COMMENT TO BE ADDED.

Notes
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While this journal is not entirely friends only, the majority of the entries are. Here's what to expect:

Public
→ Live reports (concerts, event recaps, etc.)
→ Important notices
→ Anything else I want everyone to be able to see

Friends locked
→ Most journal entries
→ Everyday ramblings
→ Fangirling (because ZOMG I DO IT A LOT AND I DON'T WANT THE WHOLE WORLD TO BE SUBJECT TO IT XD)
→ Anything personal
→ Very old, obsolete entries I don't feel up to deleting

To add
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Note that I'll add just about anyone, just leave a comment here. I'm friendly and stuff. ^_^ These things help, though:

→ Having something in common with me. You probably already do if you've stumbled across my journal, but feel free to check my user info for more about me and my interests. (If you like a lot of the bands I like, chances are I'll love you. XD)
→ Having at least some interest in me, or my entries. Lol, this should really go without saying, but if you don't like me, don't add me. XD Oh, and comments are love, so don't hold back, even if it's to tell me how stupid I am, lol.
→ Being able to put up with me. Which I guess goes along the same lines as don't add me if you don't like me... but like I said, I can be a fangirl, I can be a total sarcastic bitch, I sometimes rant, and I tend to use a lot of profanity in my entries. Be warned. XD
→ Adding me first. Just so I can be sure it really floods my e-mail inbox and lets me know to add you back. ^_^

Also, a recent perusal of my most frequently-used tags reveals that a good portion of my entries relate in some part with The Candy Spooky Theater. Therefore, if you do not like them, you will probably not enjoy my journal; whereas if you're a fan, you may find it quite interesting, lol. In any event, don't say I didn't warn you.

My first time seeing The Candy Spooky Theater in their home country, on their turf, where they are unquestionably in control. I was definitely very nervous, with no idea what to expect at all. To be honest I was reminded of lining up outside the Middle East in Boston in May 2007, because I felt those same unrelenting nerves as that first time seeing them - however many times I may have seen them in America, I knew that seeing them in Japan would be completely different. At the same time though, there was a comforting familiarality in knowing that after more than a year, I was once again going to be seeing my boys, back on stage where they belong. A strange welcome home indeed.

( Meguro Rock May Kan )

( IT'S A SHOW TIME! )

( SaTaN )

As we all filed out of Rock May Kan we ran into Rammy, who unfortunately couldn't come to the live because of work - I felt really bad that she couldn't go, but in any event, I'm really thankful to have met her because she's really cool, lol. ^^ And once again I do have to extend my heartfelt thanks to 1-5 and Nasu, because they really did make the live ten times more enjoyable than it would have been had I been alone, lol, and I give them credit for putting up with my ridiculous fangirliness and stupidity, ha ha. And major kudos to SaTaN who have stolen my heart, LOL, and their fans who are my new favorite people in the world. XDDD

Most of all, though, of course, I've got to thank my boys. When I look back at how long I've been a fan of The Candy Spooky Theater - which isn't even than long, if I think about it - I realize that if you'd told me in 2006 that one day, for them, and them alone, I'd be willingly tearing myself from my comfort zone and throw myself headlong into a place I never thought I'd venture in my life, I would have thought you were crazy. But when I look back at this time, I realize that it really could only be for them that I would do something so brazen. Time and time again they have proven themselves not only to be incredible musicians, songwriters, lyricists, and storytellers, but wonderful people as well, and I can never forget the kindness they have always shown me, whether they've known it or not. Ultimately I guess I probably am crazy for going to such lengths for them, but if you were to ask me if I regret anything, I'd have to honestly say, no. Through them I have had some of the best experiences of my life, and this show was no exception. So for that, I'm eternally grateful to them, and am eager to see where the next few years take them, and to hang on for the journey, wherever it may take me.

Peggy does promise that they'll come back to America someday. When that day comes, I'll be ready, as I'm sure all of us will be as well. Until then, though, I'll hold on to these memories, look back at them with a smile, and be constantly reminded of precious times spent with precious people. Of all the things I could possibly ever say to them, the one that is probably most important, is simply, thank you.

The Candy Spooky Theater's first live in Los Angeles, and the furthest I've ever travelled to see them. (So far. XD) Was it worth the cross-country trip? Yes, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Looking back on the PMX live, in comparison to the band's lives in May... something seems different. I can't quite put my finger on what, although certain things do spring to mind - the location, the set list, the stage, the vibe in general. The night was very special to me, but it was very different.

