup, he was still gorgeous. He opened the concert with "Bonjour" and something along the lines of "enjoy this show". I kind of wish he spoke Japanese instead because that English was heavily accented and I know it's because this is not his native language. I wouldn't have minded at all if I didn't understand a single word he said. I do not remember the setlist that night at all and some of my memories have become obscured over time. I do remember that the first song was Masquerade. It was a good song to open the concert with. Throughout the concert, Kamijo would blow kisses and wear the most beautiful smile. DAISHI, the guitarist, also wore a great smile. Meku always had that serious rocker face on, but the way he shreds is amazing. I also can see why people think Masashi is such a great bassist. He has so much energy. Because of where I stood, I couldn't see Shin on the drums very well, but towards the end I was able to get a look.
The sound in the beginning wasn't that great in my opinion mainly because of the speakers of the venue. The right speaker was very loud and it started to hurt my ear. This was fixed later on. One of the staff darted to the stage during the performance to get stuff set right and I wish they had this done before the concert began. The lighting was very good. Like for Moulin Rouge, we had colorful swirling lights that transformed the ballroom into a dance floor. It had a cabaret club kind of feeling and was perfect for the setting. Hearing Moulin Rouge live was even better than hearing the recording. One of the fans gave Kamijo a bouquet of roses during the performance when he came close to the stage. He graciously accepted it, sung with it, and then tossed it to the staff for safekeeping. I thought it was very sweet. If I was really close to the stage, I would have brought flowers too, but I don't think I would have the guts to give it to him.
The audience that night was very respectful. We cheered and applauded. I didn't fist pump so much because I didn't want to hit the person next to me. Though I should have so during the latter half of the concert, I showed my support through fist pumping and ram horns. New York City is Kamijo's last stop of the North American leg so I had a mission to make him feel welcomed. Kamijo was like a conductor. When he raised his hand, we knew we had to raise ours. It was up to his signal that we would sway or fist pump. My favorite moment was when he shouted "Headbang!" and we all headbanged as hard as we could. It was a whole lot of fun. The concert was nearing the end and I was feeling really sad. I didn't want it to end in two hours. During the break before encore, they played a video on screen featuring Kamijo's hits. I was sad that they didn't perform a hit Versailles song from their album Noble. I really wanted to hear Ascendead Master, but thought maybe they couldn't fit too many songs into one time frame. But then when the encore happened, they ended with Aristocrat's Symphony and I was ecstatic. Yessssss!!!! It's such a good song to headbang to and there was just no way you can't include this song in the setlist.
As we were making our way to exit, I joined the line for merchandise. I have to get a poster at least. It was $10 for a poster. There was a $40 book that I thought was probably just an overview of Kamijo's musical career and 20th Anniversary tour. Then I found out later that it was a photobook part of the tour goods. Damn, maybe I should have gotten it, but I didn't want to splurge on it and settled with a poster. I was not into the postcards and I just think T-shirts in general are just not worth it since they are overpriced. I came prepared with a bag to contain my poster and two copies of a laser print flyer. Later I looked online that European goods had more stuff. I really wanted one of the keychains and a tote bag. Still, I had a great time and the performance was just great. Everyone did well and I wish them all good success in the future.
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