I am in my late 60's and a Babymetal fan of a little over a year. I have been a rock and metal guitarist and singer since the late 70's and had tired of the metal scene in the U.S. I stopped playing several years ago and after seeing BM on YT was suddenly and completely re - energized to play and delve into music again. Babymetal saved my life and I feel a fierce protectiveness of them and their reputation. I contend that they are a global force that equals or exceeds the arrival of the Beatles to America - which I watched as an 8 year old and had the direction for my life set from then on. I said all that to say this. I don't understand Babymetal's management where the USA is concerned. They should be booking large arenas in large cities. If they feel they can't fill these then that should tell them they need to step up their marketing in the west. Instead, official merch is hard to get. They book them in smaller clubs and pair them with the Metal equivalent of the Archies - only darker. What are they thinking pairing Babymetal's message with that kind of band? BM's stage show is designed for the large stage in a large arena. Smaller stages affect everything from movement to sound. I've played on every stage size and the smaller the stage gets the more the band compromises. They have no choice. While I understand there is a certain intimacy in a smaller venue, much is compromised for that intimacy. My son and I discussed going to see a concert in Chicago but he wanted to go to see Deathklok. He is a metal guitarist himself but is into the darker stuff I decided was not for me. I figured then that it would at best be a mixed crowd. Not wanting to be disappointed in the response to Babymetal, I decided not to see them this tour. On my bucket list is to see them in Japan for the first time. BM is a band above and beyond the rest and just like the Beatles in the 60's, every band out there is playing catch up with them every time they perform, whether on stage or in the studio. Yet their management allows them to go to the West and books them as a carnival sideshow band. My contention is that Babymetal is the most important band since the Beatles because they have all the elements present that defined Beatlemania. They took existing genre's and combined them into something totally new and fresh. They altered everything from clothes to look to message and came out swinging. Every album released shows maturity and growth. With only 4 albums they have outdone the Beatles where live performances are concerned and lasted twice as long. There are many more elements that define Babymetal's importance in the history and growth of Rock but I'll leave it there. I love your channel. Your deep dives into the songs as well as lore is utterly fascinating and most welcome to someone playing catchup like me. lol. Thank you.

I saw DEATH performed with YUI some 10 years ago, this year I saw DEATH again with MOMO. Those are the only two Babymetal concerts I went to. They don't come to my part of the world very often. The first one was when they were so small that they need a pedestal to stand on stage, having fun with DOKI DOKI MORNING and IINE, smiling ear to ear. Now they are in all black, standing tall, proudly blurting lines from BxMxC and MAYA. I shed tears of joy on both occasions, just can't help it. Haters doubters say what they want to say, I don't care, both occasions are profoundly meaningful moments to me.

I was seated in the balcony basically over stage left. Best part for me was during Megitsune when Su has the mask blocking her face from the audience. No super silly faces this time, but just the pure, utter happiness in her smile to Moa and Momoko. I truly believe they enjoy every minute of what they are doing. That smile was for no one other than herself and the others on stage with her. This was my third concert (Atlanta 2018 before this and the RHCP tour before that). Each one is special in its own ways.

"Yeah, it was great!" I like the simplicity of that final statement because it conveys how you received it emotionally. Even though you're not 15, I guess to you, Headbanger makes even more sense now: you won't forget that concert and you'll hold on to that memory forever.

I was at the Houston show. Bebymetal was fantastic. It was my first Babymetal show. I want to see them in Japan.

This was my first BabyMetal concert and I was so excited when I got tickets. I just thought how amazing it would be. Then I started think it just as a concert, and maybe not that special. This went back and forth for awhile, knowing that I wasn't going to miss the show and how great it would be, then worried that I was propping it up too much in my mind. But, it was everything that I could have hoped it would be, except for Mirror, Mirror, or even if it was Maya. Those just never hit me properly, but I enjoyed them. From the very beginning of BabyMetal Death, I was hooked. The show was everything I thought about in my most excited moments. Now, for the length of the concert, of course I would have loved a 2 hour plus concert, which is almost what I expect from concerts these days. I was even heavily disappointed when Heart only did like 1 hour and 35 minutes, I thought it was too short. But I knew what BabyMetal was, and when it was over, I felt as happy as if it was 2+ hours. And, I feel the same way about DethKlok. They are not the type of band I'd ever have listened to if I had a choice, and even seeing them live did nothing for me, but everyone has their tastes. I listen to music that a lot of the people I know wouldn't be caught dead listening to. But, they didn't fit. To show you how determined I was to see this concert, I worked from 8am Saturday until about 5pm, then worked from 1:00am Sunday until about noon. I did get SOME sleep and went off to the concert. Waiting in line in what seemed to be 175 degree heat, I actually passed out and fell on the ground. I was helped up, moved to shade, and sat there while security got me some water and stayed with me. It took about 40 minutes for me to get my strength back to stand up and get into the arena, which I was close to saying I would go to the emergency room. But, I survived the concert and BabyMetal made the whole experience worth it! I am fine, not feeling any issues because of that (except for maybe the rambling and possible incoherence of my thoughts above *wink* ) I can't wait for them to return!

I have definitely seen BABYMETAL drink on stage, usually they have a couple little tables set up with bottles with straws they sip out of between songs. Usually it's dark so it's not really visible to most members of the audience but at festivals and other venues where they can't bring the lights down for whatever reason you can see it.

Professor, I had the same experience in both Houston and Dallas (Las Vegas is coming up!). I have been a fan since seeing them on Colbert but have never had the opportunity to see them live, until this tour. They were as impressive and perfect as I had expected. What an experience this was! To me, it was like the first time that I saw Peter Gabriel in concert. It was almost a religious experience that stayed with me for a long time.

I yelled Sakura with you .. I could hear mine in that video too!

初ライブ参戦おめでとうございます！素敵なレビューでした。

My memories of every BABYMETAL concert only last about 2 weeks. It seems I am... under a spell that makes me want to go to concerts again... ☺️

Congrats on your first concert by BM おめでとうございます ❤。 Speaking of the feeling you had with the first encounter, I had the same feeling when I met you for the first time at the hotel lobby in Tokyo. I thought "Oh! that is the real Prof. Hartley. He is moving (like an elephant and lion)" 🤣. Yeah! At venues (even in Japan), I experience some annoying incidents caused by overexcited guys who are not qualified as credible supporters to the bands they love. They are just trying to relieve their own twisted stress, I guess. I also love to see the faces of unmasked Kamis including the new bassist Mr. Ryan Neff. Although I understand that the BM have already grown up into experienced artists and divas then the Band can turn into a kind of orchestra box in Opera, I am still impressed by their skills and performance that are the parts of the show. They are anyway respectable Samurais (East) and Knights (West) to protect our queen and princesses. BM performance is amazing. Metali is another detonator to the audience with Momoko's solo part. I heard you and someone do calls, Sakura-ya or other call, in different venues. I will do it when BM come back to Japan. Another happy thing about recent performance, the twin-propeller on both sides of Su-metal come back in Headbangeeerrr. I see Momometal swing her one pigtail and stretch her both tails as Moa does (and Yui did). She did not do it as an Avenger. One thing I am jealous of you. I witnessed BM shows 16 times at various venues. I have yet to have chance to gain eye contact from the girls on stage. That is not fair !! 😡😄