A line was already forming by the time we checked out the ballroom a few hours before show time, and it got way longer by the time doors opened. Almost immediately after I sat down for the wait, I saw my boys walking right past us to the elevators, still out of makeup and costume. After nearly six months, to suddenly lay eyes on them again... my breath caught in my throat. The sight of them strengthened me, gave me hope for the entire weekend. 

 

The final night of the tour. The Candy Spooky Theater's final live in the US, Zull's final live with the band. Everything about Baltimore felt like a tour final, with all the surges of intense emotion that accompanies one. Sayonara... 

 
 
 

Right now, I really don't feel like going into details about my long journey back from Baltimore to my home in New York. Suffice it to say, it was hell. Pure and simple. I did not end up back home until the following afternoon, after more than once being convinced I would never make it back at all.

Still. Would I do it again? Absolutely. No question. For The Candy Spooky Theater... yes, I would. And if and when they do come back to the States, I'm prepared to do just that. I'm prepared to repeat the entire process, and am in fact looking forward to it. It won't be the same without Zull there, but don't think that will dampen my enthusiasm. I'm more than ready to accept Kiddy Skeleton with open arms, and ready to welcome jack and Peggy back to our country. I'm ready to reunite with friends all over the East Coast, and make new ones. I'm ready to be thrown once again into a world of chaos and devilish glee, of days spent waiting for that one, perfect hour of life. I'm ready.

[mood| nostalgic ]
[music| Közi - Curious Nuance ]

A brief break from the onslaught of TCST memories to wish a happy birthday to a very special man. It is already the 29th in Japan, and I wouldn't miss this for the world.

Then, the pierrot - enigma, jokester, but always at heart, that single question: What is human?



Look how far you've come! Commanding that stage all on your own now. Have you found the answers you seek? I can only hope that you do - and that you continue to enlighten us for years to come.



Today also marks the release of Közi's first ever live DVD. If all goes well, it should ship today and will hopefully get to me soon. As soon as I can, I will be popping that DVD in there and reveling in the experience. At long last getting some sense of the kind of live show he can put on. If one day I can experience it in the flesh, for myself... well, that is the most I can hope for.Közi's Co-Chamber Psycho! trip is supposed to be this weekend as well. Hope all goes well, and that someone will report back to us and give us some kind of updates on this elusive man, lol. Lives anytime in the near future? New music? Anything? XD I so wish I could have gone on this trip myself, but ah, Japan... far... expensive... language barrier... soshite etc... 

Until the day I can tell him this face to face, I wish Közi the happiest of birthdays and hope he thoroughly enjoys this special day. And I leave you guys with videos - past, present, future, and on...




(Sorry for the f-list rapeage, but... no lj-cut for this man. *shrug XD*)

First night of the tour - The Candy Spooky Theater's first ever American live - and we were there to experience it. A night I will never forget. 

 
 
 

Best 3 nights of my life. I'll have my live reports up as soon as I can. GOD I'm going to miss Zull SO FUCKING MUCH... ;_;

I am ALONE outside the Sidebar. ;_; Man, people outside of NY do NOT know the meaning of *punctuality*. XD

I love Zull. End of story. Buuut... The F train can seriously go die. -_-

TCST JUST WALKED RIGHT BY US OUT OF MAKEUP AND COSTUME OMFGWTF THEY'RE STILL ADORABLE LKSDFG;

On the LIRR into the city, should make it to the Knit by 1. It just sunk in that I'll be seeing TCST again. O_O *dies XD*

THEY PLAYED NEJIMAKI DENKI ISU AND JACK SHOOK MY HAND AND HE HAS THE CUTEST SMILE LKSDF; *RAPESCAPSLOCK*

Hey all, I'm on my way to the Middle East. IT'S A SHOW TIME in 15 hours. See you freaks there. Call if you need anything. ^_^

[mood|  melancholy ]

Still in shock at how quickly things can change.

I got the news this morning as I made the Internet rounds, after having been momentarily cut off due to a rather nasty storm that hit NYC last night.

I could literally feel the blood draining out of my face. Which is something that doesn't happen to me often - as a matter of fact, only three times before in my life, and I can clearly remember what triggered all three. They're memories I don't like to dwell on. I guess in a way, today can join those rankings.

