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All the other members thought there was something wrong with Miku at first. They seem to be slowly coming round to the idea that she's actually a genius. In Japan, if there's a gap between how someone appears and what they do, it draws attention. Some people find it attractive. Miku has said that was what she was going for.

You have to remember that they are a Japanese Band. Outfits, persona, staging and gimmicks are very important since the music is part of a whole show. The band is built around the concept of the difference between what you see and what you hear. They go to great lengths to create a complete show with the center in its spectacular music.

B-M were on holiday & were asked to take part in a fire walking comp, so the maids nominated MISA. MISA said "I'm a barefoot assassin not an idiot" & went to a bar instead.

stare at the thumb for a couple of minutes before playing. this is a great way to start the day

This is a tribute to Freddie Mercury. Queen!

Guys, be aware that a new BAND-MAID single is coming out on December 3rd and I don't know if you heard their song "Glory" yet, but it actually is the outro to an anime called Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS.

Saiki speaking English is so adorable.

The guitar miku is playing is a zemaitis as she's contracted to zemaitis

God damm.Thank you miku, for forming this amazing band.

When it's Band Maid, you know it's gonna be good.

It's Band-Maid, it's who they are !

Queen tribute song from our girls♥ They make this mv exactly as bohemian rhapsody movie trailer Saiki imitate freddie pose at the start of the mv 😁 Sry for my bad eng

Look at KISS... One of the best rockbands EVER and their gimmick or look at Angus Young from AC/DC, he is still rocking in an schooluniform! I don´t mind it and they explained they want this GAP between "cute" and HEAVY rock and they call their live performances: Servings for their masters and princesses, i think it´s a very cool concept! And we don´t need to talk about their musicianship, they are one of the best bands, for me personally THE BEST band out there...

I first heard Band-Maid in 2016 as I came across a link that directed me to the video for Thrill. I don't think it was on KZfaq back then. But at that time, I did them a huge disservice by immediately dismissing them as someone's project band. I recall only listening to maybe about the first 10 seconds before moving on. Later on, in early 2018 I was searching for Japanese alt-rock & punk bands on KZfaq and Band-Maid showed up in the list of related videos. I can't recall which song exactly but I'm pretty sure it had to be Secret My Lips. I recall that the odd song title caught my interest and that I didn't notice the band name. I also recall it was a song with an opening that hits you like a ton of bricks if you're not expecting a hard driving start. Secret My Lips is one of those songs that'll hook you within the first 10 seconds. Ohhooo those tones, wow, and I reiterate wow. They had a sound that I missed hearing. I was certainly struck by their musicianship, and until I began to read about them I couldn't believe they wrote their own music. Band-Maid, for my part, was a band that I had to be blindsided by before I gave them an honest critical listen. "Just Bring It" remains my favorite album of theirs only because it's an album that sold me on their talent and their sound. For some people, like myself, I think we have to be blindsided by them to realize their talent. By the way. I think I said this before but Phoenix has a great sound. Well done, really like the depth of tones. Like the vocals too. 👍

Gimmick or not, they are maids who serve people some good music.. Genuine talent!!

♥ this song! One of my top 5 Band Maid songs. Plus video has MISA chillin on the floor playing her bass. ;) Definitely has one of rock's all time killer riffs!

There are a few successful bands/singers that had gimmick look to help them differentiate from the rest., like Slipknot, KISS, Alice Cooper and many more. I don't think it hurts them at all. It actually helps them in the beginning to bring in curious listeners but once the audience is hooked the image becomes secondary. Their fans will appreciate them for their music first and foremost.

The MV recreates some of the scenes in the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. And wIth attention to detail, the coins are the very beginning are British.

Zemaitis Custom Pearl Front AB Chess. A very beautiful guitar. It looks even better in Miku´s hands.

