BABYMETAL’s unforgettable performance at London’s O2 Arena with the Red Hot Chili Peppers

03.January.2017 | FEATURES / MUSIC

“BABYMETAL”. If you haven’t heard of this band yet then you must be living under a rock.

 

BABYMETAL have proven to be a limitless and unprecedented trio that continue push the boundaries of the music industry.  If you’ve seen their name in the headlines over the past year in particular, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Just when I thought that these three young girls from Japan had no way of topping that amazing and surreal performance together with Rob Halford of Judas Priest at the Alternative Press Music Awards back in July, the Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that they are to take the same BABYMETAL with them on the UK leg of their “The Getaway World Tour”.

 

The tour was originally planned to begin on December 5th and end on December 15th, with two consecutive performances at a few of the scheduled venues, including the famous O2 Arena in London with a capacity of 20,000. However, due to popular demand, a third date was added for The O2, extending it to December 18th. This is the show that I attended.

 

The huge arena faded to black and screams echoed throughout. When the lights came on, out stepped the Kami Band. The girls followed and they opened the night with the epic “Road of Resistance” which included call-and-response interaction with the audience to get them pumped for what was to follow. BABYMETAL performed “KARATE” as well as a number of classics that included “Gimme Choco!!!”, “Megitsune” and of course “Catch me if you can” which has come to be the track where the Kami Band show off their true skills on their instruments with solos from each member.

 

What truly made the night, however, was when Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers surprised the audience by joining the Kami Band and the girls on stage as the drummer. Chad himself dressed as a Kami Band member, donning the white robes and make-up. He was officially dubbed “Chad Metal” by the girls during his performance. What followed was an absolutely incredible cover of two Judas Priest songs, “Painkiller” and “Breaking the Law”, the same songs the band performed with Rob Halford in July. It was an unexpected treat and loved by fans that recognised the songs. SU-METAL has come a long way with her amazing singing ability, and these covers really showed her potential. SU-METAL thanked Chad Metal for joining them on stage and he went off. But Chad soon returned to the stage with a birthday cake for SU-METAL, whose birthday was on December 20th, and the entire venue sang Happy Birthday for her. Chad then spoke some heartfelt words about BABYMETAL, saying “BABYMETAL’s been on the tour with us for all the UK. We love having them, they’re amazing. They’re beautiful, wonderful, talented people.”

 

BABYMETAL are set to tour with METALLICA on their “WORLDWIRED TOUR 2017” in Seoul on January 11th, 2017. They will then join Guns N’ Roses for their “JAPAN TOUR 2017” where they will play 4 dates on January 21st, 22nd, 25th and 29th in Osaka, Kobe, Yokohama and Saitama respectively. The power and love of BABYMETAL is evident to see. If they’re heading to a city near you, don’t miss out on your chance to see a performance from one of the biggest names in metal today.

 

Writer: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
Studying Japanese and has a deep interest in Japanese pop culture.
Currently enrolled at university in the UK and has studied abroad in Japan for 1-year.
Writer & Translator at MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON.

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■Related article:I can’t know with just the music! What’s the fascination with Perfume & BABYMETAL, two groups gaining attention all over the world!?

 

■Related article:Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford joins BABYMETAL onstage for an epic performance【Video】

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    02.March.2023 | MUSIC

    Ahead of the global release of the band’s concept album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, BABYMETAL has released the songLight and Darkness. This is the fourth track released since October 2023, and the music video has also been uploaded to the official Youtube channel.

     

    Light and Darkness – BABYMETAL

     

    The music video contains footage from the BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE- live performances held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba on January 28 and 29. This marked the return of the group after a hiatus almost lasting two years.

     

    To coincide with BABYMETAL’s 10th anniversary last year, the group announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. This new song is based on the theme of the restored parallel world of Light and Darkness.

     

    Because there is light, there is darkness, and because there is darkness, there is a world that can shine. In the night when light and darkness intersect, what we seek after being poisoned and falling into the depths is a world filled with powerful love. Is it hope or despair that awaits beyond the door?

     

    BABYMETAL’s next concert, BABYMETAL BEGINS – THE OTHER ONE, will be held at Pia Arena MM on April 1 (BLACK NIGHT) and April 2 (CLEAR NIGHT). Check out the latest music video and keep an eye on BABYMETAL as they start anew!

  • BABYMETAL Completes 2-Day Performace at Makuhari Messe, More Shows Announced for Next Chapter

    04.February.2023 | MUSIC

    To coincide with BABYMETAL’s 10th anniversary last year, the group announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice in October 2021. On January 28 and 29, 2023, the band held BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE-, a two-day performance at Makuhari Messe. After a year of silence, the girls are finally back ahead of the simultaneous worldwide release of their concept album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023. The two successful shows welcomed fans into the new world of BABYMETAL, attracting over 30,000 people.

