The DJ, The Vampire, The Beast.

Looking for a night of wholesome family fun?  A place where your family can experience the beauty of culture, big city entertainment attended by manicured urbanites dressed to the nines?  The you definitely went to the wrong venue because DJ Starscream, Marilyn Manson, and Rob Zombie rolled into New York City in a hell bent fury focused on one main goal to showcase the ultimate shock rock showcase yet to be seen through any unified collaboration on stage.  

Bryan Sacred of Roanoke, Virginia traveled over 460 miles (8 hours) to attend tonight’s show.  “I’m here to support all three acts.  I remember my first cassette tape when he first came out and I had never heard music like that before and I have been a fan of Zombie’s ever since.  Then a friend of mine turned me onto Manson and I became a fan immediately.”  His excitement to see Manson and Zombie together exceeded his expectations and he anticipated a Hell on Earth performance from all three music artists on this night.  “It’s gonna be good music.  Just good family entertainment.”  This said if you are a member of the Addams Family or The Munsters.  India Sacred added, “Well I’ve seen Rob Zombie before on his Halloween Hootenanny with Alice Cooper and this  will be my second time seeing him tonight.  I really want to see Marilyn Manson and that is my main reason for being here tonight.”

When you think of concert duos of legendary reputation and impact you may remember Elton John and Billy Joel’s Face 2 Face Tours, you may even remember The Three Tenors (Plácido Domingo and José Carreras and the Italian singer Luciano Pavarotti), The Lollapalooza Tours, or the recent “Big Four” tour with Metallica, Anthrax, Megadeath, and Slayer.  When you think of an axis of evil and terror you think of Saddam Hussein or Kim Jong Il, and then there is Manson and Zombie known on this tour as the Twins of Evil.  The two traded the raw music concert experience in for the most theatrical staging comprised of busted skulls, giant sized dancing demons, and massive monitors and lighting which showed off exhibit of creativity performed on stage.

Nicole and John Stelmach traveled from Long Island.  They were both equally interested to see Zombie and Manson and the staging and artistic performance from both.  “Their music genres are close in sound and taste.  As Halloween approaches the concert becomes more of a destination event to experience.  They both have this horror Sci-fi thing about them.  They were talking about this tour for a long time and they both are phenomenal performers and they are going to bring that on stage visually, in an auditory way and everything will match up right.”  This show will set the bar for live concerts this year and the dichotomy of the music fans carries the tour forward and sustains the longevity of the artists on this tour.  Bringing Zombie and Manson will create a crossover between fans and to do it near Halloween makes it even better.  “Watching a spectacle on top of experiencing sensational music live is all I could ever hope.”

This was a night of debauchery, of macabre melodies, of ritualistic damnation for those in need of a dirty, naughty, sadomasochistic experimentation into sexuality initiated by a 21st century spaceman whose head gear illuminated in green and red lights.  Bleeding images of dismembered bodies quenched the thirst of the frenzied concert goers.  Blood pumping in the veins of fans, intense anticipation ramped up as the lights went down, and the long starved music fans feasted on this over due meal of metal music.  DJ Starscream (A.K.A Ratboy of the Grammy Award winning group Slipknot) burst the levy walls of sound with a maelstrom drowning the Hammerstein Ballroom guests with intense industrial metal beats much the like of Skinny Puppy, a scrape of Nitzer Ebb, and a hint of Revolting Cocks (RevCo).  His participation on this tour came at the unforeseen illness of Jonathan Davis of Korn who was planning to travel on under his new solo music project of DJ tracks under his new stage name J Devil.  DJ Starscream jumped on the tour with out hesitation and shed light on his journey in music.

“I used to listen to Skinny Puppy a lot and other industrial stuff a lot.  My music has elements of Punk Rock, Revolting Cocks, and my family is from England so I also got much of my influence and music exposure to the Dj’ing music, pop, punk, and the music from over there.  Growing up a DJ my family would send me records from England that you couldn’t find in the record shops and I would get the music before anyone else.  I just grew up with music around me because it’s where my family comes from.  When you spend your childhood living between England and the States you get exposed to a lot of cool shit.”

DJ Starscream is a new solo act on the radar to Zombie and Manson whose exposure of DJ stems from his role with Slipknot.  “I don’t know Zombie really well and I don’t know Manson very well and I’m getting to talk to them a little more on this tour.  It was cool to asked to do the tour prior to actually knowing either one.  I mean we’ve done shows together before but it’s not like we are best friends, but no that I’m on this tour I get to come a little closer with both of them.  It’s huge for me to be on this tour.  It’s Manson, Zombie and me.  Three veterans in the business grinding our instruments together on one stage for one night.”  and the fan response has been great during the limited view DJ Starscream is even able to see them through his fogged up mask.  “I have the mask on and everything and it fogs up easily in there.  So, most of the time I can only see the equipment right in front of me, but, yeah, the response from the fans have been huge.” 

These crowds arriving by the droves to the 2012 Twins of Evil Tour, and they are arriving to be pounded, thrilled, and frightened by the on stage theatrics as well as the commonality and a cross obsession of monster meets sexual fantasy penetrating deeply into the bodies of these loyal and dedicated metal heads.  It’s a diverse spectrum of phantom faces, vampire smiles, and zombie stares and then there is DJ Starscream.  Zombie is an out of the box type thinker free of boundaries and formulating this show strategically combines a cross mix of music and music fans together in one theater.  Behind the curtain reality kicks in and past tours with such stature ended early due to egotistic revenge and misunderstandings leading to bad blood of the bands sharing the stage of that tour.  “Behind the scenes the relationships grow and turn into other things.  There are a lot of cool things happening on this tour.  It was shaky at first but now everyone is like hugging and everybody’s friendly and supportive.  The quality of production, too, from Manson and Zombie are amazing and they are both pulling out all the stops on this tour.”

