LIVE: ONE OK ROCK - Electric Ballroom (16/12/14)

ONE OK ROCK

Electric Ballroom

16/12/14

photo: Anna Honey Photography

The Japanese rockers ONE OK ROCK played at the sold out Electric Ballroom last night, bringing energy, great music and good time!

Ghost Town

Kevin & Alix (Ghost Town)
photo: Anna Honey Photography

The opening act, Ghost Town, electronic rock band from California did a nice set, setting the mood for the show. The band performed a handful of songs (unfortunately, I couldn't find the full setlist anywhere), which included 'You're So Creepy' and 'Monster'.  

The crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves with the opening act, getting pumped along with the guys. 

ONE OK ROCK

The main show was opened with a small jam session by Tomoya behind the drums, Ryota playing the base and Toru rockin' out on the guitar. The intro improv was followed by the first song of the main show - 'Deeper Deeper' (2013). The crowd started to enjoy themselves more, but still was rather chill, for the lack of a better word.

Taka bringing the energy to the crowd
photo: Anna Honey Photography

The crowd was brought back to life when the guys started rockin' out 'Re:make' (2011). The fans were screaming out Japanese lyrics, jumping and truly enjoying themselves throughout the song.

ONE OK ROCK played 'Clock Strikes' from their latest album Jinsei×Boku= (人生×僕=) and the guys moved on to 6-minute jam session. The jam session trio (Ryota, Tomoya and Toru) played some groovy tunes, enjoying themselves and entertaining the crowd.

Toru engaging with the fans
photo: Anna Honey Photography

The jam session followed into 'Mighty Long Fall' (2014), the new single. Even though it was easier for me to sing along to this one, as I reviewed earlier, the song didn't thrill me much. But the public enjoyed 'Mighty Long Fall' immensely, which is what mattered the most.

The band whipped out the ballad 'Be the light' (2013) for the change of pace and continued with another fresh single 'Decision' (2014).

The guys dove right back in with 'NO SCARED' (2011), riling up the crowd and even asking for a improvised wall of death, which, of course, I unintentionally became a part of. It was nothing like Hellfest or Rock am Ring and I thanked God for that.

The guys finished the show, ironically, with 'The Beginning' (2013). Fans rocked out to the final song, giving the last drops of the energy left.

Ryota rockin' the bass
photo: Anna Honey Photography

However, ONE OK ROCK came back for the encore with 'Whenever you are' (2010). Taka told that it was the last day of their tour, thanking the fans for coming and supporting them. Taka and Toru with his acoustic guitar started the song, asking for the fans to sing along. The spine-chilling chorus ripped through the venue, which truly felt amazing. Approaching the middle of the song, Ryota and Tomoya joined the two, finishing the encore song.

I was really hyped for this concert and ONE OK ROCK truly met all the expectation. They had a sold out venue, bringing the house down with their energy, dedication and great songs. I'll be waiting for the guys to return to London!

Setlist:
1. Intro jam
2. Deeper Deeper
3. Nothing Helps
4. Re:make
5. Clock Strikes
6. Jam session
7. Mighty Long Fall
8. Be the light
9. Decision
10. NO SCARED
11. The Beginning

Encore:
12. Wherever you are