Purple Kiss & Doechii Concert Recap

BM5's Korea/Waterbomb 2025 Trip!

 Full Recap Playlist

Pure Concert Footage:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Live: The Yard Sale Tour 2014

The Yard Sale Tour
[2014.11.10] House of Blues in Houston, TX
featuring: Jared Evans, Carmen and Camille, & Neon Hitch




Additional Concert Pictures:

My Synk: Hyper Line Experience

Spring Concerts & Unboxing

My Blackpink Experience (& Unboxing)

Dreamcatcher & Loona Summer Vlog

Epik High Patreon Perks & Texas Frightmare Weekend

OneUs Patron Perk Update

Nylon Pink, Disacode, & Anna Tsuchiya Con Report 2015 & Disacode Giveaway

Additional Concert Pictures:

Tokyo in Tulsa 2016 Live Report & Chanty Giveaway

Pentagon Giveaway & A-Kon 28 Live Report

Click to see poster bigger

Live: The Rock & Roll Thugs U.S. Tour

The Rock & Roll Thugs U.S. Tour
[2014.10.20] House of Blues in Houston, TX
featuring: Fit For Rivals & Icon for Hire

Fit For Rivals
When I discovered Icon for Hire, there were a few other female fronted bands I came across on YouTube recommendations and this was one of them. I was happy that they were touring with Icon for Hire as well as being able to see another female fronted band I got into around the same time at a different tour, but I will be mentioning that experience in its own post. What makes Fit For Rivals different from the featured band is that their vocalist, Renee Phoenix, has a very rough and borderline masculine vocal style. The band's overall sound is kind of raw and bare which makes feeling the intensity of their music very easy to absorb. Listening to their music in person reflects their studio recordings and perhaps presents even more rawness and personalability. They offered plenty of energy and there was a good crowd ready to support them as well. I enjoyed the MC portions with Renee interacting with the audience and it was a delight seeing the other members lose themselves in the music, especially their guitarist (Rufino, I believe) who was rolling along with the sweet melodies. They played a good mixture of their old and new material and I think the switch to slightly more upbeat music is starting to grow on me with them. Fit For Rivals brought along some great energy to Houston that evening. They were very friendly people to talk to and meet and I'm looking forward to seeing them again on stage.


Icon for Hire



Additional Concert Pictures

Live: No Sleep Till Tokyo Tour

No Sleep Till Tokyo Tour

[2019.06.08] Scout Bar in Houston, TX
featuring: Miyavi
It's been 8 years since Miyavi has graced his presence in Houston and I made a last minute decision to check it out. I could ramble on and on about my relationship with Miyavi's musical track record, but that's a post for another day...and trust me, you'll definitely get one.

Before purchasing my friend and my ticket, I did preview 30 second samples of each track through his YouTube channel from his latest album, No Sleep Till Tokyo. I haven't been keeping up with Tokyo's "Samurai Guitarist" like I used to years ago, but I'm not completely oblivious to his activities. Miyavi continues to be an activist of the world and its children as well as experimenting with his own sound, which is something he's done for practically his whole career. Before listening to the previews, I had a good gist of what his current sound may be, which doesn't really make me jump out of my seat. Although, one thing that has been consistent about Miyavi, no matter what style or era he's playing, he always puts on a great show.

Instead of being stuck in the crowd, my friend and I decided to keep our little habit of standing or sitting on the sidelines. The perks of doing this is feeling the cool, fresh air; access to ice cold water (sometimes), you can clearly hear the artist over the crowd, you don't have to fight the 6 foot tall guy to see Miyavi and his crew, and plenty of room to dance or headbang.

As a blogger (and just overall introvert), it's pretty cool to witness the interactions between the audience and the artist. I always believed the chemistry between the artist and the fans during a show is very important. That key exchange can really set the tone for the whole show.

