Blow Winds of Ecstasy, Call the Storm of Pink Floyd Fans: Genshi Shinbo Event Retrospective Part 2

December 30, 2021 – EX Theater Roppongi
“Meddle + Atom Heart Mother Full Album Reenactment - 50th Anniversary Tour”

Despite being a monster band that continues to actively produce new work, such as the remixed version of the album Animals, new releases, and Roger Waters’ ongoing tours, Pink Floyd still feels like a distant presence to many Japanese rock fans. However, in Japan, a unique tribute band named Genshi Shinbo has emerged, delighting numerous Pink Floyd fans with their exceptional performances that elevate musical prowess and entertainment to unparalleled heights.

Recently, the 1967 LONDON PSYCHEDELIC HAPPENING 2022 was held for the first time in about three years. At this event, Genshi Shinbo performed under the band name same as the title of Pink Floyd’s first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, and tickets sold out quickly, demonstrating immense popularity of the band.
This success is undoubtedly due to the high level of musicianship each member brings, particularly the charismatic guitar play of leader Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure, as well as the band’s strong visual and entertainment appeal, as previously noted in my blog posts. Here, I would like to share the passionate second half of the sensational Genshi Shinbo’s live performance that took place at the end of last year.

The first set consisted of a full album performance of Meddle
My Pink Floyd state of mind was already deeply satisfied, but now, let me share with you what surprises awaited in the second half of the show.

1. Wish You Were Here

The second set opened with a track from the album Wish You Were Here.

The acoustic guitar ensemble by Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure and Yutaro Ogida created a slightly relaxed atmosphere, building a perfect amount of tension. Kenneth’s vocals resonated deeply, as if David Gilmour and Roger Waters were harmonizing together. The piano seemed to delve even deeper into the emotions conveyed in the lyrics. The last time I heard this song live, I was so overwhelmed with excitement that I couldn’t fully absorb it, so I was thrilled to hear them perform it again.

2. Another Brick in the Wall

The familiar deafening roar of a helicopter introduced one of the hit songs from The Wall. As before, they started with the guitar riff from “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1”, arranged similarly to the live album Pulse. During the song, the lighting system descended in front of the stage, obscuring part of the stage from the audience’s view. This setup inevitably heightened anticipation for Genshi Shinbo’s full reproduction of The Wall.

3. Comfortably Numb

As soon as the intro began, the lighting system that had been in front of the stage ascended toward the ceiling, capturing the feeling of ‘awakening and floating due to the doctor’s prescription’ described in the song’s lyrics.
Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s guitar, filled with even more emotion than Gilmour’s, and Katsumi Kashiwabara’s soulful drumming made me realize that I wasn’t just enjoying a Pink Floyd tribute band; I was completely absorbed in Genshi Shinbo’s performance. Truly a moment of bliss!

Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast

After listening to both the first and second sets, which focused on recreating Meddle, I was already quite satisfied. However, when this song began, I suddenly remembered, “That’s right, we’re also going to hear a full performance of Atom Heart Mother today!” This time, they started with the final track instead of following the album order.

The way they enhanced the stage lighting compared to the last time elevated the song’s atmosphere dramatically. I recalled reading in a book that during Pink Floyd’s Atom Heart Mother era, some of their live performances included skits for certain songs.
Yutaro Ogida was incredibly versatile, shining with both acoustic guitar and slide guitar.

5. If

With its beautiful melody and vocals, “If” could easily fit on the album The Dark Side of the Moon. Kenneth Andrew delivered an exceptionally rich and heartfelt performance. After the first verse, the sound effects resonated even more powerfully, and the stage lighting was used more effectively than before, emphasizing the greatness of this song.

6. Fat Old Sun

After the holy chime of bells, this laid-back folk number began with Kenneth Andrew’s solo performance. Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s slide guitar added to the feeling, almost as if it were expressing the ‘fat old sun’ itself, while also emphasizing a psychedelic vibe.

