The New Shonen Knife show was at Club Quattro in Tokyo on the Eve of "712 Day"! 712 means July 12th here. Also, the Japanese word "knife" is read as "na-i-fu", which in numbers is: 7-1-2.
I arrived at Club Quattro at 6:30 p.m. (start time 7:00 p.m.). Many people were checking in here and there was much confusion! But, I see that Mr.Shibata, Naoko and Atsuko are here! Naoko and Atsuko soon said, "Oh, Mamiko! We haven't seen you for a long time!" Their words made me happy. I told them, "I'd like to talk to you after show, is it O.K.?" Atsuko said, "Of course! We are waiting for you."
Many fans were there, so they had to go backstage soon. But my heart is beating with anticipation for the show! The opening bands were 'MO'SOME TONEBENDER' and 'Bloodthirsty Butchers'. They played 2 hours in all.
9:00 p.m. arrives! The Shonen Knife show starts! They were wearing the navy pants and white short dress - they look much like their early 'panda tour' costumes. Naoko said, "We decided July 12th is Shonen Knife Day for this new century! Tonight is 712 day eve!" The crowd was very friendly, happy and excited. They played songs new and old with lots of energy! There was a big obstacle column at front-left of the Club Quattro. I was always thinking, 'If only it were transparent!' I was standing out in back of the column, so I couldn't see Atsuko and Mana too well during most of the show, until when they played the Encore.
When they left the stage, the crowd began clapping and chanting: "SHO-NEN KNIFE! SHO-NEN KNIFE!". Soon they returned, and I saw Atsuko and Mana dancing to the Karaoke of "Chinese Disco". Mana is young and cute. Her height is not taller, it is the same as Naoko and Atsuko.
My observant eye found a blister on Mana's left hand. She uses her left hand for "marched grip" style with her drumstick. Almost all lady drummers are using "regular grip". I never saw marched grip girls' drummer in Japan before. So, I was awed by Mana's drum technique and power.
That's amazing!
My favorite song this night was probably "Boys". Atsuko was playing the bass and singing the song more energetically than when she was the drummer!
Do you know Marty Freedman (Megadeath's guitarist)? I didn't know him, but he played the guitar on "Twist Barbie" with Naoko, as their special guest. From this show, we can believe our expectations for the new Shonen Knife. I deeply felt my old belief:
"Shonen Knife Forever!"
I spoke to Mana, for the first time: "How do you do? I'm Mamiko Nakagawa". We couldn't talk but shortly, because Mana was carrying her drum set by herself! I'd like to ask many questions of her... (These questions are my homework!)
I am very looking forward to New Shonen Knife!
KAPPA EXPRESS Report by:
PLKC Mamiko Nakagawa
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