DJ Starscream (A.K.A. Ratboy) took center stage without so much of a formal introduction from Eddie Truck or Comedian Jim Florentine.  The parade of skull masked men sandwiched DJ Starscream to his lit console.  His cockpit of turn tables surrounded by LED lighting and a 52” flat screen television displayed taunting images of horror movie scenes with a serial killers decapitating his victims and using the heads like a bowling ball.  The metal on metal sounds bled transitioned into a massive body thumping bass beat.  DJ Starscream bounced from left to right behind his killing booth swapping in and out pieces of vinyl wax records in a wondrous motion of old school DJ’ing.  “I’m bringing the whole DJ Starscream outfit with all the lights and electronics involved in it.  I’m Dj’ing a different kind of set then I am normally known to bring with Slipknot in which he is executing sound manipulation and not holding down the beat to the songs.  “I’m going solo on this tour and wearing all this stuff, so, I have to pay attention the entire time and also to see and focus on everything else and hold down the beat the entire time.  It’s a jump being able to run around loosely doing sound escapes with a mesh of sounds like I am doing full time, all the time.  Sometimes I can’t see the equipment and have to DJ blind which fortunately I’m good enough to do that.”

Fear and intimidation.  Two words that never crossed DJ Starscream on this tour.  His confidence supersedes his fears and doubts whether he is performing at a venue of  3,000 people or a stadium of 20,000 people.  He feeds off the energy omitted by the fans.  “The majority of these venues are full by the time I go on.  So, to me, that shit tells me people want to get there early enough to see me go on knowing they will have to wait between a hour and a half or up to almost two hours to catch Manson and Zombie.  They are actually filling up the stadium to see what I am doing, too.  To me that’s hug, you know?”

DJ Starscream displays massive motion through his visual presentation utilizing his chop chop blender of a DJ console.  His professional ability to unify nineties industrial with nu-metal and electronic music welds his reputation as a DJ high above the bolted construction he mixes his vinyl from.  The set ended as deafening as it began with shrieking screams of metal on metal, heart thumping thuds, and scratches.  He took his final bow off to the side of his console.  An extended remote tangled off to the side in his metal grips.  The roar of approval from the crowd was evidence enough.  DJ Starscream brought his game with him to Hammerstein Ballroom.

A second wave of hysteria ignited the room with red lights highlighting shadowed silhouettes roving across the stage with instruments strapped to their backs and sides.  The black shroud in front of the stage fell to the floor revealing a phantasmic scene of music artists dressed in their gory best.  Thunderous bass hits and guitar rips cackled the room calling for the master of ceremonies to join them on stage.  From the shadows a dark shadow approached breaking through the cloud bursts of the fog machines.  The action appeared nothing short of a good old fashioned cemetery scene from The Omen.  Step by step the man who has been compared to the likes of such animated characters as Jack the Pumpkin King from Walt Disney’s “A Nightmare Before Christmas” crept through the darkened catacomb from center stage finally making his way to the front of the stage with his face hidden behind a terrorizing mask.

Recent health concerns have put Manson into a tough spot according to news across fan blogs, news feeds and public forums, but is not slowing down.  The tenacious momentum is on over drive on this tour and Manson’s recent bought with Scoliosis proves evident with his recent weight gain.  His biggest gain isn’t in his belt size.  His fans drown him with a gales of roof raising applause screaming his name out as he takes to the stage each night.  Manson has a fire in his heart unlike any artist on the circuit.  He has proven himself as today’s greatest shock rocker and will go down in history as the man who conquered a world of religious men of ego.  He delivery may not be the most appropriate but his message is clear and defined.  

Manson muscles through each song delivering a night full of trick and treats and achieving more respect and greater success as an artist from new fans and veteran fans alike.  He shows no signs of fatigue or apathy in his physical condition, and he is in no way shape or form slowing down.  He made that ultra clear with his opening song “Hey Cruel World” followed by “Disposable Teens” and The Love Song.”  Manson’s playlist celebrates a long career created by striking poignant messages to bring awareness to taboo subjects society still turns a blind eye to.  Something Manson has projected in his costumes and body art.  Yet, behind the make-up, under the Papal Camauro, behind the blackened goggles is today’s greatest theatrical thespian who has faced his biggest challenges and diversity in order to express his messages through his freedom to speech.  “Mobscene,” “Dope Show,” “Rock Is Dead,” and his two classic covers of “Sweet Dreams,” by the Eurythmics and “Personal Jesus” by “Depeche Mode” rounded the song selection.

Manson has battled his inner demons and still faces personal challenges that he will have to face and overcome.  He continues to march forward stronger than ever much to the dismay of those who fear his presence and who wish to shut him down.  Yet those who have challenged him vanish as quick as they appear.  Today, Manson still stands as a memorial reminder that old world thinking needs a shift of consciousness. His dark fantasies may be not be kosher to the norm but the fans reaching out from in front of the stage love him world wide.  The falsified accusations circulating among the anointed scripture readers will eventually become ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Greatness comes in threes.  Lights, Cameras, ACTION!  Another drop screen entrance and a new scene choreographed by the director of terror himself.  Rob Zombie.  His wing men Piggy D (Formally of Dope and Murderdolls) on bass, former Manson guitarist John 5, and Ginger Fish (Manson and  Murderdolls) on drums raised the volume and the heat in the creepy eerie fog under a velvety blanket of deep blue lighting.  Through the fog the Zombie slipped into view from the shadows of backstage.  The thick fog lifted by the thrashing waves of Rob Zombie’s massive grappling “Jesus Frankenstein” arms tricked out with even more monster sized hands and claws.

The music set off like a discharged grenade of music with the greatest hits Zombie ever produced including “Superbeast,” “Meet the Creeper,” and “Living Dead Girl.”  There was even a special appearance on stage by the world’s favorite resident from Hell.  Satan himself who was foiled and beaten back to his berth below by an insanely outrageous John 5 guitar solo.  This battle of wits between John 5 and Satan out shined that of Ralph Maccio vs’ Steve Vai in the movie “Crossroads.”  John 5 is a truly gifted guitarist and his guitar abilities add to the tremendous overflow of talent that Zombie brings out of his on stage band. 