Good or bad, they've (Miku's idea) created a highly identifiable brand and theme (the Gap) - something all bands strive to do. Everywhere they go, if it's Band-Maid business, they are in costume. And when you meet them in person, it's super powerful to see - spectacular actually. They look iconic, almost unearthly. As Miku once said, when they put on their maid gear, they become warriors (or something like that) and feel the camaraderie and ready to put on a good show. It may take them longer to dominate the world (because some see it initially as a gimmick), but it also helps to create song ties and loyalty because it proves, once again, that what you see may not be what you think you'll get. "Girl power!" - Miku. Oh, and BTW - the Maids just might become your next superhero anime characters.

We’re only days away from their new single “Different” that will finally be a band maid anime opening song :) Hoping and MV drops though

There's a video of Miku showing off her guitar collection. Beautiful instruments.

MISA MISA MISA! taking being laid back to a whole new level

Naw, I was exactly what you mentioned. I was a bit turned off by Baby Metal (not the talent or discipline but the whole manufactured "Idol" group thing), so I'd seen the name Band Maid for about 2 years and always ignored it because it did sound like another Studio created Gimmick. Only became a fan by accident, when "Play" (live) came across my autoplay list while I was doing house chores, and so I didn't see the name and click away before hearing the music. I'm pretty sure a lot of western "Rockers" and "Metalheads" have similar stories. Also, Bubble has one of my favorite riffs because it is so... bouncy.. bubbly, etc.

Its zemaitis! Of mikus guitar hopefully and someday she’ll get a signature zemaitis guitar

8:05 *Saiki:* My Internal Voice 😊

Band Maid outfit is all about the gap Miku has planned, she likes the cute looks of the maid outfit and want to rock in it. Kanami and Miku is on the same page about their maid outfit, that's why they both keep the maid look, MISA and Saiki kind of not into the maid thingy, Saiki was tricked into wearing one as she wasn't told to wear one during her interview, all she know is that they were rocking in cute outfit, MISA didn't say anything about the maid outfit, she might have just join the band for the sake of her friendship with Akane and Kanami, Akane hesitate but join in anyway, she also changed her maid look a little bit, Current Band Maid are more like 2 Maids, a Bartender and 2 Hostesses,

I grew up with Kiss/Misfits/Alice Cooper. Was a teenager with Gwar, and an adult with Slipknot, Ghost I can survive costume themed bands.

Friday. Best day of the week. ...Because ANOTHER BAND-MAID REACTION VIDEO DROPS! As many mentioned in the comments being from Japan, the scene is much different there. Their look or gimmick if you well is very important in Japan. Part of the concept also is the juxtaposition of pretty maids/females and hard rock. Combining 2 things that shouldn't go together. This video is a tribute to freddy mercury/bohemian rhapsody. This video completely knocked it out of the park! ... And the song itselt? Absolutely awesome!

Alan is pretty spot on about the name thing. It both attracts and deters potential fans but ultimately it’s a net positive because otherwise they wouldn’t have blown up after “Thrill”. Those that paid attention and fell in love with their music (not their outfits) are now die hard fans. It’s too bad for the ones missing out cuz they don’t like the name or image. But.....eff em LOL!

Great reaction guys, as usual ;) I love listening to this song for the groovy bass. MISA shines so much in it, especially during her magic carpet ride time 👌🏻

The song is really catchy and really good.. And Alan, I think the word you've been looking for is mosaic tiles ..🙂

Bubble was released January 2019

Finally!!! Fuck yes, this is my favorite Band-Maid song, easily. By far. It’s sooo groovy and the chorus just opens up with all this huge energy, and the song doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

Mikus guitar is a Zemaitis Pearl Front. I love it and want it so badly, but 5.000 bucks is really so much monex