Shock, and sorrow. I notice that I'm almost treating this like a death. Ridiculous, because it pales in comparison to all the horrible things that could happen to the guys. The message could have been that their van veered off the road - it could have been that the US lives were cancelled. Instead, this is just... the end of an era. Completing one chapter in a comical horror spooky story... and beginning another one.

But my emotions are just all over the place. Anger, which surprised me - who am I to be mad at anyone for inevitable change? I can't help it, though. I can't help that nagging little bit of me that goes "How could he do this?" To the other guys... to us? Bargaining - perhaps if we show them just how much we love them all at the US lives... he'll want to stay? Confusion, disappointment, pain. A state of grieving. 

And yet, none of it matters. Nothing will change Zull's decision. All we can do is accept it, and be thankful for what we have. That The Candy Spooky Theater will be in the US for three straight nights. That of all the places in the world, Zull will be playing his last live as a member of this band right here on American soil. I'm deeply saddened, but also incredibly honored and thankful. We will get to experience a lineup that will not exist anymore after they return to Japan. The final words will be written on May 22, in a small bar in Baltimore, Maryland. We will bear witness to something not everyone will have the chance to experience.

With this news, I can no longer enjoy the lives the way I would have if they were just a beginning, instead of simultaneously an end. However, Zull's departure adds just that much more weight and significance to them, a new dimension. Sunday and Monday, I intend to put all negativity out of my mind and enjoy the show as an enthusiastic audience member, giving the band my all and forgetting everything else. But Tuesday... will be Zull's night. I'll make a beeline to his side of the stage if I can and take it all in, because it'll never come again. Breathe in, and burn the night into my mind forever.

I'm also in the process of making a banner to commemorate his final live with TCST. Sayonara, and ganbatte. We will never forget 2007.05.22. And hopefully I can get it to Zull somehow - or even better, unfurl it proudly during the last song and encore. I will continue to follow Zull in whatever path he chooses, you can be assured this will not be the last we see of his musical genius. And above all else, I will continue to support jack and Peggy and follow TCST as a new era begins. I am ready to accept the new member, whomever it may be, with open arms. I will enjoy hearing how new blood breathes new life into this constantly growing and evolving project. And I will be at the front of the line when they return to music, right there to welcome them back to America when it happens: Long time no see, boys! Long live The Candy Spooky Theater.

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drangedsymphony, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, but my AIM is atropine13 and should be working tonight if you want to contact me about anything - I so want you to be able to go to Baltimore now. Anyone reading this entry who was even entertaining the thought of going to one of these lives... I would sincerely recommend you buy your tickets and not miss this opportunity. You will never have this chance again. 

Let's show Zull, jack, and Peggy just what kind of a going-away party America can give.

[mood| bouncy ]
[music| Lacuna Coil - Fragile ]

So... yesterday I caught the NYC date of the Jägermeister Music Tour with Stone Sour, Shadows Fall, and Lacuna Coil. It was awesome, and as promised, I have come back not only with Lacuna Coil's set list, but a live report. While I did not catch Shadows Fall's set, I caught everyone else's, so read all about it. XD 
 

[mood|  content ]
[music| System of a Down - P.L.U.C.K. ]

...And yet another one. XD

The only difference is that Kaoru actually had a day off for his birthday - there was no live tonight, right? I don't remember there being one, lol.

Anywhore. It's dangerously close to not being his birthday anymore (I bet in Japan it already passed XD), but... I couldn't get online any sooner than this. Uh, I'm sure he'll forgive me for it. XD

So, happy birthday Kaoru! Again, hope he spent it doing something really cool. Uh, and WTF at people saying "Damn, he's old!" Last time I checked, hmmmm, not even close, sorry. You might as well be saying "What, you just turned 29? How do you get around without a cane?!" It's damn close to being the same thing, lol.

It's okay, Kaoru-san. *pet pet* ^_^

[mood|  exanimate ]

Don't feel much like talking about the Dir en grey live last night, so... no live report from me. If anyone has any questions in particular I'll definitely answer them, but I don't think I'll be able to force myself to remember everything that happened both before and during the live for a while. Sorry guys.

As for the set list... they've been posted elsewhere, so no need to worry. Dir en grey did play audience KILLER LOOP, I can confirm.

Meh. Maybe I'll try for Houston. I myself can't afford airfare, but maybe my mother or someone else in my family can give me a hand with it. Just once, I'd like proper rail.