DaizyStripper Love Affair Tour Final – Kudan Kaikan

The classy décor of Kudan Kaikan seemed fit for a classical recital, more than for an open setting featuring all the implements of a rock band. The theme of contrast was further exaggerated by the myriad fashion gracing the three floors of the venue. Cosplay, classy lolita and dark punk were tied together by countless pink and black DaizyStripper towels slung over seats and shoulders.

The band appeared out of a blackout already in place, mysterious in the foggy, backlit stage. However, the atmosphere was blown away as the explosive opening to Trigger saw Yu-Giri’s clear voice fill every corner of the venue. With the pop-rock tune contrasting drastically with the stage’s red velvet, every pair of hands flashed towards the band during the bright chorus. Meanwhile, guitarist Nao and bassist Rei physically dug into the music. Yu-Giri’s voice rang out splendidly as the bridge gave way to a fast paced guitar solo and once again as the music dropped out on his final note, and drummer Kazami raised his sticks high to see the song through to the end.

The following jiiteki showtime brought about a heavy change of pace, sending the crowd yelling, jumping, and diving to the fast, hard piece. Yu-Giri’s jacket went flying and the vocalist himself flew into the air as he yelled “Jump!” The whole band joined the crowd in head-banging, sparing nothing, and the exciting song came to an end with Yu-Giri’s fist in the air.

Yu-Giri’s opening MC came with plenty of energy and enthusiasm as he joked about the ensuing ‘love affair’ getting so hot as to result in conception between the band and their fans. What better introduction could there be to Baby Kingdom? The house began jumping instantly, Yu-Giri appealing to the third floor not to fall. Rei seemed to be enjoying the song more than anyone and Nao freely played with his fans. The piece brought about a rare, wicked tone from Yu-Giri and Rei could be seen head-banging by himself throughout the instrumental. Even lead guitarist Mayu threw himself into a spin as the music reached its peak.

A short interval became necessary as bass trouble halted the set. After much joking around, Rei’s triumphant return resumed the set with Tsumi na batsu. Yu-Giri led the complicated actions like a pro, otherwise performing the brassy piece in true jazz diva style, his sultry “oo”’s fitting the genre to a tee as he posed in kind, sparkly wristband twinkling in the light. The mood continued into Lyrical Night until the tune turned upbeat and the crowd began yelling and pumping their fists. The instrumental breaks were lit in purple and green as blues met rock. The sexy number brought Rei forward to kiss his vocalist down to the ground and the stylized piece came to an end with a sultry little sigh from Yu-Giri, but the atmosphere didn’t last long. Hoshizora to kimi no te began from the chorus and hundreds of hands shot into the air, waving. The excitement of the song was broken up only by Yu-Giri’s gorgeous falsetto during the bridge. Then, leading up to the final chorus, Mayu’s guitar wailed beneath Yu-Giri’s voice, the guitarist bending backwards as his fingers traversed the strings.

Following the number, Yu-Giri talked of how they had made it to this day despite stressful and sad times and expressed his wish for everyone to put tomorrow aside and enjoy the moment. Introducing a song written with that sentiment in mind, he said, “Please listen. Smile World.” The stage was left to Yu-Giri and Kazami who took to his keyboard, executing a lovely, soft piano intro that soon blended with Yu-Giri’s sweet, gentle voice. The pair transported the venue to an entirely different world of concertos and divas through lovely lyrics and bitter-sweet melody. With grace notes worthy of Mariah Carey, Yu-Giri’s “Oh~!” ushered in the dramatic climax as Kazami bent over the keys, expressing emotion through movement as he played. Inevitable stunned silence was punctuated with numerous sniffles and Yu-Giri issued a breathless “Thank you,” before he left the stage.

It was then Kazami’s turn to shine as he dove into an impressive and beautiful piano solo that complemented the venue and was greeted by strong applause. Shouts of “Kazami!!” resounded as he transferred back to the drum kit for a fast-paced drum solo. Cymbals rang and lights flashed until Kazami raised his sticks and led the crowd into a clapping exercise. It was as if the fans were one with the drummer, perfectly keeping up with his alterations in rhythm and pace, an energetic Kazami almost dancing as he struck each surface.

The wailing of a guitar pitched in, and gleeful cries from the crowd drew attention to Nao as he entered through the audience. The rhythmic clapping never ceased even as Rei and Mayu joined their fellow instrumentalists onstage. One by one, the guitarists took centre stage for their solos, followed by Rei who finished with a hand raised to his eyes to survey the scene. Soon enough, Yu-Giri also made his way through the crowd. “Thank you – and you – and you, young lady.” “Don’t fall, second floor.” “Seriously! Don’t fall!” he teased. Once he reached the stage, he and Mayu began playing with melody, the vocalist repeating the guitar’s tune in scat and laughing as he continued the game with Nao. Then it was Rei’s turn, the bassist showing off his skills as Yu-Giri once more copied him in scat. Last but not least, Kazami drew giggles from the crowd with his piano rendition of the Mario game theme. The session finished up with the band combining their sounds once more and the crowd jumped enthusiastically until a final bout of rhythmic clapping brought the interlude to an end.