Another great song from B-M! There's no such thing as a bad song from B-M. Yep, I think Mosaic is the name of the tiles you're trying to say Alan. Miku Koboto's gorgeous ZEMIATIS Guitar is a beautiful guitar. We are all usually so fixed on Kanami's gorgeous PRS, that we tend overlook Miku's. There's a couple of videos with Miku showing, and demonstrating the ZEMIATIS Guitar range. And a video of Kanami showing, and demonstrating the Custom 35yr - anniversary PRS range. All beautiful guitars. And there's English subtitles. You guys can always check them out yourselves. I know how much you love checking out the gear. Of course, playing a PRS yourself Alan, you probably know these models anyway. Knowing how good Kanami is on the piano. I'd love her to introduce an epic piano piece into one of their live songs. Or, write a new song where she opens with a epic intro. Also would love to see Miku playing a solo. I'm sure by now, she is skilled enough to play a solo. We know that she writes good lyrics. Of course, all of these ladies are fantastic musicians.

It's Miku's Zemaitis Ring guitar. That's mother of pearl & abalone on the top. It retails for about $4500.

Not really considered a huge fan favorite but The Dragon Cries is a great track and I think you'll love the guitar work

This song is actually a Japanese crime drama EP.

Misa + Rug = Heaven.....

Miku Kobato worked at a maid cafe for a total of three years, so she liked the costumes without any resistance. Her agency allowed her to form a band with the concept of playing cool songs in maid clothes. In the latest interview, Kobato Miku responds that their practice is stoic and serious. She also say that they don't want to be considered a cute girls band because they are maid costumes. Kobato, who couldn't play the guitar, has grown into an attractive side guitarist. So seriously they are preparing for the live, so they are enjoying the live. New singles and new albums, full live streaming, and Budokan live are coming soon.

Happy HOLIDAYS guys Every band that starts out has a image they want to roll with the maid out fit idea was great nobody else out there rolling withs idea .To be honest with you gentlemen if not for our current times i most likely would never got the chance to discover this Band and all the other Japanese band. this band has been out there since 2013 BM 2010 Scandal 2006 so these bands have been around for a long time and are still rocking it . take care guys be safe out there it is the HOLIDAY SEASON c-ya

Rather than a gimmick, this is their image. I guess at first it might’ve started out as that but overtime bits become their image like Slipknots masks. Not sure if a fan has already filled you in, but Miku once worked at a maid cafe and when she was in a jpop group she had the idea of making rock music while wearing maid costumes. Her intention was to basically get people to think they were another pop rock band, but blow them away once they started playing. They do a damn good job at that! This MV is actually not a tribute to Freddie Mercury, but a tribute to the movie Bohemian Rhapsody. Kanami the lead guitarist & Akane the drummer saw the movie and took inspiration from it in the MV with some of the shots like with the guitar case being pushed in at the beginning. Really enjoy your reactions, especially to BAND-MAID! Keep up the great work guys! 👍

This is my favorite Band-Maid song. Glad you guys got to it.

Gimmicks may draw your attention initially, make you want to check out what the deal is (like Kiss back in the day). If you don't like the music you won't stick around no matter what you think about the gimmick. If you do like the music the gimmick becomes a non issue. For me it all boils down to whether or not I enjoy listening to the music without any visuals. With Band-Maid the music passes the no visuals test with flying colors.

Well most bands in the past had some kind of gimmick, like kiss with the outfits and makeup or Ozzie with the rumor of the Bat.but those are a fierce style. With BANDMAID Iits starts with Miku, she like to sing and was the one who created BANDMAID as she found Kanami the guitarist and kanami new Akane the drummer, she knew Missa the bassist from music school and the start up BANDMAID, But Miku said her voice wasn't cool enough so they found Saiki for lead vocals as BANDMAID was complete about seven years ago. Also Kanami taught Miku to play the guitar. About there outfit style or gimmick, Miku work as a waitress at a cafe that wore maid outfits so she incorporate that image into the bands outfits.

This is one of my favorite Band-Maid songs. Absolutely love that riff.

This song has really grown on me with repeated listens. You all still really need to do Daydreaming, BMs best rock power ballad with a killer Kanami solo and some great vocals by both Saike and Miku.