The White Zombie classics, “More Human Than Human” and “Thunder Kiss” mapped out a retrospective timeline for Zombie fans and the songs continued to pour out from the throttled energy displayed on stage.  Zombie, revs up energy trading licks and places with his wingmen.  Jumping and racing across the stage from the forward platforms to skeletal rib caged stairways in what appeared to mimic a metal speed game of musical chairs.  Rob Zombie’s talent has transformed from a lead singer of a self titled band into a megastar from his smash hit albums, endless credits as an award winning musician, producer, and now film direction.  His past films have become cult hits including House of 1,000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects.  His first love maybe arguable to fans and his motivation may just be the little blonde bombshell Rob Zombie calls his killer half.  Sheri Moon is Zombie’s living dead girl with an amazing talent for acting.  This beautiful vixen will love you and slice you with her killer smile at the same time while holding you still beating heart on a rusty fork.  This present day Medusa will lock you in with her stare for a lifetime of cinematic horror so frightening and thrilling you can’t help but watch and yearn for her lustful cinematic presence.  It’s a raw talent and something among many characteristics this Munster-like power couple share between each other.

Zombie’s obsession with the 1950’s horror classics and cult films created his vision in which he expanded on in massive capacity musically.  Zombie is an ever evolving artist who knows no boundaries.  He isn’t afraid to take a risk and his successes are monumental to any artistic community in the truest sense of the word.  As he continues on the 2012 Twins of Evil Tour he develops new avenues for his epic resume of music and films including his upcoming film starring Sheri Moon “Lords of Salem” which Zombie promotes with a movie trailer on stage to the audience.  Zombie is a current day Hitchcock with a flare for creating the most vivid infectious metal music illuminated by fun house like staging and performances.  

This hearse of a locomotive is traveling at full speed to a city near you before it jumps the tracks and heads over seas.  Meet the creeper with your pussy liquor because mars needs women while school’s out and this is your chance to be face to face with both superbeast and dragula.  It is rare you can get a such a glimpse into a show of this magnitude.  It is even more rare when it includes three super acts all for one admission price.  There is plenty of swag to collect and a the memories that will haunt you forever.  Sweet dreams, school’s out, and be take witness to that which is about to rock the world.

B'z Sting The Big Apple

The flashing message of the marquis atop the Best Buy Theater read “Coming to New York City.  B’z live.”  Times Square.  The most wondrous place on Earth.  Electric lights, street meat, scammers, clashers, and tourists.  It’s where the rich gather for Broadway and where a man can lose his shirt in a street game of three card monty.  Hardly a place where a prestigious band like B’z would ever perform.  Street performers, a Naked Cowboy, and live television tapings all add to the daily chaos of New York City.  Nestled under MTV Networks the Best Buy Theater hosts some of the biggest names in music including Rusted Root, Queensryche, and even Richie Sambora, but the animation morphing on the colored screen clearly broadcasted, “B’z LIVE.”  This monumental concert woudl be B’z first concert ever in New York City.  An average New Yorker’s exposure to Japanese culture and music are non-existent.  With the exception of a few dedicated Japanophiles and loyal Japanese fans the only education American’s understand about Japanese music and culture are a few good scenes from the Godzilla movies, the lyrics to  “Mr. Roboto” by Styx and “Turning Japanese” by The Vapors.  Ok, toss in the cute (Kawaii in Japanese) duo of Puffy Amiyumi from Cartoon Network.

“I learned about the show in a Japanese news paper.  I have been following B’z ever since junior high school and high school.  I am so excited and I want to see them play Madison Square Garden.  I came to New York City last Saturday just for this show.  There are people in this line from Boston, Tokyo, California, and Washington D.C. just to see the show.  It’s a big moment for B’z and for Japanese music.  Some of them have been sleeping on line for two days now.” Machiko of Tokyo, Japan explains while sitting on the sidewalk on Broadway along with a few hundred B’z fans

Inaba-san is known to the world as Koshi Inaba - Lead singer of the Japanese music group B’z.  Born September 23, 1964 in Okayama, Japan a very young Koshi stood in his room flaring his arms pretending to play concerts in front of audiences he imagined cheering for him with his air guitar in hand, which in fact was a dilapidated acoustic guitar in which Koshi’s brother knocked out of commission with a single punch possibly over the fact that Koshi was borrowing his brother’s western world music his brother kept away on vinyl records.  Across the table in an interview Koshi laughs about his early memories of his rockstar fascination.  “Maybe that was something.  In my brain there was an audience in front of me.  I would strum the most intense guitar solos to the songs I listened on my broken acoustic guitar.  I couldn't play it but I would hold it in my arms and play it like a guitarist on stage in front of a huge audience.”

Koshi’s brother initiated Koshi’s interest in music.  Ufo, Rainbow, and Iron Maiden played through out the Inaba home exposing Koshi his first recollection of Western World music and giving Koshi his first taste of Rock ‘n’ Roll.  The music struck the loudest cord in him beginning a long road to discovery and realizations of who he was deep down inside.  “I always listened to Japanese pop and folk music.  I never had a big dream about being a musician.  There was no clear vision and I was just having fun every day.  I remember my first taste of European music especially from England at an early age when my brother would play groups such as Deep Purple and The Beatles.  My brother wouldn't let me listen to his stuff because the records were his so, when he was out I would steal his music and listen to them before he would come home because music was fun and I was a fan.  That is my secret.”

Koshi continued to speak about his memory of growing up with his new musical appreciation for Western World music.  It’s difficult to believe that the childhood fantasy wasn’t significant given Koshi’s current status in the music world as a rock icon.  “I never thought back then I would be a rock star.  I would just listen to the music.  I never took lessons and I was never more than a music guy growing up a fan of the bands I listened to.  I still remember blasting my music in my room and acting like a drummer or a guitar player just by myself.”  Across the table in this interview he remained calm softly translating his thoughts from Japanese into English dialog. 

While the young Koshi Inaba imagined rocking his guitar to screaming fans from his imaginary stage the Inaba family was creating their own history with their family owned business.  The Inaba family cosmetic store.  It still stands today and provides cosmetics to the Okayama town the same as it has been doing so for over twenty years.  The store’s visitors pack in each day to buy cosmetics and to see a piece of their home town rock star hero.  Koshi’s mother has collected and shared in her son’s glory as a rock star by showcasing his belongings and personal concert pieces in glass cases inside the store converting the cosmetic filled store into a museum-like shrine to her son.  Mrs. Inaba still takes the time to pose for photos with the B’z fans who trek far and wide to visit.  She also takes time to share stories and to listen to the fan’s stories about her sons musical journey.  Perhaps this is her longing to have her son home more often and she is able to suffice that yearning through the fans who visit and tell their stories.  In one case she invited a young American fan to join her for a bite at Kasyou Kuraya, Koshi’s brother’s sweet shop, where sweet red beans and mochi are the house favorites.  B’z fans post pictures and stories to their blogs regularly and the testimony of these fans speak loudly to the connection B’z fans share with their favorite band.

