X-Japan @ MSG '14

X-Japan have been dear to me since childhood; They were my gateway to J-rock and Visual-Kei style. Before the concert, I was able to attend Yoshiki's Classical Concert at Otakon'14. From his performance alone, I was convince I must attend the all 5 member band concert few. To be able to watch X-Japan concert was a dream come true.




Saturday, October 11: Detour

It was 6AM in the morning when my sister and I left our house to travel to New York for the event. It was dark and the rain look as though it would never end. We planned to arrive at NY around 10AM, but were were worried that we won't make our queue because of the rain. But I was determine to beat the rain and all the obstacle. My 4 hours drive, I accouter at lease 4 car accident and too many to recount of hydroplane I experienced. But somehow, I arrived in New York around 10:30AM. Kudos to myself.

My plan for the morning and afternoon was to shop at Soho and maybe pick up some cool items to wear for the concert. But before the shopping. I checked out the Iconic Cafe for brunchy. I never had such delicious cup of Chai Latte and the Caribbean Herb Bagel was so on point. I would recommend everyone to visit this cafe for brunch! While I visited many shop, I only purchased a boot from Steve Madden, a necklace and blouse from Tokyo Rebel/BTSSB: I felt good with my purchases. I also want to take my time to applaud the staffs at both store for being sweetheart and helping me with my purchases.

The hotel I rested at was Wyndham hotel, only few blocks away from Madison Square Garden, so the walk was really convenient. The staff were very nice and help bring our truck load of luggage and shopping bags to our room (while I didn't buy much for myself, my sister on the other hand bought way too much for herself and other) The room was really small, but it was expected that of New York and its issue of spaces. The bathroom was very outdated and I personally would not like to use it. Luckily, I had no plan to take a shower. But overall, it cover all our need. We rested at the hotel for a hours before heading to the concert.

Concert Rant

The concert starts with a visual presentation display, a smokey effects as though we are walking into the foggy night. The smokes begin to forms that of a skull and the eerie orchestra background music make all the imagery more spooky. Toward the end of the introduction, a ray of lights beam behind the drum set. Our executor emerges from the light, and from the silhouette, we all know who will slay the night. Out from the light into darkness was Yoshiki, and the crowd begin to roar as each individual member stepped onto the stage and played their first song, "____"

Compare to their older concert I've seen through videos, X-japan didn't have the wild energy they had back in their youth. However, veterans to the rocker ways life, they did not fail to make the night seem as though it may never end. My favorite part of the concert was when they were showcasing each individual member skills. From Sugizo and Yoshiki's neo-classical performance, battle between Heath vs Pata, Toshi's power vocal, and Yoshiki emotional beatdown.

There was so many time I thought the concert was going to end just because how emotional each performance was. Definitely a concert to remember.

To see more concert photos, please visit my photography page! [link]

Concert Rant Done

Ended the day going back to our hotel and watch anime while drinking wine and pasta. Living the otaku life.