Here I am! Reporting on L'Arc Live in HK! <33 I thought I could do this in one night, but HELL NO. It took me 2 nights. And finally, here it is :D
Warning: really text & image intensive.
May 24 - Asia World-Expo The Arena: Hong Kong: China
On our way!
1230pm
We've planned to reach the concert venue around 230pm to lineup for goods, so we're early, and decided to head to Tung Cheong for some shopping at the various outlets. After a light meal at McDonald's and some shopping, it wasn't soon that we're once again on our way, to the expo X3
The view (which wasn't much really...)
We're nearing! The Airport station... =..= Its a long ride...
We noticed they have trolleys lined up like this. How convenient!
And then it was cam whoring time... we failed really! It took us like so long just to get our 2 biscuit face in the center.
And this is the only decent one @-@
And we've reached the Expo station! We were really confused, and went around asking where the hell are we suppose to go... and this particular security personnel pointed us to this place as pictured below:
WUT!? Its the queue for goods >3< I mean, i really didn't expect this. And so we walked, to find the end...
Not ending just yet... we're just behind the section of the end of this photo :3
Here... and it was 240pm.
Seriously, it was just pure waiting from this moment. The wait seems to be endless, considering how you've been staring at this:
for 2 bloody hours.
And 10-20mins after we arrived... this was the queue behind us. Lesson 1: It pays to be early! >3<
With nothing to do other than listening to my ipod, I'm free to take some extra pictures now, of the precious tickets T-T
and at 3:43pm D:
4pm
The goods sale finally started! BUT, the queue didn't move for another bloody 2 hrs. And due to some commotion (screaming from fans in the front), the others, not knowing what happened, just started standing up and rushing to the front. Everyone was taking photos, of I-don't-know-what. Its almost like L'Arc appeared at the front or something, but I'm pretty sure it wasnt'. Anyway, I joined in, and took this photo! XD
"I-don't-know-whats-going-on"
And so, everyone was waiting impatiently, standing. It was miserable T-T However, the guard told the girls in front who was enquiring on the queue status, to be grateful. As the queue as the back has gotten so long, it was now winding.
When our section (behind the bars) finally got to move, it was around 6pm. But the queue after this was really fast. Something different from the Wakayama one that I went to, we were all given a piece of paper to indicate the goods we wanted to order. They cancelled the max no. of 5 for each item, so we wrote our orders. Just before we got to the sales counter... towards the end of the queue, there were people throwing money (literally!), asking the guys in front of us to give up their t-shirt to them. D:
And only when we reached the sales counter, did we found out that each person is only entitled to 1 set maximum ("limited edition"). So the two of us got 1 set each, but we couldn't buy any more on behalf of my LArc friends, which was quite disappointing.
And after the tour goods was a mad rush!
Bag/camera deposit -> join never ending toilet queue -> change into L'Arc t-shirt -> find the queue to entrance -> join bag inspection queue -> FOOD! *phew*
And in between, we spotted this huge poster:
And I was thinking... JUST 1 more hour~ and I'm seeing the real thing! *-*
715pm
Bag inspection. And we sprinted to our seats! XDDD
722pm
It was still so empty at this time, when its suppose to start at 8pm. We know for sure it will be delayed. How can the organisers think that they can finish selling the tour goods starting at 4pm? They have totally underestimated their fans!
The stage. I think we were really near, much nearer than we have expected! There were 2 gigantic screens at the side for closeup of them during the performance.
And then, the people started pouring in really constantly but slowly. When the seats became mostly filled... the lights dimed!
820pm - Concert begins! (some of the events might not be in order)
0. Intro animation - of random words in the language from the different countries they are visiting. And when their names appeared one after another, you can turn deaf from the gazillion screams. Screaming our lungs off, at this particular moment, the anticipation was overwhelming ;_;
1. Get out from the Shell ~asian version~ - Tetsu, Ken & Hyde's silhouette were casted on the huge white drape covering the stage... there were really cool artistic animations casted on the drape, and it intervines with their sihouette. I swear when the music started playing, and when Hyde's voice came in, my brain almost exploded D: It was so crazy, everyone was jumping (even on the risers) like mad throughout the song. And at a particular point, Hyde came over to our side of the stage, and amazingly, everyone just started running to block 1 which was empty and extremely close to the stage! <3 We actually managed to run from block 3 to block 1, and saw Hyde from such a distance *-* I could die a happy fan girl! And as soon as Hyde left our side to the other side, everyone just so orderly return to their seats! And interestingly, the opposite side does the same thing XD And it looked like a swarm of bees rushing towards the stage at high speed, and then crawling back to their hives when he has left.