After these two relaxing folk pieces, it was time for the next main event. To perform the side A suite of “Atom Heart Mother”, cellists, a horn section, and a chorus group joined the stage. The excitement was palpable, not only among those experiencing it for the first time but also among fans who couldn’t forget the thrill of the previous performance. Although I intended to listen calmly this time, after being overwhelmed by excitement last time...

7. Atom Heart Mother

From the very first deep organ notes, I was on the edge of my seat. As soon as the main theme, “Father’s Shout”, began, the hall transformed into a whirlwind of excitement.

This was my second time to hear “Atom Heart Mother” live, and the brass, chorus, cello players, and the band were even more in sync than before. While I recommend checking out my previous report for the finer details of the performance, it was a truly magnificent rendition that gave me chills right up until the grand finale.

One particularly memorable moment was during the “Funky Dung” section. Harunobu Okubo’s electric piano created a groove even hotter than the last time, and Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s guitar sound, like Moses’ staff, suddenly transformed the place into a rocking world—something even the original Pink Floyd couldn’t achieve.

Honestly, words can’t fully capture the impact of Genshi Shinbo’s “Atom Heart Mother“ performance. For those who haven’t experienced it, here’s a video of last December’s performance:

Atom Heart Mother performed by Genshi Shinbo - Pink Floyd Trips - 2021/12/30 EX Theater Roppongi

Now, with the audience in a state of excitement, the band members and brass section remained on stage, and the encore began...

8. Summer '68

A pastoral pop song by Richard Wright. This time, Kenneth Andrew delivered a lively scat during the intro. The sense of fulfillment after the grand “Atom Heart Mother” was palpable. With the addition of two female vocalists, Lovely Reina and Reika Tomita, a subtle groovy vibe was introduced, making the performance even more enjoyable. However, when the brass section joined in, the song suddenly shifted into a formal British pop style, a transformation only possible in a live reenactment.

Yoshitaka Mikuni’s organ sound further enriched the pastoral scenery, creating a sense of peace. I could listen to this forever...

9. Run Like Hell

The final song was once again from The Wall. In the intro, Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure whipped up the audience with his guitar muting technique, and the song kept building in intensity.

As a big fan of The Wall, I must admit that I lost track of the details as time flew by, just like last time. I sincerely hope Genshi Shinbo will do a full reenactment of The Wall!

“Meddle + Atom Heart Mother Full Album Reenactment - 50th Anniversary Tour”
Thursday, December 30, 2021 at EX Theater Roppongi

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)
Lovely Reina (Chorus)
Reika Tomita (Chorus)

Image courtesy of Genshi Shinbo

Genshi Shinbo is celebrating their 10th anniversary. After sharing the thrilling performance from December 30 last year, we have live shows scheduled for this November.
The event will be a dream come true for core PInk Floyd fans, featuring a full reenactment of Obscured by Clouds, one of the band’s hidden gems, which marks its 50th anniversary this year.
In addition to this, the band will perform some of the iconic tracks from the album Animals for the first time. Fans who were captivated by last year’s stunning performance of “Sheep” won’t want to miss this. And for those experiencing Genshi Shinbo live for the first time, it promises to be an unforgettable night.
Performances have already been confirmed in Nagano, Nagoya, and Kobe!

Pink Floyd Hidden Gem: Obscured by Clouds - 50th Anniversary - + “Animals”

[Tour Dates]
◇2022/11/22 (Tue.)
Nagano Live House J
◇2022/11/23 (Wed.)
Nagoya ElectricLadyLand
◇2022/11/25 (Fri.)
Kobe Chicken George
◇2022/11/26 (Sat.)
Kobe Chicken George
*Visit Genshi Shinbo Official Website for more details

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

BSM / OR

This treble booster faithfully recreates the Orange Treble & Bass Booster from the late 1960s, famously used by legends like David Gilmour and Wishbone Ash. It delivers the thick, sparkling sound synonymous with 1970s rock and progressive rock. Featuring the rare OC76 germanium transistor, this booster is perfect when paired with a good tube amp, allowing you to achieve the iconic tones heard on Pink Floyd’s Ummagumma, Meddle, and also The Dark Side of the Moon.