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VAMPS takes a bite out of Canada by Dianna Chycki Japanese rock band, VAMPS had their very first, successful live in Canada at Lee’s Palace in Toronto on November 14th. Although it was cold outside, fans lined up the street in Toronto the night prior in anticipation of their beloved band. Many dedicated fans travelled from surrounding cities near Toronto, other provinces in Canada such as British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, across the U.S.A. and as far away as Japan. VAMPS is one of the most popular bands in Japan, formed in 2008 by HYDE, a Japanese musician, singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the lead vocalist of the legendary rock band L’Arc-en-Ciel and K.A.Z, the guitarist of Oblivion Dust. To best describe the band’s name, here is a quote by HYDE: “I want our audiences to feel the wild and immoral side of rock culture and, as we are vampires, our show will obviously be different from that of any other rock band!”
band from Detroit, Michigan, “Citizen Zero” as difficult to describe with words – you need to the opening act. attend their show to see what I’m talking about! I had the pleasure of speaking with Canadian Street Team (VAMPS Canada) leader, Audi, who attended the concert and interviewed both HYDE and K.A.Z prior to their show. VAMPS Canada organized some amazing gifts for their cherished band. One in particular was the personalized Toronto Maple Leaf jerseys and hats that both HYDE and K.A.Z wore as a disguise after the show walking down the street in Toronto, which was an immediate hit on social media. Here are some of the questions from the podcast interview with Audi: Please describe what is VAMPS Street Team organization? We are a group of dedicated individuals whose goal is to help rally their fans, support them in their efforts to break into the international market, and help introduce them to a broader audience. We help the management with promotional efforts when VAMPS hold a live show here by spreading the words and sharing their promotional materials either by hitting the streets in person or through social media.
Since its inception, VAMPS have played over hundreds of shows in Japan, combining grandscale theatrics and drama coupling with expert playing and songwriting. Over the years, VAMPS music and message have given rise to rapidly growing global fan-base. One of their They truly deserve to be at the forefront of the goals is to get their music played on radio and international music movement, on par with other Western musicians. Yet, it is still very enter the US Billboard Chart. difficult for Japanese bands to carve their path In 2016 at a studio in Los Angeles, VAMPS here and break into the North American market. worked with Grammy nominated producer, We want to support them the best we can. Howard Benson (Papa Roach, Three Days Grace) on new music to be released via What do you like most about the band Spinefarm Records. The first double single, VAMPS? “Inside of Me” (featuring guest artist, Chris Their live shows are always very energetic and Motionless from Motionless in White) and “Rise captivating. You just can’t help but be in awe of or Die” (co-written by VAMPS and Richard Z. the energy and raw passion they bring to their Kruspe from Emigrate/Rammstein), was lives. HYDE is perhaps one of the most launched on September 16th. charismatic rock vocalists in this era. He has a very unique, powerful voice and stage VAMPS played six Tokyo shows in September presence that can drive the audience into a with “In This Moment” and “Apocalyptica”, and state of frenzy. K.A.Z has this enthralling then headed back to the US for a headline tour in November, including one very special date presence and amazing guitar riffs that can send reserved for Canadian fans on November 14th spectators into a trancelike state when at Toronto’s Lee’s Palace with American rock watching him play. It’s an experience that’s
Photo by Scott Williamson
Photo by Takeru@canada
In all the VAMPS Toronto live photos posted on social media – HYDE is smiling throughout, a good sign he was enjoying his Canadian Fans. How was the atmosphere during the show? The venue was packed, the crowd’s energy was through the roof – it was wild, and VAMPS looked like they genuinely enjoyed themselves. The connection between the band and audience was incredible. The audience was just very happy to see them after waiting for so many years. At one point, during HYDE’s MC, a loud voice from the audience shouted “Welcome to Canada!” catching him off guard, followed by many saying the same thing. When he came out dancing with the Canadian flag signed by fans, the audience just lost it. Tell us about their disguised street walk in Toronto after the show with the jerseys? That video definitely made a huge sensation. It was hilarious that they called it “a disguise” while they had their names printed in big letters on the back! Since VAMPS concert in North America, HYDE is back in the studio recording new material. In the meantime, fans look forward to seeing VAMPS back again in Canada in the near future. For more information on VAMPS, visit: vampsxxx.com and for VAMPS Canada: vampsnorth.com or their Facebook. Beach Corner would like to thank Audi from VAMPS Canada for her assistance. Photos are courtesy of VAMPS Canada, Takeru@Canada and Scott Williamson. Dianna Chycki is host of Beach Corner. Beach Corner is available on podcast and broadcast every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on beachboosterradio.com. Beach Corner article sponsored by Exchanging Vows Bridal Boutique in Collingwood.
Photo by VAMPS Canada