So, eventhough, due to recent events, I really wasn’t in the mood for fun, I went to the Hagakure/Antifeminism concert in Brussels. After all, I already had a ticket.

When I arrived, some sort of nutcase girl came running towards me, screaming “HI JENNY!” or some other stranger’s name, gave me a bear hug which almost choked me and suddenly realized: “Oops, sorry, I mistook you for a friend, ohohohoho!” and ran off again. Next thing, I spottet Yuki. This could only mean one thing and it did – now Thigi was clinging to my neck, dangling off the ground and squealing like a cat in the microwave (this is a figure of speech. I have never actually microwaved cats). By the way, I think that’s cute. It’s a compliment. Sorta. And so we waited, and laughed and waited and posed for a silly “PIIIIIIIISU!” photo. Like anyone actually cares about peace. It’s not like we were going to see a peaceful band, that was for sure. 

So the doors finally went open and YAY, I got in first! Me first, that’s how it’s gotta be! Thanks to Thigi, I was warned about those silly entrance stamps you get on your hand and gave my left. I wouldn’t want a PAYD stamp on my beloved Onmyo-za tattoo. And up the stairs we went. Up the shabby, dirty, dusty, creaking stairs into a shabby, dirty, dusty, creaking room with a shabby, dirty, dust, creaking and tiny stage. It was obvious that these weren’t major bands if this location was all they got.

 The room filled up quickly and after buying a poster to get signed afterwards, I picked my spot at the left corner right in front of the stage. Yup, right in front of it. No barrier between the crowd – which was surprisingly big – and the 30cm high stage. This was going to be fun. Especially since photos were allowed, halleluja! I love taking pictures. To me, taking pictures if capturing memories forever. So I hate it being forbidden on most concerts and I usually have to sneak in as a fake journalist, sent by my dead cat who would then play the part of my “boss”.

 It didn’t take long and the star came on stage. He was about my age and definitely not Japanese. It’s funny he didn’t spout any security advice but just told people to get his autograph. I liked that guy, he was so silly.

 Well, finally that kid decided to scram and the real stars came on stage. With kitty ears and Mickey Mouse gloves. The drummer, Gajiro, looked like your traditional Japanese drummer, but then, a pussy cat came on stage. A big, hairy pussy cat named Leona and clad in red ninja gear. I decided I want that kitty (oh yeah, it was human by the way). That would be the bassist. I got a soft spot for bassists. Next, we got a… girl? Well, it looked like a girl, so I’ll assume Koro, the guitarist, is a girl. When the sanger came on stage, I was sure that was a girl, too, and believe me, after knowing that Mana is actually male, I’m not so easily fooled, but Kaya here definitely was a pretty woman – not. That was a man standing there, clad as one third miko (shrine maiden), one third lolita and one third  Mickey Mouse. He came greeting the crowd by shaking their hands with his Mickey glove which looked quite funny, and talked more than he sang, it seemed. But that only showed his enthousiasm and I loved their show. For my personal taste, their music is a little too happy-sounding (I’m emo, remember. But I don’t slit). But it was still good and lots of fun.

Drummer Gajiro

 And Leona, thank you soooooo much for standing right in front of my camera! How did you know my camera was in love with you? Too bad my big hairy kitty lost in the mock sword fight against Kaya who also gave a taste of Japanese theatre, all with traditional Japanese music in the background.

Bassist Leona

 It was also hilarious how Kaya kept climbing down into the crowd, get himself group-cuddled and crawl out again with a big, satisfied grin and several female hands attached to mainly his backside.

Singer Kaya

 Now, Hagakure’s music may not be completely my taste, but this is, like Onmyo-za, the kind of band I enjoy a lot for their charisma, their show and their members. It’s the kind of band that can make me come to their concerts just for having a good time, regardless of the music. I hope this is a comliment. It’s supposed to be.

Girlpower guitarist Koro

Kaya vs Leona

Then I was thinking – should I stay or should I go? I enjoyed Hagakure a lot and from what I heard on the net, Antifeminism’s music was even less my taste. The last time I listened to the Sex Pistols, was 10 years ago and I threw the CDs away. But on the other hand – a) I’m here, b) the singer seems to be a total goofball. I’ll stay.

 I gotta say, their clothes gave me an idea of what to wear next. Red gang fashion, delinquent’s look. Yay! This was getting wild. Unlike Hagakure, this band required the fans to stand back a little. Yay. I did hope for Kenzi to set the room on fire – literally. H didn’t, but he still made me laugh. Sorry, yes, it was funny. Once he pulled of his potato bag mask, he smashed a double neon light over his mug and munched the socket and remaining glass. Yes, he was happily gnawing on glass to spit it at the fans. Luckily, I was standing in a corner far away…

Singer Kenzi and guitarist Nachi

 And again, the bassist, named Kyouji this time, got me. I took so many pictures of him making silly faces I wonder can he be serious at all? LOL.

Kyouji

 The two guitars were quite interesting, too. One, Tomozo, reminded me a lot of Malice Mizer, a tall guy in drag, while the other one, Nachi, was the complete opposite: a big punker who reminded me a lot of someone I know, but I can’t recall who exactly. But I liked the Nacho, pardon, Nachi.

 But what I liked most, was what Kenzi came up with the keep the crowd going. After chowing down on neon lights, he set his hand on fire. I was filming and hoping the flame would jump over at the wooden floor, stage or ceiling. Yes, I’m twisted. But that didn’t happen. Still, this crazy band was a lot of fun to watch. Frankly, their music, uh well… But hey, they got me to stay, that means a lot.

Kenzi and his neon lights

And Tomozo sure knows how to play and pose at the same time. Doumo arigatou gozaimashitaaa!

 So the concerts were over, but oh! A signing session! Yay! Gotta get my poster! At the merchandize stand, 3 sets of photos, €10 each, kept falling off the wall and I made a deal with the seller to get them for free when they fall again. So I kept making wind and sending my negative energy to those photos to fucking FALL goddamnit, but the Japanese camera guy kept hanging them back up. Damn.

But, better than photo sets, I got autographs from both bands ^_____^ YAY! They were really nice! It was just really funny when Kenzi asked for my name. “Anna.” – “Kanna?” – “Anna desu.” – “Oh. Hanna.” – “Anna desu..” – “Gomen *writes Hanna*” XD The wild ones are so adorable ^_^;

 It’s funny how great a time I had although the music wasn’t what I’d buy on CD at all. I just enjoyed the bands themselves a lot. But, despite all fun including Thigi and Yuki, I had to go. I’ve left my dogs all alone since 6 in the evening and it was past 1 am. This was way too long, and wait, whoa…. Are there any trains left to Leuven?

When I arrived at the Central Station, exhausted from walking in those 6 pound boots, the answer was: NO. Took a taxi. Thank God I had my VISA with me. Jesus, that was expensive. But at least I got home before the neighbours would call the police to get my howling dogs and see what a mess my place was, and still is, in… whew.

 The night ended with my dogs being annoying, my cats puking on my blanket (while I was sleeping underneath) and my feet aching like hell, but the concert sure was worth the aftermath.

 Hagakure & Antifeminism, please come back soon ^__^

Live report of the Ore-sama, over and out

These photos are not to be used without permission! After the Gazette incident, I swear, I WILL sue.