Black Sabbath “Paranoid” Live in Birmingham – May 19, 2012 (Explicit Language)
Guns N’ Roses / Man With A Mission @ Saitama Super Arena 1-28-17
This was my second Guns N’ Roses show that I have seen, since moving to Japan in 2001. My wife likes Man With A Mission, so it was a win-win for both of us! It was my first trip to Saitama Super Arena, and I have to say I was very impressed. I had no idea there were actually two inner walls, blocking the sound from the lobby (no wonder you can’t hear anything from out on the street!), much like a music studio.
The sound was great…nowhere near as garbled as it was when I seen them at Makahari-Messe, back in 2007. One thing though…whoever introduced GNR called out “TOKYO!!!”, rather than Saitama…even the concert tees had “Tokyo” printed on them. Kinda funny…
Neither of us stayed for the entire show (my wife left after MWAM finished their opening set), with me leaving about 90 mins into GNRs set.
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Watch “Shimanchu Nu Takara” on YouTube
If you ever get the opportunity, please visit Okinawa! I had heard this song several times during my sixteen years in Japan, and ashamed that I just now learned the title and artist. Begin has been playing music for 20+ years, with a big fan base. I love this song…and very uplifting to me.
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Ozzfest 2015 in Makuhari-Messe, Chiba, Japan 11-22-15 (2nd Day)
Here are some pics that I took at Ozzfest 2015…and it was great! It was actually a two-day event, but I went on the second day.
Walking towards the venue. There was a ZUMBA convention going on at the same time.
The vendors were selling merchandise, before opening time, which was 10am. I tried to get a t-shirt for my son, but no children’s sizes available.
These are just the people waiting to buy merchandise…the admission line was behind me
Got my armband…ready to go!!
At 10, we slowly march towards the arena.
The marquee at the entrance to the arena. The flowers on the right are common in Japan, when a new business opens, or a special event takes place.
Food venders were already set up, and ready to go.
The festival used two stages…one on the right, and the other on the left. The bands would take turns playing back and forth, between the two.
More merchandise vendors in the back of the arena
The first band plays. You could see the performance on the two large screens.
The band timetable for both days. Ozzy closes out the festival
An early lunch…because I had nothing else to do. Not bad for eight bucks (800 yen)
Another shot of the food vendors. They were lit up, almost as bright as the stage.
Mtv Japan. Didn’t know Headbangers Ball was still on the air…
Setting up for another band…
This is Animetal…they do metal versions of popular Japanese Animation songs
This is Black Label Society…and they were amazing. The lead guitarist/singer is Zakk Wyyld, former guitarist for Ozzy. They look like a cross of ZZ Top, Lynard Skynard and The Allman Brothers…but their sound is pure metal!!
Another of Black Label Society
When we weren’t watching the bands, we would hang out in the back of the arena. Some people would actually try to sleep!!
BabyMetal’s stage being set up, as another band plays on the left stage.
The prince of darkness himself…putting on a great show!!
Hate Breed and A Day To Remember were also some great bands that I enjoyed very much, so I was glad I could come, and hope I can again next year!!
