Vive le Roi - KAMIJO in the UK

Our ventures brought us to London last week, so that we would welcome 'The King' the UK shores. KAMIJO, who is best known for his works in Versailles Philharmonic Quintet, and with LAREINE came to Britain as part of his European tour. Armed with support musicians, Meku, MAOKI, MASASHI (who is his former bandmate from Versailles, and is currently bassist for Jupiter). This tour was in celebration of the vocalists 20th Anniversary in the music business and saw him perform songs from all four of his projects; LAREINE, New Sodmy, Versailles Philharmonic Quintet, and his solo work.

VIP ticket holders got the chance of early entry, which included having a chance to eye-up and purchase any merchandise, prior to regular ticket holders, as well as a meet and greet with KAMIJO himself, and a group photo. Photos were in groups of 25. There was a lot of nerves, consdering the first VIP photo of the tour (which included all 60 VIPs), however B7Klan had done well to take comments on board and altered their organisation to enable smaller group photos. Though the lighting could have altered, a little more care could have been taking to ensure everyone was clearly spread out, the photo was still much better than that from Moscow.

KAMIJO delivered a powerful setlist, featuring much loved favourites from three of these projects, though to some fan's dissapointment, the UK was left with out any sound from New Sodmy.

From Versailles, he played Aristocrat's Symphony, Ascendead Master, and Masquerade. It is well worth noting that support musicians Meku and MAOKI did an impressive job with learning the songs and filling in for the absense of TERU, HIZAKI and YUKI. These relatively new musicians showcased wonderful talent and are worth keeping an eye on.

From LAREINE, KAMIJO played no Fuyu Tokyo, Fiancailles, Hito no Aishita Hito Nara, and Bara wa Utsukushiku Chiru.

He did well to try and make London feel loved, with editing his lyrics to include London amongst the words of Moulin Rouge. Fans got the chance to become part of the infamous Death Parade as they were taught to march and military salute (adding in a raised fists for certain counts of the beat). Fans, as customary, came equipped with roses, to which KAMIJO took once from one girl, to make a show with it and throw it back.

Though the stage was cramped, with the drumset off to the right hand side, the energy was high and the musicians remained enthusiastic and were clearly happy to play for the UK fans. KAMIJO was ever moving and ever attentive to those in the crowd. Even when KAMIJO left the stage in protest to photos (there was a no-photo policy), the suport band gathered together and quickly decided on a little instrumental peice to kindly keep the show going and the crowds entertained.

It was clear that everyone had fun, so much so that the show eneded up going on for an extra 30 minutes! Well done London! Though the venue was not packed at all, it was still an excitin show for all to witness. As always, it was theatrical, entertaining and worth the money.

What was it they say? Oh yes, Vive le Roi.

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Another note:

Shockingly enough, though there were a group of dedicated fans, queueing from 12am, and another from 6am, the rest of the fans were few and far between, arriving later than is usually custom to a show. Talk leads us to believe that it was due to the VIPs getting early entry, therefore it was mostly common sense, and a wise decision to avoid the cold however, Visual Kei fans, we want to see you!

And a final shout out to the ChiKuru Malice fan that we happened to bump in to also! It was wonderful to see you!

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@KamijoOfficial

@MASASHI_Jupiter @meku_guitar @maokiyamamoto

DAISHI will also join the support band for the American tour.

The KAMIJO world tour was organised by B7Klan. You can find them at the following links. Twitter / Facebook