L’Arc~En~Ciel - Tour 2008 L’7 Trans Asia via Paris (Zénith)

5月9日に行なわれたL’Arc～en～Ciel、初のパリ公演のライヴ速報が到着！

会場はLe Zenith de Paris。ライヴの4日前から熱烈なパリジャン＆パリジェンヌが列をなして「布団持参」で入場待ちをする景色も見受けられ、待望の初来仏に対する熱の高さをまざまざと感じさせた.

会場には約5500人が訪れ、ライヴが始まる前から手拍子や歓声が上がり続ける興奮状態。その歓声や足踏みは楽屋にいるメンバーにも大きく届き、ヴォーカ ルのhydeは歓声に合わせながら叫び声をあげたり、バンド名として考えると故郷にあたる地で（L’Arc～en～Cielとはフランス語で「虹」を意味 する言葉）、特別な時間を楽しんでいた。ちなみに今回のライヴは衛星生中継で日本各地の映画館へ中継されており、深夜3時からの「レイト・ショウ」を多く の人々が楽しんだ模様だ。More

May 9th, 2008 will never be forgotten because my favorite Rock Band came in my country! Not only for me I guess but for all who attended this day.

First I would like to say Thanks to all who have putted their nickname in the Attendees List I made before the live! I very appreciate your participation, you were also simply awesome during the live! again Thanks!

I think they spend great time with us.

Special Thanks to Tien, spanish_leciel webmaster, LJ community, Keistro, all people I forgot, and…

Merci L’Arc~en~Ciel

Preview

According to the security staff, They were more or less 5000 attendees.

Why it’s so awaited?

1. Their first live in Europe (France).
2. The first concert to be live broadcast (In Movie Theaters).
3. It’s L’Arc~en~Ciel! (One of biggest Japanese Rock Band).

Let’s look back to this event.

PS: If videos won’t play using Firefox just switch to Internet Explorer / Safari / Others (A short time ^^)

May 8th Afternoon/Night:

A press conference was held at 14h30:

http://listentheworld.wordpress.com/2008/05/10/larcenciel-live-in-paris-press-conference-before-the-live/

They very worried to play before an unknown public. Tetsu was especially stressed.

People already started to camp before “Le Zénith” and continue till very late, how courageous they are! I guess they had great time together.

The weather was good, Both days we had a sunny (~18°C).

May 9th Afternoon:

Metro Stop “Porte de Pantin” (Metro Line 5). I was terribly excited when I got off the Metro, I always didn’t realized what I’m going to see today. I’m here to see L’Arc~en~Ciel in real for the 1st time of my life, Is it true?!

The way to “Le Zénith” is called “Allée du Zénith“. All fans walked on this way.

Le Zénith open at 18h00, I get there around 17h20. Many fans were already there before me.

On this way, I saw some people with a sign on their hands where was written in French “Cherche sa place” which means “Looking for tickets”. Who would like to sale their tickets?! Certainly not me!

Once arrived before “Le Zénith” I was very happy to see so many people waiting but I was a little bit confused because I didn’t know where the queue started.

I walked trough people to try to understand where was the entrance and where I must queue up but I finally walk back when I realize that there is no queue line! People just waiting massively before fences.

I heard many people talking their language, Italian, German and also many Japanese.

See how it looked like in the queue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3n8KNvkFAU&feature=PlayList&p=4107770F05EC96CB&index=0&playnext=1

Sometimes people screamed, At first I thought they saw one of L’Arc members So I’ve tried to look they could see but it wasn’t that. May be they just couldn’t wait longer ^^.

I thought have heard Yukihiro drumming by far…not sure.

Le-Ciel members started to come group by group. All seems pleased to come.

~17h35: No change, “Le Zénith” was always not opened. I walked a little bit to try to find where I should queue up and I pick up my cousin who just arrive in the same time.

~17h50: Still not open, I wondered what’s happen. Cameras were started to film us, each time they focused us people put their hand in the air! It was funny when I saw Japanese shaking “Ciel-chan doll” in the air. That’s Japanese fans they have all with them. I was also quite surprised when I saw some people wearing the Rock T-Shirt, Where do they get it?

~18h00: It started to move. I started to get in the line with my cousins.

People started to scream then I saw people running inside! they enter! Damned! they are too many before us and our line didn’t move! A Japanese girl in front of me said “Ashiru?”, she was very excited with her friends.