With Yu-Giri’s cries of “Let’s heat it up!”, KILL the KING took over the venue, heavy and hot as hell. Lights flashed as his voice climbed higher and higher. Appreciative screams were raised as the music came to an end and the heaviness was broken up only by the jazzy intro to MR. UNCHAIN. Unleashing his death voice, Yu-Giri proved that he could run the range of musical genres. The whole band threw themselves into the piece, Mayu receiving a pat on the head, Nao playing down on the floor, and Yu-Giri head-banging through the operatic interval.

During the following MC, Yu-Giri’s tease to skip over the other members met with strong protest, and so he handed over to Nao who read an amusing letter offering various apologies to the other members for certain gags during the tour. Rei’s address began with a bout of air bass. After extending his thanks, he asked everyone to join hands with their neighbours, be they friend or stranger and requested that they take care of each other. Mayu brought up the venue’s use as a wedding hall, and went on to suggest that the concert was like a wedding between the fans and the band. Trying to gloss over Kazami, Yu-Giri began leading into the next song. However, the fans wouldn’t hear of it, and the drummer got his rightful turn. Riling up the crowd, Kazami thanked everyone and responded to Yu-Giri’s joking. However, before the set could resume, the drummer disappeared from his platform.

Although it was not at first apparent that Kazami was in any danger, his fans called for him to return. However, as time drew on the drummer did not re-appear and it became obvious that something was amiss. The band left the stage and Kazami was carried off, worried cries rising from the crowd. Amidst the sounds of crying and fearful murmurs, a ten minute break was announced to determine the drummer’s condition. Soon, Yu-Giri took the stage to reassure the crowd that Kazami was not only conscious but might be able to continue. Responding to the fans' concerns that Kazami not push himself, Yu-Giri stated that they had no intention of continuing if it would be too much. After a total of roughly half an hour, the band re-entered, and Kazami himself reassured the crowd that he was fine, asking them to allow just three more songs.

The crowd’s unselfish concern was honestly touching, a sentiment that the band obviously shared as they poured their hearts and souls into the following song, Harumeku bokura. The emotion that went into Kazami’s playing quickly altered the mood, allowing the crowd to relax and be soothed by the lovely melody. Without disrupting the flow of the song, the members’ warm concern for their drummer was evident through glances in his direction, always met with smiles. Instead of destroying the evening, the accident seemed to bind everyone together, Harumeku bokura an ideal expression of the atmosphere as Yu-Giri’s voice soared.

Shikisai no hanataba wo was then dedicated to the fans who had waited for the band’s return. Beneath the smooth ballad melody, funky bass and guitar brought extra flavour to the scene. As Yu-Giri spread his arms wide to encourage clapping throughout the chorus, the other members added their voices as backing vocals. During the guitar solo, Yu-Giri turned toward Kazami, clapping in support of the drummer along with the crowd.

The applause never let up, and bowing to the audience, Kazami’s emotion got the better of him. Even Yu-Giri could be heard sniffling as he deeply thanked the crowd for waiting and announced how proud he was to have such dedicated and considerate fans. After checking with Kazami that he could handle the final number, Yu-Giri explained that the band wanted to wrap up with smiles and laughter, thus choosing the new STAY GOLD to end the evening. Streamers descended upon the crowd, the backdrop transforming into a sea of the same shimmering silver. As Yu-Giri sang, Mayu, Nao and Rei gathered about Kazami. Wandering the stage through the verses, Yu-Giri led the crowd in the chorus, the fans quickly catching on to the new song. Joining Kazami up on the drums, the vocalist was all smiles. Mayu and Nao met centre stage for a spectacular guitar duet and the remainder of the cheerful song was carried out with waving and jumping.

Many enthusiastic sentiments were extended and Kazami thanked the crowd from the heart, his voice reaching every ear without the aid of a microphone before he joined the other members in exiting the stage. Soon, all but Kazami returned but the crowd wouldn’t hear of Yu-Giri’s apology for the unfortunate events. The vocalist promised to keep everyone updated on Kazami’s health via blog and the band’s homepage and at last, the four were sent off with overwhelming applause.

While the circumstances were unfortunate, the unity that developed as a result was truly touching. DaizyStripper’s dedication to their fans was unmistakable and the fans’ respect of the band unquestionable. Rather than casting a shadow on the long awaited tour final, the accident brought to light a strong bond and despite it all, there was hardly an unsatisfied face to be seen.


Set list:

1. Trigger
2. jiiteki showtime
-MC-
3. Baby Kingdom
-MC-
4. tsumi na batsu
5. Lyrical Night
6. hoshizora to kimi no te
-MC-
7. SMILE WORLD
8. --SOLO SESSION--
9. KILL the KING
10. MR.UNCHAIN
-BREAK-
11. harumeku bokura
12. shikisai no hanataba wo
-MC-
13. STAY GOLD