HYDE at The Regent Theater, Los Angeles

In early May, HYDE took US fans into the live experience of the dark, electro punk rock wonderland from his latest solo album ANTI. Returning as one of three supporting acts for the cinematic rock group STARSET, HYDE embarked on a US tour of over 35 cities, showcasing his unique Japanese rock sound to a wider audience.

On October 2nd, Los Angeles was gifted another decadent helping of HYDE’s gritty hard rock delights, as he was the second opening act for STARSET's LA tour stop at The Regent Theater. Condensing the ANTI live experience into a six-song set, HYDE successfully delivered the core spirit of his crowd-rousing anthems.

A sharp Cheshire-like grin glowing off a black backdrop set the tone as the masked band members slinked out onto the pitch black stage. Behind a half-mask, a set of glowing green eyes peered into the darkness as HYDE sauntered onto the stage. HYDE’s dark figure, washed in a purple glow, swayed mesmerizingly to the music as he surveyed the crowd. The LED eyes and neon toothy grins from the masked band members added to the ominous aura of guttural drumbeats and throbbing guitar chords.

Kicking off the set with WHO’S GONNA SAVE US, HYDE’s soft and melodious vocals enveloped the listeners in a dark and cautionary tale. Every growling note was permeated with a raw emotional energy that held the audience captive. As throngs of fans thrust their hands into the sky and passionately joined the chorus, it was easy to spot the veteran HYDE fans in the crowd. Meanwhile, first-timers to the HYDE experience watched with rapt attention, heads undulating and eyes wide, taking in the visual and sonic tidal wave.

“Are you fucking ready LA?!” HYDE growled into the microphone as he leaned, perched over a sound monitor. The band launched immediately into AFTER LIGHT, and the collective head-banging commenced. HYDE’s vibrant vocals swelled and cascaded along with the blaring guitar and thunderous percussion. The masked band that was playing alongside HYDE’s looming figure performed with a zeal that matched and complimented his spirited performance.

HYDE slid off his half-mask with a sly grin, and the energy of the crowd and the band kicked up a few extra notches for SICK. Beckoning the audience to sit low to the ground, HYDE orchestrated a sea of jumping bodies to the effervescence of the electro-punk track ANOTHER MOMENT. A head-banging introduction of MAD QUALIA drew the rally cries of the audience to a crescendo, with fans singing the lyrics aloud with sharp clarity through roaring instrumentals. Boldly descending off the stage, HYDE pressed into the barricade to join the audience for an up close and personal communion. Closing out the set with his atmospheric rock cover of the Duran Duran classic ORDINARY WORLD, the gentle solemnity of HYDE’s vocals stood out over the subdued quiet of the first verse. However, the melodic vocals turned to guttural rawness as the band unleashed the power chords and hit the climax with HYDE’s voice soaring over the final lyrics, “Every world, is my world.”

As HYDE humbly bade the audience thanks and farewell, the overall energy of the concert hall seemed to fluctuate between awe and exhilaration. Whether a seasoned fan or a first-timer, the HYDE live experience leaves an unforgettable impression every time. As a headliner or a supporting act, HYDE brings the hunger of a rookie and the professionalism of a veteran to every performance.

Set list

01. WHO'S GONNA SAVE US
02. AFTER LIGHT
03. SICK
04. ANOTHER MOMENT
05. MAD QUALIA
06. ORDINARY WORLD