Koshi’s brother initiated Kohi’s interest in music when he played the western world music of such bands as Ufo, Rainbow, and Iron Butterfly at home.  “I always listened to Japanese pop and folk music.  I never had a big dream of being a rock star.  There was no clear vision and I was just having fun every day.  I remember my first taste of European music especially from England at an early age when my brother would play groups such as Deep Purple and The Beatles.  My brother wouldn't let me listen to his stuff because the records were his so, when he was out I would steal his music and listen to them before he would come home because music was fun and I was a fan.  That is my secret.”  The rockstar fantasy would resurface again in high school when Koshi’s good high school friend wished to start his own band.  

An upcoming school festival would give Koshi his first real taste of being in a band along side his friend who Koshi refers to as a young Eddie Van Halen.  Koshi fused his passion and excitement to share the stage with his talented friend.  “Actually my friend didn't care about the how good the other members were and he just wanted to show off his own skills.  So, he asked me to sing and it sounded like it would be fun.  I jumped in energized and ready to sing.  Our performances were pretty good and I would be on stage with him humming into the mic while he played his guitar.  This was my first band experience.”  Hidden treasures remain hidden until the person who is seeking it discovers it for himself.  Koshi’s discovered something in himself when he first joined his high school friend’s band.  He had enough talent and courage to face an audience who may or may not like him.  Fear of failure can prevent a person from trying, so can the fear of succeeding.  “My next move in music was singing for my friends around Tokyo who would meet up and play music together each week.  We did maybe two or three shows and that was it.  It was all just for fun for me a this point.  Before I knew it graduated and went off to Yokahama for college to become a mathematics teacher, or so I thought I would be and so did my family.  That was it for my high school band”

College would challenge Koshi to make difficult decisions that would steer him away from a focused direction as an education major to an unpredictable high risk path at a vocal performance school.  Music called again to Koshi and he answered back affirming desire to follow his musical calling.  What came to fruition would be his first professional advancement into rock star history.  “There was an advertisement I saw for vocal schools.  I went to one and registered and took my first vocal lesson.  The company was connected to a management company which would sometimes hire me for background and harmony vocal jobs two or three times a year.  So I would sing for bands and collect my background performances to keep as a demo just in case.”  This was no easy task for Koshi to hide from his family who thought he was focused and gearing up for a long secure future as a teacher.  “After my friends and I graduated my friends found jobs, started new lives, but I didn't have any jobs and I didn't know where to find a job for public teaching.  That made my family nervous for me.  One year later I received a letter from my mother that I should come back to my home.  At that time I had no singing jobs coming up but I didn't want to give up.”

Koshi chose to work through his doubts and with his extended network of contacts aligned himself with important music business figures who provided a blueprint for Koshi to execute so that a career in music was possible.  He took on part time jobs as a tutor and held on tightly to the little hope he had left of being a back ground singer.  Opportunities to join temporary bands came and went showcasing Koshi’s vocal talent.  A long due phone call from the vocal school Koshi was enrolled in regarding auditions for an established artist who heard Koshi’s demo and wanted to meet him in the artist’s studio.  “Tak Matsumoto was already a famous Japanese musician playing with very famous music groups and artists such as Mari Hamada.  Of course I knew his name and I learned that Tak wanted to make his own band.  In short, he was looking for a singer and he just happened to listen to my demo.  Maybe, he was a little interested in me and he wanted to see me.  Then we saw each other for the first time.  I had no idea what to think.  He already knew so much about the professional world and he had a really clear to create his own band world famous with in three albums.  I couldn’t even imagine being popular in Japan let alone the world, but it was going to be fun to be a part of the creation.  Maybe he wanted to meet me because he wanted to make sure I could really sing.  We got into the small studio and played some Beatles songs and after two songs the amplifier broke and we stopped jamming.  He decided at that point he would start recording with me.  It didn’t hit me yet what was happening and we immediately began recording the first B’z album.”

Japanese music magazines pinned Tak Matsumoto as one of Japan’s best guitarists of all time.  Tak was not very vocal about Koshi being selected.  There was no new headline, no website update, and no formal announcement to the public.  “I was just told by Tak Matsumoto to come to the studio and I said ok.  There was no dramatic scene.”  Word spread quickly among Tak Matsumoto fans that a new frontman was found for Tak’s new group B’z.  The Inaba family couldn’t believe it either and the idea of Koshi becoming a singer for a new rock band was beyond their comprehension.  “My Mom was skeptical and so were my family until the first album came out.  The first CD came out with my picture on it.  My family knew this was serious and that I was happy.  I had no time to think.  Once the recording started I became fixated to produce the best music I could think of.  I had no experience writing lyrics so that was very hard for me.  I kept trying to write a new song about this, write a new song about that and the management company asked me to rewrite then songs.  That was my first time as a singer singing and writer.  Everything was really huge to me.“  Koshi continued writing and singing for groups.  “I felt really good when I heard my voice being played back after the recordings.  I had no idea if the songs would be a big hit or not.  Tak had been on many tours and his vision was very insightful.  I was just a fresh singer at the time singing for the first time on a larger than life level.  I had no idea of the band’s future so I was very hopeful that my part would add to the band’s longevity and success.”

Concert dates quickly scheduled and the venues rapidly increased from small 50 person venues to over 5000 people venues though out Japan.  There was no real moment when Koshi had a major realization and his fame grew steadily over time.  Koshi’s work ethics are diligent, motivational and truly bold.  He still works now as he did back in 1988, to write his best songs to perform live and when he isn’t on the road he is working on solo projects as well as catching up with friends and family at his home town.  At an age where an average person is counting the days to wind down and retire from the workforce, Koshi and Tak continue to build up steam and power through their concerts.  Just one week after his birthday Koshi will yell out for the first time ever, “Good evening New York City!”

