Day 2: ONE OK ROCK live at Nagano CLUB JUNKBOX
I don't think words can suffice to explain how wild OOR audience are. You'd think I would have learned from last year's experience and never attempt to enter the mosh. But when Iman handed me the ticket, I knew I would risk my life to get a close look. The only problem is, I completely forgot how seriously dangerous it is to be in that spot. We started at the front row. Should've known the dude on my left would be dangerous when he shoved me cos I was too slow. And he was. I'm pretty nice. I was considerate of others. But this dude had his elbow right into my face. I don't get it. I'm not in his way nor view, I'm not invading his space.. yet the jackass kept on putting his elbow on my shoulder and his arm right into my face. The asshole is pretty strong. I tried to shove it aside but couldn't. Thank goodness he was kicked to the back earlier than I was. Again we're smooshed like sardines. I could feel someone's foot trying to separate my feet. I felt someone's elbow hitting my inner organs. At several times two arms were at my left neck choking me. If that's not worse, there times when a third arm on my right was chocking me. I couldnt move to make them move at all as we were all stuck in that position.
When we were lining up, I met two adorable fans. As usual I ended up conversing in my limited Japanese, but we bonded and it was so nice. I was #31 and hte girls were #32 and #33. I ended up in the third row right between Taka and Toru and they were right behind me. But at some point, when I could actually turn my head around, they disappeared from my sight. I do hope we keep in touch.
The guy on my right was the opposite of the asshole on my left. I swear, I turned into a cougar as I was up against him for most part of the concert. How bad would it have been if he was a minor? I had to place my hand on his back/arm (he was wearing sleeveless), otherwise I'd be kissing him and his sweat throughout the concert. Well, I did drink some of the sweat that dripped off his hair. I was too exhausted to be grossed out at that moment. Still, if not for him I probably would've collapsed but I was able to lean on him when I almost passed out. He also managed to repeat what I said to Taka since my voice is too soft. Thanks to him, I talked a bit w/ Taka and Toru. Didn't even have the energy to explode from all that awesomeness.
Near the end of the show, the girl right behind me was very persistent to squeeze me out. I was so tired to fight back but I knew I would be in even more danger if I let her in. Don't get me wrong. The fans are a nice group. At the end of the live, I got to meet up with Aya-san and Sae-san. I think I looked like hell as I was shaking and unsteady. We chatted more.. and so did other fans. In the end, they had a photo op. I would've been another photographer had my hands were not full of stuffs.
I noticed even though I was that close and despite my 4in heels, my view of them isn't guaranteed. Once the hands are all up.. including the ones behind me.. I'd have to fight to see the stage.. or even Taka.
Basically, I spent the entire time not only enjoying an out-of-this-world live... I had to try to stay alive. Several times I've thought of moving to the back, but at the times I actually almost did that, I didn't even have the voice to say so. I'm terribly stupid. I wouldn't leave my spot unless I actually collapse. As long as I'm conscious I'll bear with it. Maybe that's not stupidity but craziness. I already think I'm crazy enough to fly here just for concerts. Thanks to ONE OK ROCK, I realized that my craziness has reached epic and dangerous levels.
Toru.. he reminded me of gegege no kitaro with his hair much longer. But thank you Toru for keeping it platinum blonde. He was explosive, his expressions are just wild and daaaaaaamn, he's so friggin' hot! I think I saw the god of guitar as I watch him play.
Tomoya is sooooo adorable! I've always loved watching him play because he's bursting with so much energy and passion. Even if you can't hear him sing, watching him sing is so moving. Thank goodness I could see him.... I waved at him crazily and I think he acknowledged it, but I must have been imagining things as it was so hot and I felt like passing out.
Taka, what else can I say but this guy knows how to perform, how to entertain, how to give you a very good live. If I wasn't dehydrated I would've cried while he sang "C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h." and "The Beginning" and "Liar" and "answer is near" and... well, you get hte point. This guy has an amazing voice. It can be powerful and soft depending on the emotion he's trying to express. Unlike Zepp Osaka, he stopped a bit a couple of times to make sure we're okay or to ask people to move back a bit. He had a tape on his nose.. you know those strip people use to help them avoid snoring? I do hope he's okay.
Ryota. Ummm.. I didn't see him much. =/ He has a pretty smile.. that's all I remember.
The setlist. I can't remember. They only played "Nobody's HOme" for encore. It might have been due to the fact that the livehouse was inside a mall and it was already closing. They didn't play "Living Dolls" or "Karasu".. they mentioned something about a new album, i think.
The most important part.... I got to hear "Let's take it someday" LIVE! Couldn't jump as I was dying and smooshed.. but "Let's take it someday" live made it all soooooooo worth it. They also played "Kaimu"!!! Did I hear "NO SCARED" last year?? It was sounded so good and fun! Well, every OOR song is so easy to love, thus I'm always pleased.
Thank you ONE OK ROCK for an experience of a lifetime. YOu don't know how happy I am you had a concert during my only free day in Japan. I would've regretted and hated myself had I not gotten a chance to see you this year. One time is simply not enough. If I didn't have any financial/time restrictions, I would've loved to see you at other venues in this tour.
ps. my toes are still numb and my arms ache. Can't determine if the arms one is due to my pack or from the live. Tomorrow will be as rough as my first day. I will have to head back to Tokyo after NICO's live so I can catch the plane to Philippines on Monday. I will recurate once I arrive in the Philippines. Coming back to US is gonna be hell as well. I land in Houston in the evening, but I have to report to work immediately at 7am the next day. THey might cut me some slack and let me go home early that day. Then again, I haven't even started on my evaluation. Boss said I could do it when I get back so I don't wanna take even more advantage of her kindness. Can I bribe her instead?
Wore heels that may have saved my life but right after the live i took them off and walked back to hostel in socks. Nagano's streets seemed safe and clean. XD