I was about 2 months into finding out about Band-Maid when I came across Band-Maiko and at first I thought it was cute. After diving deeper is when I realized how much fun they are on top of insanely talented. They are at another level when you combine their talent and sense of humor and personalities. Reminds me of how Van Halen was, back in the 80s. Very talented but very entertaining with a huge sense of humor.
Great review of Band-Maid/Band-Maiko's marvelous renditions of Secret My Lips. I remember I had been a devoted fan of Band-Maid for about two years when I saw that they had suddenly announced that they were changing their band's name and then released Secret Maiko Lips. Startled and stunned, I saw that they were now performing in traditional Japanese attire. Thoroughly confused and more than a bit anxious, I then realized to my relief that the release date was March 31st in the US, which was April 1st in Japan. I laughed myself silly as I just got punked by an ingenious and elaborate April Fool's joke from these wonderful women which made me love them all the more.
Congratulations on getting a ticket for one of their Japanese shows this summer ! I just returned from seeing them at Tokyo Garden Theater and all I can say is WOW - Seeing the Maids with their home audience (and plenty of overseas visitors too) was just incredible, something I will never forget !
When Band-Maid play an April Fool's joke, they don't skimp on production values. A maiko is a trainee Geisha and the ladies borrowed the fantastic traditional Maiko outfits for the 'Gion-cho' and 'Secret Maiko Lips' MV's as they cost in the region of £30,000. Their hairstyles and the hair ornaments are also part of the Maiko style too. Regarding Secret Maiko Lips, Kanami's arrangement of her original score with added Wagakki (trad instruments) is superb and it's performed as professionally as always - but there's lots of little jokes and references in it too; Miku writes the word 'Domination' on the scroll at the start, MISA wears shoes throughout , Akane gets stuck into her ramen while everyone else poses with theirs and, with their usual attention to detail, they all changed their names too: Miku → Hatoko (鳩子), Saiki → Fujiki (富士姫), Kanami → Kanoemi (叶笑), Akane → Akatsuki (紅月), MISA → Umemisa (梅美沙). There's a video out there of the ladies making the Gion-Cho MV - Kanami dropped her pick at one point and, due to the constraints of the costume, couldn't pick it up herself!
This is a great track...as if it wouldn't be. But every time I listen to "Secret My Lips"...My brain is filling in the "plinky plinky" of the Shamisen from "Secret MAIKO Lips".
@@Davey-Boyd Kind of hit and miss Davey. My depression and anxiety got the better of me on a number of days. So didn't enjoy or do things I was thinking of doing. But kind of got to visit places I had ear marked...Even if they were fleeting visits just to take a snap. Little disappointed as regards my seating at the concert. Seems it was a first come first served regards being near the stage. It appears they started dishing out the tickets much earlier than stated on the email, so I was up in the balcony rather than what I was expecting..which was to be near to the stage. As I was a winner in the first round of the ticket lottery, I assumed they'd be seats near the front. But by the time I went to pick up my ticket (the time stated on email)...I was given just a bulk standard gig ticket. So disappointed in that way considering how much hassle time and money I had spent getting there. But I saw the ladies..even if it was from a distance. Rest of the trip has been up and down...My fault..I had to rush most of planning as I wasn't sure I was even gonna go. I'd had so much trouble getting the basics done I almost called it a day and not go. But I had spent a fortune and couldn't waste so much money, so had to go through with it whether I was ready or not.
@@Davey-Boyd I have 2 more full days in Tokyo before heading home on the 25. Gonna try to get into @ home cafe tomorrow. Miku's old haunt. Where "Afterlife" MV filmed. I hope my mental state will hold out to actually do it. I came across an @ home cafe in Osaka...But just took a snap outside. I was pretty depressed that day so even taking snaps was tough going. I hear Gary has not been well....I haven't asked anyone as I didn't feel it was appropriate. But as I promised him if I got there I would get him T-shirt. But got him a hoodie instead. I think you can get them on the B-M site, but this one he can say genuinely came from the concert. I've had to ditch a pair of shoes and few other things as my luggage space was already at max for carry-on. I've now brought a new basic carry-on sized wheeled backpack to put all my goodies in as it's now well beyond carry-on limits. I have to check it in..which I was hoping not to, but as I already have a carry-on and personal item..I have no choice. I'm covered as in the cost of the ticket I had payed for 2 extra check in bags anyway. So I am taking the goodies with me in carry-on, clothes etc as check in. Rather lose those than concert merch etc.