Your "Sakura" was perfect, great job! The first show is magic. I agree with you, it's a little surreal, like your favourite cartoon characters suddenly standing before you in the flesh. And then you think "Hey, Im a grown man, why am I susceptive to this, why am I affected just like a little fangirl?". But that is part of the magic. I have never been to one of those huge shows in Japan, but I'm sure that those cannot deliver that to the same effect, especially when you are effectively watching them on a screen after all. I sometimes wonder about the girls' smiles. I have absolutely no doubt that they are genuinely having fun on stage and those smiles are heartfelt. These can't be faked, right? But at the same time I also have no doubt that they are professional and talented (and kind) enough to fool me into thinking that, even if they were actually having a really bad day. So in the end I don't really know why I am so convinced that they are genuine. :-) But they are, right? No doubt. After my first show I also thought it would be a tough one to beat. But what can I say, they beat it the very next day. :-) I didn't know anything about Dethklok, so I watched the first few episodes of Metalocalypse. And although I get the humor to some extent, I agree that it doesn't fit BABYMETAL at all. Especially considering that there are quite a few children in their audience.

I don't have much to say yet (Saturday is my Babymetal day)... but it certainly has me excited. I do think one thing I will say is that from everything I have seen from Babymetal... it is a concert only in so far as songs are being played. The theater analogy always seemed more apt to me which is why I never was particularly upset when the Kami band went to a mask as opposed to face paint. The band is there to provide the backing for Su, Moa and Momoko... and while all the players are obviously excellent players... that's not the reason one should be going to the show. But, I guess, I'll find out on Saturday.

So glad you enjoyed the show, it was great to meet you at the con and thank you again for signing my book. I saw you in the crowd from where I was standing but I was pretty much exactly front and center and it would have been very difficult to get that spot back. I was a little concerned for you guys considering how crazy it got where I was. Much more excitement from the crowd in general at this show compared to Charlotte 2018. I had a similar reaction to yours about all that at that 2018 show where I felt like people moshing were trying to make the performance about themselves in a way that I found offputting but after realizing that Babymetal encourages moshing I've softened my stance on it, Su calls for the Wall of Death in RoR and the circle pit in Distortion after all, although I do think it's important that we look out for the safety of fans that are not familiar with metal shows since BM draws a diverse crowd. I spent a significant amount of time doing just that since there were quite a few crowd surfers (some of them the same people multiple times which was a bit much). I will say that you should not miss seeing this band again given the opportunity, even if it's not like this show it may surprise you how different and energizing it could still be. I have to agree with you on being completely enamored with Su and her commanding stage presence and the feeling that I got from the girls at this show was so different from 2018. This time around they were 100% engaged and seemed to be having the time of their life on stage and it made me so happy to see that.

So pleased that you have managed to catch a live show! Great retrospective on your Babymetal "experience" :)

I went to one of the shows, while I was going through a rough time, dealing with trauma. It sounds really cheesy but watching them with thousands of other fans was a real healing process, something which therapy doesn’t provide. From the bottom of my heart I thank Babymetal and the whole team.

I have always said about Su that she is on a par with Freddie Mercury…… she is a force of nature

So glad to hear your comments on the show. I am going to be at the Sacramento show during Aftershock 23 in a few weeks. Should be epic.

I discovered Babymetal back in 2013, at that time I didn't give it any importance and I never saw anything from them again. 2 years ago I casually saw "Syncopation" and I liked it, I really liked it and I started researching and watching the old videos, and came to appreciate the Band, the Girls and the Musicians. I regret wasting so much time, but I'm already a fan and I hope to see them live at some point. I was hoping that Yui would come back... but Momoko has joined the band, as if she had been a part of it from the beginning... I follow him and I hope to see other videos of his soon... Greetings. 🦊🦊🦊

Loving the wild animal analogy. Like many wild animals , seeing Babymetal in the wild can be painful.😂 Mosh pits and crowd surfing looks fun on video, but at a certain age , it definitely isn't. 😂 🦊🦊🔥🦊🦊

Awesome you finally got to see them! I just went to my first show in Orlando the day before!

Excellent story of your 1st BabyMetal experience. I really enjoyed it . The first time I saw BabyMetal the same as you could not believe, they were real . What you say about Su I also experienced. Her voice was incredible, and looking at her, she looked amazing it was at an angle . Her hair was shining, and her eyes looked like they had stars shining in them . As you said, she commanded your attention. I will see them for the 4th and 5th time in November at the Roundhouse in London. I look forward to this as much as my first. Maybe because I now know what I will experience . ❤❤❤😁🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

