Genshi Shinbo - Live Retrospective Part 3

“PINK FLOYD Hidden Gem ‘Obscured by Clouds’ 50th Anniversary + ‘Animals’”
December 30, 2022 (Fri.) EX Theater Roppongi

This concert is a live reenactment of Pink Floyd’s hidden gem album Obscured by Clouds performed by Genshi Shinbo, a Pink Floyd tribute band led by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko. Playing an album that falls into the niche category among Pink Floyd’s works is truly a specialized choice. Despite its rarity, the performance was nothing short of breathtaking as a theater-sized entertainment experience. I share with you the event report of this blissful time in the previous second parts of this blog series. In this third part, I’m going to talk about the last part of the show where they took us farther onto the Floyd Trip after the reenactment of the album.

1. Another Brick in the Wall (Part Two)

This well-known single from the album The Wall was performed in the arrangement from the live album P.U.L.S.E. The lighting system, which descended from the ceiling, created a dramatic effect, obscuring much of the stage.

This setup reminded me of the 1980-81 Pink Floyd performances and Roger Waters’ performance from 10 years ago where walls were built to completely block the view of the stage.
I have often expressed my hope for a 50th-anniversary live performance of The Wall by Genshi Shinbo. I’d even volunteer to help build the wall!
Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s guitar solo was even more intense than the previous year, having something common with the sound of the album Animals. The unique enjoyment of a live performance is always appreciated.

2. Comfortably Numb

Next was this single from The Wall. As a fan of The Wall, I found this re-staging incredibly moving, no matter how many times I hear it.
The arrangement was close to the original album, reproducing the sense of floating in the lyrics. It reminded me of a touching moment from David Gilmour’s live DVD Remember That Night, where he performed a version close to the original despite his earlier opposition.

Kenneth Andrew’s vocals brought back memories of David Bowie’s guest appearances on the DVD.
Similar to the previous track, it’s difficult for me to recall the details due to my emotional impact, but the performance of “Comfortably Numb” by Genshi Shinbo, accompanied by the shimmering mirror ball, was nothing short of ‘exquisite’.

As the show moved into the encore, a special stage was brought in.
Fans who had experienced Genshi Shinbo live before would have felt their excitement reach its peak at this moment. Brass and chorus sections appeared on stage, leading to an exhilarating ultimate re-staging that never fails to thrill.

3. Atom Heart Mother

The moment the organ’s deep sound filled the air gave me goosebumps. Is it probably because it was the third time for me? The exquisite balance of the brass section and the band’s sound created a remarkably energetic rendition, which was moving.

The noble brass during “Father’s Shout” was coated with a rock organ, and Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s guitar solo reminded me of Gilmour’s performance at Hakone Aphrodite.

The majestic chorus rising with the sound of bells during “Mother Fore” and Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s anarchic guitar solo with a little reminiscent of Animals during “Funky Dung” (this was so cool) made me feel like I was experiencing the reenactment of this song for the first time.

4. Summer’68

This track from the album Atom Heart Mother features a blend of Richard Wright’s friendly melody and noble brass. The groovy chorus by Reika Tomita and Rio Takagi added extra joy to the re-staging. The performance felt like a celebration of Genshi Shinbo’s upcoming bright 2023, with a joyful ending that made me expect an exquisite anthem of the summer, but...!?

5. Run Like Hell

The final track from The Wall was a personal highlight.
Yutaro Ogida sang Gilmour’s parts, and Kenneth Andrew handled Roger Waters’ parts. As with the previous songs, recalling every detail was difficult for me due to the excitement, but my mind was filled with anticipation for Genshi Shinbo’s 50th-anniversary live performance for The Wall. I could only dream of “Mother” and “Young Lust” performed by Genshi Shinbo!

This concludes the live retrospective in three parts. However, in early summer 2023, a highly anticipated tribute event will be held. The title alone is enough to cause you to faint. As usual, I’d like to share the information about the event on June 18, 2023, which was provided in the flier on the day before putting down my pen on the third part of this blog series.

“The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event - PINK FLOYD TRIPS at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall”

This event will feature a reenactment of the iconic album The Dark Side of the Moon and also of the live film Live at Pompeii. Just imagining “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” in the setting sun and “Us and Them” in the night breeze is exhilarating!
This is a must-experience for all UK rock fans in addition to Pink Floyd fans next summer.

Genshi Shinbo “PINK FLOYD Hidden Gem ‘Obscured by Clouds’ 50th Anniversary + ‘Animals’”

Members of Genshi Shinbo:
Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko (Guitar)
Yoshitaka Mikuni (Keyboards)
Harunobu Okubo (Keyboards)
Yutaro Ogida (Bass, Guitar, Vocals)
Katsumi Kashiwabara (Drums)
Kenneth Andrew (Lead Vocals)
Reika Tomita (Chorus)
Rio Takagi (Chorus)

Lastly, let me introduce an item that will delight Pink Floyd fans, available at Sound House!

Right On STRAPS / PRISMA / Unique

This strap is inspired by the famous album cover of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. I would love to play “Any Color You Like”, wearing this.