4Tour World Tour 2007 - 08
July 27th, 2007 - Niigata,
Japan (Fuji Rock Festival
@ Naeba Ski Resort)
Tape (intro), Open, Fascination Street,
From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Kyoto Song, Hot Hot Hot, alt.end, The Walk, The End of the World,
Lovesong, Pictures of You, Lullaby, Inbetween Days, Friday
I'm In Love, Just Like Heaven, If
Only Tonight We Could Sleep, The Kiss, Shake Dog Shake, Never Enough, Wrong
Number, One Hundred Years, End
1st Encore: Let's Go To Bed, Close To Me, Why Can't I Be You?
2nd Encore: A Forest, Boys Don't Cry
Show was 2 hours and 15 minutes.
(Thanks to Fusae for the ticket scan and to Marc &
Sakurai for the setlist)
Japanese newspaper's article about The Cure in Fujirock (with picture).
The Journalist's comment is very good. They praised The Cure's performance.
Sorry this article is in Japanese.
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/music/news/20070802et05.htm
- Sakurai
I just found some reviews of The Cure show at Fuji
Rock Festival in Internet. They are written in Japanese and therefore might
not interesting to English readers. But anyway, here are links.
http://doops.jp/2007/08/07_the_cure.html
http://blog.so-net.ne.jp/yubeshi/2007-07-31
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/ck1956/e/ba1314df019a25fe605a9eaceeb98699
The third review reveals that according to the organiser of FRF, The Cure
managed to extend their show from 90 min to 2 hrs+ by accepting the request
of delaying the opening time.
Muse who was to play prior to The Cure couldn't start their show on schedule
because their equipments arrived atthe venue far too late, and it caused a
big delay.
- Junko Kuroda
"Is it truly happening? Are they real?"
This is what I exactly thought when The Cure appeared in front of me at
Fuji Rock Festival.
I remember it was October 1984 when The Cure performed in Japan for the
first time. I wanted to go, but my parents didn't allow me.
Since then, I'd been waiting for their show. Again and again, Robert said
they would be back soon, but they never did. As time went by, their appearance
on Japanese music programs and music magazines lessened. Despite their great
success all over the world, The Cure eventually faded into oblivion in Japan.
But now they were there on stage! How come I could believe something like
this which never happened for 23 years? I felt like I was in a dream.
I had this funny feeling that Robert, Simon, Porl and Jason on stage didn't
seem real to me, but once I turned my eyes to a big screen at the side of
the stage and saw their images there, I could feel they were real. Hey, it
was just like Pictures of You!!!
"I've been looking so long at these pictures (videos) of you that I almost
believe that they're real."
Their performance was awesome!
Robert seemed to enjoy every bit of the show. He always smiled at the audience
and it was so adorable and charming! I was happy seeing him taking much more
active part in playing the guitar now. The way he played hisguitar killed
me. I've always admired him as a guitarist as much as a singer.
Simon was always jumping and bouncing around vigorously. He kept his usual
serious face most of the time, but he took my heart away (!) with his gorgeous
smile during One Hundred Years. His sexy looks has never changed, or rather,
it's improving!
I knew some fans still compares Jason with Boris and criticise him, but
i had no complain about his drumming. I think he did a good job that night.
And Porl! His new looks was something unexpected. Tattoos on his shaved
head!? How radical it was! And his adaptation of synthesizer sounds on a
guitar was kinda radical, too. He could create any kind of sounds only with
his guitar. He did prove that he was a genuine guitar genius.
Time ran so fast. It seemed two hours passed with a blink of an eye. Just
before Robert walked off from the stage, he said "See you in 23 years, or
sooner." Yes, sooner! I shouted to him "See you in Hong Kong!" I was already
excited knowing that I was going to witness another great
show in three days.
- Junko Kuroda
A few months ago, when I first heard that The
Cure were going to play in Japan, I wetted myself with excitement because
I believed that last years concert at the Royal Albert Hall would be my
last time to see them because I was moving to Japan. So the idea of
seeing this concert was very special for me because it would also be my tenth
concert, the first being the Prayer Tour in Glasgow.
The concert started well, with a good version of Open and a pounding version
of Fascination Street. I switched off a little during FTEOTDGS because I
think I am little bored of seeing this in every set. Unfortunately, this
wasn't the first time this would happen to me in the concert. Kyoto Song
was the first suprise of the night for me, I had longed to hear it for some
time and so it was a real treat, and it managed to sound big. Hot Hot Hot
and alt.end were played well enough, but they aren't favourites of mine.
The Walk sounded irritating, the guitar parts which replace the keyboards
really grate me. It went down well with the crowd though, as did all the
pop singles, they chose the right set for the audience. The End Of
The World, Lovesong, Pictures Of You and even Lullaby were all really
enjoyable, and the keyboards aren't really missed on the Disintegration songs.
Inbetween Days, Friday I'm In Love and Just Like Heaven got the crowd moving,
but I just let out a yawn. I like these songs, especially Inbetween Days
and Just Like
Heaven, but they just don't interest me in a live setting anymore. Maybe
I'm just not a dancing man. Next up was IOTWCS and then predictabley,
The Kiss. They sounded okay, but The Kiss lacked the power of previous
live versions. I was in the mood for Shake Dog Shake, and it didn't
dissapoint. Never Enough, with only Porl on guitar, sounded excellent.
The second suprise of the night for me was a blistering version of Wrong
Number, the only song that I hadn't heard before. One Hundred Years
is one of my favourite live songs, so even though I expected to hear it,
I
had nothing to complain about. I always love End when it is played, so
the end of the main set ended on a high for me.