Thanks for the video, finally you got to go, great to hear ! The Babymetal live experience is something I want every Babymetal fan to experience and I wish anyone to become a fan. Glad you got near the front, it's an experience like nothing else. What I understand Dethklok is kind of meant to be a parody, so as much as Babymetal kind of metal with a wink, so is Dethklok. My impression for the, let's say, rowdiness, is that for Babymetal shows, the Europe shows are kinder than the US and Japan is kindest. It's sad when these things happen, I've heard of such things in European shows a lot less, especially the violent part. What is odd is also the 2 people talking. I don't understand it. Something else which seems less in Europe is the phones. They can't do without Babymetal Death, it is needed: to introduce the new Babymetal. Yes, I think a LOT of Babymetal fans know this feeling of: it's real !? I'm really here, some are even doubting themselves for a moment. You can maybe even feel the excitement of the crowd when Babymetal Death starts. It's funny when you say they have this setlist and their are no bad songs in the show and their are many songs they could have performed and would be just as well received. I remember 2016 when Tokyo Dome was going on, a Babymetal fan made 2 KZfaq videos every time the show was performed in Japan, reveiling the setlist and doing a 'reaction' on that. And the first video he posted, reveiling each song: "oh, that's a banger." "and this is awesome !" for each song "man, what an amazzing setlist !", the next day wasn't different. But then you remember: they performd all their songs of the first 2 albums, so which songs are/would be bad songs for a live performance ? The conclusion can only be: their aren't any (especially live) ! It's really remarkable. It's an inherit (?) quality of Babymetal to always deliver something amazing. Moametal's heart is on her sleeve, she just can't hide her emotions. It's kind of extreme in a way. Her reaction, to me, seemed to be: ohh, shit, this could have gone badly wrong ! A moment of shock & realization. That professionalism, is in a way, kind of shocking in itself, especially because they were already that way when they were just 13 and 14/15 (is when I noticed a change, but they've always been that way to a large extend). It's not just the professionalism, it's also the passion to perform. You could also see the same thing when you see videos of Sakura Gakuin perform at Tokyo Idol festival, they stand out as better performers than their elder peers. Babymetal is a machine, in the good well-oiled way and they are amazing at adapting to unexpected situations. Moametal in a some what recent interview said (paraphrasing): we train until it becomes automatic and then we train more to got passed the point of automatism. First of all how much training do they need to do !? Kind of in awe of just that. And then I'm speachless, because through sheer hard work they've reached a point to be able to describe what they do and find a way to that well oiled machine, but not act like one. You say she is Su-metal and always in control and not Su-chan, but actually in recent years she is both more in control AND we get to see more of Su-chan at the same time. Kind of a mind-blowing relevation when you think about it. I feel Su-metal 'the character' was almost, in the past, as a manifestastion of a type of stress-induced schizophrenia. The stress of being in this world wide phenomenon (Babymetal had put the bar very high for themselves, they have to reach it every time they perform and in her case with a changing body because at her age and growth and thus probably adapting her vocals over time, often struggling in the in-between times). Yes, I've seen other fans who said: I saw Babymetal live, I was in the middle of the stage and couldn't take my eyes off of Su-metal, at times forgetting about Moametal and Momometal and the Kami band need our focus too and you want to see them perform as well ! A vocal coach in a KZfaq video reaction ones mentioned: 'they are vocal athletes'. And I think the performance as a whole is like athletes as well. That's how trained and passionate they are. One of the amazing things about Suzuka is (other than her ingraned talent), she started in the spotlights at age 3, this means those 2 facts combined make it as close to natural for her as humanly possible (or metal godessly, if that's a word and that fits here), because it's her whole life ! Even Kobametal has said, in an interview in 2014, they have something god-like about them, he also feels in awe about them when they are on stage. Saying Babymetal live is awesome, amazing, etc. is still an understatement. I've been to multiple shows, the Babymetal magic is very real, it doesn't wear off, they do everything to deliver it. The only show where I felt less satisfied, was in 2018. Because Babymetal wasn't the Babymetal as I knew them, it wasn't because of anything they do, but it was just in my mind (also the absence of Mikio was on my mind). Luckily for me they performed 2 days in a row at the same venue and I was there again the the next day and crowd erupted like in Atlanta, this strange feeling was gone and everyone was there just to have fun regarless of the altered circumstances. Now I wish to hear a full review of the book by George Takei. :-) Because I assume he should be very much able to connect with it. Again thank you for the video.

ライブに行く事で色々な面が見れたり、観客とのやり取りがその時々で色々あったりで、何よりも熱量を肌で感じ取れて直接観る事は特別ですね。ましてやBlu-ray Discとかはいつでも観る事が出来ますが、実際にその場にいるという体験はその時しか味わえないですからね。 素晴らしい経験をされた事、それをシェアしてくれた事に感謝します。 ベビメタの３人がそれぞれにハイライトがあって良いショーだったようで。 MOAMETAL は相変わらずいつも 旗 と戦っていますね(笑) 武道館でのSu -METAL の旗をやり投げのように投げ返したシーンとの対比で面白かったですね。ステージ上でのSu -METAL らしいと言えばらしいですし、MOAMETAL はMOAMETAL らしく可愛らしい一面が見れたりで。 MOMOMETAL もすっかり馴染めて自分のストロングポイントを知ってもらえる良い楽曲にも出会えて。 Su-METAL に関しては振り付けのMIKIKO 先生も昔仰ってましたが『彼女が手をただ前に差し出すだけで人の心を揺さぶる？』的なコメントをしていたように動きや立ち居振舞い(指の先々まで意識が行き届いた日本舞踊のよう)にカリスマ性があって、実際私には24歳23歳20歳の娘が居るのですが、私の娘と同年代にも関わらず、いつもSu -METAL には圧倒されてしまいます。 この存在感は年齢とは関係無いのでしょうね。 次は日本でのビッグショーでの鑑賞を体験出来ると良いですね。 大掛かりなセットもですし、日本のライブでは何かしら独特な雰囲気が有りますし、是非体験して頂きたいですね。

Hi Professor, this is a great video as usual, and it seems we had some similar experiences in our first time at a Babymetal concert. First, I agree fully with your feelings about not being able to explain to others who had not been at the show, just how good it was. As you said, any description of good, awesome, fantastic or spectacular, just seem inadequate to explain the depth of my experience of the show; I agree that it was almost spiritual. I actually thought I was weird feeling that way, but it seems that I might not be alone in getting that feeling. I saw Babymetal on 8 June in Brisbane, Australia where the show ran 82 minutes including encores. The opening act was a band called Relica and I thought they were a solid band and served as a really suitable opening act. The band members were dynamic, good instrumentalists and the lead singer had really strong vocals. It didn't hurt when the singer told the crowd that they were super-excited at being able to open for Babymetal, that it was a dream come true. They seemed genuinely thankful to be the opening act and openly asked the crowd on a couple of occasions to give up some noise for Babymetal, because they were in the building and could hear the crowd. So, my experience of the opening act was first rate. I want to talk about two other points from your video that were practically identical experiences that we seemed to share, at different times and in a completely different country. You mentioned that you were never a huge fan of BxMxC, but after seeing the song performed live, you came to appreciate the song more. I had a similar experience, but for me, the song was Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. I had never been a big fan of that song, to me it seemed a bit contrived and bordering on cultural appropriation. However, when Babymetal performed Shanti, Shanti, it blew my mind. Su's vocals were flawless, but it was Moa that really sold the song to me. Moa's supporting vocals and harmonizing ululations were on another level. Also, to see the choreography performed with such precision and attention to detail just made me respect everyone on that stage even more (musicians included because what they did with Shanti, Shanti was breathtaking). The final point I want to pick up on was the way the girls engage the audience in the breakout sections where they interact with the crowd by smiling and waving to sections of the audience. Su and Momo have their own presence, but I now feel that Moa is the master of engaging the crowd with eye contact. I was on a balcony that would have been about 6 feet above the stage level and right on the rail, up front, so I would have been about 15 feet from the left corner of the stage. From the first waving interlude, I felt as if Moa made eye contact with me and did so on each of the times that she came back to my corner. At one point the connection felt so strong while Moa was smiling and waving, I pointed to my chest and mouthed the word "me" and she nodded and seemed to smile and wave harder. Of course, Moa wasn't nodding and waving to me alone, I would have just been about one of 20 to 50 people in her line of sight (who, most likely, would have all been pointing to their chests). Moa is able to create the illusion that she is looking directly at you, while each time, the many people are in her line of sight are feeling the same connection, as if it is a personal gift to you alone (of course it isn't, though). Reading back over what I have written, it sounds a bit Moa-centric, however that wasn't my experience, if I have a favorite member of Babymetal, it would likely be Su, however, I try not to think of them in terms of favorites. I think what I experienced was a sudden deepening appreciation of the unique role that Moa plays in Babymetal. I simply think that I didn't give Moa enough credit previously. That will never happen again.

