Japanese rock duo VAMPS brought the “underworld” to The Roxy in Los Angeles, California last month. No strangers to this cozy West Hollywood live house, the rock duo had previously performed at the venue in 2015, vocalist HYDE and guitarist K.A.Z have expressed in past their joy at performing in such intimate settings as The Roxy.  On the night of Sept. 26 fans again had the chance to huddle up close to the stage and get intimate with their favorite rock vampires.  

The night’s show started off with the duo’s classic hype song, “Midnight Celebration”, with each member establishing their presence on stage. In keeping with a recent show opening tradition, HYDE walked out with his hood on and began singing with a megaphone into the microphone, emitting a unique voice modulator effect. Ju-Ken (bass) and K.A.Z were especially energetic as they intermittently hopped on and off the floor speakers during the songs “Evil” and “Breakfree”. After the introductions, HYDE removed his hoodie, revealing his new slicked back, dyed blonde hair.

For this particular tour, VAMPS played songs off their latest album, “UNDERWORLD”, focusing more on their string of latest hits such as, “Underworld”, “Calling”, Inside Of Me”, “Rise Or Die”, and “Sin In Justice”. A few of these songs were created in collaboration with musicians and bands they’ve toured with in the past including APOCALYPTICA, Richard Z. Kruspe (EMIGRATE), Chris Motionless (MOTIONLESS IN WHITE), and KAMIKAZE BOY (MAN WITH A MISSION). These collaborative projects not only saw the debut of new songs, but also influenced VAMPS as evidenced through the self-created songs from their new album.

After the main part of the show concluded, the band came back out to play three more songs for their encore. This time, HYDE came out shirtless and flag in hand as they played “Sin In Justice” and “Rise Up”. VAMPS wrapped the show with their defining song, “Sex Blood Rock n' Roll”, with Arimatsu (drums) cueing everybody in for a grand finale. When the song ended, HYDE quickly but confidently said to their blood-thirsting fans, "We'll be back!!"

Set list

MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION

EVIL

UNDERWORLD

BREAK FREE

CALLING

BLEED FOR ME

IN THIS HELL

DON’T HOLD BACK

RISE OR DIE

BLOODSUCKERS

INSIDE OF ME

WORLD’S END

B.Y.O.B. (BRING YOUR OWN BLOOD)

SIN IN JUSTICE

RISE UP

SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL

Image gallery