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| ▲ This photo of Japanese rock band SPYAIR is provided by Holy Garden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 4 (Yonhap) -- “Korean fans never fail to sing along in Japanese — whether it’s a solo concert, an event, or a brand-new song. It always leaves us stunned. At the same time, we feel that our music is truly getting through to them," says KENTA, drummer of SPYAIR.
Japanese rock band SPYAIR, which has built a strong following in Korea through performances ranging from music shows like "M Countdown" to solo concerts and rock festivals, is now connecting with fans through the big screen.
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The group is set to release their concert film "SPYAIR JUST LIKE THIS 2024" in Korean theaters on June 18, hoping to deliver the same energy and passion of a live performance to fans in cinemas.
In a written interview with Yonhap News on Friday, SPYAIR said, “We created this film with the hope that fans can fully enjoy the spirit of our festival,” adding, “We invite everyone to experience the raw energy of our show on the big screen.”
Formed in 2005, SPYAIR began with street performances and officially debuted in 2010 as a four-member band. After longtime vocalist IKE left the band in 2022, the group welcomed a new vocalist, YOSUKE.
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| ▲ This photo of YOSUKE, vocalist of Japanese rock band SPYAIR, is provided by Holy Garden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The upcoming concert film features the band’s live performance held last year at Tokyo’s Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall — a venue of special significance, as it was where SPYAIR held their first solo live concert in 2011.
MOMIKEN, bassist and leader of the group, said, “Choosing this venue represented our desire to soar higher with YOSUKE joining the band. We’re fortunate to have performed there one last time before it undergoes renovation.”
The film captures more than 20 songs, including the theme song "Orange" from the anime film "Haikyu!!", showcasing the vibrant energy of a live stage.
YOSUKE said, “We wanted both longtime fans and newer ones to enjoy the experience. The setlist includes our most iconic songs as well as recent releases.”
MOMIKEN added, “While we always enjoy our band activities, we don’t overexert ourselves trying to put on a ‘great’ performance. Our goal is to create a genuinely fun stage, and I think that intention comes through in our live shows.”
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| ▲ This photo of MOMIKEN, bassist and leader of Japanese rock band SPYAIR, is provided by Holy Garden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
The members view creating enjoyable performances as something vital not just for their audience, but for themselves as well. Reflecting on their journey up to the 20th anniversary of their formation, they attributed their longevity to a positive mindset.
Guitarist UZ said, “We’ve faced many ups and downs along the way, which is why we try to stay upbeat. What matters most is being able to share our music live.”
Meeting Korean fans, who are known for their passionate support, holds special meaning for the band. Since 2011, SPYAIR has performed in Korea regularly, including appearances at rock festivals and on music programs like "M Countdown." At their most recent show in Seoul last month, the band said they were once again overwhelmed by fans’ intense response.
YOSUKE said, “The wild sing-alongs and explosive energy of Korean fans feel like salvation. We prepare ourselves for it each time, but their voices and energy are simply electrifying.”
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| ▲ This photo of Japanese rock band SPYAIR and the audience is provided by Holy Garden. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Looking ahead, SPYAIR hopes to continue growing and strengthening their live performances. They also expressed a wish to hold a solo outdoor concert in Korea one day to give back to the fans’ enduring love.
“We believe that everything we’ve built is steadily shaping us into a complete band,” said KENTA. “We still have room to grow, and that’s why we want to keep doing live shows.”
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