I know the feeling I’ll be seeing them on the 25th for the second time . The first time was 10 feet away this time I’m in the last row of balcony I’m nervous the experience won’t be as “ spiritual “ this time around It’s been 4 years and I can still feel the impact of that first show

I saw a fancam recorded Koba was smiling so happily as he pulled his phone during Monochrome (I don't remember which show), the guy forgot to turn on the light though xD Despite many fans have a grudge with the way Koba managing things, esp merchs and stuffs (me too) I find it heartwarming seeing how much passion he still has for this BM project

Ha ha love the rant AJ! I'm seeing them in NYC for the first time

Just wanted to say I've been watching you for several months but my first time commenting. I appreciate and look forward to your takes on these ladies and their songs. It's really been a useful tool in my Babymetal journey and my growing admiration. I was at the Nashville show Tuesday and on the rail in front of Moa's natural position and feel like we had the same experience. My 1st live show, the surreal feeling of seeing them in the flesh and dealing with all the idiot jackwagons. Had an altercation with a couple idiots and thought I was going put them over the rail to security myself. Wasn't going to let them ruin this amazing experience. The only difference we have is the part of monochrome that gets me. "At the dusk of ragnarok what are we to see.....no matter how long the night, the day will come"......gets me Every....Single.....Time. Keep up the good work, good sir 🤘🦊🤘

Your point about the characterhood is interesting, and I think it's important to note that unlike traditional stage actors, Su and Moa particularly have been playing these characters for over a decade, and in particular they grew up playing these characters. So when you say that Su is both playing the character and expressing herself and her own personhood, I think for most people anything that you've been doing for 10+ years becomes a part of yourself and a part of your own person. So in a way I think you could even say that Su is not just playing the character of Su-Metal, but that the character of Su-Metal is probably a part of her as an individual - even if it is in a very real way not the same as Su probably is in her private life.

I think MomoMetal has been a perfect addition. I think she is just right for the direction Babymetal is going! i want to see them both in a smaller venue and in Japan one day! I find Dethklok kind of a wasted opportunity, if that makes sense. cartoon bands have been done before, but i dont know that there has been a metal one like them. its a neat idea w lots of potential and i feel like they just dont execute it well. being animated opens so many potentially interesting doors and i feel like they just fall back on tired tropes imho. i do totally get why some people do love them and i genuinely love anything that makes people geek out. just not for me. if they went in a different direct w band lore/animation i would def be interested in trying again! as far as the connection to Babymetal, I think its likely because they are both...like "new" concepts (kinda). like metal w the dance routines is new and there arent many (or any) groups doing it, and there certainly aren't a lot of animated bands, so they prob thought together it would make a really interesting show. plus Babymetals use of visuals is also fairly unique. other than massive stadium shows, lots of metal bands are your standard club 5 guys on stage w a banner style show. plus if they are going in a more mature direction or wanting to shake off a bit of the kawaii metal thing (especially w metal galaxy coming in) touring w dethklok is away to do that. it certainly is something to point to if anyone attempts to crit them for having a sanitised sort of image, which ive seen

Your thoughts on Su-Metal immediately made me recall her graduation interview from SG. Specifically with the gentlemen at Tower Records at 15 years old. I was so incredibly impressed by her maturity and leadership skills. I really don’t think she noticed it as she appeared to be speaking from the heart and not as scripted as many interviews. I have worked with and for so many, “supervisors,” both in the civilian and military worlds that weren’t anywhere near her level. Su-Metal is really a once in a generation person. Thank you for the video.

You said it - words can't do it justice, but you certainly gave it a noble attempt, better than most of us could! Two points resonated with me the most, and they are things I definitely felt as well when I was lucky enough to see them in June; the "Safari" analogy, as well as "Sprezzatura" (such a lovely word) They really do have a sense of "otherworldliness" to them, like Disney princesses come to life. I assume that in part is a reason for the continued offstage secrecy to avoid breaking the illusion, which I think works fairly well. Oh, and to anyone else reading in the comments - I highly recommend picking up AJ's new book "Hideki Smith", it really is very well-written and entertaining; I finished it in one evening because I just had to!

This makes me want to badly see them live. But sadly, im not capable of flying abroad just to watch them live. All I can do for now is hope that one day they'll visit my country and perform.

My man, I was at the Atlanta show too and like you, it was my first Babymetal concert experience. I was at the railing stage left! Basically on stage. You absolutely are not not alone in the feeling of having a "quasi-magical" experience! It was indescribable yet so easy to talk about at the same time - the paradox of Babymetal. The lasting effect of their performance. I'm seeing them again in Boston next week - like you referenced, I'm concerned about not being able to recreate that same magic from last Sunday BUT I have the opportunity to go and I have a feeling that this time around, since I know what to expect, I can let loose a little more and enjoy the show! 🤘🔥

Thank you for posting this. I'm really happy for you that you finally were able to see them live and so close to the stage! I enjoyed hearing your perspective on the whole event. I hope I get the chance to see them myself someday. Cheers!

Yes Monochome was my high moment when I saw them in Stockholm. When Su said something of that dreadful day. Well My thoughts went to the victims from the A bombs and had tears in my eyes. I so wish that those bombs never will be used on human kind again!

Great stuff, Professor-metal! I saw them for the first time last week in Dallas. It was magical and went by so fast that it is just a blur in my mind. Thankfully, bits and pieces are slowly coming back. Your rants are pretty much exactly what is in my mind but, you put it much more eloquently and with way fewer curse words than I would. I totally get the whole thing about trying to explain the greatness to someone else. I actually ran into a fellow Babymetal fan yesterday (strangely enough while walking through the parking garage to my doctor's office) and mentioned I just saw them. He, ofcourse, asked how it was and I said it was awesome. That seemed so inadequate of an answer that I felt like I let Babymetal down, lol. Anyway, I am happy you finally saw them. It is such a great feeling! I have to see them in Japan now!! Kitsune Up!

DethKlok is a Gorillas-esque, Spinal Tap-esque metal band I'm not sure if all the members are voice actors but I know the lead singer is the voice actor for the animated series Metalocolypse which is where the band Detklok is derived from I was excited when I heard they would tour together Introducing BabyMetal to more hardcore metal fans I was also worried that BabyMetal and their fans may get disrespected by the metal elitist that you would think might be Dethklok fans Like with their recent collaborations Lil Uzi and Tom Morello BabyMetal is bridging the gaps between music genres

Nice. Congratulations on your first show. Mikiko said it best in an old interview when she said Yui and Moa love to play parts and put on someone's face when they perform. Su doesn't act like someone during a performance, she is someone on stage. The performances are special, and a reason why so many fans attend multiple shows.

