[US] S.K.I.N. rocked out in Long Beach, CA in front of thousands

The highly anticipated worldwide premiere of Japan’s latest rock band “S.K.I.N.” made their debut at Anime Expo 2007 in Long Beach, CA, on June 29, 2007.

Gackt’s powerful voice, SUGIZO’s electrifying guitar, Miyavi’s energetic movements and unique guitar play style, plus YOSHIKI’s mesmerizing drumplay entertained several thousand fans with a total of four new songs, including hardrock pieces and power ballads.

The highlight of the evening had to be the third song, which started out as a full-blown rock ballad that gradually turned into a quartet of acoustic ensemble, before returning to its rock form.

The said interlude began with YOSHIKI switching position to the clear grand piano that was set up next to his drum set, and as his fingers danced on the black and white keys during his piano solo, he was joined by Gackt, who was playing the black piano at the opposite end of the stage, and for a while the piano duet echoed in the Long Beach Arena, until SUGIZO showed up with his violin and displayed his skills on a different set of strings; Miyavi rounded up the ensemble with something that resembled a small guitar, providing the rhythm for the session by hitting the box of the instrument while he was playing it.

The set was overall too short, but the band did drag out the last song by asking the crowd to chant along parts of the lyrics “get back” over and over again.

During the last piece was the band members’ introductions, and each member of S.K.I.N., including support musician Ju-ken, longtime bassist for Gackt, was able to show off their musicianship before the much pumped-up crowd.

Before the show ended, YOSHIKI basically destroyed his drum set by throwing and swinging things at it, while SUGIZO went nuts at the guitar and broke it in half, receiving much cheers from the audience, whereas Gackt warned the fans to expect more of S.K.I.N. in the future.

Based on past experience of most Anime Expo large events, there were usually significant delays, and their first main event of 2007 (not counting the Opening Ceremony) was no exception.

The S.K.I.N. concert was scheduled for a 3:30pm start, but was delayed by more than two hours; the seating process did not even begin until after the scheduled start time has passed, and fans lining up outside the arena were left in the sun wondering when they would get to see the band perform.

Not the entire arena was used, as the upper deck was closed for this event; the floor level was filled up, whereas the middle level was about 90% full.

S.K.I.N. finally took the stage shortly after 5:45pm and judging from the reaction of the crowd during the one-hour performance, the wait was well worth it.

S.K.I.N. merchandise available at the arena included T-shirts of various designs, pins, stickers, and so on.

-Wynne Ip