Without any opening act, Miyavi jumped right into it with positive energy and smiles all around. I was pretty excited to hear a familiar tune by the name of "Flashback" from the anime Kokkoku, a very high energy song. I've always enjoyed this song and made me want to watch the opening every time. It's a real bop as the kids say. Since I'm not familiar with a good portion of Miyavi's new material, I can easily describe it as energetic, electronic rock music for the people. Like I can see his music being easily digestible for the Western audience without sacrificing his Japanese aesthetics.

The last Miyavi show I attended, his style at the time heavily depended on instrumental moments that incorporated a catchy looping melody, drums, and slap guitar. While his current style still has instrumental breaks to show off his mad guitar skills, the songs don't heavily depend on them. Instead, these moments emphasis the message and tone of the lyrics, which was something I missed about Miyavi. I admit that he never had the most amazing singing voice, but his tone is uniquely him and always full of passion and energy. That factor is what brings life to his shows and feeds his audience.

The setlist mainly consisted of his newer tracks from No Sleep Till Tokyo with a sprinkle of anime contributions and slightly older tracks [that I actually recognize]. From what I can tell his MCs were in English, which is getting better and better with time. Of course, his fans were very encouraging and responsive to his words. He even jokingly played his "new song" for us and his Dallas fans the previous night, which ended up being "Deep in the Heart of Texas" [*clap**clap**clap**clap*]. It was amusing and everyone had a good chuckle.

The third act or encore, depending how you look at it, continued the intensity and liveliness throughout the whole night. I believe he replayed the title track of his new album, which invoked the perfect theme for the evening. In the end, I'm glad I made such a good last minute decision to attend. Once again I can say that Miyavi never disappoints live. Even when things aren't perfect, his vibrate energy always manages to shine through!

Setlist from setlist.fm
Stars
Flashback
In Crowd
Rain Dance
No Sleep Till Tokyo
Samurai 45
Tears on Fire
Other Side
Guard You
We Can't Stop It
Under the Same Sky
Ha!
Strong
Fire Bird
Raise Me Up
DAY 1
Dancing With My Fingers
Fragile
The Others
WHAT'S MY NAME?

B.A.P Live on Earth Dallas 2014

Anime Matsuri 2014: A Nightmarish Report

My Oni-Con XI Con Report & Ganglion Giveaway

Here are some pictures from the live and of the autographed clear folder, which are clickable:

The Duckie and Miko Show Episode 3

Watch Part 2 Here

Live: "The Milky Way" Global Showcase Live

"The Milky Way" Global Showcase Live
[2013.11.04] Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie, TX
featuring: VIXX

Attending my first kpop concert honestly made me nervous as I have this preconception about all kpop fans in general. I just automatically assume that they’re a bunch of squealing high school girls, but I had no idea what kind of people VIXX’s fans, Starlights, were like. They seem kinda quiet compared to say Blackjacks, E.L.Fs, SONEs, and groups of that nature. VIXX aren’t from the Big 3 and don’t have that kind of popularity, which is another reason I was surprised they were coming to Dallas. My friend and I had never been to this venue before, Verizon Wireless Theater, but it was rather large and the crowd filled it up nicely. Sure, there were a lot of seats available up top, but I thought the crowd was good considering the timing. Our seats were on the floor level, right side of the stage, which was quite nice. Unfortunately, there were no cameras allowed during the show even though you can find some sneaky fancams of the showcase on YouTube.

Looking at the stage, it was rather plain. There were no props or scenery, just a stage with a few screens placed above. My friend and I joked around a little bit about some other kpop groups, saying the wrong fan names and stuff, and I must say that the fans around us were pretty nice. For the most part I can say that Dallas Starlights are pretty chill and positively passionate about VIXX.


The show started with some exciting visuals of the boys on the big screens and of course the audience was cheering. My nerves went away and I was nothing but excited...well, there might’ve still been a little nervousness lingering in the back of my mind. VIXX started off with a flawless performance of “On & On” and I was happily singing along “I need therapy, lalalala need therapy~”. My friend was automatically into it as well. The next song they performed I was surprised to hear at all. I expected all the singles they’ve promoted, but to hear my favorite track, “Light Up the Darkness”, made me super happy. I couldn’t help but let my body lose control and I probably embarrassed my friend a little. The song is awesome and remains my favorite VIXX song.