Sugoi! Excellent review, appreciated! Saw BABYMETAL in 2019 and will see them again this Sunday at Blue Ridge Rock Festival. Can't wait! Arigatou! 🦊🤘 #notacult #shingeki #justsmile

babymetal 初ライブ、おめでとう㊗　興奮しましたか？🤣うれしい。またライブ参戦してください。今後もbabymetal応援お願いいたします!🦊🦊🦊🇯🇵　　　　　see you👋

Like you, I saw BABYMETAL for the first time on this tour. Houston. It was so good! I would have loved for them to have played IDZ… my only disappointment from this great show. I was closest (for the most part)to Momo… met some nice people. Monochrome was my favorite… did my part to help Su to shine some light into this dark, dark world. 😉

Great review. I agree with your analysis of babymetal. Unlike other artists, SU-METAL gets into the world of poetry. Andrew should experience BABYMETAL live in Japan sometime! I'm sure you'll enjoy the show!🤘🦊 Sometimes tears flow when I listen to BABYMETAL's songs, even though they are not sad songs. I don't know why.😅

This was my first Babymetal concert as well. They are such a presence on stage. The proshots, although amazing, don't do their skills at performing justice.

Andrew, to say that I am jealous that you witnessed the BabyMetal greatness is an understatement. It is my dream to go and see BabyMetal, but I fear that dream will stay a dream (my wife hates BabyMetal, which makes me love them even more). I must admit that the whole Dethklok/BabyMetal combo is a strange one, as they are polar opposites - I guess opposites attract. I've heard a few Dethklok songs through the Batmetal series on KZfaq. I'm on the fence about them, although I liked those tracks. The part with Moa in it, she looked so upset that she had hit the guard, even by accident and really looked like she was going to burst into tears. Stay safe, stay smiling

Great review - and you must go to see them again if you get the chance ... no you will not recreate this experience, don't even try. What you will do is create an entirely new experience. It may be better, it may be worse, there is no way of knowing - what you can be sure of is that it won't be the same, it will be new and it will be great and then you will have both experiences to look back on. I'm with you on your rants at the start, especially crowd surfers and the people holding their phones etc up for the whole show ... put the phones down, live in the moment, watch, join in, be part of something special - be part of making it something special and not just a sea of phones with nobody dancing, jumping, pumping their fists, singing along etc. Loved your thoughts on the Kami Band, Moa, Momoko and Su ... yes they really are real, they do exist and they were there, in person ... and they are amazing.

These cute little foxes are guaranteed fun...they always deliver 100% professionalism...it's worth every penny

Great review!!!

Thanks for sharing. Really enjoyed. Looking forward to seeing them in Inglewood.

Very interesting and enjoyable. Thank you for everything. Live concerts in Japan are inevitably held in large venues, so even if I buy the best ticket, I can only see a minute or two in total, as I am quite far away from my position and there are many people there. The girls are also a little more formal when the cameras come in for video productions, so they do not have the freedom they have when performing abroad. I envy your live shows abroad. I think music videos are fine as they are, but I always want video works to be released with fixed-point images. I prefer fan cams that allow me to see BM live, rather than the footage the video creators want to show. From Japan🦊

That was wonderful, thank you. I first saw Babymetal many years ago, as an already dedicated fan, and it was a very uncanny experience for me. As I said at the time and on a few later occasions my _perception_ of them, what I seemed to be seeing looking up from the crush on the GA floor maybe a dozen feet from the edge of the stage, was performers who were literally, somehow, eight to ten feet tall. I was well aware that this was not the case, they were even tinier then than now, but I couldn't shake what I "saw" in the moment and it lasted well after the concert. I've seen them live five times total over the years, including one large-scale show. I didn't regret any, and one of them - in the same type of small-capacity venue as the first - did surpass that first concert for me. But there hasn't been one which replicated the surreal sense of my first. One other quick thing is I want to thank you for including the first clip from Monochrome. It starts @19:59 and Momoko's movement in the first section is _gorgeous._ Genuinely beautiful. I stopped and replayed it a bunch of times.

Thank you so much for your, as ever, wonderfully eloquent words. For me at least, and I know for a fact many others, you cannot talk too much! I totally recognised and understood the “BABYMETAL” ear-to-ear grin on your face on the thumbnail for your video, that’s exactly how I looked throughout my first BM concert. If you are worried about going to another one, don’t be…you will feal the magic EVERY TIME!!!! And will have that exact same grin on the way home. The spell they cast ALWAYS works. Shame about the minority of party spoilers but that does seem to be a bit of a norm these days. Although I do have to say the last time I saw them was with Sabaton at Wembley Arena. I queued up a couple of hours or so in my carefully hand painted “Onedari” bones hoodie, probably outnumbered about 1000 to 1, and couldn’t have had a more positive experience. Even when they were being a bit sniffy about our girls they were still really respectful, and once BM hit the stage it instantly became clear that there were huge numbers of Sabaton BABYMETAL fans. Admittedly there is a connection between the bands so why not the fans too? Judging by some of the conversations at the bar BM gained many new converts too. The behaviour of the crowd was exemplary and overwhelmingly friendly and supportive, I remember thinking “how BABYMETAL”. Kudos to Sabaton fans! Clearly, sadly, not universally true amongst SOME metal fans. BTW, I thought the new costumes were astonishing too. Light and colour seems to explode out of the girls, a truly breathtaking effect that I can only think some people have judged without experiencing it for themselves. And oh yes, I did have that smile for days afterwards. You will and must see them again…see how long you resist when tickets next go on sale. I predict maybe two seconds if you’re feeling a bit dubious. Thanks again for such a lovely and emotion rekindling description of the concert. Damn I love those girls! 🦊🦊🦊

I think they recognised you, I don't think it is typical to get lot's of eye contact, once or twice if you are lucky. There is no way they haven't seen your video and you are quite recognisable. I love hearing fans first time concert impressions. I flew from New Zealand to see them in Melbourne in June and it was worth every penny I paid, I had my minimum expectation and my maximum figured out beforehand they met the maximum and exceeded it. to me they performed exactly as they would have if it had been a huge show in Japan there was no hint that they were just going through the motions. I know how you felt about it suddenly being real, it is almost like a spell is broken and then a new spell is cast over you where watching DVDs and KZfaq aren't enough anymore, although I still watch them lol

教授、初めてのBabymetal ライブ参戦おめでとうございます。🎉 貴方が仰るように映像で観るのとは異なりライブで観る彼女たちは特別です。特に普段、普通の少女(もう立派な女性ですが)にしか見えない彼女たちとステージ上の彼女たちが同一人物だとは信じられません。su-metalは以前インタビューで普段出来ないことでもsu-metalになることでどんなことでも可能になると言っていましたがこれは貴方が仰るようにペルソナ、つまり憑依という事なのでしょう。しかしそんな時でもふとステージ上で見せる素の表情はファンにとって至福の瞬間です。 どうか何回でもチャンスがあれば彼女たちのライブに参加してください。その度に新たな感動があるはずです。