2. Driver's High - A very familiar song to everybody, and you can imagine the very many happy fans jumping throughout the song
3. Killing Me - This hasn't always been my favourite song, but what Hyde did killed this fangirl of them. Tetsu came over to the right side (our side), and everyone just started running towards block 1! And dang! Hyde came over too, and put his arms around Tetsu's shoulders, singing closely to his ears <3333 *0* Just like Hyde x Teru in my avatar XD Okay. I shall stop here, you can guess the things I'm going to say anyway, yadayada! (*&@)#(*@)(#**(!
~Hyde MC~
Hyde looks like he was trying very hard pronouncing the words off-mike. We can all see this very clearly, as it was shown on both big screens. He looks totally dorky and adorable at the same time XD The dialoge was all spoken entirely in cantonese:
Good evening! We made you wait! We are L'Arc~en~Ciel!
There was an earthquake in China but please have fun as much as possible!
Are you ok? (mou man tai?)
The new song: Drink it down
4. Drink it Down - *-* This was the song that got me really excited even way before the concert drew near. I love this song and hearing it live, was so freaking awesome. And Hyde is the sex god! Alot of self-loving movements here <3
5. Daybreak's Bell - Another favourite of mine <3 At this time, all of us were already feeling the exhaustion from all the jumping. But this song, is really too awesome to stop the cheering/jumping. I've always really love Tetsu's bass in this song, I'm so glad I could hear his bass fairly clearly during this song. And somehow, this song really touched me whenever he sang the chorus, its just too beautiful >3<
6. Winter Fall - We were totally surprised at this song choice, it was such <3 And this was like the only slow song since the start... our hands and legs finally got a break! Don't we just love the starting of this song? Such magic.
7. Eien - Another song that we would never have expected them to sing. The guitar solo was <3 This song was very beautiful, especially towards the end, and much to my own surprise, I was actually touched to tears >.<
~short animation~
Sakura petals falling, and the accompanying music was a music-box like melancholy melody. It was an unfamiliar tune, and yet, it strangely sounds like some tune we know. And then we knew, it was the music-box (really very beautiful) version of Kasou *-* It just totally sound like another song. I want this song so bad after the concert T-T
8. Kasou - KASOU! One of my most favourite song ever.
9. Forbbiden Lover - The awesome drum intro, I think alot of fans can die happy hearing this song. Hyde was awesome man, such feelings <3
10. My Heart Draws A Dream - 14000 fans singing "yume wo egakuyo", its a feeling you can never forget >3<
11. Caress of Venus - They can sing this a 100 times and I will never get sick of it. It doesn't help that Hyde is so wiggly singing this song too! XD There were silver streamer tapes blasted off from the stage, and everyone is just crazily dancing to the song! And Tetsu's backup & Ken's solo <333 Hyde also threw some kisses during this song.
12. REVELATION - Definitely my favourite of all lives! Wakayama & Hong Kong *-* We've reached the concert's climax with this song, totally awesome.
~Ken MC~
His MC was hell-hard to understand! Also spoken entirely in Cantonese
Hello~I couldn't eat on the plane so I was terribly hungry now.
In hotel I had a sandwich
(photo on screen),
but then I went to the press conference
(photo on screen)
and later I went eating. I had chicken, which was tasty, but the chicken kept looking at us
(photo of a chicken head on a plate)
and then we ate fish, which was also delicious, but it also kept looking at us
(photo of a fish head on a plate)
They shouldn't look at me! Look at each other!
(photo of fish facing chicken's head - almost like kissing)
(photo of Ken at the round table)
And then he wanted to say something next, but he was trying very hard to read, and he got fed up, and threw the paper on the floor like a kid XDD It invited a hell lot of laughter from the crowd.
Next song SEVENTH HEAVEN!
