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gackt_army2016-07-14 04:54 pm
[English Live Report] GACKT LAST VISUALIVE -LAST MOON- 07.03.2016
(Some insert photos are from Japanese news and live reports linked below. Click images for full size.)
GACKT LAST VISUALIVE -LAST MOON- supported by Nestlé
7/3/2016 @ Saitama Super Arena
July 3rd, 2016 was a sweltering hot day in Japan. That’s why when 15:00 came around to the thousands fans outside of Saitama Super Arena, they were more than eager to start entering the air-conditioned venue to see the grand finale of GACKT’s WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE 最期ノ月 -LAST MOON- supported by Nestlé.
All that could be seen on stage was a great red moon projected on the center of an enormous screen. When the lights went out at 16:15, a frame surrounding the moon opened to reveal an even bigger screen. It showed the introduction to the continuation of GACKT’s long-running MOON SAGA – segueing from GACKT’s theatric narration to a battlefield scene.
As the scene came to an end, the opening chords of ARROW prompted the entire arena to rise to their feet for Part One, almost all of them wielding dual light sticks set to purple. The giant screen parted to reveal GACKT and his members in full LAST MOON costume. The stage set looked something akin to a post-apocalyptic movie set. Fans waved their light sticks to the beat, creating a purple galaxy-like image around the stage.
Next came Hana mo Chiyu, dominated by purple stage lighting. RETURNER ~Yami no Shuuen~ followed, raising the tension from fans who had looked forward to the final show of the LAST VISUALIVE tour. The energy of Part One came to a peak during RIDE OR DIE. Guitarists CHACHAMARU and YOU delivered a swift and skilled guitar solo, and at the end of the song, fireworks burst on stage. Cheers faded only when the sound of rain in the background began. GACKT sang the beginning to the next song, Akatsukidukuyo-DAY BREAKERS-, a cappella, the entire audience silent and enraptured. The song burst into life with instruments, and with that, Part One came to an end.
Another clip of the MOON SAGA’s continuation played on the screen. The scene prompted a wilder and almost otherworldly set. The light sticks switched to red and Part Two began with the sound of…shamisen? Yes—garbed in black robes, members GACKT, YOU, CHACHAMARU, and more kneeled on the back of the stage and plucked the strings of the traditional Japanese instruments for Utakata no Yume. Dancers suddenly rose out of the thick fog covering the stage.
ZAN followed the shamisen set with stage lights set to shades of red and blue, and actual fire shooting up in jets on stage. VAL’s fast and strong percussion led the thousands of fans shaking the stands, and guitarist CHACHAMARU delivered his best rapping skills. GACKT further showed his versatility as an artist by leading the intricate choreography of the next song, Kugutsu ga Gotoku. The audience cheered wildly as the song ended. Then the sounds of pained screaming and sobbing were heard, interrupted by the sound of a music box. Fog poured onto the stage, and LULLING closed out Part Two, lonely and sad.
The next movie clip was interrupted by a special broadcast from Camui Gakuen’s Ikemen Training Camp. It ultimately ended with GACKT wrestling—and defeating!—a sumo wrestler. This was the start of the complete mood change for Part Three. The stage lit up like a scene from Las Vegas, and a recording like something from a talk show welcomed everyone to the “best show in the world,” the LAST VISUALIVE.
The voice went on to introduce each member in English. First was drummer VAL, who always “summons the gods of laughter”; then came the bassist in a small package “oozing sexiness,” SATO; the “blond bombshell” of a guitarist, CHACHAMARU; YOU on rhythm guitar, whose “million dollar smile will leave you begging for more;” and finally, the all-around amazing and multi-talented artist, GACKT. Everyone wore more casual and neutral-colored clothing, save GACKT, who wore a bright red leather jacket over his bare and chiseled torso.
Part 3 opened with ONE MORE KISS. Fans’ light sticks flashed rainbow colors, and visuals on the screen lining the back of the stage made it look like you were headed into a meteor tunnel in outer space. The next song took a bit of time to introduce. CHACHAMARU and YOU strummed a guitar chord and prompted fans to scream “GACKT!” with all of their might. “Even though this is the final show, this is all you’ve got?” GACKT whined until he was satisfied with the volume of the audience.
Then began the classic fan-favorite MIRROR. On the screens hanging over either side of the stage, images of the crowd flashed from time to time, and there you could see fans with supportive banners, and even flags held by fans from other countries. The song ended with more scream-and-response between fans and GACKT, ending with the singer collapsing on stage at the lights going out.
Actor Yuki Kimisawa, who also participated in the tour as a backup dancer, took the stage for a brief and self-deprecating MC. He also took the time to introduce movements to one of the upcoming songs (the “next, next, next song,” he instructed) and took his leave from the stage to faint but supportive cheers.