Liturgical??? Right?! Babymetal live is wholly something else. Regarding your comments of some of the crowd not recognizing the special event going on before them, I had a similar situation with my show in Australia. I got the sense that most of the audience were metal and/or live music enthusiasts, maybe some ironic Babymetal fans, and the minority were genuine Babymetal fans; those of us in the latter camp were deeply moved by that show. One girl was visibly crying while she was singing along. Going by your tone throughout this video, it seems like we each had similar experiences. I am genuinely thrilled about that. Thanks, AJ

Hi so I have been lucky enough to see them 3 times (twice seated and once standing in 2019/2020). In part I chose in 2020 for Manchester (seated) and the next day London (standing) as it gave me two different views of the show. My one standing was right at the barrier in front of Su. On the upside I was right in front of Su - the downside was mostly the constant (and I mean every 5 minutes) having someone crowd surf over my head and a boot slamming into the back of my head. I have since learnt the positioning rules. Middle centre is Mosh Pit territory - if you want to avoid the worst of the crush then left or right sides are far better. At the end of the day it IS a metal concert. If you are right at the front (3-4 rows) the speakers are aimed further back and you find you do not even need earplugs there. Phones yeah HATE them at concerts (and it is all concerts). Sure the odd pic I took but the constant filming is a pain. Of course Moa would look upset. We all know this is a woman who her whole career has worn her heart on her sleeve. She is not called the Angel of Love for nothing. And yes I agree 100% they are moving Moa and Momoko sides. We have always known Moa was superb at that audience contact, and Momoko has the same ability. we all live for the moment Moa makes eye contact at a concert because you know she has SEEN you. And if you get that smile... :D On the drinking onstage I have seen at the concerts I saw they all had water bottles and did drink from them (usually the stage is darkened and they are at the back with the back to the audience) Her stage presence and control is total. And that 15+ years of stage experience shows (along with Moa) and she will direct and position them as needed. And you can see she always knows exactly where they both are. She was born to be on stage. Did you feel her larger than life? We know how slim and small Suzuka is yet on stage she appears so much bigger/larger. But I would disagree about her being 100% SU-METAL. Sure in the old days she was this ice persona - but in recent years I would say Suzuka sneaks out (you see it in the smile, the sudden little movement / shake of pleasure that is 100% Su coming out and enjoying the moment)

Absolutely felt the same way at the Philly show😊❤

Me alegro mucho que hayas podido ver en vivo a BABYMETAL!!! Me encantan tus videos y análisis. Por ahora no he visto a BABYMETAL en vivo (espero un día se me cumpla ese sueño), pero coincido en todo lo que comentas y entiendo como te sientes. Me transmitiste tus sentimientos totalmente. También comparto las cosas que te molestaron del show. Creo que tenemos una forma parecida de ver las cosas. God, siempre que veo algún video de BABYMETAL por YT, me imagino como me comportaría yo si estuviera ahí mismo y creo que no podría dejar de ver a Su-Metal, su presencia es demasiado grande como para apartar la mirada por unos segundos 🤣. Me encantaría poder ver todo lo que pase y también participar de los mosh-pit pero creo que sería imposible 🤣. Muchas gracias por tus videos!! See you 🤘🦊 🤘

I very much agree that Dethklok seemed so far from connected to Babymetal. Not my first metal concert but definitely that mosh pit wasn't like any that I have experienced. Normally people respect that not everyone wants to mosh. I was about one row behind you just stage left of center. I had to leave the floor fairly early in as well because of getting hit and needing to check for a bigger injury. The Babymetal performance was absolutely magical. Su, Moa and Momo were just so spectacular.

Congratulations on your first BABYMETAL concert! 祝： 赤子金属 初参戦 Another great analysis! I was especially happy to learn how it affected you personally. 🦊 My very first BABYMETAL live was this January @ Makuhari. Although I was far away from the stage, they had so much charisma that they totally overtook my emotions. And those "wall-to-wall" jumping fans - don’t see that very often… crazy. Until then, the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse was at the top of my list of "wow" moments (not including personal events like our first baby, etc.) but this was dethroned by this first live concert. How is it that they can make me and many around me cry and smile at the same time? 🦊 I have a daughter that lives in Durham, NC which is an hour’s drive from the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, but when I asked her to let me stay at her place, her answer was, ”There is no way I am letting my 75-year old Dad get injured. Please don’t go.” I told her I ran in the circle pit @ Makuhari, but she as well as my other daughter both said,” Those pits in Japan are tame.” 😖

Babymetal is magic. Each show you go to it becomes even more magical. Don't worry, I'm going to my 5th show and each have been more magical then the next.

Prof, you nailed it. 👍

BABYMETAL アトランタ公演初参戦おめでとうございます㊗️ メタり最高に盛り上がりましたね ! 演出構成が見事でした✨🦊✨

I was at the Atlanta show as well! It was awesome and the Baby Metal show went by way to quickly.

The thing you mentioned about Su communicating. When we see Su leading the band, some people don’t get to see that she does this even behind the performances, the girls take the lead from her and she takes on the leading role both as a singer and as “senior” Its no surprise that she has great crowd control and pressence, she’s a natural leader through and through.

Babymetal la mejor banda de metal año 2020 segun la revista británica metal hammer puesto 10 categoría todos los tiempos y saludos desde Lima Perú

Good for you, sensei! 😀

👍👍👍👍 🖖❤

you should watch Monochrome live in Jakarta. the whole song just evolved due to the crowd singing along with Su. really beautiful.

I’m seeing them for the third time in Seattle!!! Can’t wait!!

just saw my first Babymetal show in Orlando....they lived up to everything i expected!

My sister offered to take me to see Chris Stapleton, but I have never seen a fancam from a Chris Stapleton concert that wasn't overpowered by people just having random, loud, unrelated conversations *while* the songs were playing, and I was like...tickets cost too much for my experience to be ruined by inconsiderate fans. I do not understand people like that at all. Also, I expect Dethklok to be something I'm just willing to endure to get to BabyMetal on the other side. Traveling with chronic illness will be less than fun, and the whole experience will be an ordeal, honestly, so I'm approaching it like a quest. XD I WILL OVERCOME THE HARDSHIPS TO EARN THE PRIZE. I would even venture the floor, but can't have a cane in gen admission, so a balcony it is. (Speaking of chronic illness, it's making reading difficult, unfortunately. Not long ago, I could read a novel in a single sitting, but lately, I only get a few pages in before things turn to word soup and I have to take a break. Also, after a few pages, I was inspired to sit down and write on my own stuff. :p So that one's on you. XD But even just the opening paragraph was *chef's kiss* I was like, 'Oh, okay. So we've got a talented storyteller on our hands here.' Sorry the book went to someone with permanent fibro fog, but I will get through it slowly but surely.)

