Fujirockers: The official fansite of the Fuji Rock Festival

Hanggai Get The Avalon Hippies Drinking and Moving

Hanggai are playing three sets at FRF in the span of 24 hours. The first was on the very cool Mokudotei boardwalk stage, the second at the slightly bigger Gypsy Avalon, and the third will be in the large Orange Court. If the septet could have worked two more performances into their schedule, we may have seen them gracing the Green Stage before the weekend was over.

Based out of Beijing and comprised of Chinese and Mongolian musicians, Hanggai use a mix of western and traditional Mongolian instruments along with throat singing to create a dynamic hybrid of entrancing world music and folk.

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Olde Worlde and Pal On The Boardwalk

Olde Worlde is the stage name of solo artist Sohhei Numata.  For his Mokudotei appareance on the FRF boardwalk, Numata brought along another guitarist to help him flesh out tracks from his newly released sophomore effort, “The Lemon Shark.”  The disc coincidently includes a cut called “Have You Seen the Rain,” something we’ve seen all day long today.

Around 60 people hung out in the forest to listen to Olde Worlde’s 45 minute folk set.  When he sings, Numata’s soft voice has a slight feminine edge to it that makes his vocals unique.  While I thought little stood out about his performance, he’s gigged at Summer Sonic and Rock in Japan in addition to FRF so he’s obviously doing something right.

Near the end of the concert, he launched into an arty acoustic rocker.  The song’s opening was peppered with a series of F-bombs.  And although I’m in no way against some good “olde” fashioned cussing, shouting out “fuck” several times seemed really out of place in Mokudotei’s lush, serene surroundings.

Photo by 府川展也.
More photos here.

Sunny Day Service On The White Stage

In 2009 a reunited Sunny Day Service played at Field of Heaven.  The next year they released their first full-length in a decade, “Honjitsu Wa Seiten Nari.”  And with new material to share, the Japanese rock trio were bumped up to the White Stage for this year’s FRF.

Despite their name, Sunny Day Service didn’t deliver any sunshine to the Naeba Ski Resort.  With rain falling steadily throughout their set, the act kept soggy fans happy with a mix of new tracks and old favorites.  The low-key performance featured little movement from the calm band members, but most in attendance at the White Stage didn’t seem to mind.

Photo by 岡村直昭.
More photos here.

Kegawa no Maries Opening Up The White Stage

Kegawa no Maries frontman Ryohei Shima had a lot of love to share during the Tokyo quartet’s White Stage opening performance.  The singer and his bandmates were fired up for their 11:30 am set with Shima shouting “Come on people!” before delivering a textbook perfect rock ‘n’ roll kick that was met with cheers from FRF’s early arrivals.

Clad in matching military officer outfits, Kegawa no Maries 1960s and ‘70s garage rock jams went over well with the bopping rain jacketed bodies up front.  Dancing around and spinning his microphone high in the air, the animated Shima was easily the star of the show.

Having a lot of love in his heart, Shima blew kisses to the crowd while the act showcased material from their upcoming third full-length, “Kegawa no Maries no Hello London” (out in early September).  When bassist Hiroko Kurimoto took over lead vocals for one track, he walked over and pecked her on the cheek while she was singing.  A few cuts later, Shima dropped his mic in the middle of the stage, ran to the far end and extended his arms wide towards the audience before sending more smooches there way.

Photo by 岡村直昭.
More photos here.

As previously reported, Buddy Guy has canceled his Sunday night Orange Court headlining set because of health concerns.  The New Mastersounds will be filling in for the blues legend.  The group are playing this afternoon on The White Stage and then will stick around to close things out at Orange Court on a funky note.

Fujirock.com Writer J Monkeying Around

The FRF Kids Land just got a whole lot more fun!  This year they’ve added a very cool tree house in the forest next to the entrance for young Fujirockers to hang out in and unwind.

There’s a sign posted in front of the area saying that the new play park is only for kids.  Luckily a handful of Fujirock.com writers were able to check out the tree house last night before the area was officially opened to the general public.  The area’s staff were happy to let us embrace our inner children and climb up into the tree house (which smells wonderfully pine fresh).