If you’ve heard anything about the LAST VISUALIVE tour so far, it’s probably been about how long the MC is. At the final Saitama Super Arena show, it stretched just over an hour. Within that hour, GACKT played another call and response game with the audience (in cat ears, no less), designating sections of the arena to say “Tadaima!” (“We’re home!”) whenever the leading man said “Okaeri!” (“Welcome home!”). He talked about his 17-years-and-running solo career, saying it never mattered to him whether he played at big venues or small venues, but in the end, he was grateful he had the opportunity to play in a place as big as Saitama Super Arena.
Then, GACKT personally introduced each member. CHACHAMARU was chosen as the member to shout a message to all of Saitama Super Arena without using a microphone. Fans thought he would yell about the tour final, but instead, CHACHAMARU loudly welcomed two special guests to the stage, popular personality DJ KOO and sound producer TAKUMI. They came with a bouquet of sunflowers and a giant cake to celebrate GACKT’S 43rd birthday, which would take place on the following day (July 4th). After a brief but funny exchange between DJ KOO and GACKT, the entire audience sang Happy Birthday.
Then came the cats. U+K featured the nostalgic dancers in cat costumes, and a couple of young but talented mini cat dancers. Off came the cat ears and in came more dancers for WooHa BABY!!. Everyone wielded dual light sticks, and on the stage screen was projected an interactive game modeled after the popular Japanese arcade game, Taiko Master. Next was Koi no FRIDAY!!!, the movements to which Yuki Kimisawa graciously taught the audience before.
Things took an emotional turn for Kimi Dake no Boku de Iru Kara. GACKT sang the introduction a cappella, then instruments and colorful and flowery images on the screen brought the song to life. P.S. I LOVE U rounded off the set before the last movie clip. The emotional and tragic ending was the perfect background for the final song of the show, Setsugekka –The end of silence-.
Despite the tear-jerking end to GACKT’s LAST VISUALIVE tour, there was good news to come. GACKT has a world tour planned for 2017, and more Japan shows to follow that. Even though the LAST VISUALIVE tour may be over, it’s definitely not the end for GACKT.
Setlist
1. ARROW
2. 花も散ゆ (Hana mo Chiyu)
3. RETURNER ～闇の終焉～ (Yami no Shuuen)
4. RIDE OR DIE
5. 暁月夜 -DAY BREAKERS- (Akatsukidukuyo –DAY BREAKERS-)
6. 泡沫の夢 (Utakata no Yume)
7. 斬 ～ZAN～
8. 傀儡が如く(Kugutsu ga Gotoku)
9. 揺籃歌 -LULLING- (Youranka)
SE. U+K UNPLUGGED
10. ONE MORE KISS
11. MIRROR
12. U+K
13. 舞哈BABY!! -WooHa- (Wooha baby)
14. 恋のFRIDAY!!! (Koi no FRIDAY!!!)
15. キミだけのボクでいるから (Kimi Dake no Boku de Iru Kara)
16. P.S.I LOVE U
17. 雪月花 -The end of silence- (Setsugekka –The end of silence-)
SOURCE: SHATTERED TRANQUILITY
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【VG】 Live Report | GACKT,the final ”VISUALIVE” series ”GACKT WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE 最後期ノ月-LAST MOON- supported by Nestle”,goes across the world!!
Before the tour begins,Gackt announced, “This VISUALIVE TOUR is going to be the last .” Gackt’s live consists of movie,music and staging. “VISUALIVE” is created by bringing those three elements to an ultimate level. Since it requires enormous time and effort to create “VISUALIVE”,considering his physical and mental strength,he decided to make this one the last to deliver at his utmost level. Therefore,he named it “GACKT WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE 最後ノ月-LAST MOON- supported by Nestlé” and has been continuously touring giving 42 live performances since March.
Thinking about his demanding workーimproving his body and spirit to tip-top condition and perform about four hours at each live show devoting all his energyーit’s easy to understand that he drew a line even though he’s still 42 years old(turned 43 on July 4). But for the fans who’s been touched by it’s amazing staging and heart-tugging storyline are nothing but disappointed.
Please reread the tour title: “GACKT WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE 最後期ノ月-LAST MOON- supported by Nestlé.” Gackt fans from all over the world reading this article,rejoice. He announced that he will go on a WORLD TOUR from 2017. And in addition,he will bring back the show to Japan at the end of the tour naming it “Triumphal Performance.” Details will be released in chase so wait in anticipation.
This “LAST VISUALIVE 最期ノ月-LAST MOON-” consists of four acts.
The show carries on with stage play “MOONSAGA-義経秘伝(Yoshitune Mystic)-” series(Gackt wholly produced and played the lead) holding the key position.
Gackt identifies his spirit with Yoshitsune’s way of life,which himself has a strong feeling for,and has been asking the audience through the show(story) what kind of thoughts a human should have deep in the heart.