@@Davey-Boyd I'm flying back via different airlines than I flew out with..and via London rather than Helsinki. That was part and parcel of flying with Finnair. JAL back to London, then BA to Edinburgh...Not looking forward to it as I lost one of my boarding passes in Helsinki...how?.. who knows?...Flight is around 9.45 in the morn on the 25. I know it's gonna be a crap fest. Still not sure how I'm gonna get home from Edinburgh airport.
@@Bodneyblue You did it though Bodney! I'm proud of you mate! Crickey, it's a long way back to Edinburgh! I'm sure you will do Ok. What an adventure though! I heard the Band-Maid tickets were pretty random as what seat you got. At least you could see the ladies from the balcony. Some on the floor at the side couldn't see much! Btw, last I heard Gary is on the mend. I have spoken to him by email. He's not back online yet though - the internet is quiet without him! Take care mate, try to enjoy what is left of your stay and try not to stress too much. Best wishes!
If you want to have more clues about the maiko world, look no further than the wonderfull Netflix show "The Makanai". Beware, you'll be terribly hungry at the end of each episode 😊.
LOVEBITES - new song Judgement Day, HANABIE - new song Pardon Me, We Love Sweets, NEET GAME... NEMOPHILA - new songs Seize That Fate, ZEN, Rock&Roll Is, Revive, Dissension, Raitei.. ASTERISM - songs Dawn, Rising Moon, Church, Blaze..
Congratulations on your Fukuoka Okyu-ji ticket! Fukuoka is a gourmet city. Ramen is very famous, but I strongly suggest you check out seafood. Their street foods are also extremely good. Nakasu street food Yoko-cho (中洲屋台横丁) is a famous tourist spot, there are many street foods, all in high quality and inexpensive. This place is a walking distance from the Fukuoka Drum Logos, Band-Maid's Okyu-ji venue. I won three tickets, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Shinjuku. Kumamoto is Miku's hometown. So I'm planning to visit some Miku related places in Kumamoto😉
Kumamoto is where my family is from and I have lived there off and on for over 15 years. I got my ticket for Kumamoto on the 23rd, so I'm just counting down the days.
@@ichichu This will be my second visit to Kumamoto in about 50 years😅 I still remember Kumamoto as a beautiful place to visit, and the Kumamoto castle is one of my most favorite Japanese castles🏯💕
@@K.H.D710 It's literally my second home and one that I actually have roots in as my family is originally from Kumamoto. I hope you enjoy it just as much as your first visit.
Hi Alan,i have been a BM fan for 2yrs now,what astounds me is the amount of hidden gems,ie songs with no mv or just album tracks,absolute bangers like,,decided by myself,,spirit,,you,,unfair game,,youth,,epic songwriting at its best ,BM will never do verse chorus,verse chorus,lead solo,verse chorus,they dont allow that to happen.
I know your Japan trip is a few months off, but a few things for you to consider before you go: the dollar is still quite strong against the yen right now (approx 130 Yen to $1) so you may want to buy at least a few hundred dollars worth of yen now because it's likely the yen will recover a bit later this year. Also, if you will be able to stay long enough to do any traveling within the country, the JR Rail Pass is a very good deal for U.S. and other foreign visitors. I traveled almost everyday (except for the two days I stayed near the concert venue) and it really paid off. If you have a newer phone you should look in to an eSim to use within Japan while you are there. Various data rates and length of use plans are available very reasonably and will really make your phone / google maps a lot more useful when you are away from WiFi sources. Lastly, most people speak some English in Tokyo and other big cities, but know just some basic Japanese phrases, and key words like "sumimassen" (excuse me) will help a lot when / if you go to smaller towns and just in general to ask for help and directions. Safe and exciting travels !
Absolutely one of my top two songs by Band-Maid, next to Puzzle. In fact, the entire Just Bring It album is quintessentially BM hard rock, it ranks top for me. If I introduce someone to Band-Maid, this song is the one I direct them to. I believe it covers everything we love about the Maids. The composition, arrangement, the transitions, tempo changes, vocals and harmonies, bass runs, drum fills and attack, and of course Kanami shredding. All wrapped into a 4 minute slice of heaven. Also, I think you're the only person that has mentioned the crowd surfer in the video, LOL. Can't do that anymore though, Miku will scold you. She doesn't want you or anyone else getting hurt. ぽ
Great reactions as usual. There is quality in everything they do. Sometimes it's not obvious on a first listen/watch- then the realisation gets you. Thanks. New UK Subscriber.
