TM NETWORK, all hall tour performances sold out. The 40th anniversary final continues with an arena performance

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MUSIC REPORT: ふくりゅう（音楽コンシェルジュ）[Fukuryu/Music Concierge]

TM NETWORK, the three-person unit that brought revolutionary evolution to the music scene, will celebrate their 40th anniversary on April 21, 2024. To celebrate the 40th anniversary project, on March 8th (Friday), the culmination of the 2nd season national hall tour, “TM NETWORK 40th FANKS intelligence Days ~STAND 3 FINAL~” performance will be held at TACHIKAWA, the place where the members are connected. We went to STAGE GARDEN.

This tour bears the fan name “FANKS” (meaning TM fans). Before the performance, the opera “Turandot” was playing solemnly in the venue. When we unravel the rendition of “No One Should Sleep” performed by the three tenors, the number “3” emerges. The title of this tour is “STAND 3 FINAL”. The opening starts with a meaningful image that looks like a puzzle from a science fiction movie. An encyclopedia like an ancient document is opened, an update to the original text is suggested, and the words TM NETWORK are woven together.

The stage went dark, a disk floated, and nine towers of light appeared. Only three members, Utsunomiya Takashi, Komuro Tetsuya, and Kine Naoto , appeared on stage, and the bangle lights in the audience seats synchronized all at once.

From the moment he appeared, Utsunomiya exchanged gentlemanly greetings as if it were a ceremony. It may have been a reflection of how he felt about this performance. The sight of guitarist Kine playing the grand piano is also refreshing. The first song surprisingly started with TMN’s last single, “Nights of The Knife.” In 1994, this song, which caused so much sadness that TMN suddenly ended when it ended, can now be seen as a song that heralds the beginning of the door to the 40th anniversary. You can’t miss the fact that Komuro used a synthesizer to express the guitar sound. This selection of songs foreshadowed a new parallel world theory, with the tour ending in 1994 as a turning point.

Next, they were guided by an upper-class sequence and dropped the insert song “DEVOTION” from the movie “City Hunter the Movie: Angel Dust.” A passionate chorus of “No No No, No No No”. The keyword is “dedication.” Saeba It is a number that exquisitely expresses the feelings of the characters such as Ryo . Furthermore, as if they had traveled back in time to 1983, before the formation of TM NETWORK, they rockin’ly played the TM version of glam rock “DIVING” composed by Kine. This work, which sings seven colors in the lyrics, may have a connection to their 1984 debut album “RAINBOW RAINBOW”. At the end, the session scene that gives the impression of a Western music artist continues non-stop to the number “I’m Glad I Have You,” which conveys the message that now is the time in 2024, when conflicts and earthquakes will never end. A danceable pop song reproduced with an EDM-like upper tune. Utsunomiya’s singing voice has not changed in key since then, and you can enjoy the pure and beautiful vocalization without any blurring.

At this point, vocalist Utsunomiya broke into a duo part with Kine and Komuro. Komuro will be playing the number “Good Morning Mr.Roadie,” which he wrote for the tour, with a gentle melody. The lyrics of this work are like a letter to his friends, including tour staff (roadies). It reminded me of Jackson Browne in some way, and I felt the warm energy created by the connections between people. During the performance, a group photo was shown in conjunction with the lyrics, which made me feel a sense of humanity. The 40th anniversary may have inspired this song. My chest gets hot.

Utsunomiya appeared on stage, applauding Kine and Komuro. Next, they sing “GREEN DAYS”, which was created for their 20th anniversary, with a pure emotion that feels like a portrait of their true expressions. It’s a song of rebirth, and I was also fascinated by the synchronization with the video created by AI. Then, in “N43,” which was set in an actual bar, a heartwarming pop song by Kine Lyrics echoed the memories of when TM NETWORK first gained attention in Hokkaido before they broke out.

The scene changes, and is it a golden dream that falls on the stage? A seven-colored dream? The rhythmic beat of Kine playing the grand piano was soaring, and the sequence of TM NETWORK’s early live popular song “You Can Dance” was unleashed. FANKS is in a whirlpool of joy at the surprising song selection for the first time since 1994. No, there are no throwaway songs in TM NETWORK. In fact, each song proves that it has the potential to become a number that shakes up the times. Inspired by the intro phrase, Kine wore a hat and colorful sunglasses, just like his beloved Elton John. Before I knew it, Utsunomiya was also wearing sunglasses. Komuro switches to a shoulder keyboard (Mind Control) and plays the keys like a guitar. High-tension, rock’n’roll dance tunes mixed with playfulness. In the outro, the three performers surround the piano in a precious triangle position while being illuminated by a dazzling light.