What did Gackt ask the people through “最後期ノ月-LAST MOON-“?
This time I would like to ask you by telling this story.
A fierce red moon was radiating a dull glow from the stage. As the venue shrouded in darkness,Gackt’s words and poem projected on the red moonー“Why do we repeat the same mistake.” Then Yoshitsune(Gackt) appeared on the giant screen battling,in heavy rain covered in mud,with his army against his brother Yoritomo and his army who’s been trampling down on Yoshitsune faction.
Invaded by Yoritomo’s army,that don’t decrease no matter how hard they battle,his fellows die one after another. And before he knew,the reach of the devil was right there. An arrow shot to the back went through his chest also getting slashed,he stood still on a pile of bodies halfway dead. He slowly walks towards the enemy force one step at a time and stood in front of them more dead than alive. Back then,they were fellows but Yoritomo made a ruthless decision on his brotherーhe growled “Kill him!”
Thousands of arrows shot at Yoshitsune and as rain of arrows showering him,the live starts. A dynamic sound indicated start of “ARROW. “
Gackt sings “ARROW” sonorously expressing Yoshitsune’s feelings. What a dramatic opening. His strong voice sounds like Yoshitsune’s heart crying out.
Next song “花も散ゆ” starts aggressive and gorgeous with increasing dynamism.
Fluttering flower petals on the back screen,Gackt inflamed the audience more strongly.
Graceful music reverberated. Japanese taste medium tempo rock number “RETURNER～闇の終焉～“,a magnificent number that moves your heart as the song carries. At the chorus part,excitement burst out by the roaring sound.Gackt blazed out from head to foot. He keeps up the aggressive mode inflaming us to burn even more.
Then with the sound of the pouring rain,Gackt singd “暁月夜-DAY BREAKER-” a cappella like speaking his feelings for his fellows. The music gradually grows intense. More importantly,this song sounds like a requiem for his fellows. What a moving song.
Act 2 takes place in nine years before the battle. Minamoto no Yoritomo is successfully dominating the country. Tonight,as always,he’s having a feast enjoying “sake” in ecstasy over the victory. Then a man comes in the scene;his younger brother Minamoto no Yoshitsune. The two who’s been splitting despite that they’re brothers finally stands face-to-face.
The next morning,Yoshitsune states “From now on,I’ll dedicate my life to you,my brother.” Yoritomo sensed thousands of demons and say,”You’re possessed by demons.” Yoshitsune answers “They are my fellows.” Little did they know that this was a signal of the start of the tragedy go underway nine years later.
The next morning,Yoshitsune states “From now on,I’ll dedicate my life to you,my brother.” Yoritomo sensed thousands of demons and say,”You’re possessed by demons.” Yoshitsune answers “They are my fellows.” Little did they know that this was a signal of the start of the tragedy go underway nine years later.
Band members appears on stage performing “泡沫の夢” playing the “shamisen” fiercely with tons of fire blowing up in the back. The melody woke up the demons deep down from the dark side. While the flame blaze out one after another,Gackt shows up with a sword in his hand having army of demons in tow and burst into singing “斬～ZAN～” The performance looks like a ritual.
At the sound of a huge explosion,starts performing “傀儡が如く”
Gackt turning into a marionette,sings and dance like partying at hell with his fellows(demons).
The mood changes. Singing in sorrow,like recalling the golden days Gackt performes “揺藍歌-LULLING-” wrapped in a white world.
Was this song also his sorrow for his fellows…!?
Yoshitsune and Taira no Noritsune appears on screen. Noritsune,almost taking his last breath,Yoshitsune encourages him saying “Live,” and they gently kiss.
The scene shifts all of a sudden. Gackt,watching the previous scenes on the PC at the backstage,is on screen.
It’s time to play games with members of 神威♂楽園「イケメン研究部」
Scenes of playing all kinds of match-up games at each live concert show on screen. This day,under the theme “対マン勝負( One-on-one battle),” 神威楽斗 and 安田大サーカス‘s HIRO fight sumo. Just to let you know that 神威楽斗 pulled off the victory.
With an air of openness,keeping his all-out attack mode,he creates a scene that sways the body throughout the venue.
Gackt strums the guitar then hear audience scream “Gackt!” from all over the venue and Gackt responds “I can’t hear.” This interaction is a familiar scene in his live. After doing that for a while they perform “MIRROR,” a wild rock number with a psychedelic taste. Gackt transforms the venue into a huge party. At the end,Gackt and the audience interacts yelling “YEAH! YEAH!” so many times, another familiar scene, and heats up all together as he swallows all the fans into the heave of the majestic music.
The second half of act 3 started with “U＋K” where Gackt wearing cat ears and exposing cute faces and gesture. Audience sings along “月の魔法はシャラララ 甘い魔法で囁くから,” then two kid dancers and two cats(animal suit) appeares on stage. Gackt runs around the big stage from side to side creating a bright moment with the pop and charming party song. At the end of the song Gackt cries like a cat “Meow meow” so adorably. 42 years old and has idol ability.