B’z recently embarked on a U.S. tour that would bring them from California to their first ever show in New York City.  In route on possibly his biggest and his most historical concert date yet Koshi celebrated his 48th birthday doing what he has done best for the last 25 years of his music career.  Having fun.  “Coming to the states is totally different.  This tour is totally a new experience for me.  The New York City show is sold out and I saw the line outside.  B’z fans in New York City?  I am moved and I’m excited to play.  I can see fans sitting on the sidewalk and heard they have been online in the rain for two days.  It’s hard for me to understand my impact sometimes and I’m very thankful of all of my fans world wide.  For the people I don’t know I try to sing to them because it motivates me as a singer to show the world who B’z.  I’m in New York City for my first New York City concert.  I’m just really excited and I’m having fun.”  Koshi and Tak have succeeded further than any other rock music group to come out of Japan on this level.  Both Tak and Koshi hold great power in their music both together as B’z or on their own solo projects.  Their impact on the music world is evident.  Take and Koshi left their prints on the Hollywood Rockwalk of Fame. Tak Matsumoto and legendary award wining guitarist Larry Carlton collaborated and released a Grammy award winning CD in s2011 which won Best Pop Instrumental.  They have worked and befriended rock legends Slash (Guns n’ Roses), Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and other major icons in the music world.

Back on Broadway, another B’z fan sat with his friends on a blanket complete with food and a friendly game of cards.  “I came from San Francisco, California to see B’z play New York City with my friends on.  I heard about the B’z concert back in June back in San Francisco and I decided I had to attend.  I bought my tickets and here I am.  B’z live from New York.  This is not only their first concert here but it is a greta moment I will cherish forever as a fan of B’z.  I imagine this is also huge for fans back in Japan to see their music artists recognized here in the U.S.  The band just recorded five of their number hits in English and I’m excited to hear that.”

Rock stardom comes with a heavy sacrifice in privacy and being highly sought after by fans.  As a public figure you take on many responsibilities and represent may voices who admire and look up to you for leadership whether you are writing songs, playing guitar, playing sports or leading a nation.  Koshi leads by example and is highly respected by those around him.  He keeps his private life out of public knowledge outside of a few trustworthy people and the public fully respects that.  His story is colorful and filled with overcoming the odds all the while facing his challenges head on with great success.  The Koshi Inaba story is not sensationalized and it did not start with with famous connections.  His story is simple in which the good guy doesn’t finish last.  He continues to rise above.  It’s about a modest man, who never planned on being a rock star and who would turn the world upside down with the passion he shares for the music he willingly shares.

46 consecutive No. 1 singles, 24 No.1 albums and more than 80 million records sold in Japan alone.  Their 2012 B’z Live - Gym Tour marks 25 years since the band’s creation with a very over due appearance in New York City.  This historical performance unifies two cultures once separated in war, now unified in music, gaming, comics, fashion and animation cartoons.  The performances and staging theatrics were scaled down compared to the Japanese venues this group plays, but the energy was larger than ever.  The drive of each US performance would break barriers and set new records in comparison to impact and affect.  New York City’s show raised B’z to an all new level of stardom and Koshi Inaba and Tak Matsumoto led that well earned climb to the top with raw vocal power and a fury of guitar assaults. 

Iuta Kuboyuma from Tokyo, Japan followed B’z is one fan not missing out on a single show.  He has traveled to Washington, DC show and California prior to arriving in New York City.  “The new music and the old music was great.  I was more amazed how Koshi Inaba-san clearly sung in both Japanese and in English.  It was all part of the great show.  I went to their show in LA and San Fran show as well as one in Japan.  It was a bigger crowd in Japan and with a longer set list and I really liked the smaller venues here because you get an up close experience with the band.  You get to the front and the band is right there.”

Sarah came from the Ohio area and also followed B’z from Washington D.C. to New York City.  “I like Japanese things and I AM a Japanophile.  My Japanese friends online exposed me to the actual music and not just the so-so stuff like Puffy Amiyumi.  B’z are a mix between sounds which is why I like them because.  They have a Japanese sound and I can hear that.  They also have a lot of elements tied to western world music and i think that’s what makes defines them as unique.  I have only seen them once before in San Francisco, and I expect to see high energy in their performance tonight.  The show should have a pretty good rush, and ’m excited to hear Koshi sing in English.

Koshi’s time was winding down with sound check coming up a few blocks away from his hotel.  The limo just arrived outside the hotel entrance a few blocks away from the hundreds of fans who loyally waited to enter the theater.  They remained sitting, singing, dancing, and comparing each other’s B’z swag.  Koshi Inaba-san is a living breathing testimony as to when you have a destiny to fulfill no matter how unclear or undefined it may be at first that destiny always has a way of striking a cord in you just enough to keep you on path.  Koshi’s achievements have surpassed his known aspirations and his reality is an example which exemplifies a firm determination to achieve and succeed in one of the toughest career paths.

Before Koshi left a thought and question was posed to him.  It went something like this.  We all have an inner child and if we could tell that inner child anything to change its course of history you have to wonder what you would say to him or her.  Koshi pondered the question of his inner child and what he would say if he could give advise knowing the journey he has been on from the days of air guitar to the first ever performance ialmost half a world away from home in New York City as a rock icon.  “If you have the tiniest of hope to do what you want you should do that.  That’s the best way to find your life.  If I could connect with my inner child he would probably tell me that I did pretty good at being a music artist.”

Best Buy Theater.  8:15PM.  Crowd chanting, “B’z, B’z, B’z.”  Anticipation and excitement electrifying the air.  The photography pit runs around like an unstable atom positioning their cameras and bodies to catch the first images of Tak Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba walking onto their first New York City stage, ever.  An American classic fills the room.  (song title here).  The lights go down and the roar of the crowd shakes the ground followed by a frenzy of hands reaching out into the black void.  Blast of red lights.  A cue from the stage and out pours the band members of B’z.  Drums: Shane Gaalaas - Bass: Barry Sparks - Rhythm Guitar: Ohta Shinichirou - Keyboards: Masuda Takanobu.  The band members take their place.  Girls are crying in an image that reflects back to the night the Beatles took stage on the Ed Sullivan Show.  Red spot blasts the corner of stage left.  From the void comes Tak Matsumoto.  Tense, confident, and ready to Rock ‘n’ Roll with his fist raised high.  A split second of silence and then an explosive entrance for Koshi Inaba as the band breaks into the first song of their 17 track set.  Love Bomb.