There’s a small stage nearby with log benches.  I didn’t see a schedule posted anywhere, but I’m guessing there will be some kid-friendly performances scattered throughout the weekend.

Meet a Rock Star at Ganban

This weekend, 18 acts will be stopping by Ganban’s booths in the Oasis Food Court and outside of the main gates to greet fest-goers and sign autographs.  CSS are up first at 2 pm today.  The Ganban shop outside of the main gates will also host a handful of late night performances tonight and tomorrow night.  Duck over there if you need a break from the madness at the Palace of Wonder.

FRF’s official site has posted an announcement saying that Buddy Guy has sadly canceled his July 31 Orange Court headlining appearance due to health concerns. The act that will replace him has been confirmed yet. Someone is going to have some big shoes to fill on Sunday.

Watusi Zombie Live in Tokyo

Nara rockers Watusi Zombie slayed on the Rookie A Go-Go stage at Fuji Rock in 2005.  The garage rock trio will return to FRF this summer, bringing their chaotic and insanely fun live show to the Naeba Shokudo stage at 10:40 pm on Saturday, July 30.  Their 2005 FRF gig saw the three sweaty members heading into the audience (drums and all!) to close out their set.  If they do the same thing this year, expect things to get wonderfully wild at the very intimate Naeba Shokudo.

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MO'SOME TONEBENDER ON THE GREEN STAGE @ FRF '06

Mo’some Tonebender will make their fourth Fuji Rock appearance in two weeks time.  Formed in Fukuoka in the late 1990s, the alt-rock trio have been based out Tokyo since 2001.  That year they made their FRF debut in the Red Marquee.  In 2002 they played on White Stage and in 2006 they performed on the Green Stage.  Being on the fest’s biggest stage calls for some big props, so frontman Kazuhiro Momo brought a pair of giant foam hands with him for the occasion.  After waving them around he later tossed them into the crowd.

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TAKESHI HOSOMI @ FRF '08 WITH HIS FORMER BAND, ELLEGARDEN

Two more acts were added to Fuji Rock today.  Takeshi Hosomi (from The Hiatus) and Maiko Kishi will both play on the Pyramid Garden stage.

There are now 214 acts set to appear at this year’s fest.  It looks like the only mystery left to be revealed is Friday night’s “Very Special Guest” in the Crystal Palace Tent. Check out the full FRF lineup here.

*Photo by Miyuki “Sam” Samata and used with the permission of Fuji Rock Express ‘08.

ENVY LIVE IN TOKYO

Envy, Atari Teenage Riot, and Apollo 18 will all get the chance to play on the Green Stage this summer!

Before local fans get too excited, the Green Stage they’ll share is actually the second stage at South Korea’s Jisan Valley Rock Festival.  The three bands will appear at South Korea’s premier summer music outing on Friday, July 29 before making their way to Fuji Rock where they will all perform in the Red Marquee on Sunday, July 31. Continue Reading…

GOGOL BORDELLO'S LEGENDARY '08 CRYSTAL PALACE TENT GIG

A few weeks back, Dom shared some of his favourite shows from Fuji Rock’s past.  He specifically highlighted The Pogues (2005), Madness (2006), The Cure (2007), My Bloody Valentine (2008), Roland S Howard (2009), and JohnFogerty (2010).

Like my good mate, I started going to FRF in 2005.  Since then, I’ve seen no shortage of very good shows in Naeba.  Here’s my list of the best performances I’ve watched each year: Afrirampo (2005), Broken Social Scene (2006), Battles (2007), Gogol Bordello (2008), M83 (2009), and Matt & Kim (2010).

As Dave mentioned earlier today, the 9^th Fuji Rock lineup is out.  The fest’s timetable was released along with it.  There are 212 acts now listed, and while it’s possible that a couple more performers may be added in the next 27 days leading up to the fest, things are pretty much set.

Looking at the timetable, what are everyone’s predictions for top performances of 2011?

And while we’re at it, who are everyone’s favourite acts from previous years?

For the seasoned vets who have been FRF-ing it up since the late 90s, what are the fest’s all-time greatest concerts? Gogol Bordello’s Crystal Palace Tent gig definitely has to be included in there somewhere.

