VERSAILLES PHILHARMONIC QUINTET: LIVE VISUAL KEI CONCERT IN SHIBUYA, JAPAN.
I visited Marie Antoinette’s palace in 2004 and it was a ghost of its past opulence; a mere shell of the Rocaille. But the court didn’t fall with the Bastille – it’s simply moved to Tokyo and reincarnated itself through Visual Kei band Versailles (now known as “Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-” in the US for lawyerly reasons).
Last evening, I was honored to be received by the royal court (okay, granted a guest pass to Versailles’ Shibuya-O-West show). The curtains parted, revealing a swirly gold “V” banner and amplifiers draped with red roses. “We-LOVE-Ver-SAILLES!” chanted the mostly-female audience. Five 18th century aristocrats floated out with flourishing hand gestures before strapping on electric instruments.
I always associate Versailles with Queen, and not just because Hizaki (above) looks like Marie Antoinette shredding a red guitar. His sound has a Brian May quality to it, especially in finger-flying duets – or how about “heavy metal fugues” – with guitarist Teru (below left).
Visual Kei is often more about looks than sound, but Versailles strikes gold on both fronts. All are expert musicians and charming performers; vocalist Kamijo (right) is Castiglione’s perfect courtier, flipping his cape and bowing with one knee bent after each song. The 45-minute set included “After Cloudia” and “Aristocrat’s Symphony” from their first full album Noble, and multiple heavy tracks for the headbangers. The musicians spun around in unison, showing off their gorgeous stage outfits, and were the only band to slap hands with their fans. “En-core-ay!” they cried, but le coucher had already taken place.
Rentrer en Soi was the headliner but Versailles stole the show. (“I was in exstase,” whispered my friend.) The other Visual/J-rock/metal bands didn’t make as strong an impression, although I was slack-jawed at Black:List singer Kyoutarou (formerly of Eight) – he of the blue lips, natty dreads, tarantula legs, and Jamiroquai quick-step.
Royal visitors should dress to impress, but most concert-goers wore non-descript Shibuya-style clothes. There were some Lolitas, and one girl rocked a bunny purse similar to mine. Two fabulous cosplayers mimicked Teru and Jasmine You down to the black feather on his index finger.
When you’re surrounded by frills and neon gasmasks every day, you sometimes just want to wear a plain black T-shirt (Sex Pot Revenge, $18 from Marui Young). I compensated for my sartorial minimalism by going Rococo with hair and makeup.
What, you still haven’t downloaded Versailles’ new single “Prince” from HearJapan? What are you waiting for? It’s free! HearJapan offers digital music from all genres, but the Visual Kei category is especially fantastic (Megamasso, D’espairsRay, DuelJewel, Vidoll and more). As long as we support these bands, Rococo decadence will never die!
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Hey, I have the same bunny bag, although mine is the backpack version.
Hey, I have the same bunny bag, although mine is the backpack version.
Hey, I have the same bunny bag, although mine is the backpack version.
You got some great shots of Versailles! Very pretty indeed! They definitely capture the energy and style of the concert!
You got some great shots of Versailles! Very pretty indeed! They definitely capture the energy and style of the concert!
Sadly, I wasn’t allowed to take photos at the concert… these picture are courtesy of HearJapan ;)
Sadly, I wasn’t allowed to take photos at the concert… these picture are courtesy of HearJapan ;)
You got some great shots of Versailles! Very pretty indeed! They definitely capture the energy and style of the concert!
Sadly, I wasn't allowed to take photos at the concert… these picture are courtesy of HearJapan ;)
*envy* XDDDD
Nono, thank you SO much for typing this! =3
I really wish to go to their concert some time, but I don't have any money to go to Japan or… Well… ^^;; I'll have to wait for a while I guess, but it's also very hard to buy any official CDs or anything like this…
It's really cool you got to go there ^^
The photos are really beautiful! Versailles was looking great as always, I see ^^
*sighs* someday… ^^;;
Anyways, thank you again!!! (^__^)
m so jealous of Jasmine Yuu, Hizaki, and Teru, they're all so PRETTY!!!! It's unfair! haha
:: sigh :: the US seriously needs more of this. we do! no bands here really do 'shows' like this anymore. Jrock fans are starved for it. the only problem is, there aren't enough fans it seems to warrant more touring. only the major cities or cons get the bands and those of us off the path, like me, suffer. I know the Polysics are coming to my area and The Underneath, Brain Failure and Dir en Grey have come thru here too. someone told me that D'espairs Ray had also but I don't know for sure. and this is all within the past couple of years. I don't really want to see Jrock and the like go mainstream here cuz that will just pollute and dilute it. but I would love to see it made more accesible. love your blog! and the SPR tee ^-^
I forgot to mention that Versailles aren't the first to change their name here. Puffy had to go by Puffy AmiYumi. are there any others who've had to do this?