Led by a suspicious SE, “Past1984” began to play along with the video. The meaningful numbers “1984001” and “14930”. A tense atmosphere. A mysterious wormhole that looks like a blinking picture frame in a square that appears! ? is impressive.

A familiar piano riff. Furthermore, the sequence of TM NETWORK’s most important song “ELECTRIC PROPHET” could be heard. The sci-fi story of TM NETWORK, who came to see us from the 22nd century across time and space, began with this song. The lighting that was thought to be a tower of light was actually a UFO-like LED dot mirror that could be programmed to operate freely. By shining the Sharpy light directly from the ground like a beam, we create a reflected light. It’s an acrobatic structure. The effect looked like the spaceship scene from the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

The sound magic invented by TM NETWORK, which combines recording, live music, and video, unfolds theatrically.

The masterpieces continue. “Human System” is known only to those in the know, with its heartbreaking melodies. Face images are cut up like a montage photo, superimposed on intersections and roads passing through the city. Utsunomiya’s singing voice, Kine’s acoustic guitar, and Komuro’s Moog synth sound overlap to create a warm and gentle feeling of elation. What was even more surprising was the dramatic performance of the rare song “Come Back to Asia,” which conveys a message and worldview that are relevant to today’s times. The presence of Asia has changed significantly since the Showa era, when the work was created. The meaning of Asia. And the requiem-like message conveyed through the lyrics. It’s a number that you want to soak in while savoring the sadness.

The TK-solo piano part will be played differently depending on Komuro’s inspiration for each venue. On this day, they played “All-Right All-Night (No Tears No Blood)”, an anti-war song, arranged with an exquisite piano structure. He then plays a passage from “WINNERS” from the soundtrack “SEVEN DAYS WAR” of the movie “Our Seven Days War,” opening the door to memories. Synapsing into Kine’s “GIRL FRIEND,” Komuro paused for a beat while playing the hit song “SEVEN DAYS WAR,” and at about 0.5 seconds, urged the audience to sing the chorus. The venue was like a new type of people, communicating with each other, and their singing voices suddenly roared. It was a moment that gave me goosebumps. The excitement hasn’t stopped yet. The insert song “Angie”, which was played during the highlight scene of “City Hunter the Movie: Angel Dust”, was used as a piano medley with an improvised arrangement, making it sound soothing. The power of a magical melody that seems to have existed in this world for hundreds of years. Musicians are scientists and magicians who manipulate the mysteries of numbers. It was a moment when my heart melted.

The last spurt is TM’s best-selling single, the 90’s hit song “Love Train.” The red lighting, graphic visual beauty, and EDM-like percussive arrangement are cool. Along the way, there is a surprise that synchronizes with the music video of the time. 33 years have passed since then. I wanted to give a name to the fresh feeling that goes beyond the nostalgic feeling projected from the door, which looks like a square picture frame = a wormhole. And, in the middle of Inter Mission, the dark problems that the world is facing. Scenes from the conflict were shown, and the message that emerged was “We pray for the peaceful days Ahead.”

Here, TK electro time that would normally lead to “Get Wild”. However, a different sampled refrain responds to the beat. A surprising turn of events enlivened the floor with “Nervous.” This work is a danceable pop tune that was popular at early TM NETWORK live shows. The audience was enthusiastic. It’s a number with energetic power that stirs your instincts. Utsunomiya’s dance that harkens back to those days is still alive and well. On the monitor, a red, glowing square stone monument began to glow, and the sight of it changing into a square pyramid-like monolith was very meaningful. Is this a metaphor for being charged with power by TM NETWORK?

Furthermore, the 3rd single “ACCIDENT” released in 1985 is reproduced with the latest arrangement. Aggressively percussive introduction. A powerful refrain melody that hits you right in the head. According to Komuro, it was a treasured number at the time, saying, “I put all my know-how into it and made it with the idea that it would sell.” A huge cheer erupts. Like a revenge of those days, it has been revived like a phoenix as the latest 2024 version. The sweet melody intertwined with the dance beat releases emotional excitement in all directions. This is definitely a pop song that I wish they would release as a single again.

Even so, the sound at TM NETWORK’s live shows is great. The singing voice, the grain of the sound, everything blends with the lighting and directly permeates the body. It feels like you’re swimming in waves of sound.