Two songs in and I was surprised it was already time for an MC break. Unfortunately, the whole section was partially translated, which is a shame as VIXX really loves their fans. I felt bad for them as they spoke and would look off stage for an English translation, but eventually they gave up and just kept trying to convey what they were trying to say to us as best as they could. During this segment, they picked some questions and requests from a board written by the fans. This gave me a chance to appreciate the bond the members have with each other and how playful they are. It felt very genuine. I think they also picked a winner from the audience to participate in something later. We also sung “Happy Birthday” to Leo.

Next were some special solo and duo performances. This section really opened my eyes to how talented these boys really are. Leo started with a piano solo of a song apparently called “Please”. It was a very beautiful song and it was great to hear Leo’s voice fill the room. I hope he receives more solos, maybe something similar to older Big Bang albums where they have solo songs on the group's album. The energy went up with Ravi’s rap solo, “Dirty Player”. Upon looking back at what the song sounds like, let me remind you that he was alone and there were no back-up dancers during this whole show, so Ravi had to hold down the stage solo. Honestly, he definitely held it down. He got the audience hyped and really nailed his performance. I really enjoyed him even more than I did initially. Next, the winner of the raffle appeared on stage with Hongbin and Hyuk and took a seat on a stool placed on the stage. There was a medley of American tunes like “Summer Lovin’”. The whole scene was Hongbin and Hyuk competing for the fan’s affection with different little gimmicks like holding an umbrella in the rain, giving her a car trunk full of balloons, showing off some abs. It was really cute and it made me smile. The fan ended up picking Hongbin in the end and Hyuk threw something out into the audience. I don’t know what it was. Maybe candy or something. Ken was next on stage with a cover of Chris Brown’s “Turn Up the Music”. I kinda cringed a little at the choice, not because I dislike the song, but just the artist’s dark past. I think Todd in the Shadows kinda brings up those sorts of feelings. Anyway, the cover was really fun and Ken’s pronunciation was for the most part decent. Ravi also made an appearance for a rap break in the song. They both entertained the crowd very well and I enjoyed myself along with the other fellow Starlights. Last but not least was leader N’s solo and the shift in my bias list for this group. N came on stage in all black, turned his back to the audience, and tied a blindfold over his eyes, then the talent was unleashed. I must say N owned that stage with his dramatic and powerful movements. I was very impressed. I’m really happy that each member got to showcase their talents. It made me appreciate what they each contribute to the group and just enjoy them as a whole even more.

After the solos, the boys regrouped to perform a very energized song from their debut, “Superhero”. I was very happy to see this song live. It definitely raised the mood 10 times more and we were all into it. Then it was time for another MC break with the audience. I believe they gave us a choice of which song they would perform from a girl group and decided on SNSD’s “I Got a Boy”. It was an amusement segment with leader N being really into it while the others obliged the request, especially Leo. They ended up stopping and starting the music a few times for N to pick on a couple members, especially Leo, about not being as energetic or in sync as the rest of the group. Eventually, they got it together and it was very entertaining, even though I despise the song. N is really good at these girl group songs like Infinite’s Sungjong. Continuing to cater to the fans, the boys performed “Love Letter”, which is a sweet acoustic track that really solidified our bond with VIXX. There was minimal choreography and more focus on coming close to the stage and reaching out to the fans, which I think is sweet and it felt very sincere. To keep up this connection with the fans, they started explaining a move they wanted us to do to the chorus of “Rock Ur Body”. It pretty much was a rolling motion with your arms. Very simple~

The guys walked off stage and naturally the fans chanted for more. In all my years of concerting, there’s always more. You can kinda tell by the dramatic pause. Let the guys hydrate and recharge! Soon they filed back onto the stage with an acoustic remix of “Hyde”. Would’ve liked to hear the original version, but this remix was lovely to hear. It brought back that intimate connection they formed with “Love Letter”. They finished up their set with “G.R.8.U” which is a cute and bright song which I’m sure made everyone feel good. Soothe those wounds of having to leave VIXX’s warm presence.