Talking about gimmicks, just look at wrestling entertainment like WWE, WCW, TNA, AEW, etc. The whole premise is base off of gimmicks, characters, finishing moves, storytelling, etc. It's what makes it fun, interesting, and memorable. Baid-Maid in maid outfits calling their concerts services, and their listeners master and princess has got to be one the freshest thing a band can do to stand out...and they have the musicality to walk the walk. I often browse through different bands here on KZfaq. A good song is a good song, but when every band looks almost the same I'm going to forget where that good song came from

Miku's giurar is a Zemaitis CS24CF, $5K more or less. FYI she is a signed artist with Zemaitis. Some else I read recently, Miku is respected in Japan for her lyrics for the poetic structure. The English translations likely don't really capture the poetry as the originally Japanese does. Saiki is now working with Miku on the lyrics. After all she has to sing them too! The maid costumes originally were to create "The Gap" meaning the difference in what you are seeing "demure" maid vs what you are hearing "Hard Rock". The "Gap" is very popular with Japanese bands, do Adlious or Lovebites look like Metal bands to you?

Band Maid has brought me back to the 80's....the good bands anyway..lol

I don't realized before that this song is so good

This is a little over a year old. It's a Queen Tribute to the movie Bohemian Rhapsody so the coins on the amp were a nod to Brian May who plays his guitar with a 6 Pence. There are other nods to the Movie in the Video. The tiles on Miku's guitar are abalone shell.

godammit one year later and I listen every day

A dude at my work was very skeptical because of the gimmick and just brushed them off. Then one day I pulled up “Play” live and now he’s a big fan. But the maid gimmick was barrier for him at first.

I’ll just say this about gimmicks KISS ✌️

Handsdown my fav BM MV so far! Hyped for their next release on 2nd Dec. Just 4 more days to go..

I am puzzled by the spoken part in the middle of the song which being in English, when the song was written for a Japanese TV Crime drama.

They're women! THEY ARE WOMEN! 😱

Telling ya guys.. Checkout Don't Let me Down.. It's a grungy rock song.

彩姫の英語がガラパゴスすぎて気づかれてない予感

The lead in to the last chorus at 8:14 of your video is probably my favorite .75 seconds in any Band Maid song. MISA's bass just absolutely shoots me in to orbit. You're 100% right though about it turning off some potential fans. It's a sad fact about them but anyone who gives them a fair shot, is blown away.

Been a BM fan for awhile now but just getting into this slightly older song. When they shift into the chorus, they ratchet it up a few levels and it really hits you square in the chest. This is honestly one of those rare, (legendary), bands with a ton of talent that is exacted to its fullest potential. Still my pick for best hard rock band to come out in the last 25 yrs.

I think maybe you guys like "NEMOPHILA", which is a Japanese girll-rock/metal band. If you guys haven't never listened to it, pls check'em out! I bet you'll like it

the maid thing, the all-girl thing, JAPANESE all-girl.. all these things seem to have gotten in the way when i try to introduce them to others. but it's kind of the point, i think.. to challenge people's expectations and prejudices. i went to the band's San Francisco show in 2018.. bought extra tickets for some friends who had nothing going on that night, and they had zero interest.. chose to stay home instead of going to a free show just down the street.

All of them are actually wearing maid costume from different countries, eg. bassist is wearing Croatian maid costume.. Cheers buddy... Last but not least the guitarist/sub vocal was a maid in Tokyo back in 2013.. it was her dream to form this band.. @Dicodec