The set showcased the best of songs B’z recorded over their 25 year career and included five songs recently rerecorded in English.  Splash, Ultra Soul, Juice, and Into Free.  Each song triggered the B’z fans to toss their hands and arms up in what appeared to be a choreographed dance.  Fans screamed out to Koshi and Tak in between song breaks adding a sense of humanity to the evening.  Koshi responded back with smiles and answers to the fans.

Koshi has no signs of slowing down and Tak has no signs of giving up.  Their energy on stage fed the energy of the audience and you could feel just how huge this nights was for everyone who attended and were involved in making tonight possible.  The management team to the stage crew.  The fans to the reporters.  Each person was meant to be there and each person made this night one of the most important nights for music.

Outside the New York City venue music fans were still up and strong about Neil Young and Jay-z playing the day before but music had more impact and meaning at Best Buy Theater.  The music and culture of Japan made its biggest connection this night as two men represented, persevered, and brought everything they had to New York City in an unprecedented performance in which carried a much more historical impact levels above what any American music artist is doing today in America.

The performance began to wind down.  Fans were not ready to leave.  The set list showered the evening with flavorful songs such as “Easy Come, Easy Go!, Mou Ichido Kiss Shitakatta, Mienai Chikara, and Shodo.”  The set was solid, the music selection was perfect and the cherry on top served the fans well.  This meal of music was not over and after the band left the stage an encore persued.  Just as the night began.  Best Buy Theater.  10:30PM.  Crowd chanting, “B’z, B’z, B’z.”  Anticipation and excitement electrifying the air again.  The band returned and treated the B’z fans to two more songs before putting a exclamation point on the end.  “Home” and the final song “Blowin’” each had significant meaning to the night.  B’z were a long way from home and yet the reception in New York City wasn’t anything less than home coming.  They came to New York City dancing on the same feet they traveled on for the last 25 years.  All the challenges, all the tests, and all the successes brought them to their first New York City show which created the final link that now bridges culture and music together between Japan and the US.

This is living testimony to how two cultures that once clashed can find love, peace, light and unity through the rubble that once separated them.  Now that the door has been opened who walks through its opportunity is to be seen.  As one fan said, “B’z planted a seed for other Japanese groups to come to the US.  There are so many groups I would like to see come to the city.  This proves it is possible.  I want to thank B’z for taking the chance to come here because if they didn’t come to New York City this tour would not have been so meaningful.  I hope they come back and sell out the Garden just like they did tonight.  That would be awesome.” Said David of Hartsdale, NY who walked away in the New York City street with a concert t-shirt in one hand, a poster and CD in the other singing “Blowin’”  He disappeared into the crowd of tourists and the song faded into the drowning sounds of taxi horns, loud laughter, and the sound scape of New York City. 

B'z Swarming New York City!

Takahiro “Tak” Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba of B'z

Impending B’z attack in inevitable and New York City is ready!  B’z are swarming New York City at the end of this month and the buzz is harder than their sting.  New Yorker’s will be introduced to Japan’s most precious national treasure, B’z.  Takahiro “Tak” Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba will finally take stage at Best Buy Theater in Ties Square for their first appearance ever in the Big Apple in front of a SOLD OUT audience.  Since 1988 B’z has rocked the planet over and over again in the group’s 25 year history.  Known as the Bon Jovi of the East, B’z will unleash and showcase their legendary rock show to an expected sold out house on Sunday September 30, 2012.  

The group has seen success beyond any group around the world and remains one of the greatest bands ever with a record breaking and truly astonishing 46 No. 1 singles, 24 No. 1 albums and more the 80 million records sold in Japan alone.  Their achievements, longevity, sound, and success speak for themselves and have been unchallenged and celebrated by many of today’s icons in music including Steve Vai, who promoted the B’z to plant their mark on the Guitar Center’s Hollywood Rockwalk in 2007.  With such unbelievable accomplishment of achievement you have to wonder why it took over 20 years to land their first ever New York City appearance now.

“I don't know exactly why it took so long, but I'm looking forward to performing there.” says Tak.  Koshi explains further, “When we started performing in the US, most of our dates were on the West coast. We weren’t familiar enough with NY to have a show there.”  The Japanese culture exemplifies professionalism and humility.  Both Tak and Koshi have supported each other throughout their music career.  From their own individual solo projects to a historic Jazz CD collaboration between Tak and Larry Carlton of Steely Dan benefitting those affected by the recent earthquakes in Japan.  “I’ve just released my latest solo album “Strings Of My Soul” from 335 Records. My solo album is basically instrumental, more bluesy and mellower than B'z. I hope you enjoy the melodies which were written by a Japanese blues man.”  Explains Tak.  B’z has over come all challenges and beaten all odds to become one of the most recognized bands in music history.  Their ability to think different and to challenge themselves individually as artists on all genres of music continues to connect the band with an even larger appreciation and acceptance by fans world wide.

Just when you think history can’t repeat itself and when you think you have seen everything success has to offer fate tosses you a curve ball.  B’z are coming to New York City for their first appearance ever and taking the stage for the first time must be adding more adrenalin and anticipation into the bodies and minds of not only to the fans but to Tak and Koshi as well.  “We would like to just do the best show we can in every city so there is really no difference. I think American audiences respond more directly than Japanese.” said Tak.  “It’s pure pleasure for me to put on a show and have people come to see it. The audience is very close in the US so I can hear their voices and see their facial expressions. It makes me very excited.” Koshi declares.

Tak continues, “We’re going to the East coast for the first time, but it’s the 4th tour in the US for B'z. I always love to play in the US, and I felt we should release English songs for the American audiences. The show will be a mix of both Japanese and English songs. We’re looking forward to the US audience hearing our new English songs. You might sweat a lot at our show, but you’ll enjoy it!”  Koshi says in support of Tak.  The show is just around the corner and playing a major New York City concert at a major New York City venue is a childhood dream to rock stars across the universe.  This is a city where dreams are born and where music artists take their biggest bows.  After the final strike of the guitar and the last hit of the drum one can only imagine what a veteran music group such as B’z will take away in memory.  “I don't know if my approach to creating music is going to change, but we plan on having an amazing show in New York City. says Tak.  Koshi teases, “I guess I’ll find out once we play there!”