    On January 27, the Japanese government revised the country’s guidelines for dealing with COVID-19, abolishing the restrictions on maximum attendees allowed in concert halls. The first performance on January 28 felt even more celebratory as a result, with masked fans able to participate as if they had returned to a time before the Coronavirus. The audience cheered and the girls performed their hearts out, reviving BABYMETAL in a whole new way. BABYMETAL held the ‘LEGEND – METAL GALAXY’ concert at Makuhari Messe in January 2020–the last show prior to the world-changing pandemic.

    BABYMETAL performed a total of 13 songs on January 28 and January 29, including five new songs from the upcoming concept albumTHE OTHER ONE. As the audience watched on, the venue was filled with quiet tension as the band returned to the stage for the first time in a year and a half. Fans were given Savior Masks to wear–the dress code for the BABYMETAL unsealing ceremony. At the start of the show, a story video began playing to announce the ten parallel worlds that are represented in the upcoming concept album. Ten apostles appeared on the runway stage, walking from one side to the other in veils and holding wands. A massive stone fox gate appeared, where the members of BABYMETAL were said to be frozen in eternal sleep. Arriving at the gate, the apostles raised their wands and the gate opened in a flash of light and smoke, revealing SU-METAL and MOAMETAL. The two took to the throne and the ceremony began!

     

    The audience’s excitement rose to a fever pitch as SU-METAL rose from the throne to perform METAL KINGDOM. The audience began to get even more excited by the dynamic dancing and powerful singing of the Avengers, who joined in on the next song Divine Attack. Following, BABYMETAL’s more popular tracks began playing in rapid succession including Distortion (feat. Alissa White-Gluz), PA PA YA!! (feat. F.HERO), Gimme Chocolate!!, and Megitsune.

     

    In the video shown before the song Doki Doki Morning, it was announced that the door to the new world, the METALVERSE, was ready to open, revealing new lifeforms and plenty of new experiences. While the first half of the song was the same as always, the second half featured a new arrangement. Suddenly, a mysterious trio appeared on another stage. It was as if a parallel world was appearing before the audience’s eyes, with both groups dancing and singing in unison.

     

    The second half of the live performance featured the new song Light and Darkness, telling the story of a world where light and darkness intersect. The group also performed Monochrome, with the audience’s smartphones beautifully illuminating the venue and adding color to the monochrome world.

     

    As the concert began to come to a close, the audience responded by dancing along to an intense performance of Headbangeeeeerrrrr!!!!! The girls also performed their signature track Ijime, Dame, Zettai and Road of Resistance. BABYMETAL screamed “We are BABYMETAL,” causing the audience to respond in kind.

     

    For the finale of BABYMETAL’s revival, the group performed the new song THE LEGEND.  SU-METAL and MOAMETAL stood on two moving stages each representing the symbol of THE OTHER ONE (∞), soon starting to float in the air, moving slowly from the two ends of the stage to the center of the venue as if the two circles overlapped. The audience was soothed by SU-METAL’s singing voice, which gently enveloped the venue, and MOAMETAL and her choir in white.

     

    As the ending movie played, it was announced another seal would soon be opened, and that BABYMETAL would soon be standing on a new stage. SU-METAL and MOAMETAL appeared on stage again and began to climb the steps of an aerial staircase, reminiscent of the stairs to the living legend that appeared in the infinite universe. Two crystal coffins appeared and the girls got in, prepared to be sucked into the gate to the multiverse. Suddenly, an arrow of light was shot between the two coffins, and another crystal coffin appeared, with someone new appearing in front of the third coffin. As the three coffins came together and the gate to the new universe pulsed bright red, the performance came to an end with a flash of intense light.

     

    BABYMETAL was successfully resurrected, sharing their determination to start anew with the audience. The BABYMETAL RETURNS – THE OTHER ONE – performance opened a gate to unknown worlds filled with mysteries far beyond our imagination. What was the third coffin? What three lifeforms appeared on the opposite stage? During the ending movie, fans were excited to see that BABYMETAL BEGINS -THE OTHER ONE- would be held at Pia Arena MM on April 1 and April 2, 2023. A new METAL will be born on Fox Day on April 1, the same day that BABYMETAL will begin the journey to a new world.

     

    The quickest way to preorder tickets for BABYMETAL BEGINS – THE OTHER ONE – is to register for THE ONE 2023. Preorders will start on January 30 at 18:00. See the special website for more details!

     

    BABYMETAL BEGINS – THE OTHER ONE –  will also be broadcast exclusively on WOWOW on March 25, 2023.

