In October 2009 a new page of history will be written as thousands of music fans will descend on the Makuhari Messe
to witness V-ROCK FESTIVAL 09, the world’s largest Visual Kei music festival. Since it’s opening in 1989, the Makuhari Messe in the Chiba Prefecture of Japan has played host to a large list of special gatherings including the Tokyo Motor Show, Jump Festa, and the Tokyo Game Show.
Over 50 visual artists from overseas and Japan will gather for the two-day festival that will span four stages of the Makuhari Messe. From indies bands such as exist†trace and Sadie to some of the biggest names in visual music like Moi dix Mois and Marilyn Manson this is sure to be an event for international Visual Kei fans to remember forever.
The live shows, however, won’t be the only thing to keep the attention of fans. There will be a lobby area where ticket holders can participate in various events like band meet-and-greets, autograph sessions, and more to be announced! A merchandise area will be set up to purchase exclusive event items and various other goodies from all of the bands participating, there will even be a flea market for fans to sell their own collectables and homemade merchandise. For those who like the mix their good music with good food there is the international food court, where attendees can sample different foods from all over the world, relax, and meet new people.
Overseas fans, worry not. The site has an English Information page where you can order tickets and even book a hotel through their special tour packages! A single day ticket is 12,000 yen (about $120 USD), and a two-day pass will cost you 20,000 yen (about $200 USD). If you wish to purchase the Official Hotel Tour Package you’ll get a two-day pass, three night stay at the hotel of your choice (from a list of three participating hotels, all within walking distance of the venue), a ticket for transportation from the hotel to Narita Airport on your check-out date, and a special opportunity to attend the “Petit Fan Meeting”. During this meeting you will receive official goods not available for sale at the festival, meet other international Visual Kei fans, and even have the chance to meet one (or more!) of the bands from the festival! The entire hotel package will cost you around 80,600 yen (around $800 USD) and does not include a plane ticket. When you consider the price of hotels and concert tickets to see over 50 bands individually, this is one sweet deal!
As of July 31st, the lineup is as follows:
abingdon boys school
alice nine.
ALI PROJECT
Angelo
彩冷える (Ayabie)
BOUNTY
BREAKERZ
D
DaizyStripper
D’espairsRay
ドレミ團 (Doremidan)
DuelJewel
exist†trace
the GazettE
heidi.
イロクイ。(Irokui.)
Kagrra,
Kra
LM.C
LOVEX
Marilyn Manson
メリー (Merry)
Moi dix Mois
ニンジャマンジャパン (Ninjaman-japan)
NEGATIVE
-OZ-
PENICILLIN
サディ (Sadie)
SCREW
SEX MACHINEGUNS
SOHODOLLS
SuG
高見沢俊彦 (Takamizawa Toshihiko)
トゥーン工場 (Toon Factory)
土屋アンナ (Tsuchiya Anna)
the Underneath
【_Vani;lla】
ベルベット (Velvet)
Versailles –Philharmonic Quintet-
ヴィドール (Vidoll)
ViViD
…and possibly more to be added later! Keep checking back to JrockRevolution.com and the Official V-ROCK FESTIVAL 09 homepage for news and band updates!
V-ROCK FESTIVAL 09 Site:
v-rockfes.com
September 10th
Exciting news from the V-ROCK Festival front lines. Since our last update 10 new bands have been added to the two-day festival’s lineup, bringing the total number of bands and artists up to an astonishing 51 so far!
The bands added are:
アンド (and)
Aoi
CASCADE
D’ERLANGER
ダウト (D=Out)
GRANRODEO
INORAN
jealkb
Plastic Tree
Even more exciting is the announcement that La’cryma Christi will be having a short revival for the festival! Their guitarist KOJI, who left the band in early 2005, will be reuniting with the other members to play at the revival concert.
The fun doesn’t end there. The V-ROCK Festival website has been updating with special interviews with some of the featured bands. Unfortunately the interviews are all in Japanese, but you never know…there could be English translations soon!
October 9th
Watch the V-Rock Festival ‘09 from start to the end via the internet as it will be transmitted to the world.
You can enjoy the broadcasting from many locations, various stages and even from backstage.
You can access information through our official homepage.
October 24th from 11am to 9pm
October 25th from 11am to 9pm
With the peer-to-peer network application concept, unlimited access becomes possible!!
Anywhere across the world, anyone can observe this event live!!
Please download our special software and check for the test broadcast.
Broadcast testing will be available from xx pm xx October
This service can be installed only using Windows.
Please note that some parts of the festivals may not be broadcasted according to the aforementioned conditions.
Oct 12th
Another V-Rock Festival update, five new bands have been added to the lineup!
アヲイ (Awoi)
北出菜奈 (Kitade Nana)
lynch.
摩天楼オペラ (Matenrou Opera)
メガマソ (Megamasso)
The complete lineup can be found here: http://v-rockfes.com/content2
A special note to Versialles fans, the band has confirmed that they will still be playing at the festival in honor of the late Jasmine You. Please join JrockRevolution.com in wishing them the best of luck during their performance!