Here’s to old FRF memories and the new ones that will be made in a few weeks time.

*Photo by Miyuki “Sam” Samata and used with the permission of Fuji Rock Express ‘08.

8OTTO OPENING UP FOR OASIS IN 2009

Osaka’s 8otto had reason for celebration last week.  The garage rock/post-punk band were added to this summer’s Fuji Rock and Smash announced that they will be opening for Beady Eye (former members of Oasis) in Nagoya and Osaka in September.

The Beady Eye concerts are less surprising than the FRF news.  8otto were originally scheduled to open for the British act in May, but the tour was postponed due to the effects of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.  8otto were disappointed when the dates were put on hold, so it’s cool that they’ve been tapped to appear at the September shows.

8otto previously supported Oasis during their 2009 Japan tour.  Check out live photos from their opening set at Nagoya’s Nihon Gaishi Hall here.

8otto are currently gigging in support of their fourth long-player, “Ashes to Ashes.”  Released in March, the quartet worked on the disc with long-time producer Toshikazu Yoshioka.  Yoshioka has been at the helm for all of 8otto’s full-lengths and also was an engineer on “Room on Fire” by The Strokes, a band that have had a huge impact on 8otto’s music. Continue Reading…

BIG WILLIE'S BURLESQUE @ FRF '08

Yesterday another 31 acts were announced for this summer’s Fuji Rock including the full lineups for Day Dreaming and the Palace of Wonder’s Palace Arena and amazing Crystal Palace Tent.  Fuji Rock’s official site has an intro page about Day Dreaming and the Palace of Wonder for FRF first times here.

Don Coglione said last week that he’d love to see Your Song Is Good play in the Crystal Palace Tent. Although the band won’t be performing in the Spiegeltent, vocalist and organist Jun “JxJx” Saito will make an appearance there. Amadou & Mariam, DJ Nu Mark, and The Black Angels will be doing intimate late night sets there as well.  Click on the artist names to check out our recent Fujirock.com write ups on DJ Nu Mark and The Black Angels.

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WIDESPREAD PANIC LIVE @ SXSW

We here at Fujirock.com are big supporters of Smashing Mag. The bilingual music website is Japan’s premier concert coverage publication. Smashing Mag’s dedicated staff post live reports of a lot of really cool shows in Japan. They travel abroad for gigs and high profile international festivals, too.

For the last several years, a team of Smashing Mag writers and photographers has flown to Austin, Texas to cover the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the massive event. Around 2,000 acts from 61 countries played from March 16 – 20. With that many performers, it comes as no surprise that a number of Fuji Rock bands appeared.

Smashing Mag’s got great photo reports of the following FRF ‘11 artists from SXSW:

Widespread Panic — playing 7/29 @ Field of Heaven — SXSW photos here

Ron Sexsmith — playing 7/29 @ Field of Heaven — SXSW photos here

Oh Sunshine — playing 7/31 @ Red Marquee — SXSW photos here

Apollo 18 — playing 7/31 @ Red Marqueee — SXSW photos here

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MUKAI ON THE WHITE STAGE IN 2009

Tokyo duo Kimonos is made up of Leo Imai and Zazen Boys’ Shutoku Mukai.  The synth-pop and post-punk act are currently promoting their 2010 self-titled debut.  They’ll play in the Red Marquee on July 30.  The White Stage was packed with fans in 2009 when local alt-rock legend Mukai gigged with Zazen Boys.  While Kimonos are a very different band, I suspect Mukai and Imai will have little trouble drawing a sizeable crowd.

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APOLLO 18 LIVE AT SXSW '11

Another round of performers has been revealed for Fuji Rock 2011.  Twenty-two new acts including Lee Scratch Perry with Mad Professor, Patrick Stump (from Fall Out Boy), Kaiser Chiefs, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Apollo 18, DJ Hell, and more are all listed here.

There’s info on what stage everyone will play on as well.

*Photo by Koichi Hanafusa and used with the permission of Smashing Mag.