Get ready New York City.  B’z are coming and you are about to witness music a cultural fusion of two cultures once separated by war now united in music to display one unprecedented performance for one night in the greatest city in the world.  B’z LIVE in New York City.

One Night Country Girl Stands Off Broadway

Rachel Potter CD Release Party
@ Joe's PubNYC - 5/13/12

Rachel Potter appears to have it all and is gearing up to be on top of the world.  Living out her actin dreams on Broadway Rachel is now playing the role as Mistress in the 2012 Broadway production of Evita starring Rickey Martin.  Rachel has seen incredible success as an actress, but you can't take the country music out of the girl.  Tonight the house lights dimmed down at Joe's Pub and Rachel Potter illuminated the intimate room with unprecedented musical harmonies, unbelievable cross genre covers, and plenty of real moments connecting the audience with stories about her own personal life challenges that gave her strength to achieve her dreams, all of which helped her to make tonight possible.  Joe's Pub became the place to be on this Mother's Day evening and there were many mothers attending tonight including Rachel's mother and Country music icon, Reba McEntire.

Rachel premiered her six track cd "Living the Dream" tonight which will be followed up by a full release to the world on iTunes this May and none of this would even have come to fruition if social networking sites didn't exist.  Kickstarter is great site where any music, film, literary and all other artists waiting their break sign up and advertise their creative projects in  order to raise funds donated by generous strangers.  Thanks to the Kickstarter community who did donate to Rachel's CD, she now stands on center stage sharing this new album with you.  Album credit also goes to her co-writer, Justin York, a Christian Rock guitarist and music writer from the Nashville area who matches and supports Rachel's music talents perfectly.  Together the two music artists collaborated their efforts and brought Rachel's vision to life and, in turn, expanding her from the Broadway stage and into the spotlight center stage here at Joe's Pub.

Rachel Potter CD Release Party @ Joe's PubNYC - 5/13/12

This New Orleanian was only three years old when she started singing solos for her biggest fans to date, her former rocker parents.  Rachel's Country music CD is filled with angelic melodies, luscious harmonies and a collaboration with new talent including that of New York City Cosmo-Country group, The Vanity Belles.  One track titled "September Song" reflects on dark times when substance abuse nearly took Rachel's father away from the family and innocence appeared lost over the daily challenges of living around him while he regained control over his addiction.  "Never Mind You" and "Just A Show" blast a "new one" into the rear of an ex-boyfriend, who had inspired Rachel to write two stellar heart break songs, and a very stern warning has gone out to the new Mr. Right at tonight's CD release party, "If you are thinking of cheating on me I will write about what a D***** bag you are, too."  

Rachel Potter and Constantine Maroulis
 Rachel Potter CD Release Party@ Joe's PubNYC - 5/13/12

Rachel burst out onto the stage to a loud reception from fans, friends, and her fellow Evita cast members.  It was a heart felt moment for everyone including Rachel who had to take a moment to digest this new rush of reality.  Her band made up of incredibly talented musicians included guitarist and Jersey Boy cast member Miles Aubrey.  Like Rachel, Aubrey traded his show guitar and strapped on his new Reeves Gabrels Reverend Signature 6-String electric guitar.  The opening song for the night "Crazy Dreams" by Carrie Underwood set the night ablaze.  The thirteen song set list included all six tracks from Rachel's new CD and many countrified covers of such as ABBA's "Dancing Queen", Maria Carey's "Dream Lover" and an even more sensational duet cover of The Civil War's "Barton Hallow" along with 2004 American Idol runner up, Constantine Maroulis.  Just when you thought the well was about to run dry Rachel showered the night with the sweetest color note harmonies along with Carrie Welling and Jesse Rae Waltz of The Vanity Belles.  The trio performed two enchanting cover songs, "Landslide" by Stevie Nicks and Taylor Swift's "Safe & Sound"both of which they made their own.

Rachel Potter and The Vanity Belles
Rachel Potter CD Release Party@ Joe's PubNYC - 5/13/12

Every great show must come to an end and this night did come to the end a thunderous standing ovation of encore and Rachel obliged.  "Hold Onto Me" closed out the night and closes out Rachel's new CD.  Three simple words, "Hold Onto Me" take new  meaning for both the audience and Rachel Potter who will hold onto each other as well as the memory from this historical CD release celebration.  By the reception and electricity that remained after the show Rachel will be held onto by her fans everywhere her music reaches.  A sold out show, a proud mother in the audience watching her daughter perform her most important solo performance to date, and Reba McEntire sitting down inches from the stage all make tonight a very special night to remember.  What is next on Rachel's music journey remains hidden for now as she continues her role in Evita on Broadway.  What has surfaced is one amazing CD that will undoubtedly launch this new Country music starlet on a music career path filled with the greatest success,  legendary collaborations with music icons, and love and support from her fans that will beat the test of time.  Put Rachel on your watch list because this little firecracker is just starting to heat up. 

Safety Suit Foots The Bill!

Dave Garofalo @ Hammerstein Ballroom NYC 5/1/12

Sometimes an opening band outshines and connects harder with an audience than the headliner and here is such a case where the element of surprise left the audience breathless beckoning for more music.  Safety Suit is now supporting the Daughtry 2012 “Break The Spell” tour concerts.  Safety Suit is the all American rock band you need watch out for as the up and coming music group for 2012 and on.  Safety Suit formed in Tulsa, Oklahoma now and now records in Nashville, Tennessee where they recently relocated their home base to.  The band is rapidly growing more famous by the show and raising eyebrows, as well as the performance bar for concert experiences.  

Their story begins in 2004 when the boys first formed under the name “Crew” and went through a minor trial and error period testing its original core members; Doug Brown (Vocals/Guitar/Dancer), Tate Cunningham (Drums), and Jeremey Henshaw (Bass Guitar/Vocals) on fusing their vision into sound.  Later that year the band approached, positioned, presented, listened to, and ended their guitarist discovery inviting Dave Garofalo to join them to cement the sound, energy and life now known as Safety Suit.

