VAMPS: London concert and their first documentary show to air

VAMPS are taking on the world with their all-English lyrics best-of album. WOWOW will air the final show of their European tour, which was in London, and the band’s first documentary show. Autographed posters will be given away to commemorate this event.

VAMPS is a rock group composed of L’Arc~en~Ciel vocalist, HYDE, and Oblivion Dust guitarist, K.A.Z. They released their first all-English best-of album, titled “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, worldwide in September, and then went off on a European tour. WOWOW will broadcast their October 7 concert at O2 Academy Islington, London on November 24 (Sunday) at 9:00pm on [WOWOW LIVE].

WOWOW will air VAMPS’ first documentary show called “Non-Fiction w VAMPS, SEKAI NI KAMITSUKU ~HYDE To K.A.Z GA MEZASU Made In Japan NO CHOUSEN~” on November 29 (Sunday), at 9:00pm. The documentary shows the two’s worldview and approaches to life.

VAMPS have played close to 300 shows overseas since forming in 2008, but this was the first time they played London. The previous night’s show was cancelled due to HYDE’s throat problem. The show started with the dark and heavy sounds of “VAMPIRE DEPRESSION”. HYDE shouted and K.A.Z. started playing percussive guitar to show that “VAMPS have descended!” Heavy rock was the main sound, but mixed in were a variety of songs like the fast-paced, “DEVIL SIDE,” the danceable “THE PAST,” and the melodic “MEMORIES”. 

HYDE both shouted in his “death voice” and sang in his beautiful falsetto with grace. He pumped up the crowd, moved his body to the music, and stared down audience members as though he was bewitching them. Not only is HYDE one of the best vocalists in Japan, his charisma and charm reaches the scope of the whole world. K.A.Z. mesmerized the crowd with his skillful and steady, yet aggressive guitar work. 

HYDE captivated the crowd with his dramatic performance of David Bowie’s “Life On Mars?”. The British rock cover song seemed to have a special place in the hearts’ of the local crowd. During their rendition of Shampoo’s 90’s hit, “TROUBLE”, HYDE shouted, “Come on, London!”, and got the smiling crowd into a giant sing along. The venue was wrapped in a happy atmosphere that felt very good.

HYDE then addressed the crowd, “Hello, London! Are you having fun?” The crowd responded in unison with a “Yeah!!!” as VAMPS proceeded into the second half of their set. They went into fast paced songs like “AHEAD” AND “ANGEL TRIP” and built the energy up even more. The band’s relaxed and content state during this was very memorable.

The fan favorite ballad, “SWEET DREAMS” and the VAMPS-style rock tunes, “REVOLUTION II” and “LOVE ADDICT” were also well received by the crowd. “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, which is the title of their album and also a sort of anthem for VAMPS, brought the energy level to its maximum.

HYDE’s charismatic performance was complimented by K.A.Z.’s colorful guitar work. VAMPS’ exciting performance was equaled by the crowd’s warm applause and screams. This energy can be experienced in the concert broadcast.

“Non-Fiction w VAMPS, SEKAI NI KAMITSUKU ~HYDE To K.A.Z GA MEZASU Made In Japan NO CHOUSEN~” follows VAMPS through Barcelona, Paris, Berlin, and London and shows the group’s the challenges and struggles with the world tour. In the interviews, we see VAMPS talk about their struggles, their dreams when they were young, and their outlook. This documentary does a splendid job in capturing the essence of whom we know as VAMPS.

＜Broadcast set list＞

VAMPIRE DEPRESSION

DEVIL SIDE

THE PAST

REPLAY

AHEAD

MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION

REVOLUTION II

SEX BLOOD ROCK N' ROLL

OTHER