RON SEXSMITH @ ASAGIRI JAM '04

Another FRF lineup announcement has been revealed.  As previously speculated, Queens of the Stone Age are out for this year’s fest.

Canceling on Fuji Rock is nothing new for the group.  The guys bailed on FRF ‘05 as well.  Tangerine Dream will sadly also no longer appear.

Now for the good news.  Another 13 acts have been added to the schedule including highly acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith,  Glasvegas, Washed Out, and Takkyu Ishino.  You can check out the rest of the new additions and see what day they’ll perform on here.

* Photo by Miyuki “Sam” Samata and used with the permission of Smashing Mag.

JOSH HOMME WITH THEM CROOKED VULTURES AT FRF '10

The Japan Times‘ music editor, Shaun McKenna, tweeted something very interesting on Friday.  According to the Fuji Rock schedule, Queens of the Stone Age are set to play the fest on July 29.

However, grunge icons Soundgarden just announced a summer tour and they say QOTSA are opening for them in Vancouver on July 29 and George, WA on July 30.

QOTSA’s website lists the gigs with Soundgarden in the “news” section, but also includes FRF on the act’s “tour” page.

So what’s the deal?  Are QOTSA bailing on FRF?  Or are they planning to play FRF very early in the day, haul arse back to Narita Airport, and get to Canada in time to open for Soundgarden.  While the latter seems unlikely, it’s not impossible.  Guess we’ll just have to wait for the next FRF lineup announcement to find out exactly what’s up.

Some may remember that QOTSA canceled their appearance at FRF ‘05.  Queens’ frontman Josh Homme performed at the fest last summer with Them Crooked Vultures.  Check out a review of their set here.

Photo by 古川喜隆 and used with the permission of Fuji Rock Express ‘10.

OH SUNSHINE LIVE AT SXSW 2011

The fifth Fuji Rock artist annoucnement is out!.  Amongst the two dozen new bands is Oh Sunshine, who recently played as part of Japan Nite at SXSW in Austin, Texas.

FRF has also released information about what day each act will perform on.  Check all the info here.

*Oh Sunshine photo by Ryota Mori and used with the permission of Smashing Mag

BATTLES LIVE ON THE WHITE STAGE AT FRF '07

Smash just revealed another 10 performers for FRF ‘11.  Here are the newbies to the lineup:

Battles
Clammbon
Jamie xx
Little Creatures
Sakerock
Shugo Tokumaru
Soil & “Pimp” Sessions
Steve Aoki
Towa Tei
The Vaccines

Here are photos from Soil & “Pimp” Sessions’ FRF ‘05 set.

Here are a live report and photos from Battles’ FRF ‘07 set.

Here are a live report and photos from Shugo Tokumaru’s FRF ‘08 set.

Here are a live report and photos from Clammbon’s FRF ‘09 set.

Here are a live report and photos from Sakerock’s FRF ‘09 set.

*Battles photo by Yusuke and used with the permission of Fuji Rock Express ‘07.

The New Mastersounds In Field Of Heaven @ FRF '08

About a quarter of the FRF ‘11 lineup has been announced.  More new acts should be revealed in the coming days.  The full list of performers  joining us in Naeba this summer is here.

The New Mastersounds were one of the acts included in the last artist update.  Don Coglione’s live report from their 2008 FRF appearance is here.

*Photo by Yusuke Kitamura and used with the permission of Fuji Rock Express ‘08.

Earlier today concert promoter Smash announced the dates for Fuji Rock 2011.  The festival will take place from July 29 – 31.  We hope you can join us in Naeba this summer!

An extremely energetic Matt & Kim at The White Stage on Sunday Morn

My performance best o’ list for FRF ‘10 is as follows:

Matt & Kim — Sunday, August 1 @ White Stage (I know Kern said they did the *exact* same show on Saturday at Avalon, but I didn’t see them on Avalon and hot diggity damn were they ever fun on the White Stage)

Dirty Projectors — Saturday, July 31 @ Red Marquee

Vampire Weekend — Sunday, August 1 @ Greeen Stage

John Fogerty — Saturday, July 31 @ Green Stage

Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro — Sunday, August 1 @ Field Of Heaven Continue Reading…