The Melvins
Nowadays the Japanese and Western music scenes have pretty much gone their separate ways, but, as recent shows by Taylor Swift showed, Tokyo still casts an occasional ear towards gaijin sounds while following its own rail. March, in particular, is a month in which old punks get back in touch with their roots, with a number of events reflecting that, so here is Tokyo Metropolis's punk-inflected picks for the months ahead.
PUNKSPRING 2024
An event bringing major punk acts back to these shores. This year's line-up includes SUM 41, Zebrahead, Suicidal Tendencies, Neck Deep, and You Me At Six on the 16th and NOFX, Hi-Standard, The Damned, Maximum the Hormone, and the Vandals on the 17th, both at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba. Prices: ￥12,000-18,000 (Ticket info)
THE DAMNED
Legendary Brit punk sophisticates The Damned can be caught shaking off their jetlag in more intimate surroundings the night before their Punkspring appearance at the Yokohama Bay Hall. Price: Currently sold out so scalpers are your only option, unless an extra gig is added. (Info)
THE MELVINS
Not a million miles from punk, sludge metallers the Melvins finally make their appearance in Japan on the 19th and 20th at Shibuya's WWW X, with special guests, Japanese noise outfit Boris on the second night. Price: ￥8,500 (Ticket info)
L'ARC-EN-CEIL
One band that has come a long way from "punkish" roots is alt-rock visual kei pop-rockers L'Arc-en-Ceil who are criss-crossing Japan on an arena tour. The gig at the iconic National Gymnasium Tokyo on the 6th March would be be a night to remember, although the para-social fuckwittery with their fans might get a bit cringe. Price: ￥12,000 and upwards (Ticket info)
PUNKSPRING 2024
An event bringing major punk acts back to these shores. This year's line-up includes SUM 41, Zebrahead, Suicidal Tendencies, Neck Deep, and You Me At Six on the 16th and NOFX, Hi-Standard, The Damned, Maximum the Hormone, and the Vandals on the 17th, both at the Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall in Chiba. Prices: ￥12,000-18,000 (Ticket info)
THE DAMNED
Legendary Brit punk sophisticates The Damned can be caught shaking off their jetlag in more intimate surroundings the night before their Punkspring appearance at the Yokohama Bay Hall. Price: Currently sold out so scalpers are your only option, unless an extra gig is added. (Info)
THE MELVINS
Not a million miles from punk, sludge metallers the Melvins finally make their appearance in Japan on the 19th and 20th at Shibuya's WWW X, with special guests, Japanese noise outfit Boris on the second night. Price: ￥8,500 (Ticket info)
L'ARC-EN-CEIL
One band that has come a long way from "punkish" roots is alt-rock visual kei pop-rockers L'Arc-en-Ceil who are criss-crossing Japan on an arena tour. The gig at the iconic National Gymnasium Tokyo on the 6th March would be be a night to remember, although the para-social fuckwittery with their fans might get a bit cringe. Price: ￥12,000 and upwards (Ticket info)
Also published at Tokyo Metropolis
Colin, you're gonna check out Sum 41 and NOFX???
ReplyDeleteThe Melvins are cool, but I've seen 'em 50 bajillion times. They may change the window dressing, but the shit's all the same!
Of those shows, the Damned is the best choice.
Got free tickets to L'Arc en Ciel but didn't go.
Delete