LIVE REPORT: BACK-ON @ Anime USA 2013

Those who attended Anime USA back in 2007 may remember the Japanese pop rock icons BACK-ON and their fun and energetic performance at the convention that year. This past September, they returned and I was lucky enough to be there for BACK-ON’s largely anticipated return to Anime USA six years later.

BACK-ON formed in 2002, consisting of the members Kenji03 (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Teeda (rap vocals), Gori (bass) and Shu (lead guitar). They are widely known for their songs being used for various anime and game openings such as Air Gear, Murder Princess, and Eyeshield 21. They have produced 3 full albums, 4 mini-albums, and 11 singles.

Their show was on the second night of Anime USA on September 14th. When I made it to the Main Events hall about an hour before showtime, only a small number of people were waiting outside the door. As the time drew closer for the doors to open, excitement could be felt as more and more people began to line up. Soon enough, fans were allowed in, I couldn’t wait to see BACK-ON.

The Main Events hall was fully lit and buzzing with excitement when I arrived, soon the lights dimmed and the audience became wildly anxious.

The first song they played was “With You”. With its powerful, uplifting melody filling up the venue, everyone was beginning to feel rushed with excitement. From the very start, Teeda had the most energy out of all the band members, and would move around the stage, going from side to side, pumping the crowd up. He stood out the most to me. Both Teeda’s rapping and Keniji’s singing flowed really well with the music. The next song was “ROCKSTAR ANTHEM”. The fun, fast pace of this song was very energizing and I really enjoyed Kenji and Teeda’s continuous interaction with the excited crowd. The concert was getting off to an amazing start.

BACK-ON did not stop even for a second and continued bringing the energy throughout the rest of the concert. “BLAZE LINE” was the eighth song performed followed by “Infinity”, the latter being another new song. Both songs were delivered with a lot of spirit and vitality and were both very fun to listen to.

The final song of the night was “Chain”, another song BACK-ON is widely known for and most recognized as the opening for the popular anime “Air Gear”. After that song the band left the stage and almost immediately fans began chanting for an encore. BACK-ON did not disappoint and soon enough everyone returned to the stage for an equally amazing encore.

For the encore BACK-ON performed two songs. The first was “New World” and then ended the show with “ONE STEP!”, the latter being a lively and vivacious party track which was the perfect way to wrap up such a wonderful show. All in all I really enjoyed BACK-ON’s performance at Anime USA this year.



Setlist:

1. With you
2. ROCKSTAR ANTHEM
3. flyaway
4. Sands of time
5. SKY LINE
6. ニブンノイチ
7. flower
8. BLAZE LINE
9. Infinity
10. TELL ME
11. Gimme!Gimme!Gimme!
12. Chain
13. NEW WORLD (ENCORE)
14. ONE STEP! (ENCORE)
    

Written by Jasmine Marie

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