Miyavi 20year Anniversary Tour

Photo Credit AXS.com

My YouTube channel wasn’t the only anniversary celebration to be had this year as Miyavi, a well known Japanese-Korean rockstar from Japan, was celebrating his 20 years as a guitarist and entertainer this year. People who may not be familiar with Jrock or the Visual Kei scene may recognize him in movies such as Maleficent, Unbroken, or the show Arcane. I haven't seen any of these yet.. so don't spoil it too much! ;)

The concert was brought to us all by Dell and their campaign “ #Youniverse”.

On a blustery October 17th, I went to his concert held at Cobra Lounge for the first time in my life and it was a splendid treat to experience his stage presence IRL. In the middle of the show, he asked a fan "What the fuck took you so long?!" Even though it wasn't directed at me, it was an extremely good and valid question. How does someone that had listened to his music and almost went to his concert years ago NEVER go to one of their favorite Jrocker's events? Ever?

Baffling. I know. 

I was hoping that he’d play a few of my all time favorites like Girls be Ambitious… and he did! I was elated as I thought that maybe he would only play current songs and may not go that far back in his discography. It was one of the songs my brother got for me that I enjoyed with my little sister sometime before high school. (My brother helped us get started and the hook up on some Jpop culture bits here and there...) 

Feeling the music start up and his husky voice reverberating throughout my being, the tears that welled up in my eyes whilst recording the song, a knot in my throat choking up my words as so many memories of being with my little sister and fawning over Jrockers and Jfashion and punk/metal aesthetics came flooding back to me. 

To be in the moment, being overtaken by the waves of Miyavi's music, and being bathed in soft, colourful lights, it felt like being revived from an earlier checkpoint in life. It felt a little lonely being there, as I would have loved to rock out with LicaMica... but it felt good to be around such energetic and vibrant people and being able to enjoy a Jrock moment with them. Maybe... I entered Jrock heaven again.... 

Thank you Miyavi Ishihara for an amazing night. I am glad I made an effort to come out the house and see you live. I look forward to watching the films you're in as well as your next concert. Take care and enjoy your tour.

☆