A Mystical Hymn to the Sun and Moon Resonates at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall: GENSHI SHINBO’s P.U.L.S.E Live Concert Report - Part 1

The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event
PINK FLOYD TRIPS at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall
June 18, 2023 (Sun.)

Have I ever prayed for good weather as much as I did today? Many fans probably felt the same, eagerly awaiting the live event by the Pink Floyd tribute band, Genshi Shinbo. The event, titled The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event: PINK FLOYD TRIPS at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, promised to be a monumental moment in Western music history in Japan. On June 18, countless fans gathered at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, drawn by the legendary “Let There Be More Light”.

The merchandise area was just as enticing as the event itself. I purchased a face towel myself.
The shopping bag paid homage to the equipment rack design from Live at Pompeii, one of the highlights of this event, which thrilled the collectors among us.

There were many other items that I wanted, such as t-shirts, but fortunately, past merchandise is also available for purchase on Genshi Shinbo’s website. So, if you missed out or spent all your money on beer at the event, be sure to check it out!

Entering the venue and seeing the stage was an unforgettable view. The stage featured a majestic gong at the top.
The live event began with a recreation of Pink Floyd’s 1971 live performance, Live at Pompeii. Seeing the gong, a significant element of Roger Waters’ performance in the film, set the excitement even before the show started! The stage also featured lighting equipment for video shooting, adding to the authenticity.
Before the live performance, the sound effects of birds chirping and river murmurs, reminiscent of Pink Floyd’s 1972 and 1988 Japan tours, played in the background.
Finally, it’s showtime. The recreation of Live at Pompeii commenced.

Live at Pompeii is a 1972 film featuring a live performance recorded with no audience at the ruins in Pompeii, Italy. Documenting Pink Floyd during their highly experimental phase before releasing The Dark Side of the Moon, the film, along with the album Ummagumma, provides a glimpse into the band’s live performances before they became a monster band. Imagining this recreation under the sun at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall gave me chills.
The members finally appeared on stage, signaling the start of Live at Pompeii.

With the heartbeat sound effects reminiscent of the opening of The Dark Side of the Moon, keyboardist Harunobu Okubo and bassist Yutaro Ogida took the stage.

Okubo’s dissonant synthesizer sounds and Ogida’s resonant gong instantly transported our spirits to Pompeii. Ogida even replicated Roger Waters’ defiant actions from the film. As band leader Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko and other members joined on stage, the fans' excitement reached its peak as the show started!

1. Echoes, Part 1

The impeccable tone of Yoshitaka Mikuni’s piano, which gave me chills during the 2021 reenactment of Meddle, once again resonated perfectly in the Open-Air Concert Hall. The sound of the piano and Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s beautiful slide guitar floated through the air, enveloping the audience in a sublime bath of sound.
As the intro built up, vocalist Kenneth Andrew appeared in a white suit, marking the start of the main theme.
The sight of the long-haired members lining up on stage was undeniably cool. For someone like me, who frets daily over minor weight fluctuations, this scene reinforced the importance of appearance in rock.

Yoshitaka Mikuni’s organ sound was powerful and had a coolness reminiscent of the hard rock band Quatermass. During the mid-section improvisation of the guitar and organ, Yutaro Ogida’s bass sounded funkier than in the 2021 reenactment. Responding to this, Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drums drove the groove with a swirling energy, making shake’s guitar sound even more anarchic and free-spirited than the original. Yet, his play remained true to the spirit of David Gilmour, reflecting the band’s deep love for Pink Floyd, which is the greatness of Genshi Shinbo’s Pink Floyd Trip. Just as I wished the music would go on forever, the performance concluded with Ogida’s rapid bass picking, bringing “Echoes, Part 1” to an end.

