On September 1, 2024, LOVEBITES held their first-ever world tour concert in Japan at the prestigious Tokyo Garden Theater. After a year of reestablishing themselves with their new lineup in 2023, the band launched the "The Thin Line Between Love and Hate World Tour" in June 2024, performing in countries like the UK, Spain, France, Denmark, and South Korea. Fans eagerly gathered to witness what the band would bring to their long-awaited Japanese stage.
As Judas Priest’s "Diamonds and Rust" played in full, fans’ chants of “LOVEBITES!” echoed through the venue. The five members appeared in their signature white outfits, greeted by thunderous applause. Opening with "The Crusade," the performance immediately stunned with its intense energy. Positioned high on a castle-like stage set, drummer Haruna dominated with her relentless double bass drumming, while bassist Fami laid down a rock-solid groove. Guitarists Miyako and Midori dazzled with their intricate tapping and lightning-fast solos, while Asami’s powerful vocals soared, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
With her iconic declaration, “We are LOVEBITES, and we play heavy metal!” Asami led the band into "When Destinies Align," highlighting their tight rhythm section and dramatic twin guitar solos. The emotionally charged lyrics about band unity resonated deeply. The set continued with crowd favorites like "M.D.O.," amplified by roaring CO2 jets and intense audience singalongs. Being their largest full-set concert of 2024 in Japan, the band’s performance exuded unparalleled passion and energy.
Asami greeted fans warmly, acknowledging the challenges posed by Typhoon No. 10. “We weren’t sure if this show could happen, but here we are! To everyone who made it here by any means, we’re grateful. Let’s show the world Japan’s unity tonight!” Her words fired up the audience, as the band dove into a thrilling setlist that included tracks like the elegant "Rising" and the British-metal-inspired "Wicked Witch." Fami, the band’s newest member, seamlessly blended into the group dynamic, showcasing the tight grooves honed during their world tour.
The night also marked the world debut of "Unchained," the lead track from their newly released LOVEBITES EP II. Enhanced by glittering gold and silver confetti and dazzling lasers, the song left a striking impression, showcasing the band’s growth and live prowess. Fami’s ferocious bass solo led into "Stand and Deliver (Shoot ‘em Down)," followed by the fiery "Set The World On Fire," complete with CGI flames on stage screens.
The set wasn’t just about relentless heaviness. Songs like "The Final Collision" and "Thunder Vengeance" featured beautiful piano solos by Miyako and innovative staging with lightning effects. By mid-show, the crowd was already shouting, “This is amazing!”—and the band hadn’t even reached the encore.
One of the most emotional moments came during "A Frozen Serenade," where Asami asked the audience to light up their phones, creating a sea of lights inside the theater. Snow gently fell onto the stage as Miyako’s piano and Midori’s acoustic guitar added a soulful touch, showing the band’s versatility in blending heaviness with tenderness.
Breaking tradition, Asami announced that fans could record the next song, the technical masterpiece "Soldier Stands Solitarily." Their confidence in tackling such a demanding track reflected the band’s peak performance. Later, during "Raise Some Hell," the members surprised fans by stepping off the stage, walking through the arena aisles, and high-fiving the audience, sharing their joy directly.
Drummer Haruna’s solo segment followed, wowing the crowd with her precision and trademark star-shaped cymbals. The show’s climax included early hits like "Don’t Bite The Dust" and "The Spirit Lives On," leading to the grand finale, "Under The Red Sky," which brought the loudest singalong of the night.
For the encore, LOVEBITES delivered the fan-favorite "Shadowmaker." Asami’s breathtaking long notes and the band’s dynamic energy demonstrated why they are a global force in heavy metal. Closing with "We The United," the entire theater joined together in a powerful display of unity, with a touching moment where Miyako and Midori shared a fist bump during their guitar solo.
After the final note, the members used handheld cannons to launch gifts into the crowd, leaving fans with smiles and unforgettable memories. Following their successful Japan show, LOVEBITES continued to dominate on the American leg of their tour. They are now set to perform at the Titans of Metal Fest in Mexico in March 2025, continuing their journey to captivate metal fans worldwide.
LOVEBITES has proven once again that they are not just a Japanese treasure but a global metal powerhouse.
ORIGINAL TEXT: https://stagegear.jp/20240901lovebites?s=09
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