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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
On the 2nd of July 2019 on a corner in Long Beach, California, a small line of people were waiting to enter Toxic Toast Record’s venue to watch ACME’s first live performance (outside a convention) in the US. The line consisted of ACME fans excited to see them perform and Visual Kei fans, eagerly waiting to see what ACME is all about. Once in the venue, you’ll immediately find yourself right next to the small stage. The venue itself was surprisingly small and set up for an intimate gathering.
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
As
people started to slowly come in, some found their spots by the stage and
others went for the merchandise stall across the room at the back. The
merchandise included band shirts for this summer’s & from previous lives,
the band poster, towels, stickers, bracelets, their “Rotten Orange” lip
balm, and even CHISA’s perfume!
With
the crowd gathered by the stage, there is no barrier seen blocking off anyone
from reaching out to whatever is on the stage, whether it be the instruments or
people. There was also no barrier separating the VIPs (who paid an additional
$50 to the regular price of $30), but people were respectful and conscious to
give their fellow concert-goers space. There was no pushing and shoving and it
lasted throughout the night’s ordeal. And no matter where you stood, you got a
good view of the stage and the performers.
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| RAIF - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
The
show opened with RAIF playing an electrifying set. The crowd seemed to be a
little surprised with the act, as it is unexpected from a Visual Kei or a rock
concert. RAIF, himself, commented earlier that it was his first time
opening for a genre that was new to him, but he was set on having fun no matter
what. Towards the end of the set, the crowd was more receptive and started to
enjoy the party vibes RAIF has brought. After this, Rubab of Fake Star &
Ian from Power Level then shared their welcome remarks and amazingly announced
that pictures and video-taking were allowed! That in itself shocked the crowd
because how often do Japanese concerts allow that? In any case, it made the
crowd even more pumped up! And when ACME is introduced to the stage, dramatic
Opera music played and the crowd cheered excitedly for the band.
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| CHISA - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
As
CHISA’s deep voice filled the room and the crowd started to dance. The band
wore their white outfit from their Mononoke Requiem concept. CHISA in
his flowy kimono getup was mesmerizing as he twirled & swayed in the middle
of the stage. Some people came prepared and pulled out folding fans which they
used to dance with and even cool off SHOGO who signaled to them to fan him as
he played the guitar and jumped enthusiastically all throughout the show, especially
when it came to their song, Zesshou Ouka. RIKITO played the bass while
trying to seduce the crowd with his muscular arms. HAL skillfully played on the
drums, going as hard as he can. For a small crowd, the energy of the live was
pretty high. So much hair was flying around and heads were banging to
beats.
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| SHOGO - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
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| RIKITO - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
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| HAL - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
One
of the most memorable moments during the live was during Tebanashi Rider
when CHISA signaled for a mosh pit to form. The fans seemed reluctant but tried
due to CHISA’s persistence (who can say no to that amount of charisma?). You
can see the shy, yet smiling faces of the few fans that attempted to gently
thrash around. And as soon as the mini and non-violent mosh pit started, it
ended with the fans giggling together at their cute attempt to please CHISA.
Unlike the expectations of ACME, the crowd consisted more of females instead of
the energetic fanboys they have previously encountered in the anime conventions
they have recently performed for- which they have shared in the interview with
VKH, here. But through and through, the fans still definitely enjoyed
themselves!
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| CHISA - ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
The setlist follows:
1. Maguro Kaitai Chainsaw (マグロ解体チェーンソ)
2. Trick x Trap
3. CryWolf
4. Last One Show (ラストワンショ)
5. Mononoke Requiem (モノノケレクイエム)
6. Houkago no Shiiku (放課後の飼育)
7. Paradox
8. Bari Zougen (罵詈雑言)
9. ADVENTURE TIME
10. Gekiyami Serenade (激ヤミセレナーデ)
11. ROTTEN ORANGE
12. Tebanashi Rider (テバナシライダー)
13. Zesshou Ouka (絶唱謳歌)
14. SENKOU
14. SENKOU
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
At
the end of the set, ACME not only gifted the fans with an encore, but they also
came back on stage for amazing fan service. They ran a drawing, that consisted
of fans buying merch and, depending on how much they’ve spent, they received
tickets to win a number of things from the band. In front of the crowd, the
band signed and gave away the setlist they used, picks, drumsticks, and even
the batter head of the drums! Right after the drawing, the band went straight
to the back to start the meet and greet.
The
handlers had a professional set up at the back including bright lights that
illuminated the faces of the VIP ticket holders and the band members nicely for
the meet and greet. For everyone who had a chance to meet them, they spoke to
the band, got their autograph and went home with a wonderful photo with their
choice of seating arrangement; the fans were able to choose which two band
members would sit beside them for the photo. Some of the fans were able to
shake the hands of the band members and even get hugs from them. There was an
option to take extra photos with the band via polaroid camera (cheki), which
two Japanese fans took full advantage of, having paid $25 per shot, they had
ten photos each with varying poses which were fun to watch. The band members
themselves were very gracious and kind to their fans and despite just finishing
playing their own concert, they had so much energy to interact with everyone
that it lasted until midnight.
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
The
night felt amazing to new and old fans, as it is rare to be in such close
proximity with such a talented & generous band in such a long yet short
period of time. In addition, the handlers of the event were very kind and
accommodating to the fans, as well. It may have been a smaller event, but what
went down almost seems unheard of in any of your typical concerts. If you
weren’t present that night, you just missed out on one of the most fun and
intimate Visual Kei/J-Rock parties ever. And it seems that the fan base for
ACME will only grow bigger and bigger in the US. Hopefully, the band won’t
change their ways for their next live here and that the fans will cherish that
wonderful night & continue to support them. And if you aren’t already like
the newly converted ACME fans that evening, check out all their links below.
Check out our INTERVIEW with ACME, here.
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| ACME in LA [07/02/19] |
Thanks for reading!
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