2. Careful With That Axe Eugene

Experiencing this track with the unique title performed by Genshi Shinbo is the first time for me. Fans who were lucky enough to witness Pink Floyd’s first visit to Japan and their performance at Hakone might have felt chills at the incredible authenticity of this reenactment.
Yoshitaka Mikuni’s mellotron blended seamlessly with Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s emotional guitar and chorus, while Yutaro Ogida’s whispered vocals over the octave bass riff added a mysterious touch. The climactic parts didn’t just explode with intensity but retained a rich psychedelic feel, satisfying the true Pink Floyd spirit.

3. A Saucerful Of Secrets

As I watched the performance, I kept thinking, “What is the highlight of this concert?” only to realize that every part of it was a highlight, especially the title track from their second album, “A Saucerful Of Secrets”. Many fans who cherished the live version from the album Ummagumma must have felt a strong emotional connection to this performance.

In the middle section, Katsumi Kashiwabara’s rapid drum fills, Yoshitaka Mikuni’s free jazz piano, Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s avant-garde guitar played while seated just like David Gilmour in Pompeii, and Harunobu Okubo’s future-vintage synth sound were mesmerizing and delightful for Pink Floyd fans.

For the majestic ending chorus, Kenneth Andrew took the stage, joined by female vocalists Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono. Their powerful psychedelic circuit brought the song to a grand finale, making this remarkable reenactment a deeply stirring tribute to early Pink Floyd.

4. One of These Days

Barely having time to soak in the emotion and afterglow of “A Saucerful of Secrets”, the iconic wind sounds and bass lines of “One of These Days” suddenly hit us. In the original Pompeii footage, guitarist David Gilmour is not often visible, so I was captivated by the sight of Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’ guitar slide on the Stratocaster. The guitar tone subtly retained traces of “A Saucerful of Secrets”, pleasing fans with its deep consideration for preserving the mood. Amid the swirling bass, shake’s expansive guitar play also evoked memories of Jeff Beck.

5. Cymbaline

As the sky began to faintly tint with the hues of evening, this song commenced. Kenneth Andrew’s strong yet beautiful vocals, echoing through the wind, were impressive, reminiscent of the ballads he performed during last year’s reenactment of Obscured by Clouds. The chorus-laden Stratocaster sound by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko further highlighted the beautiful vocals. Reika Tomita’s percussion added a delightful cosmic touch to this reenactment. Yoshitaka Mikuni’s mellotron and Harunobu Okubo’s piano merged into a harmonious blend. Just as I was lost in the sheer delight of this splendid open-air concert, bassist Yutaro Ogida returned to the gong, signaling the start of that anticipated song.

6. Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun

From their second album, A Saucerful of Secrets, Roger Waters’ psychedelic tune “Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun” has captivated many fans, especially those familiar with its live version from the album Ummagumma. This re-creation by Genshi Shinbo starts with a resounding gong, much like Ummagumma and Live at Pompeii versions. As someone from a later generation, I never had the chance to experience the performance of the gong intro during Roger’s solo concert in Japan. Therefore, being immersed in this sound was a peak Pompeii moment for me. The delicate sound like Japanese harp Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko played on guitar intertwined with Yoshitaka Mikuni’s mellotron, supported robustly by Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drums played with mallets. The whispered vocals of Kenneth Andrew contrasted with Yutaro Ogida’s commanding presence in front of the gong, creating a calm before the storm. In the live version of Pink Floyd’s performance, the gong gradually joined, and guitar and drums increased the intensity as nearing the middle of the song, which evoked the track “Interstellar Overdrive” from their first album. Genshi Shinbo’s performance easily surpassed this in intensity. The thundering mellotron by Yoshitaka Mikuni reverberated through the venue with a heavy, almost occult-like energy along with gong, guitar, and drums. Every element on stage built up to a trancy crescendo, marking a euphoric high for Pink Floyd fans.

