Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Live Review: Miyavi as Japan's Rock 'n' Roll Ambassador
Local Show Reviews Kirsty Evans — Wed, Jun 16, 2010 at 4:29 PM
Why is this guy not a superstar yet?
Fans in the front row confessed that they’d been waiting outside since 10 p.m. the night before, and they weren’t even the first people to get in line. The wait wasn’t too bad though, apparently — Miyavi brought them tea.
It’s that kind of mutual affection between performer and fans that makes Miyavi shows such a special experience. From the moment he hit the stage with a brand new single “Survive,” Miyavi had the crowd jumping around so hard that the Fillmore’s wooden floor was shaking.
A natural performer, the Japanese rock/pop/whatever-the-hell-he’s-up-to-at-the-moment star ran through a series of tracks that covered pretty much all of his solo albums, and the crowd was singing along with every one (with much encouragement from the man himself). This is a rather different version of Miyavi to the one audiences saw when he hit Slim’s for back-to-back shows in 2008 — heavier on the guitar, lighter on the theatrics. Not only were the beat boxer and the DJ gone, this time there wasn’t even a bass player — just drums, keyboards, and Miyavi. Familiar songs had been rearranged, too, teasing out the blues influences and occasional hints of hip-hop, but with the emphasis clearly on rock. It was a stripped-down, rawer, sexier, more grown-up Miyavi (appropriate since he kept telling the audience about his new role as a father).
- Kirsty Evans
- Miyavi
- Kirsty Evans
- Miyavi
His audience seems to be growing up with him. It was a noticeably older crowd than the last time he played in San Francisco, even though a lot of the same faces showed up. The vibe was the same though — Miyavi’s audience really, really loves him, and he seems to love them right back (he certainly wasn’t shy about telling them so). It would be easy to dismiss that adoration as a result of his status as eye candy (one fan’s cry of “You’re so sexy!” prompted him to pull up his shirt to show off his abs and pose, and then deadpan, “Yeah, I already know that” right back). But it’s more than that — the man is truly, scarily talented. The new, more stripped-down format gave him plenty of room to show off his guitar skills, and damn were they impressive.
The crowd got a sneak preview of a few songs that will be on the new album (due in October, he says), most of them heavy on the rock and light on the pop, but always with Miyavi’s trademark bluesy, funky style. Fans also got his constant banter and familiar exhortations to stay positive and remember that the world is becoming a smaller place all the time.
Judging by last night’s performance, Miyavi seems to be aiming to step up to the plate as sort of rock ’n’ roll cultural ambassador for Japan. It’s about time someone did — although the Jrock scene in America has been growing every year for a while now, so far there really hasn’t been anyone willing or able to take on that role. Smart, talented, funny, comfortable in his own skin, not afraid to speak his mind, and well on his way to being fully bilingual, Miyavi may yet prove to be the Wayne Gretsky of JRock. But sexier, and with lots of tattoos.
Funniest moment of the whole evening? When, noticing that the people at the front were getting smashed up against the barrier, Miyavi stopped and asked the crowd to please move back a little. Because “you’re crushing people’s boobs.” How many rock stars could get away with saying that and come across as sweet and concerned rather than sleazy?
Oh Miyavi, never change.
Comments (15)
Showing 1-15 of 15
My friend and I made a roadtrip to see him in San Fransisco because our Prom/Convocations were on the day when he had shows closest to our home in Seattle and Vancouver. We drove from Canada just to see him. I have to say probably the best live performance I have ever seen. I can't wait for the day when Miyavi becomes a household name. <3
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I went to the 6/15 concert this year, and you are dead on. I truly thank you for understanding the feeling Miyavi shows. It means a lot. He's such an honest person we can't help but gravitate to him. I went to the concert 2 years ago as well, his happiness and energy still radiate from him as brightly as before. Something he said at that concert stuck in my mind and made me want to work harder. "Put all your energy into it." It sounds lame, but it was inspiring.
It's articles like these that make me wish I went to his show. :)
It was a pleasure to read, and I look forward to reading more!
This article made me so much more excited to see him play this upcoming Friday. I even forwarded it to the guys I'm going with, and they also found it pretty hilarious. I've been waiting to see Miyavi in concert since late 2004, and and now that he's finally coming to the east coast, I'm super pumped. And reading this is not helping me calm down /at all/.
Such a great review!! I was one of the fans that you talked to in the front row!! Yes, apparently the first group that got there before us was there since Monday Morning(midnight)!!!
My friend and I went to all his Cali shows; San Diego, LA, Anaheim and finally San Fran!! That man knows how to put on a show! And he's the sweetest guy around! We met him at a Greet and Meet, and he was so nice and down to earth!
Miyavi has the best fans around because he is such a great person! I'm not surprised his fan base is growing and growing!!
thank you!
Such a great review!! I was one of the fans that you talked to in the front row!! Yes, apparently the first group that got there before us was there since Monday Morning(midnight)!!!
My friend and I went to all his Cali shows; San Diego, LA, Anaheim and finally San Fran!! That man knows how to put on a show! And he's the sweetest guy around! Miyavi has the best fans around because he is such a great person!
I'm not surprised his fan base is growing and growing!!
thank you!
I saw MYV in SF 3 years ago(Just recently in Seattle) When I saw him 3 years ago, there was a fan up front in a wheel chair.
The crowed almost pushed her over 2 times.
Miyavi stopped the show in the middle of a song, and told people to back up and calm down,and to stop being violent.
He impressed me so much with not only his music abilities,but his genuine concern for his fans.
Love this man.
This was definitely a night to remember, that comment was great because it was mostly a female crowd. It was also my first live concert and love my sis for getting use the tickets to go see him this year. Miyavi rocks the stage like no other!! <3 If he comes again next year I will be sure to go again. Much Love to Miyavi for that awesome night of great music.
I was there!!!! First tie seeing him live with my cuzin (she introduced me to his music) and i swear, he was amazing. Only keys, dums, guitar and Miyavi but he still rocked it. I was too short to stand with the tall ass mi chengs BUT standin lightweight in the mid-back gave us more of an intimate experience cuz he seemed to me starin over our way alomost the entire time (or that's what we hoped he was doin haha). Miyavi= hella ill. And forreal, on the boobs comment, he was too funny, "Help each other okay?" haha. I loved him..."Supermuthafuckinbitch!"
Sweet!! As an older bird from the UK be sure I'm gonna catch your next gig when you hit here again. Not since the days of hide (X Japan) has another Asian artist hit the spot....damn you can play the guitar!!
Sweet! As an older bird from the UK be sure that I'm gonna catch your next gig when you come back & play here! Not since the days of hide (X Japan) has another Asian artist inspired me - but you sure have! Survive is the track that woke me up again!!! Your beautiful inside & out!
great text! “you’re crushing people’s boobs.” myv is sweet, he said this in brazil too, and more "they are precious and delicious" <3
Great article! Although I'm unable to see Miyavi live here in Canada (*sob* T_T), I love his music and persona. Reading his tweets always brings a smile to my face. Someday in the future I hope to see him live!
Forever a fan <3
Thank you for writing this! I was in line before 3pm the day before but the wait wasn't bad at all, because it was seriously that well worth it. I really enjoyed the show, it was completely amazing. I knew Miyavi was great since I went to both his shows at Slim's in 2008, but at the show this year my mind was blown all over again. He's just awesome and brilliant at what he does.
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