I was really drunk by the encores, so my memory is a little hazy. I do
remember how awful LGTB was, it was truly horrible, especially without the
keyboards, but I think Robert was enjoying himself when he was strolling
around the stage. I have virtually no memory of Close To Me and WCIBY. The
concert ended with A Forest and Boy's Don't Cry. I used to enjoy these songs
live, but frankly, I am sick to the back teeth of seeing them. Maybe the
alcohol was taking hold, but I remember feeling underwhelmed at the end of
the concert. So overall, it was dissapointing for me, but I hope that all
the Japanese fans who hadn't seen these songs before enjoyed themselves,
I am sure they did.
- Jamie
July 27 will be a memorable day for Japanese
Cure fans for so long. 23 years was too long, 2 hours+ was too short, and
we're too naive.
A bit well-dressed Robert looked so cute and really agreeable, and never
stopped smiling throughout the show, and also he talked to us much more
than usual.
In truth, lots of Japanese audience had no experience to attend to The
Cure concert, everyone at there was looking forward to The Cure, an *rgentine
flag in front row must sometimes cut off their view though, some of
them might expect a "Hits" set like this show, The Cure responded to the
expectations.
They also prepared some very special songs for Japanese fans such as
Kyoto song, the Walk and Inbetween days. Come to think of it, seems everything
had carefully set out for the special night, including its rehearsal on the
night before this show. It's said that they are only a few band who have
rehearsed at the Green stage of FRF ever. Their play was absolutely perfect,
besides Porl's rejoin seems to have a positive effect on the solidity of
their sound.
Sometimes it might be appeared strange or bad behaviour among the audience,
but now we can try to fill in the gap aggressively. As you know, 23 years
was really long...
Well, I just want to say "Thank you so much" to The Cure as one of a
long-waited Japanese Cure fan who could fortunately attend this show.
- Todo
"Greatest Hits. The Cure is greatest."
At last our dream come true, the show was really fascinating, The
Cure selected their songs for festival audience. The audience really enjoyed
the show.
The walk, inbetween days, Just like heaven......
They were really dancable and swinging.
Robert's voice and guitar was wonderful.
The Cure was extraordinary live band !
But long-waited hard core Cure fan expected gloomy songs like Figurehead
, Disintegration Pornography.
Next time we expected solo concert of The Cure in Tokyo.
We will practice "Play for today" for next chance.
Thank you Robert, Thank you The Cure.
Thank you for The Cure fan all over the world.
- Sakurai
Should I try a review?? Well, I last saw
them play in Paris for the Dream Tour (I'm French), and first in 1996.
So... it was the first time for me to see Porl play live... Wouah!!!! This
guy is a blast!!! He's so skilled. The cameramen kept on focussing on
him throughout the show. He had tatoos (fake?) on his shaved head and
at distance he kind of looked like Bruce Willis ;))
Simon was jumping everywhere with his bass, very aggressive :)
And Robert, after a shy start, seemed to enjoy the night. He smiled,
laughed and even danced more and more as the show was running. He said
"Domo Arigatou" (thank you very much), and apologized later : "Gomen
(sorry) after 23 years, I could have learned more Japanese". He finally
left the stage with : "See you in 23 years ;) Or maybe sooner ;)"
I can imagine that most of European/American fans would "complain"
about the setlist, but remember for example that "In Between Days" had
been
played yesterday for THE FIRST TIME in JAPAN!!! And obviously all
the audience came to listen to the "greatest hits". The crowd turned crazy
during "Friday"!!!
One last thing, no pictures to give you... the Security staff physicaly
assaulted (!!) people using cameras/videos all day long... I even saw
one latin guy threaten to have his camera broken if he had taken any more
pictures!!! Unbelievable... On this matter, I should anyway say that members
of the Security Staff were not Japanese... No Japanese people would act
like this. It's a shame.
Time to sleep... Hope this will help a little. CHEERS!!
- Marc
A new twist on an old Cure
Much has been made about the Cure's 23 year absence from Japan, and
on Friday night, Robert Smith and the band did as much as they could
to make up for it, playing a set nigh on 2 hours, including 2 encores.
Japanese audiences have waited a long time to the "godfather
of gloom" or a rock star who finally made it OK to sit in your room and
mope, ultimately emerging with a frightful hairdo held high with hairspray
and eyes thickened with mascara.
Tonight, Robert Smith didn't disappoint, wearing a trademark
all-black outfit including a knee length skirt over a pair of paints,
with enough beads and jewelry to outfit a small trinket shop. On his feet
he had monster boots, though his make-up has been toned down recently,
little more than red lipstick and mascara.
While his attire hasn't changed, much of the band's music has,
in part because of new arrangements meant to work around melodies no longer
played on the synthesizer, as well as an upcoming album in the works
which will be released very soon, the band's 13th album to date.
The Cure started Friday's set on unsteady footing, playing ua
pair of obscure songs such as "Out of this World" and "Pictures of You"
before getting into familiar territory with "Fascination Street". Nearing
the half-hour mark, Smith announced he was playing a song which they
band played 23 years ago on their last visit to Japan, "The Walk"". This
song had the familiar lyrics, but considerably more guitar and bass than
the original number. The same was true for "Hot, Hot, Hot"and "Friday I'm
in Love" though the band got it just right when they dove further into their
back catalogue with its such as "Inbetween Days","Just like Heaven", and
"One Hundred Years".
Smith was ebullient throughout the show, walking to either side
of the long stage and even commenting about how intimate the setting
was, wishing he could communicate more with the audience.
And finally, it was time for encores, not one, as the band went
back and "Let's go to bed", "Close to me", "Why can't i be you?", and
of course "Boys don't cry".
In the end, Smith bowed to the crowd with a sincere smile and
wave, overcoming his shyness for just a split second and reminding
us all of both our fondest and most painful youthful memories.
Reported by sean (2007.07.28 / 01:29)
- Sean at Fuji
Rock Express
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