The last tune and finale is the famous song “I am,” which established TM NETWORK’s “adult” style that continues to this day. The introductory video shows the three of them walking outside the concert venue and chatting. Beyond that, the gate of prophecy, which looked like a twinkling wormhole, was once again enshrined in a square surrounded by trailers.

The words “TM NETWORK is still searching for FINAL Imperial command.” appeared.

The existence of the pop music “I am” that represents the late TM NETWORK, which can be considered as a human declaration. During this tour, the song titles were displayed on the screen in a variety of fonts, but it seemed like they gave context and made sense as they culminated into “I am.” The scene where the three of them sing in unison gave me goosebumps. This is the final stage. The power and passion of the audience to respond to their wishes is amazing.

There is no encore for TM NETWORK’s complete theatrical rock show. There was no MC of any kind. A musical journey that transcends time and space through a total of 18 songs, including instrumentals, and an overwhelming live entertainment filled with emotion and messages through the masterpieces of TM NETWORK. At the end, the three of them waved goodbye, the instrumental “intelligence Days” played, and the end credits were shown. At the end, along with a sudden explosion, a red beam of light was emitted pointing in the direction of the next venue.

TM NETWORK is amazing at embodying the latest expressions in the music scene with great care in realizing ideas. The tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary will expand the venue size and continue with the arena performance “TM NETWORK 40th FANKS intelligence Days ~YONMARU~” from April 20th. A precious stage that flies through time and space from Showa to Heisei to Reiwa. There’s no nostalgia at all.

TM NETWORK is a pure live band.

In this tour, TM NETWORK’s promised hit song “Get Wild”, the ending theme for the anime “City Hunter”, will also be used as the theme song for the movie “Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack”, “BEYOND THE TIME”. )” was not performed at this concert.

However, tickets were sold out for all performances. Even among core fans, it became a competition. As a result, “TM NETWORK 40th FANKS intelligence Days ~STAND 3 FINAL~” was a top-notch show typical of TM NETWORK.

The joy of being able to present a TM-like worldview without relying on hit songs. It was a stage where we could fully enjoy the essence of the creativity unleashed by these three performers. Then, TM NETWORK will embark on a large-scale arena tour “TM NETWORK 40th FANKS intelligence Days ~YONMARU~”, which will be the culmination of their 40th anniversary year.

TM NETWORK tour will be held from April 20th to May 19th, the culmination of 40 years of history. 

Text: Fukuryu (Music Concierge)

【set list】

WORDS

Nights of The Knife

DEVOTION

DIVING

I’m glad you’re here

Good morning Mr. Roadie

GREEN DAYS

N43

You can Dance

Past 1984

ELECTRIC PROPHET

Human System

Come Back to Asia

TK solo

Love Train

inter mission → Nervous

ACCIDENT

I am

intelligence days

 

[ TM NETWORK 40th FANKS intelligence Days ~YONMARU~ Schedule]

Day35 4/20 (Sat) Tokyo/Tokyo Garden Theater Doors open 17:00/Starts 18:00

Day36 4/21 (Sun) Tokyo/Tokyo Garden Theater Doors open 16:00/Start 17:00

Day37 4/26 (Friday) Osaka/Osaka Castle Hall Doors open 18:00/Starts 19:00

Day38 4/27 (Sat) Osaka/Osaka Castle Hall Doors open 16:00/Starts 17:00

Day39 5/18 (Sat) Kanagawa/K Arena Doors open 16:30/Starts 18:00

Day40 5/19 (Sun) Kanagawa/K Arena Doors open 15:30/Starts 17:00

TM NETWORK／TMN

A unit consisting of Tetsuya Komuro (key), Takashi Utsunomiya (vo), and Naoto Kine (guitar). After working with its predecessor SPEEDWAY, they made their debut with “Friday Lion” in 1984. They are gaining popularity for their overwhelming performances, unprecedented musicality that incorporates many synthesizers, lyrical expressions, and music videos. In October 2021, we announced a “reboot” for the first time in about 6 years. Activities for the 40th anniversary year in 2024 will be attracting attention.

●TM NETWORK X account: @tmnetwork_2014
Instagram account: tmnetwork_id
TM NETWORK official: https://fanksintelligence.com/
●Tetsuya Komuro X account: @tetsuyakomurotk
TETSUYA KOMURO STUDIO: https://fanicon.net/fancommunities/3914
●Takashi Utsunomiya X account: @TEAM_UTSU
official site URL: https://www.magnetica.net
●Naoto Kine X account: @kinenaoto
official site URL: http://www.kinenaoto.com

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