13. Seventh Heaven - I think we were all exhausted by this time. I tried to jump, but can't! XD But we're all dancing to this tune. My arm hurts! But I was happy I got to do the "minute thirty-one" and "under your feet" handsign! XD But I think not many fans there got it :P
14. Pretty Girl - Hyde went over to the side of the stage again! I totally remember this part. We're so close that he was like looking into your eyes! *melts* I love this song from the KISS album. Such a catchy song to dance to, and he looks so cute wiggling his hips like that! XD
15. Stay Away - member change- Tetsu vocals, Ken drums, Yuki bass, Hyde guitar.
16. Ready Steady Go - Hyde: "ARE YOU FUCKING READY?" Of course we are! X3 One word, crazy. At this point... my arms & legs could break anytime.
And luckily, we have the encore next *phew*
~encore~
The whole stadium was doing this wave thing for around 15-20mins. Self entertainment, yes. It was so fun and meaningless at the same time. XD
~Yuki MC~
And Yuki steady & slowly, walks to the mike, some of us were shouting his name <3 And he started speaking in cantonese:
Hello. I'm happy to be here in Hong Kong. Thanks everybody.
YES. It was so short! >3<
17. Jojoshi - This particular fan beside me rushed from Shanghai all the way for this concert (same day), and she was pinning for this song. Its amazing to hear this live again <333
18. Honey - I knew they were going to sing this song when Hyde brought out his guitar X3 Popular song yes, thou I would prefer they sing Metropolis! XD
19. Link - This song was so high! I almost got a stitch trying to jump to this song. Halfway during the show, Ken took out a video camera, and shot Hyde with the audience *-* And you can see the video on the big screen. SUCH LOVE! And Hyde suddenly jumped down the stage and onto the railing of Block A (closest block). All security guards were holding onto him preventing him from being sucked into the mob. How I envy them <3
~Tetsu MC~
"Do you wanna eat my banana?" (in cantonese) and threw some bananas into the crowd!
~Hyde MC2~
Hyde looked at the paper trying the pronounce before speaking again. Occasionally waving his fingers to get the pronunciation right. It was shown on the big screen and everybody laughed.
Yesterday I had century egg. Never again. Never again.
Let's sing all together (repeated twice)
Are you ok?
The last song, ANATA.
20. Anata - There was a suddenly silence from the crowd cos we all knew it. Yes, I can't believe one that didn't cry. We all cried T-T Theres feathers, and it was so beautiful!! (Like in Heart ni Hi wo tsukerou) The thought that we wouldn't be able to see them for another 3 years together. The climax of the song was when everyone singing the verse below together:
"mune ni, itsu no hi ni mo kakayaku,
anata ga irukara.
Namida kare hatete mo taisetsuna,
anata ga irukara"
There cannot be a better song to end this concert. And I'm grateful for this. On the big screen, every of the member looks like they have tears in their eyes. And Hyde kept saying "arigatou" in Japanese to the crowd.The members went backstage one by one, leaving Tetsu, throwing his bass picks into the crowd. But they landed on the stage not far from him (phailed) XD And he threw a few more which went to the block A people.
And then it ended.
21:50pm - Dismissal
Lights on. And some started leaving the arena already. Some just loiter around their seats like us, to take some photos to remember this by.
A clearer view of the stage. A pirate ship theme.
Lynn & I. WE WERE HERE! <3
And I really have to thank Hwee Ling for everything. We finally met up with each other at the end of the concert. She was just 1 row infront of us XD
Conclusion
Overall, it was such an amazing and mind-blowing concert. Thou the sound wasn't as good as the Wakayama one I've attended, the atmosphere & the love from the fans definitely made up for it. I can't wait for their 2011 concert. I really want to go, yes. And I hope it'll be in Hong Kong again, I love it there. Hearing them say "We have kept you waiting!", is really... comforting. T__T I'm glad they know that alot of people outside of Japan that have been waiting for them for a long time!
One interesting thing to note, Hyde waas wearing this top that seemingly resembles Johnny Depp's shirt in Sweeney Todd <3 (below)
One of the very rare photo of Hyde in HK i can find T-T
Ken! (who was going for the rugged look ^^")
And if you're interested, below is one news/interview from a HK channel that I really like. It shows abit of the introduction & killing me segment + Hyde speaking in Cantonese. The end was Tetsu & Ken's interview: They know fans all over asia will gather in HK to watch their live! <3
Click to view
Thats all for the report! I'm amazed if you read everything and hasn't gave up!
L'Arc~en~Ciel, I will see you again. Till then!