Setlist
On & On
Light Up the Darkness
MC
Leo Piano Solo
Ravi Solo
Hyuk & Hongbin Fan Skit
Ken Solo feat. Ravi
N Solo
Superhero
SNSD – I Got a Boy (Dance Cover)
Love Letter
Rock Ur Body
~*~
Encore
Hyde (Acoustic Remix)
G.R.8.U
My friend and I weren’t in a rush to leave the main venue as I didn’t want to fight the crowd out, but an announcement paused any potential movement. I was vaguely aware that there were perks for the VIP ticket holders, but I guess they wanted to put together a random deal of joining the hi-touch or whatever for non-VIP ticket holders by putting something under the seats. My luck is terrible, so I wasn’t expecting to be in one of the chosen seats, but the way they went about it was a little confusing. Fans looked confused, but once that was over and we were shuffled out to the lobby, I didn’t care anymore. Fans were gathered back at the nearly empty merch table and my friend and I discussed how much we enjoyed the show. It was our first kpop show and I’m happy I got to spend it with him. I would love to see VIXX again for sure.

Even without back-up dancers and fancy set pieces, I really enjoyed VIXX’s first showcase in Dallas. Their choreography was as on point as it is on their music videos and their voices were near flawless. I’m just happy they sung live for the most part. They seemed very genuine and loving when it came to performing and especially interacting with their fans. I definitely became a Starlight after this show. On the other hand, I was disappointed to hear that Jazzy Group failed to deliver their VIP incentives which included an autograph poster from the guys and hearing fan accounts that they either got one or none. I also heard that there was a lot of disorganization when came to the photographs and whatnot. I feel bad for those fans as those tickets were far from cheap. Considering my non-VIP tickets cost more than my Diru VIP passes, which was a little over $100, so you can imagine how much those VIP tickets cost. I hope the disorganization doesn’t hinder a second appearance from VIXX, because I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Live: TOUR13 GHOUL

TOUR2013 GHOUL
[2013.11.04] Scout Bar in Houston, TX
featuring: Dagoba & Dir en grey

Dagoba

I didn’t know much about this band, except that they’re a metal band from France. I looked up their stuff beforehand, but it didn’t leave much of an impression on me. It just seemed like typical metal. Of course, I went into listening to them with an open mind. I did read lots of comments that their singer Franky was a good looking guy and...he is. Most of you know that I’m picky about metal, especially non-Japanese metal, and I must say I really enjoyed this band a lot more live. I have a feeling that Franky tried to bring the same energy they had in Dallas, but Scout Bar is smaller than Trees, so you can’t get too crazy without breaking something or someone. Franky talked to the crowd a lot and even tried to initiate the Wall of Death. The look on the guys’ faces was priceless. They just had this look of “Is this guy serious?”, so a handful of them started moshing a little, but they were aware of everything around them. I was very happy this wasn’t a repeat of the Human Abstract with their asshole, inconsiderate fans recklessly moshing all over the place. The crowd seemed pretty receptive, even though they seemed hesitant at times, but they did respond to Franky and the other members when they gave us attention. I wouldn’t mind seeing them again. I believe they played majority of their latest album, Post Mortem Nihil Est. In short, Dagoba had a ton of energy and they were a really great opener for Dir en grey. I enjoyed the interaction between the band and the crowd and I felt they tried to encourage us to get a little more crazy for them. I wish there was more hype like I picture Dallas was, but for the intimate [a.k.a cozy] setting, I think we did the best that we could.