I suddenly received a call from someone I have to meet she said to me that she’s already inside and I have to hurry if I want seats I’m looking for which means tetsu’s side seats! I started to worry will they able to keep us these seats??

Finally our line started to move but slowly…The security were checking all bags and removed all drinking cans. They took my “Minute Maid”!

Inside:

When it was my turn I ran faster I can inside “Le Zénith”. I show my ticket to the guard he scanned my scan then I passed. It already crowded inside many people was waiting to buy goods but it wasn’t my first preoccupation, it was seats!

I already knew in my head where I should go to get tetsu’s side seats. I climb the stairway, oh I see it our seats!

Finally I got seats I’m aiming thanks to Tien. I was exactly in circled area in the previous picture, 2th row, 2nd from left.

I was tired so I seated a while (drinking water, talking with my friends)

I get off my seats to go buy some goods:

They were a lot of people almost fighting to get goods. Too bad the wristband was already sold out!

T-Shirts cost 30€, the poster 10€, 17€ “Kiss” Album, 25 the Pamphlet, very expensive so I decided to take badges for 10€.

Time passed and I look my watch it was 18h40 and I was still waiting there…so I asked someone who make his purchase to take badges in the same time for me, I gave him 10€ and he bought me badges.

I distributed badges to my cousins and the remainder to Tien’s and her friends.

The audience started to become hot, screaming “L’Arc~en~Ciel, L’Arc~en~Ciel”, making “ola” (Tien and 2 Japanese girls just before me was very energetic all started from her, “One, two, three, Ola!”)

It’s hard to wait longer we were so close!

A voice speaking in French / English / Japanese made a announcement related to securities and rules. It’s going to begin soon!

Ken start to play little guitar’s riff to make fun of us. Each time he played people screamed, I started to get nervous I knew that L’Arc~en~Ciel guitarist was just behind the curtain!

Live:

20h05: Lights switch off! I stand up immediately! the noise was terribly high all fans were screaming “Kyaaaa~~” “Haido, Haido!”, applauding and making noise! Then the intro started!

Hyde’s , Ken’s and Tetsu’s shadow slowly appeared around lines drew on the curtain!

We could only see their silhouettes for the first bit of the song.

I was so happy at this moment I wanna cry! My heart beat at 200%! Video effects was beautiful!

Opening + Get out from the shell

The live begun with a very high intensity. A countdown “3-2-1″ appeared and it was like “CRAZY” when it disappeared!

It was a big explosion of emotions!

Driver’s High

Everyone was very reactive in this song replying immediately to Hyde’s lyrics. “Clash!” “Flash!”

Killing Me

Hyde x Tetsu!

I screamed “Killing me!” so strong that I had no voice anymore!

HYDE MC + Drink It Down

Hyde: “On est L’Arc~en~Ciel” = We are L’Arc~en~Ciel

Hyde: “Je veux boire bon vin” x2 = I want drink good wine.

Hyde: “Je suis très heureux” = I’m very happy.

Hyde: “Je suis content de rencontré des Parsiennes” = I’m happy to meet Paris’s womans.

Hyde: “Ce concert est diffusé en direct au Japon” = This concert is live broadcast in Japan.

Hyde: Speaking Japanese.

Hyde: “Vous êtes chaud” x2 = Are you hot?

Hyde: “Montrez moi / nous de quoi vous êtes capable” x2 = Show me what you can do

Hyde: “Criez !” x2 = Scream!

Hyde: “La prochaine, nouveau, DRINK IT DOWN” = Next one, new, DRINK IT DOWN.

DAYBREAK’S BELL

Winter fall

Kasou

My Dear

Forbidden lover

MY HEART DRAWS A DREAM

Ken played a little guitar’s solo like in Okinawa DVD. Dive into dark, just blue lights on Ken while he was playing. We had the sensation to in mid-oceans.

Flashy lights finally turns on and the song has started.

Everyone sang when Hyde said “Yumei wo e gaku yo” x2.

Caress of Venus

I’m remember perfectly Hyde said always “Sautez!” = “Jump!” and everybody has jumped! It was the most exhausting song.

REVELATION

Ken’s MC

“Vous allez bien?” = Are you feeling fine?

The longest and funniest CM. That’s our Ken ^^

He show us pictures of what he likes eat and what he did in Paris, one of him looking a Paris souvenir stand ^^

SEVENTH HEAVEN

(Something wrong with Ken…)

They suddenly stop just after the song has started. Hyde stopped singing and leave off the stage saying “Sorry…”

But something happen to Ken…he was on his knees on the side before heading off stage.

