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Japanese rock stars L'Arc~en~Ciel promises a thrilling concert on May 17 at the Olympic Gym, Olympic Park, Seoul. / Courtesy of SonyBMG
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 Four-Member Japanese Rock Band to Visit Seoul May 17
By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Popular Japanese rock band L'Arc~en~Ciel is celebrating their 17th year anniversary this year, with a world tour that brings them back to Seoul on May 17.
Seventeen years after they were formed in Osaka, L'Arc~en~Ciel continues to thrill audience with their evolving rock music and exciting live performances.
The Korea Times recently conducted an e-mail interview with L'Arc~en~Ciel, composed of vocalist and guitarist hyde, bassist tetsu, guitarist ken and drummer yukihiro.
L'Arc~en~Ciel may look like intense rock stars on stage, but members show their humorous side as they talk about their current world tour, what they love about Korean fans and why they think wearing no underwear is the secret to their success.
The Korea Times: When L'Arc~en~Ciel was formed (in 1991), did you ever predict it will become one of the most successful bands in and out of Japan?
tetsu: We never could have predicted we would be successful outside of Japan. However, we knew we would not only stay in Japan. Our wish to gain as many fans as possible has brought us worldwide fame.
Q: Each member of L'Arc~en~Ciel has their own solo projects. After doing solo activities, how is it possible for the band to continue making great music again?
hyde: After our solo activities, we were able to broaden our scope of music. I believe that is what makes L'Arc~en~Ciel. It is all four of us making music. That is why we don't get bored. Sometimes we get bored with current music out there. The music sounds the same. In that sense, fans might think of us as the likable band that is never boring.
Q: This will be your third concert in Seoul. What do you think about the Korean audience?
ken: There were things that I felt after the two concerts (in Seoul). We participated in a rock festival with many other bands. We were there as a headliner but the audiences remembered the lyrics of our songs and were singing along. And I thought ``Wow, this is good!'' Now, we are thinking: ``Will we be able to hear bigger shouts this time?''
Q: Is there any difference in your concerts when you're playing in Japan and in Korea?
ken: We get a little more anxious in Korea, because we want to show our Korean fans what's good about us.
Q: Could you please tell us about ``TOUR 2008 L'7~Trans ASIA via PARIS~'' which covers Shanghai, Taiwan, Paris, Seoul, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Osaka?
hyde: This time, we get to play in places we always dreamed about playing at. And we are going to be in Paris where our name came from. I wish I could pronounce L'Arc~en~Ciel properly.
tetsu: Whether it is going to be Paris or Asia, we do need a great deal of preparation for overseas gigs. In order to realize the tour, it takes years to plan in advance. … People may request that we play in their counties, but it is just not possible for us to go to those countries without proper equipment for our tour.
yukihiro: We will do live concerts anywhere. With my drums, I hope to bring joy to our fans.
Q: How would L'Arc~en~Ciel like to be remembered by people?
ken: We would like to be remembered as ``mmm … nice,'' its better than being remembered as the worst! We hope people will still kiss and pat yukihiro and hyde's poster. But please do not play darts on our posters!
Q: What would be the group's secret for sticking together all these years?
hyde: I go to bed with no underwear on. Stay healthy with no underwear!
tetsu: I wake up with no underwear. (laughs)
ken: I guess the secret lies with the fact that we pretty much do whatever we like to do. And, our spirit, as such, is passed on to all of you.
L'Arc~en~Ciel will perform at the Olympic Gym, Olympic Park on May 17. Tickets are 99,000 won, 77,000 won, 55,000 won and 44,000 won. For English inquiries, send an e-mail to larc.korea@gmail.com or call Iyescom Entertainment at (02) 783-0114. Visit ticket.interpark.com.
cathy@koreatimes.co.kr | |
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