MUCC at C-Club in Berlin

Visual kei band MUCC had kept their European fans waiting for their return for some time, as it's been over four years since they last laid their feet on our continent. The long wait was rewarded when their F#CK THE PAST F#CK THE FUTURE Europe tour started in May 2015. As a live band, the Ibaraki natives are much loved as a live band, and with good reason. MUCC proved it once again on their penultimate stop in the German capital, Berlin.

Earlier the same day, YUKKE and SATOchi had promised JaME to give some tastes of their upcoming mini-album T.R.E.N.D.Y. - Paradise from 1997-, which has been composed especially for gigs. The gig seemed to be of interest to many, as the club eventually got so full, the crowd were sweating even before the first sounds of THE END, MUCC’s entrance music. Drummer SATOchi, bassist YUKKE, guitarist Miya and vocalist Tatsuro entered the stage, welcomed by rhythmic applauding and cheerful shouts. The actual opening song was the melodic THE END OF THE WORLD, the title track of their latest album. The band’s performance during the song seemed rather overdramatic and theatrical, but it was only for that song, as the group relaxed for the next song, Suiren.

Suiren is one of the new songs from the upcoming album, and the audience seemed to receive it well, as it had them jumping wildly in time with the band. Miya kept spinning with his guitar like a whirlwind, his hat somehow staying in place. Meanwhile, the bouncing YUKKE looked like he had springs on the soles of his shoes. With its catchiness, interesting dynamics, and skilful play with rhythm, Suiren represented MUCC at their musical best. The bass made the walls vibrate and you could feel it reverberate through your body, too.

The next song, the single ENDER ENDER, was followed by another new song by the name of D.f.D. This track also gave a good impression of the upcoming album, not only being dynamic and interesting, but also for inciting fans to form a circle pit in the middle of the crowd. Tatsuro's performance was hypnotic to watch, as his hands seemed to take on a life of their own life. D.f.D also did justice to SATOchi's nifty and disciplined playing style.

Whilst playing G.G., a familiar number from 2012’s Shangri-La, the party was already in full swing. Through its twists and turns, WateR manifested the true spirit of rock. Amongst his random shouts and banter between songs, Tatsuro kept marveling at the heat in the room, and surely no one could disagree; the band and audience alike were dripping with sweat. The setlist continued with Ageha, which was well-received by everyone. It had even the most withdrawn and reluctant attendees join in the headbanging and dancing.

MUCC proceeded through the setlist at breakneck speed. During the jazzy Pure Black, Tatsuro got explicitly physical with his microphone stand, and after Kyouran Kyoushou -21st Century Baby, he chattered with the audience for a while in English, German, and Japanese. Mr.Liar provided a spectacular end to the main set, with the audience dancing in all manner of ways as they sang along. Soaking wet, the band then left the stage, immediately prompting shouts for the encore.

There was an understandable wait before the encore, while the band freshened up and changed into dry clothes. When they returned, each member gave a speech in which they showed off their German skills. During his, Tatsuro announced that they would have a little surprise for the audience tonight. A fan named Laura was summoned onto the stage, and one of the most memorable moments of the concert followed.

Soon after Laura stepped up onstage, her boyfriend appeared. Tatsuro handed him a microphone, and he proceeded to tell everyone how much he loved his girlfriend and how he wanted to ask her something. It was easy to guess at that point that he was hiding a ring behind his back, and that the question would be asked while kneeling. The proposal evoked a touching reaction, not only from Laura but the whole crowd, too, including the band members who were surrounding the couple, smiling happily. This memorable moment surely brought a small tear to the eyes of some fans. MUCC crowned the joy of the newly engaged couple by performing a song that fit them just perfectly: Marry You.

RANCHU, MAD YACK and Tonight thrilled the audience up to the very end of the encore. Then, with much bowing and waving, thanking the audience in different languages and throwing their guitar picks into the crowd, MUCC made their final exit. The gig had lasted for over two hours, but the crowd still seemed to be full of energy and happier than ever.

It's hard to find anything negative to say about this concert. The way Tatsuro used his voice can’t have been healthy - making hoarse and scratchy screams, but of course it wasn't too unpleasant for the audience to listen. The lighting setup could have been better, as the spot where the band members were standing was very dark for much of the concert.

Still, minor gripes like these were outshone by all the concert’s positive aspects of the concert. The atmosphere there was amazing, the audience was clearly devoted, and the band kept in contact with the audience throughout the show. Both the old and news songs worked well live, and there were no technical complaints either. Of course, the touching proposal before the encore was the cherry on the cake. Ultimately, MUCC succeeded in surpassing even the highest expectations.