the GazettE are back and ready to burn the stage for round two of their “LIVE TOUR 18-19 THE NINTH”!
After releasing their new album NINTH last summer, the GazettE spoiled their fans with a huge tour all over Japan and soon overseas. The first phase was called “PHENOMENON”, which took place in many "hall" types of venues lasting from July to September 2018. After a little break, phase two “ENHANCEMENT” began. This one was mainly in medium sized venues. JaME was there during this November to December tour.
On this cold day of December, the atmosphere was paradoxically really hot because of the huge gathering of people in front of Zepp Tokyo. Since it was a sold-out concert and most of the seats were not assigned because it was a standing show, 2,500 people waited altogether. Instead of doing a traditional review, we're going to give you nine reasons to prove this show was great and why we recommend you to go to their 2019 NINTH tour if you have the opportunity to.
1) The audience
What an awesome fanbase! It’s always impressive to witness how full of energy the GazettE’s fans are. They dance, they jump, they shout, they headbang, and they even choreograph many dance movements. It’s only fair to say that a the GazettE show is awesome also because the audience is performing and transcending everyone during the show.
2) The band
With over 15 years of experience, nine albums, two huge world tours (soon a third), and fans all around the globe, the GazettE is considered as an essential group of the visual kei movement. In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that they are one of the current leaders of visual kei. Each album and each tour is highly anticipated by fans and professionals, and their shows are usually sold out (like tonight at Zepp Tokyo) no matter the size of the venue.
3) The staging
When you attend a great visual kei concert, you will always notice that both the visual presentation of the band and scenography are elaborated carefully; even if it is simple, it must have an identity. And when it comes to visual kei, the GazettE are amongst the best. For their Zepp Tokyo show, the members were dressed and made up as seen in the Falling MV. And although the scenography was simple with four screens behind the stage, the lights effects were stunning. The two most memorable moments were during Falling, with the explosion of lights all over the stage and the audience, and also THE MORTAL when RUKI was inside a cage made up of holographic red laser lights.
4) Medium-sized venue
Since phases #03 and #04 will be held in medium-sized venues, they are a great opportunity to enjoy the show so close to the band. No matter how far you are from the stage, you’ll still have a great view!
5) NINTH
If some of you felt disappointed by the new album, fear not, for the live will make you change your mind. In fact, songs such as Falling, NINTH ODD SMELL, THE MORTAL and ABHOR GOD are perfect for a live performance. Each song will bring you a different emotion.
6) The set list
One of the greatest advantages of being around for over 15 years is that you have a large discography. So, depending on the night, a few awesome tracks from different albums can be added. For tonight’s show we enjoyed songs such as REDO (BEAUTIFUL DEFORMITY), REQUIRED MALFUNCTION (DIVISION) and Kantou dogeza kumiai [Kichiku Kyoushi (32-sai Dokushin) no Nousatsu Kouza]. But of course there was one particular song that we were all waiting for: FILTH IN THE BEAUTY! This iconic song is always a blast during a live show. And tonight again the crowd went crazy; it was truly great to experience that.
7) RUKI’s voice
If it’s undeniable that all the band members are awesome musicians, then one of them has seen a very impressive improvement of his skills. If you compare RUKI’s voice from his debut and his voice now, you’ll notice that his voice is warmer, clearer, and more mastered. He can do everything — scream and growl with perfection, sing awesome ballads with a pure voice or make you dance with his jazzy vocal technique.
8) Nothing beats a live concert
Going to a live concert is the only way to truly appreciate what the band and their music have to communicate. And since each member of the band is a real showman, it’s a delight for both the ears and eyes. Tonight’s show confirmed that. In the end, you’ll feel truly happy and will be able to say “I was there!”
9) A world tour is coming
Phase #02 of the GazettE’s tour is aptly titled “ENHANCEMENT” because two more phases have been announced. Phase #03 will be held from February to March in Japan and Phase #04 from April to June will be held in America and Europe. If tonight was just a glimpse of what’s awaiting us, then be sure to get a ticket and enjoy it as much as we enjoyed this live show!
Set list
01. 99.999
02. Falling
03. NINTH ODD SMELL
04. DAWN
05. GUSH
06. A MOTH UNDER THE SKIN
07. Uragiru bero
08. BABYLON’S TABOO
09. Utsu semi
10. Sono koe wa moroku
11. REDO
12. THE MORTAL
13. FILTH IN THE BEAUTY
14. TWO OF A KIND
15. UGLY
16. ABHOR GOD
17. UNFINISHED
Encore
01. SWALLOWTAIL ON THE DEATH VALLEY
02. Ruder
03. REQUIRED MALFUNCTION
04. ATTITUDE
05. TOMORROW NEVER DIES