The astonishing sound made it feel as though the audience was being led into a sacrificial ritual for the sun, which is an incredibly thrilling experience. Performing such an attractive reenactment at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall is something only Genshi Shinbo could achieve. As the song returned to its vocals, it ended quietly like a chant after the ritual. The echo was so pleasant that it felt like it clung to your body, and the band’s intense energy brought the song to a fiery conclusion. Watching the end of “Set the Controls For the Heart of the Sun” as the sun sank further below the horizon was pure bliss.

7. Echoes, Part 2

Just like in Live at Pompeii, the reenactment of “Echoes” was split into two parts. It began with a boiling sound effect, and Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s guitar slide, along with Yoshitaka Mikuni’s synthesizer, added to the growing dynamism.

When Mikuni’s organ sound started, Harunobu Okubo’s effect-laden piano sound burst forth, evoking the image of a fairy dancing on a gelatin sea. The stage lighting for filming also played a significant role, enhancing the ultimate Pompeii experience!
During the band’s climax, shake’s superb guitar strumming, Yutaro Ogida’s fuzz-like bass sound, and Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drumming, heavier than the original, filled the air. Kenneth Andrew then appeared, sharing the vocals with Ogida, intertwining with shake’s crying guitar, which was thicker than the original. This interplay was then relayed between the guitar and piano. The reenactment of “Echoes” concluded with an ending sound effect reminiscent of the Beatles’ “A Day in the Life”, delivering a powerful performance. Genshi Shinbo’s reenactment of Live at Pompeii became an unforgettable masterpiece.

Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s words after the first part of the Live at Pompeii reenactment truly encapsulated the brilliance of this concert:
“It feels exhilarating to have this kind of music playing in the heart of Tokyo in the 21st century.”

I shared the details of the first part of the magnificent reenactment of Pink Floyd’s performance by Genshi Shinbo held in early summer. Next time, I will bring you the second part, showcasing the full reenactment of The Dark Side of the Moon performed at the open-air concert from dusk until nightfall!

Now, for those who, after reading this post, are now eager to experience a Genshi Shinbo’s live performance or for those who couldn’t attend this time, I have some exciting news.
The historic staging of Genshi Shinbo can be experienced at the event “The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event: PINK FLOYD TRIPS in Osaka” will be held on August 26 (Sat.),in Osaka.

The venue is the uniquely styled Misono Universe, which boasts an exterior and interior that charm Showa-era Western music fans. The main program includes a reenactment of Pink Floyd’s concert film Live at Pompeii in the first part, followed by the reenactment of the legendary album The Dark Side of the Moon in the second part. In the first part, a collaboration with Colo Müller’s VJ creator group, COSMIC LAB, will bring the set of ruins of Pompeii and the insane prism back to life in a psychedelic display. This concert promises to be an ultra-trip, showcasing Pink Floyd’s experimental era through a reenactment concert accompanied by unique visual effects in this distinctive venue. Whether you couldn’t make it to the recent concert or you attended the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall performance, come and experience the sensational stage where ecstasy and excitement intertwine!

■ The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event

- PINK FLOYD TRIPS in Osaka -
Date: August 26 (Sat.), 2023
Pink Floyd Trips in Osaka
[Part 1] Live at Pompeii
[[Part 2] Complete Performance of The Dark Side of the Moon & more...
For ticket information and details, check out the official website!
Genshi Shinbo Event Information

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

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)
Yuki Hirono (Chorus)
Lovely Reina (Chorus)
Image courtesy of Genshi Shinbo

Before ending this article, here’s an item you can purchase at Sound House that will surely excite any Pink Floyd fan!

HELLFORLEATHER / Real-DG

This is a Dave Gilmour model leather strap. It’s designed to be similar to the one on Gilmour’s red Strat. The end pin holes are spaced approximately 121 and 124 cm apart.
With this on, I want to play Brian Ferry’s “Slaved To Love”.

⇒ Related Article: “A Mystical Hymn to the Sun and Moon Resonates at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall: GENSHI SHINBO’s P.U.L.S.E Live Concert Report - Part 2”