Thank you for sharing. Babymetal was in Orlando just the next show after this one and im only an hour north. But i couldn't make it. Im hoping for anther chance in the future. Happy to hear you had a good time.

I'm taking my granddaughter to see them in December. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

Several points I've been writing as I watch the video... -Yeah I also felt that way when I saw them for the first time this spring in London. I thought I was going to get emotional but the feeling was more strange, a bit shocked and felt a bit uncanny. I was around the same place you were, 2nd/3rd row a bit more to center in front of Suzuka slightly to the left. Great spot if you ask me xD -On people getting violent I do not know, I didn't see that on the two shows I went (London, Vienna), but we were few Babymetal people that time. I had heard around the community that there had been problems in the mosh pits in Orlando, but I had not heard anything about Atlanta. -They have been changing the song from TOO that is not Monochrome. Maya the first two shows, Mirror Mirror the two next ones, and they are doing Believing now. It was similar during the Sabaton tour in Europe, were they were alternating Mirror Mirror, Divine Attack, Metalizm, Metal Kingdom and Maya between shows. -To me how Moa worries about the security guard speaks of the work culture they have going on in that team, the enormous respect they have for all the people helping them doing their thing. The security guard, the guy in the lights, the tour bus driver, the guys who build the stage...you know, everyone involved. A lot of artists would not give a f about the guard, that explains to me there is a work culture that's been going on inside that team for years. -There is something that feels special when you get acknowledged. As I said I remember in London that we were like 1 to 4 between Babymetal people and Sabaton people, no one was doing the Pa Pa Ya dance, and for a moment you could see a shade of sadness in Su's face. Not really because she is in control always, but something in her eyes. I remember she looked to me jumping around there alone for less than a second and she looked more happy after that. It seems stupid but I do not think I'll forget that, then it felt like we were a team and I was doing my part as a fan. Yeah, I will always deny I feel like that if someone asks in real life. -Yeah Su is an enormously talented person, as I see it this whole wave of attention japanese metal is getting is carried on the shoulders of this woman. We are immensely fortunate to have her doing metal. Be careful Andrew because going to their shows becomes addictive xD I feel like I wrote a lot to say nothing, so sorry, and I am happy you saw them at last!

Thanks for sharing your experience! The experience of my first BM concert, 11 weeks away, will be different as I will be standing far away from the stage, in the back (can't be in crowds), just enjoying the music. So it's a pity that they don't project live camera footage of the stage on the big screen as they do in the huge shows. Had been listening to many Metari fancams to find out if the audience picked up the "Sakura-ya" after the Kabuki part and only heard it once. So that must have been you. Sidenote: there's now "Burning Shakespeare" in the house. I gave it to my wife who finished it in a short time. I have to wait until the kindle version is available over here.

My wife and I tried so hard to get into Dethklok at our two shows. We had the same issues. Just wasn't for us. And yeah the crowd seemed way more rough than what I was led to believe about Babymetal metal concerts. I don't think it's a good pairing at all and hope next time they have someone else. I'm in the same "get off my lawn" mentality haha does that mean we're getting older? Never 😂. Babymetal themselves were an out of body experience for me. Now, I just need to see them as often as I can. Edit: I had the exact same feeling during Gimme Chocolate too, it was surreal. "Oh they're actually real?"

I enjoyed your story. Like you, due to my Job and other issues, I have never had the opportunity to get to a Babymetal show and, unlike you, is one of those things that I think will pass me by before I will be able. I'm 60 now and started watching the girls when I was 49...so its been a while and my personal history tells me not to expect it to happen. C'est la vie. But I do get to enjoy hearing the stories of others, such as yours, and enjoying all I can consume through KZfaq and other Social Media so its not a complete tragedy!! LoL! Thanks again and as always.... Put your Kitsune UP!! Po!

Great review video. My wife and I saw them in Nashville for the first time. Baby Metal are amazing. It was everything we hoping for. We got Believing instead of Maya. We didn’t care for Deathlok that much. They were way to loud and you couldn’t hear vocals at all. Baby Metal’s sound was perfect. We sat all the way stage left first row. We could see them when they went back to get drinks. They were being silly and having a lot of fun. Best moment was during Road of Resistance, Moa came to our side and I waved at her. She waved back and gave us the heart. Totally Amazing. Can’t wait to see them again. Thank you for your videos over the years for explaining the meanings of the videos. PS our Ultimate goal is to go to Japan and see one of the Big Shows. Hope to see you there.

The rule for Japanese spectators is to mosh around the circle to the left. If someone is down, everyone should help him or her up. High-five those who have not joined the circle as you go around. ☺️ Also, in BABYMETAL, it is officially called MOSH'SH PIT.

thanks for reporting! And for very good footage

Congratulations on your first show and I am glad you enjoyed it (except for the points you made). I saw them in Houston and despite it being my 3rd show this year it was as magical as the first time I saw them live. I absolutely agree with you about the phone part, which never affected me personally that much since I always managed to get close to the barrier. In Houston there were also a lot of people crowd surfing, especially during Deathklocks performance which is ok if you are not a large person (I guess) but hearing that someone got hurt because of that is kinda sad to me. All three worked so hard to be where they are now and I absolutely respect them for that. You still get those small moments with Moa and Momo where they are goofing around and interact freely with the audience which doesn’t seem to happen with Su (sadly) and those moments are so precious and as you said, can never experienced again in the same way, so it makes them unique. The crowd in Houston was also pretty wild and well prepared to do their part and yes, I always have that sense of community before and during the show. Hopefully you get to see them again soon! 🤘🦊🔥

This was a really fun watch. I can tell it meant a lot to you to finally see them live. While I never personally encountered the word sprezzatura before this, I've been practicing a particularly potent form of martial arts for nearly ten years now, one which has fundamentally seeped all the way in to the very core of who I am. My teacher often says of the material, "this is not something you do, it's something you become", and, yeah, that idea of sprezzatura... I've felt it firsthand in my own practice. It's nice to finally have a name for that feeling :) Also, I feel a little bit bad for a previous comment on another video of yours about how you seem to be more into the band than I am. In hindsight, I felt like that could've come off as passive aggressive in some way, but I honestly just meant to convey, "hey you've opened my eyes to new aspects of this band I had missed before", and yeah, you've continued to do that here. Cheers!

