Recently, I had a chance to see L’Arc en Ciel live at Madison Square Garden. After seeing Momoi Friday night at Anime Boston, Laruku’s show is easily forgettable. Ok, that’s an exaggeration, but my point is that Momoi’s concert is everything one could hope for and more.
Loud shrieks filled the auditorium the moment she appeared on stage, and the screaming continued as she made her way to the center. She had on an incredibly elaborate outfit that would have been overwhelming on anyone else, but it suited her youthful personality perfectly. She displayed tremendous professionalism. From a superb angle just in front of the stage, I was able to witness the strains on her face as she reached for certain notes. Not once did she fail to smile afterwards. I am very impressed with the command of showmanship that one only typically sees at dressage competitions.
Momoi begins to twirl.
She did a lot more than bestow her smiles upon us. I could see and feel her returning our appreciation. She moved elegantly and generously throughout from one end of the stage to the other. She did full twirls with immense grace that would make any swan envious and sent her fans into a frenzy.
I especially enjoyed her trademark move where she would have an almost mischievous smile on her face as she turns sideways away from us like she’s hiding something while singing then turn back with an expression and voice that rival the Song of the Sirens. She engaged us personally in great abundance. Beyond leading us in clapping, waving and chanting, she approached the edge of the stage often and leaned over to bring herself closer. She even waved to individuals in the crowd with a sincere ferocity that was heartfelt even to observers.
At one point, an attendee exclaimed that she looks beautiful, to which she replied “thank you” in a manner that conveyed such complete joy, it could achieve world peace. On another occasion, she spilled some water over her dress while taking a sip from the bottle, and someone yelled “cute” at her dismay. She got everyone laughing when she called the person “hentai” for making such a remark.
I faced a terrible dilemma upon hearing “Kujibiki Unbalance“. On the one hand, 
I wanted to go wild and jump and scream until the day I die for a song I’ve treasured and loved for so long. But on the other hand, I wanted to record it so I might experience it secondhand for eternity, not to mention fulfill my duties as press. I regret not dancing now, but I am certain the feeling would remain had I done differently. The two fans behind me made up for it however. They didn’t just dance, cheer or sing along to every song. They passed out pamphlets before the concert with instructions on established practices at Momoi concerts. I have never seen more ardent fans. It was touching.
A Momoi concert is the greatest pleasure any music lover can experience. Her career, her performance and herself embody the entirety of anime, otaku and music fandom. Her infectious energy stimulates all the senses and moreover, one’s heart.
Setlist:
Ai No Medicine
Kujibiki Unbalance
Romantic Summer
Give A Reason
Loosey Goosey
Nijyu Isseiki
God Knows
WONDER MOMO-i ~World Tour Version~
Ganbare Sorewa I Love You
Yoake No Samba
Motto Yume Miyou ~2011 Version~
Photos
Concert Excerpt Videos (4 in all)
Comments and Trackbacks
Ah, so awesome! Really wished I could be there. Hahaha, “hentai!” Or Shinshi (gentleman) that is called “hentai.” Yeah, we all are. I would have screamed, “Moe~!” The pamphlet looks cute too!
Yes.. that is a dilemma.. either screaming like mad for a person that is a celebrity, but also recall getting that great shot or video.
Amazing coverage and an amazing performer! Thank you!
That was totally my brother with the cute comment xD
He hadn’t followed her conversation before the comment, so he was rather lost as to what happened after he said it lol We had to explain later. Poor boy crawled under the blankets back at the hotel lol
I saw the videos. The angle is so bloody divine! Zettai ryouiki! In our term, “VIP seat,” indeed! No wonder she calls us, “Hentai!” I bet that otaku found pleasure being called “hentai” and asking for more, “can you call me hentai again? Buhibuhi!” No wonder Laruku concert went into oblivion!