  • BABYMETAL Releases ‘METAL KINGDOM,’ the Third Single from the Upcoming Concept Album ‘THE OTHER ONE’

    26.January.2023 | MUSIC

    Ahead of the release of the band’s concept album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, BABYMETAL has released a few tracks to get audiences even more pumped after a year of silence. In October 2022, the group released Divine Attack, followed by Monochrome in November.

     

    On January 20, BABYMETAL released the song METAL KINGDOM on all major music download and streaming services worldwide.

     

    To coincide with BABYMETAL’s 10th anniversary last year, the group announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. METAL KINGDOM is inspired by the parallel world ‘THRONE.’

     

    Written as an anthem to usher in a new era, the song aims to remind people that they have the strength to inspire themselves and the ability to start down a new path. The track rises powerfully from BABYMETAL’s throne of silence heralding the beginning of a new start for the group.

     

    BABYMETAL has finally broken the seal, and on January 28 and 29, 2023, the duo will hold the BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. More information will be announced soon, so keep an eye on social media and BABYMETAL’s official website!

  • BABYMETAL to Stream First Live Performance since Rebirth at Movie Theaters Nationwide

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    In October 2021, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until
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    In the group’s first real-world performance since its rebirth, BABYMETAL will remind
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    On March 24, BABYMETAL will release the concept album THE OTHER ONE worldwide.

     

    After more than a year of silence, BABYMETAL is finally moving forward. Be sure to head to your local theater on February 23 to see the band in action once again!

  • Presale Tickets for BABYMETAL’s Solo Concert at Makuhari Messe in January 2023 Now on Sale

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    In October 2021, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. On January 28 and 29, 2023, BABYMETAL will hold the ‘BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba and pre-sale tickets are now available for purchase! These won’t last, so grab yours while you can.

     

    BABYMETAL released the first of five monthly consecutive singles, Divine Attack -Shingeki-, in October, with Monochrome following in November. New songs are on the way in January, February, and March, so look forward to plenty of new content!

  • BABYMETAL Releases Second Teaser Video for New Song ‘Monochrome’

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    Popular metal band BABYMETAL has announced that five singles will be available to download and stream worldwide prior to the release of the new album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, with songs releasing in October, November, January, February, and March. A second teaser video for the new song Monochrome has been released, with the track available to stream worldwide on November 18.

     

    The official lyric video for the song will also be released on November 18. 

     

    In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced as a way to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. Monochrome shows off a restored parallel world and asks a strange question–the fireworks shot into the sky were monochrome, but what color were they to the children? The song draws inspiration from Ragnarok from Norse mythology and shares a wish for the day when the starry sky will be filled with all the colors of the rainbow. 

    Last year, following the tenth year of the group’s activities, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice.  They are now ready to return to performing, and on January 28 and 29, 2023, the duo will hold the ‘BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Starting in April 2023, the band will tour the UK and Europe with Sabaton, a power metal band from Sweden.

     

    More information and new content will be announced in the coming weeks, so be sure to check social media and the official BABYMETAL site.

  • BABYMETAL Releases ‘MONOCHROME’ from New Album ‘THE OTHER ONE’

    18.November.2022 | MUSIC

    BABYMETAL has announced that five singles will be available to download and stream worldwide prior to the release of the new album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, with songs releasing in October, November, January, February, and March. The first song, Divine Attack -Shingeki-, was released on October 21, instantly trending on social media. An official lyric video was released on the same day. Now, the second song is here! On November 18, fans will be able to download and stream  MONOCHROME. 

     

    Last year, following the tenth year of the group’s activities, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice.  In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced as a way to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. MONOCHROME is based on a restored parallel world.

     

    The fireworks shot into the sky were monochrome, but what color were they to the children? The song draws inspiration from Ragnarok from Norse mythology and shares a wish for the day when the starry sky will be filled with all the colors of the rainbow. An inspirational jacket photo has also been released.

     

    On January 28 and 29, 2023, the duo will hold the ‘BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Starting in April 2023, the band will tour the UK and Europe with Sabaton, a power metal band from Sweden.

     

    More information and new content will be announced in the coming weeks, so be sure to check social media and the official BABYMETAL site.

  • BABYMETAL Releases First Digital Track from 2023 Album ‘THE OTHER ONE’

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    Ahead of the release of the new album THE OTHER ONE on March 24, 2023, BABYMETAL has announced that it will release five digital singles worldwide in October, November, January, February, and March. The first single, Divine Attack -Shingeki-, is now available to stream. 

    Last year, following the tenth year of the group’s activities, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. In April 2022, THE OTHER ONE was announced as a way to relaunch the group in the METALVERSE, a piece of the virtual metaverse. 