㊗️初・赤子金属観戦 ‼

As both a Dethklok and Babymetal fan(I was mostly there for Babymetal), I have to agree about the Dethklok criticism. It was not a great pairing. The clips on the screen were all from the cartoon than was the origin of Dethklok, and the brutality and stupidity of it is tongue-in-cheek in MEtalocalypse. It is mocking that same mindless brutality that some metal glorifies. That said, in the context of that show, there was very little humor to it, and it was a stark contrast to Babymetal, and I think was out of place and inappropriate for an all ages show that had a fair number of children. I was actually right next to you at the show, and the couple with their young daughter on the father's shoulders disturbed me with the sex and nightmare images on screen.

Excellent! I'm so happy for you , professor. Yeah, I have some experience with wild crowds in metal concerts. Now I have an age and if I don't get barrier, I prefer to place myself in a safer spot. 😁 I discovered them in late 2019 (too late, I know) and I had tickets to see them live in 2020 but the entire world was cancelled, you know... So I managed to see them for the first time last May on their tour with Sabaton, traveling to Germany on purpose. It was an amazing experience, almost overwhelming. It's very interesting what you explained about the things that don't go as planned. I've seen hours and hours of footage and yes, Su-metal is the "pivot" of the choreography and the one ho take the responsibility at all times. She's the boss, so to speak. And yes, her stage presence and control is innate. Now, I cant wait to see them live again, this time in Barcelona, my hometown and Madrid in December. Until next time! 🤘🦊

I'm taking two female friends. They are pretty petite so I am glad I bought seats. We are 1st row seats in Las Vegas and 2nd row seats in Los Angeles. So Hopefully they can see well and not be crushed or hit by someone surfing. They are not Metal fans so Dethlok most likely won't interest them. I know one for sure hates the constant growling. She does like BABYMETAL enough to go though. Our other friend has no idea what she is in for muahahahaha. I just hope she leaves enjoying BABYMETAL. I made a few comments how you know these shows are in the USA because all the damn phones recording the entire show. You see more phones than hands throwing the Fox Sign up in some videos. It's hard to really hate on them because on one hand, those who can't go to the shows can still see some of it. On the other hand, it is damn annoying seeing all those phones blocking the view. I know some do it for the visual memories to always look back on but I feel some just do it for the stupid "likes" on their social media platforms. Again another reason I think I will be happy with my seat choice. I can't be a total hypocrite as I know I will take a few pics and a little video too, but I wont be recording entire songs. Just bits and pieces and will do my best to not ruins someone's view. 🤘🦊🤘 Moa has such a good heart. She did look worried, sad, yet cute as hell still. That pout face was adorable. The world would be a better place if there was more people like Moa. I hope BABYMETAL comes back solo someday soon. From what I know about Dethlok is they try to be ultra Metal but kind of as a joke. Like they aren't taking themselves too seriously and trying to overdo the Metal to kinda poke fun at how metal some bands try to be. At least that was the take I heard about them. So their lyrics are ridiculous and meant to be silly at times as well as the cartoon portions. But I could be 100% wrong. The only thing I ever seen from them was the video from their BATMETAL stuff.

Awesome. I was there in ATL also on the main floor

It is the day after the babyklok concert 110% agree. Also another less mosh and more squish at the seattle concert.

Again thank you for this. I have too many observations to talk about from your experience seeing BABYMETAL live. To voice a few, I have thought for some time that Su is a extraordinary performer, and to really appreciate her unique ability takes a bit of care and attention to study her performances over her career. Yes, the singing is something to marvel at, but the overall power of her personality and grace on stage is surely a once in a generation ability. I have said this before, you can see this emerging star quality from a young age. That to me is the biggest take away from your concert review. On a less related subject I recently went to see a Jacob Collier concert, the audience was for the most part very musically aware of his musical nuances, (how many audiences clap or cheer for a foreign key change or poly-rhythm?) However the young woman directly behind me insisted on singing along to every song as loud as she could. I suspect it was to show the rest of us how she was a "super" fan superior to us mere regular fans somehow. Did it ruin the concert for me , no. But I don't get it.

Before I went to the concert, my main goal was to watch Moa dance and listen to Su sing. But during the concert, I couldn't take my eyes off Su-metal. I rarely pay attention to KAMI BAND or Moametal. I only always paid attention to Su-metal's performance and the safety of the ladies on both sides of me. So the situation at the concert was different from what I imagined. But definitely an amazing show. I want to go again. Thanks for your great video.

Congrats Professor on seeing a Babymetal concert and loving the review 🤘😎🤙

Really enjoyed your in-depth analysis of the concert and the ladies and band performance. So very eloquent with a strong intellect throughout, you validate BM's existance as a unique cultural force- something I find to be lacking elsewhere. An most enjoyable watch. Top stuff. And as a fellow Brit, I also enjoyed listening to your accent weave between British and American. 😀

Seeing BABYMETAL live is, in my opinion, nothing less that extraordinary. Perhaps I can assuage your fears regarding seeing them again. I saw them twice in Australia earlier this year; once in Sydney and then I flew down to Melbourne to see them again. I think I appreciated them even more so in the second show. The atmosphere in the Melbourne show was particularly amazing. In both shows the crowds were enthusiastic but chaotic and I would have liked to have seen some more of the (is proper the right word?) crowd responses, especially in the stands where I was. I felt a bit alone in my various chants up there. Nevertheless, suffice to say if they do a world tour finale in Japan next year, I’ll be trying to get tickets!

In your part starting at 33:53, it reminded me of something Su said in an interview not too long ago. I do not remember the exact interview but I screen shot and saved her words. I thought it was interesting; "And so it feels to me that this existence known as Su-Metal is a totally different type of personality that is completely out of the ordinary, you see. So when I attempt to deal with this character as just another human being because she is so far removed from myself we get into fights with each other. So, rather than deal with Su-Metal in that manner if I let her have some space away from me I am able to look upon her from an objective position and even cheer her on - I am able to give her advice and support you could say. If we were one of the same person, I think I would be afraid to make mistakes." You mentioned earlier about having that sense of realizing they are actually real. The first time I saw them, for the first moments I had could not shake the feeling that I was watching a video but it was just a really large screen. It took me a bit for my mind to comprehend that I was watching them face to face in real life. It was a very strange but wonderful feeling when I was finally able to process it.

Sería bueno un video del nuevo grupo Metalverse con las ex sakura gakuin de Japón y saludos desde Lima Perú

Sooo can't wait for Babymetal in the 'Burgh tomorrow night Dethklok, too

Thanks AJH for this review and sharing your experience with us. And believe it or not, I come to your channel to hear and watch you talk! :) Your rants are also next level! Great stuff! ;) I fully agree with you on the impactful experience that is attending a BM show in person. Especially when you are quite close to the stage, their presence and energy is almost overwhelming. Also, it might sound stupid, but I always get emotional when somebody shares their BM live show impression (with me), because it creates a connection to that person by something we both share and cherish. And it fills my heart with joy that that person, in this case you, was able to experience BM granting them happiness, peace and memories to share. And I'd like to believe that BM know they have this effect on people, and that it is one of the reasons they keep doing what they are doing.