No I'm not going to see them this time mainly because they are playing festivals , you don`t get the full BAND-MAID effect at a festival , from the fan cams I saw from Aftershock the stage was higher n they were far from the audience n they only did 9 song set , I saw them in Seattle , I think indoor venues are where BAND-MAID really stands out cause they like to interact with the audience , bigger indoor Venues would be nice , but glad to see they are coming back to the states n getting invites to festivals getting them more known n making new fans , have fun in Japan .
I think there will be more US dates in July and August, they just haven't released them yet. Us poor Europeans will have to miss out again or travel to either the US or Japan. I'm thinking of selling the kids to get to Japan...
@@FilAmConnections It won't be this year. First part of the tour is in Japan March to July. Then in the US July, August. Then touring Japan Sept - Oct. Last date Japan Nov 26th. I'll try and get to a few dates in Japan in October if I can.
![BAND-MAID KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN! 'Secret My Lips' [& Maiko Lips] Multi-Instrumentalist Reaction](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PGzAP-p-U4g/mqdefault.jpg)
I was about 2 months into finding out about Band-Maid when I came across Band-Maiko and at first I thought it was cute. After diving deeper is when I realized how much fun they are on top of insanely talented. They are at another level when you combine their talent and sense of humor and personalities. Reminds me of how Van Halen was, back in the 80s. Very talented but very entertaining with a huge sense of humor.
Great review of Band-Maid/Band-Maiko's marvelous renditions of Secret My Lips. I remember I had been a devoted fan of Band-Maid for about two years when I saw that they had suddenly announced that they were changing their band's name and then released Secret Maiko Lips. Startled and stunned, I saw that they were now performing in traditional Japanese attire. Thoroughly confused and more than a bit anxious, I then realized to my relief that the release date was March 31st in the US, which was April 1st in Japan. I laughed myself silly as I just got punked by an ingenious and elaborate April Fool's joke from these wonderful women which made me love them all the more.
Best April Fools joke of all time!
Congratulations on getting a ticket for one of their Japanese shows this summer ! I just returned from seeing them at Tokyo Garden Theater and all I can say is WOW - Seeing the Maids with their home audience (and plenty of overseas visitors too) was just incredible, something I will never forget !
That’s awesome. I’m looking forward to mine.
Saiki is heart-meltingly beautiful in traditional Japanese dress for the Band-Maiko version.
It's so nice see these 2 videos shown together!Because both them are realy good!
When Band-Maid play an April Fool's joke, they don't skimp on production values. A maiko is a trainee Geisha and the ladies borrowed the fantastic traditional Maiko outfits for the 'Gion-cho' and 'Secret Maiko Lips' MV's as they cost in the region of £30,000. Their hairstyles and the hair ornaments are also part of the Maiko style too. Regarding Secret Maiko Lips, Kanami's arrangement of her original score with added Wagakki (trad instruments) is superb and it's performed as professionally as always - but there's lots of little jokes and references in it too; Miku writes the word 'Domination' on the scroll at the start, MISA wears shoes throughout , Akane gets stuck into her ramen while everyone else poses with theirs and, with their usual attention to detail, they all changed their names too: Miku → Hatoko (鳩子), Saiki → Fujiki (富士姫), Kanami → Kanoemi (叶笑), Akane → Akatsuki (紅月), MISA → Umemisa (梅美沙). There's a video out there of the ladies making the Gion-Cho MV - Kanami dropped her pick at one point and, due to the constraints of the costume, couldn't pick it up herself!
Isn't there a clip where they are kneeling and Akane farts which cracks MISA up?
A lot of good info. Tony, thanks. Just more reason why we find BAND-MAID impossibly hard rocking and irresistible!
This is a great track...as if it wouldn't be. But every time I listen to "Secret My Lips"...My brain is filling in the "plinky plinky" of the Shamisen from "Secret MAIKO Lips".
I am still in Japan...for a couple more days before returning home (UK). I came to see the ladies at Tokyo Garden on the 9th.
Hiya Bodney! So glad you did make it to Japan! How did you get on?
