Posted: by The Editor
The acclaimed Japanese rock band Radwimps made their U.S. debut this past month with a completely sold out tour. Known for providing the soundtrack for director Mokoto Shinkai’s Your Name, Weathering With You, and his latest movie Suzume, they also released an album of original music, Forever Daze, in 2021. This tour was originally slated for 2020, but the pandemic and other commitments pushed it to 2023.
They knew we had waited a long time for this performance, promptly taking the stage at 8pm, no openers in tow. Opening with “Grand Escape” from the Weathering With You soundtrack, the lights slowly illuminated the stage and revealed the band members. Their setlist pulled hits from each previous release such as “NEVER EVER ENDER” and “TWILIGHT”. The entry to Radwimps for many listeners was from the Your Name soundtrack and audience members lit up hearing “ZenZenZense”, “Mitsuha no Theme”, and “Sparkle” played one after another. The band continued to power through their two hour set before announcing “Kimi to Hitsuji to Ao” was their last song. After finishing, the roar of 2,500 audience members cheering for an encore brought them back out to play three more songs: “Yume Tourou”, “lin desu ka?”, and the official closer, “SUMMER DAZE”. As they said goodbye, Radwimps asked “Is it ok if we come back soon?” implying another U.S. tour is in the works. We were ecstatic to have caught the final date of their first U.S. tour and cannot wait for them to come back. Until then, check out Kyle’s pictures from the night in New York and stream their latest album below!
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Kyle Musser//