since you asked for thoughts on the maid-outfits. first off, i was familiar with jrock before i found band-maid. japanese style is very different, so i wasn't shocked about the maid-theme. more like "well, maids... okay". they have a different understanding of that's "cool". Find a western rock/metal band and show them to japanese, they will probably say "yeah, they look cool", but that's japanese being polite japanese... thinking "they look like bums" ;) in japan, if you not somehow uniquely stand out, you won't be seen. you won't be seen = you won't be heard. The amount of music, singers and groups competing is through the roof. It's the second biggest music industry, second only to US - but if you compare the two countries in size and nr population... well. Anyway. Mikus idea with the "maid"-cafe theme. Normally when you're going somewhere to eat, you want to enjoy your meal, you want the waitress/waiter to do her/his job, be polite and not to bother you. They stay in the background and only react to your wishes/questions. Maid cafes are the total opposite of that. Having a meal is nearly secondary. You are in for the entertainment. You want to be entertained, have a good time... and enjoy some good food and drinks. The maids will do everything in their power to actually keep you entertained. Jokes, singing, playing around (they literally can play some sketches with other maids; if one is "failing", the others will chime in and back her up), so it helps tremendously if they are friendly and on good terms as a "group". Japan has also male "maid"-cafes btw. But all in all - this is not sexual. It's not allowed to touch or grab them, you get the point. Miku and Kanami (the two guitarists, yes) are the only two of the members pushing the "maid"-theme. Kanami just because it's "cute", Miku is more after the atmosphere of it. MISA and Saiki straight disliked it in the beginning, and both changed their uniforms more and more to their own liking over the years. Akane wasn't too keen on it either, only agreed to be in the band because Kanami asked/invited her, but ultimately she doesn't really care and rolls with it. Miku wanted this atmosphere, this feeling. You as a customer, go to their serving (=live show), and simply expect to have fun. And they will do their best to actually make it reality. See their smaller live shows (-> fan-cams) - they don't care how many people they have at their servings, they simply give their best. As I said before, if your "group" members/workers are friendly with each other and like each other, it makes their job easier and enjoyable for themselves also. And this is exactly what happens - the five of them are basically BFFs at this point, enjoy each others company and playing together, that you have sometimes a hard time to figure out, who is actually having more fun - the audience or the band on stage. Japanese band made for japanese audiences. Just happen to have success outside japan also XD They were asked before btw if they would like to play with extra musicians - like the synth, or the occasional third guitar parts played live - and they simply said "No. we don't want that. We want it to be just the five of us. Everything else would feel weird" Nowadays Saiki and MISA also are fine with the uniforms, they don't want to change it also. It's basically a "battle armor", simply their work outfit. And be it just for themselves to be reminded that they are at work right now. They are pretty goofy otherwise and would forget to act properly. And occasionally they still do - like Akanes talk about picking flowers at the online live show - she was in outfit, but there were no audience, she simply "forgot" :P BTW as Akanes outfit is somewhere inbetween the Light/Dark ones, she makes fun of it: see her as MISA/Saiki and then as Miku/Kanami ( www.reddit.com/r/BandMaid/comments/i7ne3z/this_is_why_akane_is_my_favorite_she_loves_to ) so, they have fun with the theme overall Besides of Miku at MCs and her "Omajinai Time" nobody ever mentions the "maid" theme at their non-japanese shows. They do it more at domestic shows, but's it's also nowhere near the "lore" of other bands (for example fox-god, foxes overall with babymetal) But the uniforms also serve as a fallback kinda. Besides Akane all of them are shy/not very outgoing/loner characters. The maid-personas kinda help in that way. And if something don't work out, they can "hide" behind the uniform. I don't know how to say it... Look at Babymetals "Only the Fox God Knows" response to basically all the questions they don't wanna answer. It's basically a "f*ck off" in a very nice way.

Miku plays Zemaitis guitars. Look them up...

This is a closing song of a jdrama "Perfect crime"

sad how the power-bassline got drowned in the studiomix... u should watch her play this live or in her instagram... its insane

As far as gimmik goes, I don't think it's any worse that always wearing black leather and long hair. Should Slip Knot take off the masks or ICP take off the make-up? Etc. After you listen to them, you hardly even notice the maid thing. But to me, taking away the outfits is taking away a part of their identity.

Allen: Ppl won't take them seriously because their name is Band Maid Eskimo Callboy: Hypa Hypa Hypa Hypa! Baby Metal: Gimme Chocolate! Maximum the Hormone: Bikini Sports Ponchin!