X had to become X-Japan
okay, the second picture is truely a spectacular shot. like, i love it. and there is nothing wrong with a little sex pot revenge on a down day.
Squee!! Woo Versailles! You're so lucky to be able to get a guest pass to Versailles' Shibuya-O-West show!
Just wondering, did you take the pictures of them? They're absolutely gorgeous. ^^ Hizaki went crazy with the glitter, I see..You forgot to mention Yuki btw. (>_>)
Lovely review although.
You can buy Versailles tracks from HearJapan.com!
I know – the bands basically don't make any money when they come to Europe or the US, and often get screwed by promoters…
*envy* XDDDD
Nono, thank you SO much for typing this! =3
I really wish to go to their concert some time, but I don’t have any money to go to Japan or… Well… ^^;; I’ll have to wait for a while I guess, but it’s also very hard to buy any official CDs or anything like this…
It’s really cool you got to go there ^^
The photos are really beautiful! Versailles was looking great as always, I see ^^
*sighs* someday… ^^;;
Anyways, thank you again!!! (^__^)
You can buy Versailles tracks from HearJapan.com!
You can buy Versailles tracks from HearJapan.com!
*envy* XDDDD
Nono, thank you SO much for typing this! =3
I really wish to go to their concert some time, but I don’t have any money to go to Japan or… Well… ^^;; I’ll have to wait for a while I guess, but it’s also very hard to buy any official CDs or anything like this…
It’s really cool you got to go there ^^
The photos are really beautiful! Versailles was looking great as always, I see ^^
*sighs* someday… ^^;;
Anyways, thank you again!!! (^__^)
m so jealous of Jasmine Yuu, Hizaki, and Teru, they’re all so PRETTY!!!! It’s unfair! haha
m so jealous of Jasmine Yuu, Hizaki, and Teru, they’re all so PRETTY!!!! It’s unfair! haha
:: sigh :: the US seriously needs more of this. we do! no bands here really do ‘shows’ like this anymore. Jrock fans are starved for it. the only problem is, there aren’t enough fans it seems to warrant more touring. only the major cities or cons get the bands and those of us off the path, like me, suffer. I know the Polysics are coming to my area and The Underneath, Brain Failure and Dir en Grey have come thru here too. someone told me that D’espairs Ray had also but I don’t know for sure. and this is all within the past couple of years. I don’t really want to see Jrock and the like go mainstream here cuz that will just pollute and dilute it. but I would love to see it made more accesible. love your blog! and the SPR tee ^-^
I know – the bands basically don’t make any money when they come to Europe or the US, and often get screwed by promoters…
I know – the bands basically don’t make any money when they come to Europe or the US, and often get screwed by promoters…
:: sigh :: the US seriously needs more of this. we do! no bands here really do ‘shows’ like this anymore. Jrock fans are starved for it. the only problem is, there aren’t enough fans it seems to warrant more touring. only the major cities or cons get the bands and those of us off the path, like me, suffer. I know the Polysics are coming to my area and The Underneath, Brain Failure and Dir en Grey have come thru here too. someone told me that D’espairs Ray had also but I don’t know for sure. and this is all within the past couple of years. I don’t really want to see Jrock and the like go mainstream here cuz that will just pollute and dilute it. but I would love to see it made more accesible. love your blog! and the SPR tee ^-^
I forgot to mention that Versailles aren’t the first to change their name here. Puffy had to go by Puffy AmiYumi. are there any others who’ve had to do this?
I forgot to mention that Versailles aren’t the first to change their name here. Puffy had to go by Puffy AmiYumi. are there any others who’ve had to do this?
X had to become X-Japan
X had to become X-Japan
okay, the second picture is truely a spectacular shot. like, i love it. and there is nothing wrong with a little sex pot revenge on a down day.
okay, the second picture is truely a spectacular shot. like, i love it. and there is nothing wrong with a little sex pot revenge on a down day.
Squee!! Woo Versailles! You’re so lucky to be able to get a guest pass to Versailles’ Shibuya-O-West show!
Just wondering, did you take the pictures of them? They’re absolutely gorgeous. ^^ Hizaki went crazy with the glitter, I see..You forgot to mention Yuki btw. (>_>)
Lovely review although.
Squee!! Woo Versailles! You’re so lucky to be able to get a guest pass to Versailles’ Shibuya-O-West show!
Just wondering, did you take the pictures of them? They’re absolutely gorgeous. ^^ Hizaki went crazy with the glitter, I see..You forgot to mention Yuki btw. (>_>)
Lovely review although.