According to BARKS, silver tape hits Ken’s arm at the beginning of SEVENTH HEAVEN and he needed a quick emergency measure. They bought oxygen backstage when he went down.

Nobody knows what’s happen at this moment… I saw someone collapsed in the arena but I was not during Seventh Heaven.

The announcement said it was because of a technical problems. Indeed when the song has started and we didn’t heard Ken’s guitar.

But Everyone called back L’Arc~en~Ciel loudly. “L’Arc~en~Ciel!, L’Arc~en~Ciel!”

They came back after 10min and ken said “I went to toilet” and everybody has laugh! The show go on.

Ken was teasing the audience. Ken! You was FANTASTIC!

Pretty Girl (Hyde’s Angle)

Tetsu’s MC

He just said “Voulez-vous manger mes bananes?” x2 = “Do you want to eat my bananas?”

and threw 2 of them to the audience.

Stay Away - Formation A -

(Tetsu)

(Ken)

(Yuki)

Tetsu’s solo as usual.

It’s started with Tetsu -> Ken -> Yuki -> Hyde

Hyde was playing guitar (With the guitar he used to have when he sings “Honey”).

Ken has taken Yuki’s place on drums.

READY STEADY GO

Hyde missed few lines of his lyrics…

Yukihiro’s MC

Yukihiro: “Merci beaucoup” = “Thank you very much”

Yukihiro: “Vous vous amusez?” = “Are you having fun?”

Yukihiro: “Je suis content de faire ce concert en France” = “I’m happy to do this concert in France”

He spoke with a perfect French accent.

NEO UNIVERSE

They used one disco balls to create beautiful light effects.

HONEY

Link (Tetsu’s Angle)

Tetsu was wearing France’s Soccer Team Shirt.

It take me a while to understand how to clap on this song ^^

Hyde has jumped into the audience!

They did a little break in the middle of the song.

Ken has borrowed a camera from a staff member and filmed the public then Tetsu then they started again.

Hyde’s MC

Hyde has started a other MC. He said “L’Arc~en~Ciel a répondu à votre apple” = “L’Arc~en~Ciel has replied to your call”

Hyde: ” ??? L’Arc~en~Ciel mais on était jamais venu en France” = “??? L’Arc~en~Ciel but we had never been in France”

Hyde: ” Maintenant on ne peut plus dire ça…dire ça” = “Now we can’t say that anymore…say that”

Hyde: “Pour finir, pour finir, chantez avec moi” = “To finish, to finish, sing with me”

Hyde: “Unissons-nous aux delà des frontières” = “Unite us beyond the borders”

Hyde:” Vous voulez…x3 bien chanter” = “Would you like sing”

Hyde: “Je t’aime France” = “I love you France”

Anata

Everyone tried to follow…It was very difficult for me I have to admit.

The live ended after this song.

They leave quickly as I thought…should I say as usual ^^

I had terribly hot!

People started to stand up and leave. This is over, so I took my bag and my jacket with me, looking for the last time the stage behind me thinking they will come back…finally not.

It was almost 22h20.

On the way back some people was selling fake L’Arc~en~Ciel goods such as Laruku posters and T-Shirts for ridiculous price compared to official goods. 2€ the poster, 10€ the T-Shirt.

Personally there were awful!

Some people don’t understand anything…

Conclusion: Enormous!!

“If you thought have seen the best concert, it’s that you have never been in L’Arc~en~Ciel concert”.

Tracklist:

01. Get out from the shell
02. Driver’s High
03. Killing Me
04. DRINK IT DOWN
05. DAYBREAK’S BELL
06. winter fall
07. 花葬
08. My Dear
09. forbidden lover
10. MY HEART DRAWS A DREAM
11. Caress of Venus
12. REVELATION
13. SEVENTH HEAVEN
14. Pretty girl
15. STAY AWAY -member change version-
16. READY STEADY GO
17. NEO UNIVERSE
18. HONEY
19. Link
20. あなた

Feelings / Misc:

My favorite was “Caress of Venus”.

Tetsu was wearing France’s Soccer Team Shirt.

Yuki was the best French speaker.

Ken was sorely understandable…

The decor and lights effects were wonderful.

Tetsu used 4 different Bass.

