LIVE REPORT: METEOROID - Tomoya's Birthday Live @ Ikebukuro Ruido K3

Last month on the 6th of June was METEOROID's drummer Tomoya's birthday. The band decided to celebrate by holding a special live event entitled “360° METEOROID!? But it’s just the drummer’s birthday…!”.

From the beginning, the live promised to be a very interesting event. Tomoya was born on the 6th of the 6th month in room number 6! Naturally, the theme of the live was the number 6 as well. The tickets cost ¥6,666 and was limited to 66 people. During the live, there would be 6 different gimmicks just for the fans to enjoy. Tomoya himself would make sure that the live was exciting for those chose to celebrate his birthday with him.

Before the show, the live was held at Ikebukuro Ruido K3 and despite the heavy rain which had been falling all day, fans still turned out in high anticipation. Because it is one of the smaller venues, the entire show had the feeling of a birthday party with friends rather than simply a concert.

There were no seats at the venue so fans all sat around comfortably together on the floor chatting, swapping merchandise and making sure that everyone had glow sticks. The atmosphere was very easy-going as the crowd patiently waited for the live to begin. As a special for Tomoya's birthday,  6 special drinks were available at the bar. Tomoya's drum set was placed on the floor area in front of the stage rather than on it so he could play closer to the crowd. 

As the show started, the other members came on stage before Tomoya, who received an enthusiastic welcome from everyone there. After thanking the fans for coming to celebrate with him, the show got off to a great start with "STARGAZER" as the first number. Accompanied with flashing lights and the band members' infectious energy, the venue became excited and lively almost instantly. They followed up immediately with "DOKU-SOW," one of the songs from their upcoming album GEMINI, which successfully kept the crowd's energy going.

When the first 2 songs were over, Tomoya had his first "transformation:" he went backstage while the other members spoke with the fans and kept them entertained. An interesting thing to note is that because Tomoya's drum set was placed right among the fans, whether out of respect or shyness, most of the crowd kept to the back of the venue leaving a space between them and Tomoya. GENKI noticed this and while he was doing the MC, he encouraged everyone to not be shy and move much closer!

After a few minutes, there was a dramatic sound of thunder and flashing lights and Tomoya emerged dressed like Dracula (cape included) to amused cheers and applause from the fans and bandmates. Once he took his seat, the riff of Dracula began and the crowd went into a frenzy once again.

After every 2 songs, Tomoya would return back stage for another outfit transformation. After "Dracula" the band toned down the atmosphere a bit with "いばら姫 (ibara hime)", yet another new song on the GEMINI album. For the second outfit transformation, Tomoya changed into his electric green outfit which was used during the promotion of Dracula.


Two more songs were played from their upcoming album, "Mr Famous" and "ice world", before Tomoya went backstage to change once again. This time, while he was away, the other members explained that they had a surprise planned for him and they also needed the fans' participation for the next song which would be "BALLERINA." Under GENKI's instructions, the fans practiced jumping together around Tomoya's drum set as part of Meteoroid 360. 

Tomoya came out this time dressed in a sharp suit definitely fit for a birthday party. The other members announced that they had a surprise for him. Using the sound system, Tomoya received an audio message from his mother who wished him a Happy Birthday and encouraged him to do his best in the show. The staff members then presented him with a birthday cake. An even bigger surprise was when the fans also had a birthday cake prepared for him! He was extremely touched and happy and thanked everyone for all the effort that they made for him. In that moment, the fans and band members' feelings of affection and appreciation towards Tomoya definitely reached him.

With renewed energy, the band launched into "BALLERINA." Following the instructions from before, when Genki started singing the chorus "spin around like a ballerina," everyone would jump from one end of the venue to the next and switch places with each other. The crowd all laughed and enjoyed themselves especially during this part.

After "BALLERINA" was "Desperado", then Tomoya left to change once again. During that time, the other members kept playing and moved around the audience to help keep their excitement going. GENKI took over Tomoya's drumset and kept playing skillfully while Machi, ral and yutori all took turns chanting with the crowd.

When Tomoya returned, this time changing into a simple all black outfit, the band continued to keep the energy of the crowd going for two more songs "I FEEL BLUE" and "この愛を手放せば自由だろう (kono ai wo tebanaseba jiyuu darou)." Finally, the band asked the crowd one more time to give all their energy for the last song which was "DIVER" and everyone was more than happy to do so.

When the music ended, the band members and everyone in the crowd all joined hands and jumped together, letting out a loud cheer. After thanking everyone once more, the members all retreated backstage for a well deserved break.

While the band took a quick break after the show, the fans were able to mingle, have drinks and chat. There was a booth set up which sold tickets for getting cheki (polaroid photos) of the band. You could take a photo with one or more of the band members. When the members were ready, everyone who bought a ticket had the chance to take a picture with their favourite member. Much more special than just buying a cheki with the member alone!

Finally when everyone took their pictures, it was time to leave. On the way out of the venue, everyone was able to have a quick chat with each member who asked if we had fun and personally thanked us for coming. At the exit was the birthday boy Tomoya himself who handed out a thank-you gift (a METEOROID lighter) to everyone who came. 

Setlist:

1. STARGAZER
2. DOKU-SOW
3. ドラキュラ (Dracula)
4. いばら姫 (ibara hime)
5. Mr.famous
6. ice world
7. BALLERINA
8. Desperado
9. I FEEL BLUE
10. この愛を手放せば自由だろう(kono ai wo tebanaseba jiyuu darou)
11. DIVER

Special thanks to Nesshin Music for giving us this opportunity!

**Click to see more photos!**

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