Is it because people patentized the name in the US? It is a bit weird that it would affect Japanese bands who may have patentized it in Japan, but I guess it makes sense…
How about doing a hair tutorial soon so I can have awesome hair too? ^.^ Maybe with ideas for hair products and stuff… it would be fun to have one tutorial on lots of different hair styles. Anyway, just an idea because I envy your hair every single time you post pictures of yourself! That's a compliment ~.^
They are so beautiful! *_*
Nothing wrong with t-shirts–it's about how you wear your clothes! XD
Great idea! I'm planning on doing many tutorials and DIY projects in the coming months… During my time in Tokyo, I'm too busy covering club nights, concerts and shops! xoxoxo
Is it because people patentized the name in the US? It is a bit weird that it would affect Japanese bands who may have patentized it in Japan, but I guess it makes sense…
How about doing a hair tutorial soon so I can have awesome hair too? ^.^ Maybe with ideas for hair products and stuff… it would be fun to have one tutorial on lots of different hair styles. Anyway, just an idea because I envy your hair every single time you post pictures of yourself! That’s a compliment ~.^
Great idea! I’m planning on doing many tutorials and DIY projects in the coming months… During my time in Tokyo, I’m too busy covering club nights, concerts and shops! xoxoxo
how long are u in japan for?
and i love ur blog ^.^
how long are u in japan for?
and i love ur blog ^.^
Great idea! I’m planning on doing many tutorials and DIY projects in the coming months… During my time in Tokyo, I’m too busy covering club nights, concerts and shops! xoxoxo
Is it because people patentized the name in the US? It is a bit weird that it would affect Japanese bands who may have patentized it in Japan, but I guess it makes sense…
How about doing a hair tutorial soon so I can have awesome hair too? ^.^ Maybe with ideas for hair products and stuff… it would be fun to have one tutorial on lots of different hair styles. Anyway, just an idea because I envy your hair every single time you post pictures of yourself! That’s a compliment ~.^
They are so beautiful! *_*
Nothing wrong with t-shirts–it’s about how you wear your clothes! XD
They are so beautiful! *_*
Nothing wrong with t-shirts–it’s about how you wear your clothes! XD
love all the updates babe..how long you been out thre now? feels like forever..is it weird that you were in my dream last night!? haha i dreamt i went back to Tokyo and met you there..weird! (by the way im not a weird stalker freak…)
Hahah I want that dream to come true!! We can go shopping in Harajuku and stop by a theme cafe…
I've been here since late September, and so much happens every day… it does seem like an eternity!
love all the updates babe..how long you been out thre now? feels like forever..is it weird that you were in my dream last night!? haha i dreamt i went back to Tokyo and met you there..weird! (by the way im not a weird stalker freak…)
Hahah I want that dream to come true!! We can go shopping in Harajuku and stop by a theme cafe…
I’ve been here since late September, and so much happens every day… it does seem like an eternity!
are you trying to make me cry!!? hehe so desperate to go back!
are you trying to make me cry!!? hehe so desperate to go back!
Hahah I want that dream to come true!! We can go shopping in Harajuku and stop by a theme cafe…
I’ve been here since late September, and so much happens every day… it does seem like an eternity!
love all the updates babe..how long you been out thre now? feels like forever..is it weird that you were in my dream last night!? haha i dreamt i went back to Tokyo and met you there..weird! (by the way im not a weird stalker freak…)
My God, you are so lucky to be a guest photographer! *o* I'm so glad they left such a great impression on you. Oooh, you must upload more pictures… I especially want to see the Jasmine and Teru cosplayers! <3 The backstage photos are just incredible… You really captured the bands' spirit! ^o^/
(Oh, and I'm sorry you didn't get to take live photos (you might want to site the Versailles photo sources in the blog entry itself… ^^; ), but you outfit looks awesome! ^^ )
Yeah, I didn't realize readers would assume they were my photos (since all of my VK blog photos to date were from outside sources, with the exception of Laverite). The pics are from HearJapan.com – check out the site!
My God, you are so lucky to be a guest photographer! *o* I’m so glad they left such a great impression on you. Oooh, you must upload more pictures… I especially want to see the Jasmine and Teru cosplayers! <3 The backstage photos are just incredible… You really captured the bands' spirit! ^o^/
(Oh, and I'm sorry you didn't get to take live photos (you might want to site the Versailles photo sources in the blog entry itself… ^^; ), but you outfit looks awesome! ^^ )
Yeah, I didn’t realize readers would assume they were my photos (since all of my VK blog photos to date were from outside sources, with the exception of Laverite). The pics are from HearJapan.com – check out the site!
Yeah, I didn’t realize readers would assume they were my photos (since all of my VK blog photos to date were from outside sources, with the exception of Laverite). The pics are from HearJapan.com – check out the site!