In reversal,a “太鼓の達人” kind of game projectes on the big screen.
Gackt and dancers holding the “bachi(drum stick)” in each hands,beats the taikos(drums) that falls down one after another,without looking the screen at all,to the song “舞哈BABY!! -WooHa-(ウーハーベイビー)” The matsuri taste number is so strong and the staging of a masculine image is perfect for Gackt’s live.
At “恋のFRIDAY!!!”,a song portraying a sparkling enthusiasm,Gackt and the audience calls out “濃い 恋 来い“”良い 酔い 宵“”如意 女医 尿意“”パイ π 敗” back and forth,creating an exciting moment together the whole time. As he shouts “I wish we can all be a family,” we definately bonded as a family.
The stage utterly changes and Gackt shot into the white limelight sings “キミだけのボクでいるから” a cappella in the sound of the bustle. The performance transforms into a large scale expression beautifully. Gackt sings through his emotions. This song is going to be released and be the opening theme for animation “TRICKSTER –江戸川乱歩「少年探偵団」より-” which starts from October and Gackt joins as voice actor playing 怪人二十面相(The Fiend with Twenty Faces). It is exciting that a song,expressing Gackt’s emotional swings,will spread over a wide range of people.With the heartrending piano sound,Gackt sings ballad “P.S.I LOVE U”,like reading the letter showed on the screen,as if confessing his love to the one with the beautiful melody. Are those words for the fellows who lost their lives in the battle!? On the back screen bands of lights gathered and disappeared into the sky.
Screening all previous “VISUALIVE” reflecting the past,Gackt murmurs “Why do you make the same mistakes” and act 4 opens.Vision of fellows dying one after another engraves in Yoshitsunne’s(Gackt) eyes. Feeling sorrow and anger,Yoshitsune won’t stop. But an arrow shot in his back pierces through the chest. Gackt falls on is knee and collapse on the ground. And…
A tender white moon reflects on the water surface:it is the moon reflected on Yoshitsune’s sake cup. As he gulped down the sake,his fellows come to him and exchanged cups of sake smiling. They said “Even though we were born on different days,born in different places;we hope to die on the same day,” and convey their gratitude for the fate of meeting Yoshitsune. Feeling their love,he fell asleep in relief.
He awakes in a snowing battlefield littered with dead bodies. Yoshitsune shot by thousands of arrows, was feeling he’s on the verge of dying.
As he quietly says “It hurts”, he closed his eyes and head up to the sky where his fellows are waiting.
On stage,there’s Gackt lying down on the chair out of breath with lots of arrows shot in his body. Snow keeps falling on his body,he gathers his strength and sings “雪月花-The end of silence-” Is that voice for his fellows departed far away!? Performers in white shrouds gather around Gackt(Yoshitsune). Surrounded by his fellows,he sings ” 雪月花-The end of silence-” with a gentle smile. By the time he finished he took his last breath quietly…A strikingly shining band of light showed on the big screen and thousands of lights gather on it and flew up to the sky as a big light.
A huge red moon was shining bright from the stage. Is that moon the safe refuge for Gackt and the fellows he met through “VISUALIVE”!?
Gackt has been asking repeatedly through “VISUALIVE” series,”Why do we keep fighting??” “Why do we repeat the same mistake.”Gack constantly created stages that set in a battle at the risk of one’s life.
What is that for?? For pride?? From bloody urge?? For the family,loved ones and friends?? Because it was ordered to do?? Because of an overwhelming mission??
To risk your life to protect the important one?? Who is the one to protect??
I want you to feel it with your own eyes,ears,body and heart.
This whole story might be more developed by the time the WORLD TOUR starts in 2007. I invite all of you to experience this never before live show.
Text by ：Tomonori Nagasawa
Translated by：Seiko Sugimoto
GACKT WORLD TOUR 2016 LAST VISUALIVE 最期ノ月-LAST MOON-
2016.7.3＠さいたまスーパーアリーナ(Saitama Super Arena)
M01.ARROW
M02.花も散ゆ
M03.RETURNER ～闇の終焉～
M04.RIDE OR DIE
M05.暁月夜 -DAY BREAKERS-
M06.泡沫の夢
M07.斬 ～ZAN～
M08.傀儡が如く
M09.揺籃歌 -LULLING-
SE.U+K UNPLUGGED
M10.ONE MORE KISS
M11.MIRROR
M12.U+K
M13.舞哈BABY!! -WooHa- (ウーハーベイビー)
M14.恋のFRIDAY!!!
M15.キミだけのボクでいるから
M16. P.S. I LOVE U
M17. 雪月花 -The end of silence-
SOURCE: V-KEI GUIDE
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