  

Doug Brown @ Hammerstein Ballroom NYC 5/1/12

Producer, Greg Archilla produced the band’s first four song EP called “Stay” leading to the band’s first real taste of success as a group.  Safety Suit was shortly offered a major deal designed by the Universal Music Group.  The band was set free to ravage a nation in need of music with substance and they were well prepared to make that happen.  Archilla would once again jump on board to produce the 2007 release of “Life Left to Go” which was received with great satisfying acceptance and appreciation by the Billboard Top “Heatseekers” chart.  

Fast forward to Sunday April 29, 2012 where Dave Garofalo sits across from the tour bus parked in front of the Palace Theater. “We have been working at this moment for over eight years now and we are finally seeing the impact that our band is making in music.  We really didn’t know what to expect of what effect and impact our music would have until our songs were placed on television.  Now we’re here in Albany, New York sharing the stage with Daughtry and supporting his tour and celebrating our latest album release "These Times."  An album think tank collaborative with members from Espionage who just help to produce the block buster "Hey Soul Sister" with Train.  Garofalo took in the moment and thought back to the group’s first television placement.  “TV placement is an amazing opportunity for any artist or group and it is still a crucial element for music artists just starting out.  The connections we made with new fans just in those placements were huge.  I still can’t believe this is really happening sometimes and I sometimes think I will wake up late for work to sell one of these.” Garofalo says smiling and holding up his new white iPhone 4S.  Safety Suit has been heating up ever since those placements and there has been no sign of a cold spell during their last two performances.

Doug Brown @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

The sold out Palace Theater filled quickly and the attendees sat as the lights went out.  Safety Suit’s set was all that separated the Daughtry fans now from seeing Daughtry live.  Cunningham walked out first in the shadow of blue light drawing attention with a twirling drumstick.  Garofalo runs out directly on a mission to hit his stage mark at center when a spotlight freezes him instantly in place.  Hunched over his guitar Garofalo repeatedly plays a three note guitar drone like an all out alert to brace yourself for something big that’s coming.  The Daughtry fans sat heeding this guitar alert and with a brilliant flash from the stage the audience exhaled wide eyed and mouths open as Brown and Henshaw blasted out jumping out from the stage wings.  Safety Suit opened the set like a violent storm of sound ravaging the Palace Theater audience whose delayed reaction appeared like a mass collection seeing the coming of the rapture.  The fever of excitement was spread instantly and the uproar of the audience was drowned out by the intoxicating sound of Safety Suit whose magnetic attraction with the audience moved all from observers to fans.

Tate Cunningham @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

By the time Brown reached the mic he appeared possessed by the holy ghost of music.  His wide eye jaw dropping delivery penetrated the the soul and you can't but accept the thrust of his vocal power.   Brown has a natural approach to delivering the best performance on vocals which was equally supported by the band members.  It’s his God given talent that is infectious enough to make the unbeliever a believer.  Safety Suit is the support act headliners fear and want to have at the same time because they are that good.  The members of Safety Suit each add their love and passion for making music constructed as one light, one sound, one musical movement.  Their synergy wraps around every seat in the house creating intermediary reciprocity kindred between music fans alike.

  

The set continued onward and Safety Suit nailed every song perfectly.  The energy pouring out from their songs such as "Never Stop", "These Times", and "Get Around This" reflect the challenges and tribulation a band faces under the rule of a dismantled music industry, but all roads lead to a promise land and Safety Suit knows that first hand with their most monumental performance to date.  This time that moment was revealed at The Hammerstein Ballroom Tuesday night in New York City where Safety Suit was showcased.  Brown delivered a rendition of Jeff Buckely’s “Hallelujah” which sent chills of enlightenment to all who attended.  "I have no idea who this band is or where they came from, but WOW.  I'm...wow...what can I say.  I'm a loss for words." explains David M. from Somers, NY.  " I can’t remember when I ever liked a support band this much or even cared to know who they are, but I am left amazed at the set I just heard. " David came to the show with his wife to see Daughtry and walked away a new fan of Safety Suit.  "I'm really happy I came and I will follow Safety Suit to see when I can see them next."

Jeremy Henshaw @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

Another Sarah J of South Florida said, "Every moment of this show kept me in suspense waiting on the edge of my seat to see what would happen next." she describes in her experience of Safety Suit’s set.  "There was not one single dull moment while they were on stage and when the lead singer (Doug Brown) found me in the crowd he grabbed my camera and took it on stage.  I was screaming in excitement as he took picture after picture of his bad mates and then one with me." Sarah speaking of Doug Brown's wild side to give his fans the ultimate experience of being living part of the show.

In Albany Doug climbed on top of the seats with a helmet cam strapped to his head and at Hammerstein he took a ride ride upon the shoulders of Daughtry's tour manager who carried the young singer around the general admission floor.  Safety Suit sends is a living example that when you unleash your inner child light illuminates from within you.  The band’s love and passion to play is evident and they continue to impress the music world on all levels.  Safety Suit revitalizes the music performance experience with exhilarated enthusiasm and they are worth more than the price of their admission.

Dave Garofalo @ Palace Theater 4/29/12

They will continue to tour as a support to Daughtry's "Break the Spell Tour."  You may even choose to follow current music purchasing trends by visiting Tunes to download your own copy of Safety Suit’s "These Times" onto your PC and mobile devices just like Emma Y. of Long Island did before leaving the venue.  "The line was too long and I'm downloading the tracks right now on my iPhone.  I love that I can discover new music live and walk away with their songs downloaded before I even leave the show.  I never did that before tonight and I was so impressed with Safety Suit that I needed to hear their music again." Emma says rushing for her train at Penn Station.  "I'm not sure when I will have the same impressions of a band to be this motivated to buy music on the spot.  Safety Suit..Wow."

Wow is the word of the day when describing Safety Suit and the fans will have to wait for what comes next from this group on the rise and with continued support, guidance, and solid efforts by the Safety Suit team this bands future could send this band on a journey of incredible success and a rich history to measure up to.  If these two shows testify to what is up next for the young group then be prepared because the best is yet to come.