Concert Report by R.B. Araki
MSG at Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Japan
November 16, 2006
Added on 11/20/2006, 03/01/2007


MSG came back to play in Japan after 6.5 years' absence. The 2,200 capacity venue was completely packed. Michael's playing was fine, maybe not in the top form. But he smiled alot and sometimes moved around on stage. During Rock Bottom, he approached Rev who at that time was playing at the center of the stage and told him a joke, then they started playing side by side. I was glad to see Michael in a very cheeful mood all the time and satisfied with the fact that he seemingly enjoyed playing. I think many people felt the same.

Other members exhibited truly professional performance. Rev, Wayne, Pete and Jari know the way to entertain the audience. Many of the fans in Japan were apparently astonished by Rev's performance swinging his head and hair like a helicopter.

Since there occured a technical glitch during Ready To Rock, Michael had to changed the guitar. They replayed from the guitar solo section. The setlist was same as that of the previous European tour.

After the show, I visited the backstage and enjoyed chatting with the members. At this point, we had no way of anticipating what will happen on the next day.

Setlist

  1. Assault Attack
  2. Are You Ready To Rock
  3. Let It Roll
  4. Dust To Dust
  5. Love Trade
  6. Shadow Lady
  7. Lights Out
  8. Into The Arena
  9. But I Want More
  10. Too Hot To Handle
  11. On and On
  12. Only You Can Rock Me
  13. Armed & Ready
  14. Attack Of The Mad Axeman

    Encores:
  15. Arachnophobiac
  16. Doctor Doctor
  17. Rock Bottom
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