Dir en grey
We weren’t waiting for too long for the roadies to have everything prepared for the band. Of course, the crowd was excited and you could subtly feel the tension surrounding the room. The crowd didn’t appear as big as before in the House of Blues, but I think it was the location. Yeah, I’m gonna blame location for a lot of things that kinda made Diru’s set go a bit downhill. Majority of the crowd seemed younger than usual. Either that or I just haven’t been observant enough at their previous shows, but it definitely felt different compared to other visits. The opening music was something new, at least I didn’t recognize it nor did anyone else. Still kinda miss the amped up “G.D.S”, but I understand they want a more ominous tone to their tours. According to a friend, Kaoru wasn’t very happy backstage. Apparently they messed up the intro music and he was complaining about it. I kinda wish I could’ve witnessed that in person. Learning about it after the fact explained a few things though. The first half of the set, something felt off with the band. They didn’t seem...happy. Kaoru suppressed whatever was pissing him off, Toshiya was on half bouncing energy, Shinya was pretty neutral, you can’t really tell with him, Kyo seemed annoyed every now and then, and Die didn’t seemed too please either. I don’t know about other fans, but when the band isn’t happy, I’m not happy either. I end up having this need to rush in and help fix the situation, whatever it may be. They still carried on, trying to give every emotion to us despite their sour moods, but there was a tiny disconnect here and there.

So, I’m gonna take a little detour and add my complaints to why the disconnect was happening...and part of the reason I blame the venue for this new set of people. First complaint was the odd security procedures. I know in this day in age that concerts have evolved to people holding up their cameras and phones to take pictures and video of the show. I have no problem with that as long as you’re not being an asshole about it or having your arms raised up the whole show blocking people’s view. I try to be quick and considerate and enjoy the show. I don’t use my camera the whole time. But security was very confusing. One of them called me out for something. I guess not to take pictures even though there was a bunch of other people doing it before me. I believe one of my friends mentioned something about them not wanting the fans to take pictures until the professionals were done or something, but the way they went about it was rude and confusing. Second complaint was that young crowd I mentioned. I know pushing is inevitable and you just have to accept it, but sometimes there’s no need for it when nothing is happening and you’re just being a prick because you want to be in the front. Just don’t do it! But the thing that bothered me and I want to believe Kyo is that they wouldn’t shut up! In the setlist and even looking back at the previous tours, “Inward Scream” is part of the transition. There was none this time. Kyo attempted it, but with the constant yelling and noise, he decided to leave it out if no one would listen, which is sad. One thing I like about the Houston crowd is that they know when to be quiet, but since this was a different venue with a different crowd, we didn’t get that. There was also some technical issues on Kyo’s end that he ended up throwing the mic down on the floor and talking to one of the roadies while the rest of the band finished up the song. I’ve never seen him so mad before. It was a little scary. Die seemed to have some minor issues as well. I can understand their feelings though. Diru are perfectionists! I know a couple members of the Human Abstract could attest to that.

During the second half, after the guys went off stage for a little break, it seemed like the members were a little happier or at least less upset. Even though the crowd was still lame, I could feel more positive, relaxed energy from the stage compared to the beginning. There weren’t many songs left in the set, but it was nice to enjoy the moment as much as the band was. I know I didn’t mention much about the performance with explicit detail, but the band’s mood does factor into the enjoyment of the whole show. Whether they were pissed off or not, there was still a lot of pure passion given to the audience, whether they accepted it or not, and I expected nothing less from them. It’s what keeps me coming back for more. Kyo has his ghoul make up, revealed it to us, and he really became that character. Watching him on stage is still like a performance art. Once he gets in the zone, the whole set and song goes into a whole new universe. Hopefully, next time he gets to fully engulf himself in his ghoulish character or whatever the next concept he wants to take on. I just wish the immaturity of the crowd and technical difficulties, but mostly the crowd, didn’t ruin the harmonious atmosphere I’m used to.

Setlist

Intro
REIKETSU NARISEBA
Unknown.Despair.Lost
KARMA (2013 Ver.)
RED SOIL
DOZING GREEN
Bottom of the death valley (2013 Ver.)
INWARD SCREAM
THE BLOSSOMING BEELZEBUB
dead tree
VINUSHKA
RINKAKU
-karasu- (2013 Ver.)
DIFFERENT SENSE
KASUMI (2013 Ver.)

Encore:
OBSCURE (2011 Ver.)
THE FINAL (2013 Ver.)
HAGESHISA TO, KONO MUNE NO NAKA DE KARAMITSUITA SHAKUNETSU NO YAMI