Genshi Shinbo - Live Retrospective, December 30, 2023, Part 2

A Year-End Performance Concluding the Ultimate Year Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon

As we step into 2025, Genshi Shinbo, the Pink Floyd tribute band led by Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure, has already begun announcing a series of deeply immersive live events.
The band’s performance quality is so exceptional that the word ‘tribute’ itself seems inadequate. Their renditions of Pink Floyd’s songs are so original and absorbing that audiences forget they are listening to covers, instead becoming fully immersed in the world of Genshi Shinbo. Each live show transports fans to another dimension—perhaps even to the ‘dark side of the moon’—evoking the grandeur of Pink Floyd’s albums and their legendary live performances.

Now, as Genshi Shinbo continues to deliver astonishing live performances in 2025, I would like to share a record of their unforgettable live show. This time, I bring you the latter half of their concert held on December 30, 2023, at EX Theater Roppongi, titled “The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event + Atom Heart Mother - Cantata from the Underworld”.

Genshi Shinbo has delivered incredible live performances, and it is undoubtedly thanks to their 2023 revival concerts that Japanese Pink Floyd fans were able to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon throughout the year. From their May performance at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall onward, they provided fans with an unforgettable experience.

The revival concert at Hibiya, where The Dark Side of the Moon resonated under a sky full of stars, was an unforgettable moment. Likewise, the Dark Side revival at EX Theater Roppongi, which we are sharing with you this time, was a breathtaking experience that transported the audience to an entirely different realm.
I hope you enjoy this coverage of the latter half of the concert along with the first part I previously shared.

The Dark Side of the Moon

Released in 1973, this legendary UK rock album needs no introduction. Its philosophical lyrics blend Pink Floyd’s signature experimental sound with the cutting-edge rock music of the time. The addition of elements like female chorus vocals—led by Leslie Duncan—and occasional mellow saxophone lines creates a grand yet accessible sonic experience. Even after 50 years, its impact remains undiminished, continuing to be cherished as a timeless masterpiece.
And now, a revival performance within the theater. What kind of live experience will it bring this time?

1. Speak to Me

As the extended sound effects reminiscent of the 2011 Wembley live performance play, the band members take the stage. Once again, the buildup of SE sounds and cymbals creates anticipation, leading to Reika Tomita’s powerful shout that kicks off “Breathe”. Unlike the previous outdoor performance in an open space, the indoor setting enhances the tension of the album, making for a thrilling opening.

2. Breathe

The tense atmosphere of the intro quickly shifts as groove-filled electric piano and organ, played by Harunobu Okubo and Yoshitaka Mikuni, set the stage. Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s dreamy slide guitar flows in, this time with a slightly more relaxed rhythm. Just as the audience is mesmerized by Kenneth Andrew’s lead vocals and Yutaro Ogida’s harmonies, the moment of calm is broken—”On the Run”!

3. On the Run

During the previous performance, I experienced the trippy sensation of “On the Run” under the fading sunlight, mesmerized by Katsumi Kashiwabara’s hi-hat-driven drumming and the hypnotic interplay of the band members. This time, however, the song was performed in the enclosed space of a theater, creating an entirely different experience. The lighting effects, combined with the increased sonic intensity of Yoshitaka Mikuni and Harunobu Okubo’s synthesizers, transported the audience to another dimension. Reika Tomita’s airport announcement further heightened this surreal illusion. At this moment, it felt impossible to return to Pink Floyd’s P.U.L.S.E. live recording or even the Wembley performance—this was an On the Run experience like no other. A breathtaking performance that surely left every Pink Floyd fan in awe!

4. Time - Breathe (Reprise)

Still reeling from the mind-bending journey of “On the Run”, the audience was abruptly struck by the relentless chimes of ringing clocks. As Reika Tomita’s commanding percussion, Harunobu Okubo’s electric piano, and Yoshitaka Mikuni’s synths built up the tension, Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drum fills thundered in with even greater force than before. Kenneth Andrew’s vocals were incredibly powerful, matched by the soulful, harmonized backing vocals of Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono. As their rich, soul-infused sound enveloped the room, Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s searing, deeply resonant guitar solo sent vibrations through the audience. The thick organ tones further amplified the grand, almost divine atmosphere of this extraordinary performance!

5. The Great Gig in the Sky

The sacred gospel-rock number began gently with Yoshitaka Mikuni’s flowing piano melodies. As always, Kenneth Andrew delivered the spoken-word passage about death, just as it appears in the album’s intro. Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s tender slide guitar playing layered beautifully over the narration, adding an ethereal touch. Reika Tomita’s vocals, the centerpiece of this performance, carried their signature soulful depth, but this time, they also had a refined elegance.