4:15 agreed. I avoided them for at least a year after I knew they existed, primarily because of the name. I understood the maid cafe context of the name and was afraid they might be leaning into the more pervy (to me at least) aspects of that subculture. I was hooked after one song though (domination).

React to Girugamesh.

Req BAND MAID - BEFORE YESTERDAY / FATE

MUSIC RULES GIMMICKS OPEN THE DOOR THAT'S ALL.

Nothing to do with Band-maid but i juste read this about the 2020 billboard Music Award (why do YT bring me to this ???): Top Rock Artist: Panic! At The Disco Top Rock Tour: Elton John It's a joke? Not afraid of being ridiculous?

Alan looked a bit knackered on this reaction. I hope he’s OK.

The only problem with the maid outfits is, I feel it keeps women in the west from noticing the band, thinking it's a male fetish. Because Bandmaid is the perfect example for a female rock band that stays feminine, instead of mimicking male bands. I'd hate to see the girls covered in tattoos and leather, trying to look badass and fooling no one. Like so many girl groups did and still do.

Saiki, Misa, and Akane are wearing maid outfits, they're just no French Maid costumes. Akane's is based on the french style, just altered to be more conducive for playing drums. This song is about a year or too old, and the video was inspired by the film Bohemian Rhapsody. I've taken the song to be about not living within an echo chamber or "Bubble" that only enhances your own views. Step out and challenge your beliefs by listening to all sides of the story to see the full truth

I think this song actually want to tell from freddy wife point of view

Seems a lot of die-hard fans (I'm one) didn't/don't like this song much. I went nuts like you dudes the first time I saw/heard this when it came out. It's a good example of how versatile they are while putting out beautifully crafted songs. Live, Saiki belted out that chorus so powerfully I almost fell down.

😀👍✌

@Dicodec somehow my previous very long comment doesn't show up :( was it flagged for some reason?

What we think might be a gimmick, does not apply to Japan. For hundreds of years, Japanese performing arts have included costumes. If you look at other Japanese acts, they all have their costumes in some form or fashion. Lovebites comes to mind, they too have their costumes. Nemophila, as well. We don't need to apply western fashion sense to eastern culture. Take the music for what it is, FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!

the word you are looking for is mosiacs.

This song about sad song

A lot of big bands have used clothing or costumes as "gimmicks", like AC/DC where Angus Young wear a schoolboy uniform. To name a few more, Slipnot, Baby Metal, Kiss, Sweet, Slade, ABBA, The Beatles, never ever heard anyone mention those bands clothing as gimmicks ever, so why with Band-Maid :-)

When are you too going do more Scandal songs?

You guys gotta react to more of their LIVE stuff trust me it's 4 times as good way longer solo's

Nice reaction love this song, a tribute to Freddie Mercury. Kinda agree with the guy on the right: as far as gimmicks go, I find the maid thing pretty lame, and something that will be an initial (unnecessary) hurdle for at least Western audiences who have no connection to Japanese maid cafe culture. But it's all about the music, and Band-Maid makes the best rock on the planet imo. Most listeners also have enough experience with KISS, Slipknot, AC/DC, the Beatles, etc., to tune out visuals they don't favor for the music they love.

Gimmic IMO is not necessarily a negative thing. A gimmic is to bring attention to yourself, i think it has bad / negative connotations because most of the time their is no substance to backup the gimmic/talent but Bandmaid are nothing but talent.

Imo, every band in history is a "gimmick band" in terms of their image. I think we need to stop treating a gimmick as a bad thing and just listen to the music.

is he drunk? Edit: never mind...

You stop the video too much.

Speaking of gimmicks, this channel using the title "Musicians React" which is no different and nothing special from "Just-ordinary-people-who-can't-play-instruments React". What makes it different?

Yikes.

I’ll just say this about gimmicks KISS ✌️