@@Davey-Boyd Kind of hit and miss Davey. My depression and anxiety got the better of me on a number of days. So didn't enjoy or do things I was thinking of doing. But kind of got to visit places I had ear marked...Even if they were fleeting visits just to take a snap. Little disappointed as regards my seating at the concert. Seems it was a first come first served regards being near the stage. It appears they started dishing out the tickets much earlier than stated on the email, so I was up in the balcony rather than what I was expecting..which was to be near to the stage. As I was a winner in the first round of the ticket lottery, I assumed they'd be seats near the front. But by the time I went to pick up my ticket (the time stated on email)...I was given just a bulk standard gig ticket. So disappointed in that way considering how much hassle time and money I had spent getting there. But I saw the ladies..even if it was from a distance. Rest of the trip has been up and down...My fault..I had to rush most of planning as I wasn't sure I was even gonna go. I'd had so much trouble getting the basics done I almost called it a day and not go. But I had spent a fortune and couldn't waste so much money, so had to go through with it whether I was ready or not.
@@Davey-Boyd I have 2 more full days in Tokyo before heading home on the 25. Gonna try to get into @ home cafe tomorrow. Miku's old haunt. Where "Afterlife" MV filmed. I hope my mental state will hold out to actually do it. I came across an @ home cafe in Osaka...But just took a snap outside. I was pretty depressed that day so even taking snaps was tough going. I hear Gary has not been well....I haven't asked anyone as I didn't feel it was appropriate. But as I promised him if I got there I would get him T-shirt. But got him a hoodie instead. I think you can get them on the B-M site, but this one he can say genuinely came from the concert. I've had to ditch a pair of shoes and few other things as my luggage space was already at max for carry-on. I've now brought a new basic carry-on sized wheeled backpack to put all my goodies in as it's now well beyond carry-on limits. I have to check it in..which I was hoping not to, but as I already have a carry-on and personal item..I have no choice. I'm covered as in the cost of the ticket I had payed for 2 extra check in bags anyway. So I am taking the goodies with me in carry-on, clothes etc as check in. Rather lose those than concert merch etc.
@@Davey-Boyd I'm flying back via different airlines than I flew out with..and via London rather than Helsinki. That was part and parcel of flying with Finnair. JAL back to London, then BA to Edinburgh...Not looking forward to it as I lost one of my boarding passes in Helsinki...how?.. who knows?...Flight is around 9.45 in the morn on the 25. I know it's gonna be a crap fest. Still not sure how I'm gonna get home from Edinburgh airport.
@@Bodneyblue You did it though Bodney! I'm proud of you mate! Crickey, it's a long way back to Edinburgh! I'm sure you will do Ok. What an adventure though! I heard the Band-Maid tickets were pretty random as what seat you got. At least you could see the ladies from the balcony. Some on the floor at the side couldn't see much!
Btw, last I heard Gary is on the mend. I have spoken to him by email. He's not back online yet though - the internet is quiet without him!
Take care mate, try to enjoy what is left of your stay and try not to stress too much. Best wishes!
We had a few crowd surfers at the LA show. Waves were low that evening...
If you want to have more clues about the maiko world, look no further than the wonderfull Netflix show "The Makanai". Beware, you'll be terribly hungry at the end of each episode 😊.
LOVEBITES - new song Judgement Day,
HANABIE - new song Pardon Me, We Love Sweets, NEET GAME...
NEMOPHILA - new songs Seize That Fate, ZEN, Rock&Roll Is, Revive, Dissension, Raitei..
ASTERISM - songs Dawn, Rising Moon, Church, Blaze..
Congratulations on your Fukuoka Okyu-ji ticket! Fukuoka is a gourmet city. Ramen is very famous, but I strongly suggest you check out seafood. Their street foods are also extremely good. Nakasu street food Yoko-cho (中洲屋台横丁) is a famous tourist spot, there are many street foods, all in high quality and inexpensive. This place is a walking distance from the Fukuoka Drum Logos, Band-Maid's Okyu-ji venue.
I won three tickets, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Shinjuku. Kumamoto is Miku's hometown. So I'm planning to visit some Miku related places in Kumamoto😉
Nice, congrats on all your lotto wins! I’m a bit of a foodie, so I’m looking forward to Fukuoka specialties.
Kumamoto is where my family is from and I have lived there off and on for over 15 years. I got my ticket for Kumamoto on the 23rd, so I'm just counting down the days.
@@ichichu enjoy the Maids and congrats!
@@ichichu This will be my second visit to Kumamoto in about 50 years😅
I still remember Kumamoto as a beautiful place to visit, and the Kumamoto castle is one of my most favorite Japanese castles🏯💕
@@K.H.D710 It's literally my second home and one that I actually have roots in as my family is originally from Kumamoto. I hope you enjoy it just as much as your first visit.