As the song progressed, Yuki Hirono’s powerful voice joined in, creating a breathtaking vocal synergy. A truly moving performance, filled with emotion and grandeur—perfectly suited for the year’s end!

6. Money

The highlights of the The Dark Side of the Moon re-run can honestly be said to be “everything!” But among them, this one, where you can fully appreciate the overall musical skill and sense of the band, is truly electrifying, even when you consider the song’s familiarity. The saxophone played by Takeshi Abe, who appeared on stage, was once again the very essence of rock.

Just listening to the saxophone play for rock is enough to make your palms sweat, but the real highlight is the extended solo chain where each member of the melody section shows off their unique characteristics, something that even the original Pink Floyd didn’t do. It starts with the sharp-edged guitar solo by Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure, overflowing with his love for Gilmour, followed by a synth battle between Harunobu Okubo and Yoshitaka Mikuni. Then, Abe’s rocking sax solo is followed by Kenneth Andrew’s scat vocal solo. Amid the clapping in the packed theater, the return to Kogure’s guitar solo brings an intense, high-speed shuffle with edgy guitar sounds booming.

At the song’s ending, the guitar, two keyboards, the sax, and falsetto vocals intertwine as Yutaro Ogida narrates the fade-out. As Mikuni’s organ softly begins to play, “Us and Them” starts.

7. Us and Them

“Us and Them”. The last time I saw it, at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, the sun set during “Money”, and night began with “Us and Them”, creating an incredibly emotional moment. This time, being indoors at the theater, the sound of the instruments, vocals, and chorus resonated even more richly, and I was so glad I came to see it again! It was a dreamy atmosphere.

With the very gentle sound of the organ played by Yoshitaka Mikuni, it felt as though we were in a church where a kind pastor might appear to forgive even the most sinful. Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s mellow guitar and Harunobu Okubo’s piano, along with the warm, flowing bass of Yutaro Ogida and the rhythm section of Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drums, slowly build the opening. Perhaps because this is an indoor re-run, Kenneth Andrew’s vocals sound even more emotional than last time.

When Takeshi Abe’s saxophone takes the solo to its climax, it rings out in a more rocking, soulful way, and the contrast with the soulful chorus of Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono is truly striking!

8. Any Colour You Like

As the lighting creates an even more fantastical world, the synth battle between Harunobu Okubo and Yoshitaka Mikuni begins. The bass of Yutaro Ogida, bouncing with a funky energy, and the drumming of Katsumi Kashiwabara, played with great joy, make the performance enjoyable. Even in Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s guitar solo, the fresh, uplifting sound makes it easy to understand why Kenneth Andrew, on stage, is swaying his body constantly. It’s truly a hot re-run!!

9. Brain Damage

In Kenneth Andrew’s whispering vocals, Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s beautiful guitar smoothly joins. The chorus by Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono, strong yet tender, adds richness to the sound. The beautiful sonic world and lighting effects are reminiscent of the Pink Floyd church. And at the end, the beautiful synth solo by Yoshitaka Mikuni and Harunobu Okubo rings out like a buzzer signaling the beginning of the grand finale of the madness.

10. Eclipse

As the light from the mirror ball pours into the hall, the powerful sound of Harunobu Okubo’s organ resonates. Then, through the call-and-response between Kenneth Andrew’s vocals, Yutaro Ogida’s singing, and the chorus by Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono, the wonderful ending of the album The Dark Side of the Moon is re-enacted.

On the 50th anniversary of the album’s release, the performance, filled with the kind of embracing power that seems to celebrate the madness inherent in everyone, provided a sense of happiness that couldn’t even be experienced with the original Pink Floyd recordings or Roger Waters’ Japan tour. 2023. It truly was an incredible year. That being said, even after such an extraordinary re-run, the live performance of Genshi Shinbo doesn’t end there—this is the amazing part of their shows!

11. Another Brick In The Wall - Part II

A track from the album The Wall, which is often considered as iconic as The Dark Side of the Moon. In a familiar move for Genshi Shinbo fans, the lighting system is lowered to obscure almost the entire stage, creating a The Wall-inspired atmosphere. Yutaro Ogida’s cross pose and Kenneth Andrew’s performance of the shout “Wrong, Do It Again” make this re-run unforgettable.

On the other hand, after Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s guitar solo, there’s a synthesizer and organ battle between Yoshitaka Mikuni and Harunobu Okubo, which is not part of the original, plus a feature of the saxophone—a performance that never gets boring no matter how many times you hear it.