     

    The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. Divine Attack -Shingeki- is based on the parallel world of ‘CAVALRY,’ and follows the members of BABYMETAL down a road less traveled. Listening to the song conjures an image of a cavalry troop running into battle and into the future, and SU-METAL wrote the lyrics for the song–a first for the group.

     

    BABYMETAL has finally broken the seal, and on January 28 and 29, 2023, the duo will hold the ‘BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Starting in April 2023, the group will tour the UK and EU and the Swedish band Sabaton. More information will be announced in the near future, so keep an eye on social media and BABYMETAL’s official website!

  • BABYMETAL Announces First International Tour in 3 Years with Swedish Metal Band Sabaton

    21.October.2022 | MUSIC

    Joakim Brodén, the vocalist for Sabaton, served as a guest performer on the song Oh! MAJINAI (feat. Joakim Brodén) found on Babymetal’s third album METAL GALAXY released on October 11, 2019. This will be the first time that the two groups have performed live together since the BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN EXTRA SHOW – DARK NIGHT CARNIVAL in October 2018 at Saitama Super Arena.

     

    BABYMETAL will release its first concept album, THE OTHER ONE, on March 24, 2023. Ahead of release, five singles will be available to download and stream worldwide, with one releasing in October, November, January, February, and March. Be sure to watch out for Babymetal as they rock the world once again!

  • BABYMETAL Announces 2023 Concert, Concept Album to Release Simultaneously Worldwide

    13.October.2022 | MUSIC

    In October 2021, BABYMETAL announced that it would “seal” itself off from the world until further notice. After celebrating a decade of incredible music, fans were shocked by the announcement–but now, the group has announced a comeback. On January 28 and 29, 2023, BABYMETAL will hold the ‘BABYMETAL RETURNS -THE OTHER ONE’ 2-day concert at Makuhari Messe in Chiba. It was also announced that the group would release its first concept album, THE OTHER ONE, on March 24, 2023. The album will begin streaming worldwide on this date. 

     

    On the official website, a legend map depicting all of BABYMETAL’s future activities has been revealed. The upcoming concept album will be inspired by the idea of a BABYMETAL that fans don’t know, and a total of 10 songs have been discovered within THE OTHER ONE restoration project, with each song representing a specific theme based on 10 separate parallel worlds that the members have discovered. Five singles will be available to download and stream worldwide, with one releasing in October, November, January, February, and March, prior to the album’s release on March 24, 2023.

     

    Presale tickets for the 2-day concert are now available to purchase. Official advance and general sales dates will be announced on the official website soon. Keep an eye on BABYMETAL as they return to rock the world once again!

  • BABYMETAL Says Goodbye With Official 10th Anniversary Video on YouTube

    18.October.2021 | MUSIC

    Metal J-pop group BABYMETAL has brought their 10th-anniversary celebration to a close with a new YouTube video. The group previously announced that their history would be ‘sealed’ on October 10, 2021. 

     

    BABYMETAL  – THE ONE – STAIRWAY TO LIVING LEGEND

     

    The video shows SU-METAL and MOAMETAL climbing a staircase into the clouds, leaving the Earth in order to become ‘living legends’ of the Metal Galaxy they have cultivated for the past decade. Fans will also recognize the track THE ONE, which has become the group’s anthem. 

     

    BABYMETAL has been celebrating its anniversary for the past year with special concert performances, limited-time merchandise, and exhibitions. The 10 BABYMETAL BUDOKAN concert, held this year from January to April, was the group’s first collection of solo shows at Nippon Budokan. 

     

    Despite all of the fanfare, this might not be the end of BABYMETAL. Sadly, it has been said that ‘only the Fox God knows’ when the seal will be broken, but the girls are asking fans to ‘stay metal’ until the next chapter of their journey is announced. 

  • 10 BABYMETAL BUDOKAN Exhibition Opens at Tower Records Shibuya

    27.September.2021 | MUSIC

    On September 28, the 10 BABYMETAL BUDOKAN Exhibition will open on the 8th floor of Tower Records Shibuya for a limited time. The exhibition will feature a collection of costumes worn by the group during their numerous concerts over the years, stage set reproductions, photo spots, and more. 

     

    Savior Mask

    Postcard

    BABYMETAL × TOWER RECORDS Exclusive Goods

    Collaboration BEER

    10 BABYMETAL BUDOKAN Mystic Game

     

    Exclusive merchandise will only be available during this event, including T-shirts, bags, posters, and even beer! Those attending the exhibition will be entered to win a BABYMETAL mask or postcard, previously only available at the Budokan concert. The Mystic Game, a puzzle-solving experience, will also take place within Tower Records Shibuya, asking guests to explore the location for clues!

     

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