Hi Alan,i have been a BM fan for 2yrs now,what astounds me is the amount of hidden gems,ie songs with no mv or just album tracks,absolute bangers like,,decided by myself,,spirit,,you,,unfair game,,youth,,epic songwriting at its best ,BM will never do verse chorus,verse chorus,lead solo,verse chorus,they dont allow that to happen.
I agree, I love b side songs like Unfair Game and Matchless Gum. Thanks for watching.
Saiki has crowd surfed before... amongst the ladies ofcourse... she lost her shoe they said😂... if I remember correctly it was from 2018 zepp tokyo
in maiko version, words of lylic are changed to Kyoto dialect.
I know your Japan trip is a few months off, but a few things for you to consider before you go: the dollar is still quite strong against the yen right now (approx 130 Yen to $1) so you may want to buy at least a few hundred dollars worth of yen now because it's likely the yen will recover a bit later this year. Also, if you will be able to stay long enough to do any traveling within the country, the JR Rail Pass is a very good deal for U.S. and other foreign visitors. I traveled almost everyday (except for the two days I stayed near the concert venue) and it really paid off. If you have a newer phone you should look in to an eSim to use within Japan while you are there. Various data rates and length of use plans are available very reasonably and will really make your phone / google maps a lot more useful when you are away from WiFi sources. Lastly, most people speak some English in Tokyo and other big cities, but know just some basic Japanese phrases, and key words like "sumimassen" (excuse me) will help a lot when / if you go to smaller towns and just in general to ask for help and directions. Safe and exciting travels !
All good information, thank you.
March 23rd in Kumamoto!!!
Nice, enjoy your serving!
Nice throw Fujiki!
You knocked the choh off the makura, with it landing on the snow side.
Your fan is resting nicely on the makura.
8 points!
Yeah nice. It's not easy.
If someone is interested, check out the game called "Tosenkyo (投扇興).”
I wonder how many takes that took, lol!
Band Maid live is so freakin good! I’m hoping to go to the music fest in Columbus, Ohio this year.
I like the Maiku version of this song better
Enjoy Fukuoka and Japan tour.
👍🤘
Have you not seen the MV for Band-Maiko "Gion-Cho"? That track is a Band-Maiko original. And one of my all time favourites by the ladies!
Honestly, yes… lol! I might still do a review of it though. An excellent song.
Akane's drumming sounds like thunder ✅
Absolutely one of my top two songs by Band-Maid, next to Puzzle. In fact, the entire Just Bring It album is quintessentially BM hard rock, it ranks top for me. If I introduce someone to Band-Maid, this song is the one I direct them to. I believe it covers everything we love about the Maids. The composition, arrangement, the transitions, tempo changes, vocals and harmonies, bass runs, drum fills and attack, and of course Kanami shredding. All wrapped into a 4 minute slice of heaven. Also, I think you're the only person that has mentioned the crowd surfer in the video, LOL. Can't do that anymore though, Miku will scold you. She doesn't want you or anyone else getting hurt. ぽ
Well they are doing two shows in the states ohio,Florida so we have that to look forward to
Great reactions as usual. There is quality in everything they do. Sometimes it's not obvious on a first listen/watch- then the realisation gets you. Thanks. New UK Subscriber.
Well said! Thanks for the support.
No I'm not going to see them this time mainly because they are playing festivals , you don`t get the full BAND-MAID effect at a festival , from the fan cams I saw from Aftershock the stage was higher n they were far from the audience n they only did 9 song set , I saw them in Seattle , I think indoor venues are where BAND-MAID really stands out cause they like to interact with the audience , bigger indoor Venues would be nice , but glad to see they are coming back to the states n getting invites to festivals getting them more known n making new fans , have fun in Japan .
I think there will be more US dates in July and August, they just haven't released them yet. Us poor Europeans will have to miss out again or travel to either the US or Japan. I'm thinking of selling the kids to get to Japan...
I hope that people outside of US and Japan gets to see them this year. It’s been to long for a lot of you guys.
Personally, I feel too old for festivals. It’s just not worth all the hassles for me. I totally understand where your coming from.
@@FilAmConnections It won't be this year. First part of the tour is in Japan March to July. Then in the US July, August. Then touring Japan Sept - Oct. Last date Japan Nov 26th. I'll try and get to a few dates in Japan in October if I can.
Can you please react to ALAMAT - 'Maharani' (Official M/V)
Thank you!
Your mic doesn't sound like any other. What are you using?