When the song ends, it was fascinating to hear Yoshitaka Mikuni share his story about experiencing Pink Floyd’s 1972 Japan tour at the Sapporo concert. He mentioned that Dave Gilmour was right in front of him, which means he got to hear performances of the prototype arrangements before The Dark Side of the Moon was released. For those who didn’t experience it, it’s an enviable story. I would love to hear Genshi Shinbo’s version of the prototype someday.

As I was lost in these reflections, another incredible gift awaited us, the audience.
The first part of the show re-enacted Live at Pompeii, and the second part re-enacted The Dark Side of the Moon, making for an already intense live performance. But then, an even more unbelievable act awaited—Genshi Shinbo, now an essential part of Japan’s ongoing Western music legend, re-enacted Atom Heart Mother with a brass orchestra and chorus added. What’s more, they auditioned and significantly expanded the chorus, making this an overwhelming scale of performance. The brass section setup and the chorus stage were quickly brought in, and Atom Heart Mother was about to begin!

12. Atom Heart Mother

As the low organ reverberates and the sound of the horns fills the air, I savor the excitement of hearing it again. When the main section, “Father’s Shout”, begins, I am reminded of the emotions I felt when I heard the orchestral Atom Heart Mother at my first Genshi Shinbo live show.

In “Mother Fore”, the voices of Reika Tomita and Yuki Hirono are even more powerful than when I heard them at the end of 2022, and their voices, in perfect harmony with the significantly expanded chorus that follows, fill the hall with intensity.

The second half of “Mother Fore” with the large chorus is absolutely overwhelming, beyond words! In “Funky Dung”, Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s Stratocaster guitar sounds thick and tough, amplifying the passion for Atom Heart Mother—a performance featuring the massive chorus.

The intense, fearsome mellotron blows from both sides in “Mind Your Throats, Please” had me gripping my hands in excitement.

The overwhelming re-enactment featuring Genshi Shinbo, the beautiful cello performance, the dazzling brass section, and the large chorus was later performed again in 2024. That performance was truly incredible and can certainly be called part of the ‘ongoing Japanese Western music legend’. I look forward to writing a report about it on my blog.

I’ve shared my live report from Genshi Shinbo’s 2023 year-end concert in two parts, but I believe the performance, which captured the band’s groove and command of space, can only truly be appreciated by experiencing it in person. It’s then that you truly understand how incredible Genshi Shinbo is.

In the meantime, 2025 performances are rapidly being confirmed!

shake Presents: Shining 1970s - Two Days of British Rock

[Day 1] Pink Floyd × Led Zeppelin
March 8 (Sat.), 2025 Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall
Genshi Shinbo as Pink Floyd / Mr. Jimmy as Led Zeppelin

[Day 2] Pink Floyd - Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary Live Concert
March 9 (Sun.), 2025 Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall
[Guest] Queeness (Queen Tribute)

In March 2025, an event titled “shake Presents: Shining 1970s - Two Days of British Rock” will be held, where the band and the audience will unite to explore the history of 1970s British rock and Japanese Western music! On March 8 (Sat), alongside Genshi Shinbo, Mr. Jimmy, known as “the man who devoted everything to Led Zeppelin” and currently enjoying immense popularity with his self-documentary film, will make an appearance! Then, on March 9 (Sun), we’ll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, a masterpiece that has grown in acclaim over time and is regarded by fans as a collaborative creation. The live performance will include a guest appearance by Queenness, a tribute band of ultimate Queen, who became legendary after their performance at the Rising Sun Rock Festival and is now immensely popular. Both days will be a must-see for those who experienced the 1970s UK rock firsthand and those who want to experience it vicariously. The event will take place at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, where Genshi Shinbo held their stunning Pink Floyd re-enactment live show in 2023. It’s bound to be an event where you’ll soak in the supreme rock under the urban sky.

And even before the rock festival days, the first live concert of 2025 will take place in Takehiko ‘shake’ Kogure’s hometown, Nishi-Kawaguchi.

Genshi Shinbo 2025 1st Live Concert

February 28 (Fri.),2025
Nishi-Kawaguchi Hearts
The theme for 2025 is the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, and there’s a possibility that new songs for the upcoming outdoor concert will be debuting. For fans who have only experienced the band at outdoor venues or large halls like EX Theater Roppongi, this is a rare opportunity to enjoy the Pink Floyd trip that Genshi Shinbo unfolds right in front of you!

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)
Takeshi Abe
Image courtesy of Genshi Shinbo

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

LichtLaerm Audio / Altar

The latest version of this amazing dual pedal, consisting of a high-output clean boost and a high-gain fuzz/distortion circuit. It delivers rich bass, sustain, and punch. The manufacturer recommends it for those who want to play like Pink Floyd! I’d love to try playing “Young Lust” with this.