I heard “tet-chan!” “Haido!” “Yukiii!”.

Hyde said many times French words like “Sautez!” = “Jump!”, “Criez!” = “Scream!”, “France!”

Someone collapse in the Arena.

Hyde jump off the stage to meet fans!

Hyde threw 2 water bottles.

Many people were recording the live with their camera even if it was totally forbidden.

The audience was wonderful!

I was very glad when I saw Hyde taking Tetsu in his arms and rubbing Tetsu’s hair.

Tetsu threw 2 bananas.

Ken played keyboard on “My Dear”.

There was few mistakes…

2 Big screens.

My ears hurts me after the live and that till Saturday night.

Can’t wait for the DVD.

You’ll definitively love the DVD.

I just want to say “Merci L’Arc~en~Ciel !!!”

Photos:

More in the album bellow:

http://s304.photobucket.com/albums/nn166/TheSoldatRyan/Laruku%20Trans%20Asia%20via%20Paris/?start=all

National TV News

N for newscaster, R for reporter (the voice-over), and G or B (Girl / Boy) for the interviewed people.

“N : Talk about music now. They dream of Tokio Hotel’s fame, and they’re not that far. Real stars in Asia, the Japanese band L’Arc-en-Ciel, in French in the text, descend upon Paris for their first stay in an European capital city. They filled the Zenith last evening, a concert who was live broadcast in Japan. Yanh Ben Jannette et Sebastien Lafargue on the spot.

Hyde : I’m happy to meet Parisians.

R : Don’t trust their frail silhouette, they’re rock giants. Saturate guitar, sentimental lyrics, 13 millions sold album and hundreds Japaneses who crossed the planet to don’t missed one concert.

G : This band is all my life.

R : The public, a colorful crowd of teenagers who grew up with game videos and mangas.

G : We hoped to see them since so long, it’s like a dream.

R : Fans recite by heart lyrics that they don’t understand, before the amused look of Japaneses.

G : The fact that we don’t inevitably understand the lyrics make that we are more concentrated on the music and on the singer’s voice.

R : For their first live in Europe, L’Arc-en-Ciel chosen Paris, and it’s not an accident.

B : L’Arc-en-Ciel, it’s rather “Larukenshielu” said with the Japanese accent, but that’s writing like in French, and they have a strong tie with the French culture.

R : L’Arc-en-Ciel, four boys with studied look. They’re 40 years old, adolescent’s faces, and the ingenuousness who suit with.

Hyde : I love you.
Ken : I kiss you.

R : Anything else ? Well, that was all for the speech, in any case L’Arc-en-Ciel is a striking example of teenagers’ passion for the new Japanese culture.”

They totally conquered their Europeans fans!

Other reports / Articles:

http://the4thavenuecafe.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!527F85463CDC3646!2692.entry (Fan report in Spanish)

http://winkychan.livejournal.com/32420.html (Fan Report in English)

http://www.evergreen-angel.splinder.com/post/17069495/CAME+BACK+FROM+PARIS+%7E+FIRST+L (Fan Report in English)

http://bakachenka.livejournal.com/223589.html (Fan Report in English)

http://community.livejournal.com/larcenciel/934486.html (Fan Report in English)

http://komikron.livejournal.com/127915.html (Fan Report in English)

http://feelingofdespair.splinder.com/post/17057319/3+DAYS+IN+PARIS (Fan report in Italian)

http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000039961 (Japanese Article)

http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20080511-OHT1T00049.htm (Japanese Article)

http://blog.jame-france.com/2008/05/impression-chaud-larcenciel.html (French Article)

http://www.laruku.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=267 (French Article)

http://www.liberation.fr/culture/musique/325395.FR.php (French Article)

http://www.contrepoint.info/editionpapier/contrepoint_numero9.pdf (French Article)

http://www.rockonemag.com/ArticleAction.do?dispatch=view&id=d17f2fc9197e2c10011980695bb90002

http://www.orient-extreme.net/index.php?menu=musique⊂=actu&article=1569 (French Article )

http://ladyteruki.free.fr/index.php?page=112&id_article=29 (French Article)

http://www.jmusic-session.com/article-19433542.html (French Article)

http://www.mimu-net.net/article_view.php?articleid=32

http://www.nautiljon.com/actualite/musique/feed+back+du+concert+de+l-l-arc-en-ciel+-at-+paris+09-05-08-368.html (French Article)

All credits to respective authors.