My God, you are so lucky to be a guest photographer! *o* I’m so glad they left such a great impression on you. Oooh, you must upload more pictures… I especially want to see the Jasmine and Teru cosplayers! <3 The backstage photos are just incredible… You really captured the bands' spirit! ^o^/
(Oh, and I'm sorry you didn't get to take live photos (you might want to site the Versailles photo sources in the blog entry itself… ^^; ), but you outfit looks awesome! ^^ )
Oh, you..re so lucky! Versailles is a great band- they are one of my absolute favorites in VK. Kamijo..s my favorite singer! *O* And you look gorgeous- I especially like your great hairdo! <3
Ahh Marie-Atoinette~
Sadly the French hated her as a Queen. ]:
And rococo!
Nyaa this blog reminds me of World History O:
I really love Hizaki's outfit!
Versailles is awesome! I saw them in Virginia! Looks like another fabulous show!
Oh, you..re so lucky! Versailles is a great band- they are one of my absolute favorites in VK. Kamijo..s my favorite singer! *O* And you look gorgeous- I especially like your great hairdo! <3
Oh, you..re so lucky! Versailles is a great band- they are one of my absolute favorites in VK. Kamijo..s my favorite singer! *O* And you look gorgeous- I especially like your great hairdo! <3
Ahh Marie-Atoinette~
Sadly the French hated her as a Queen. ]:
And rococo!
Nyaa this blog reminds me of World History O:
I really love Hizaki’s outfit!
Ahh Marie-Atoinette~
Sadly the French hated her as a Queen. ]:
And rococo!
Nyaa this blog reminds me of World History O:
I really love Hizaki’s outfit!
Versailles is awesome! I saw them in Virginia! Looks like another fabulous show!
I used to see concerts all the time, but haven’t in the past few years… so it’s nice to be back in the action!
Versailles is awesome! I saw them in Virginia! Looks like another fabulous show!
I used to see concerts all the time, but haven't in the past few years… so it's nice to be back in the action!
Beautiful girl!!!!!!!
Beautiful girl!!!!!!!
Beautiful girl!!!!!!!
are you trying to make me cry!!? hehe so desperate to go back!
how long are u in japan for?
and i love ur blog ^.^
Ah, this is a bit late since I haven't checked back here for a while, sorry! Although I do like Versailles and they are an amazing band, I'm curious of how Rentrer en Soi played? Since they are disbanding in December I wonder how they're doing recently… I really hope they're having fun; their music is great too, especially the vocalist Satsuki's beautiful voice. Did you enjoy Rentrer en Soi? And continue having a blast in Japan ;)
I must admit that Versailles left me “in extase,” to quote my friend… I was still reeling from the show when Rentrer en Soi played! I remember they did a solid set; they're at a level where it's about the musicianship and not the wacky costumes. Satsuki has the loveliest voice…
Ah, this is a bit late since I haven’t checked back here for a while, sorry! Although I do like Versailles and they are an amazing band, I’m curious of how Rentrer en Soi played? Since they are disbanding in December I wonder how they’re doing recently… I really hope they’re having fun; their music is great too, especially the vocalist Satsuki’s beautiful voice. Did you enjoy Rentrer en Soi? And continue having a blast in Japan ;)
I must admit that Versailles left me “in extase,” to quote my friend… I was still reeling from the show when Rentrer en Soi played! I remember they did a solid set; they’re at a level where it’s about the musicianship and not the wacky costumes. Satsuki has the loveliest voice…
Oh, I’m so happy to hear that. It’s good that they’re still going strong even though they’re disbanding so soon… And yes, Satsuki DOES have a lovely voice. It was love at first sight when I first heard him sing. His voice is so beautiful and powerful.
Oh, I'm so happy to hear that. It's good that they're still going strong even though they're disbanding so soon… And yes, Satsuki DOES have a lovely voice. It was love at first sight when I first heard him sing. His voice is so beautiful and powerful.
wow, your site has been such an inspiration for me,im sry to say i had no idea there were such things,i was stuck in the depths of southern mississippi and recently moved to arizona,so now i have a chane to see and do all those things,love your work and hope to meet you one day
Thanks so much! Hope you're enjoying your new city. ^__^
wow, your site has been such an inspiration for me,im sry to say i had no idea there were such things,i was stuck in the depths of southern mississippi and recently moved to arizona,so now i have a chane to see and do all those things,love your work and hope to meet you one day
Thanks so much! Hope you’re enjoying your new city. ^__^
wow, your site has been such an inspiration for me,im sry to say i had no idea there were such things,i was stuck in the depths of southern mississippi and recently moved to arizona,so now i have a chane to see and do all those things,love your work and hope to meet you one day
Thanks so much! Hope you're enjoying your new city. ^__^
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[…] (MRX party, Los Angeles: December 2008) † Auto-Mod (Shinjuku Club Marz, Tokyo: November 2008) † Versailles (Shibuya-O-West, Tokyo: October 2008) † Black and white: Laverite (Narciss Urawa, Japan: October […]