This is also from a while ago, but I went to a rock festival called Freedom, which was held in Odaka Ryokuchi Park in Nagoya, although it was in my neighborhood. Entry to this rock festival is generally free. I had known about this festival for quite some time, but forgot to research the dates, and I would always only notice it because of the melody I heard on the wind outside the window.
The festival is held on the weekend, so I usually have plans on one of them, and in past festivals, if I could go, it was often on the last day. Even then, there were bad weather and periods of self-restraint due to COVID-19, so this was the first time that I was able to plan ahead and go see it. This year’s Freedom was my target, on the second day, to see The BONEZ. I was originally a Dragon Ash fan (something that often seems surprising), so without realizing it, I gradually became a fan while listening to songs by JESSE, who often collaborates with vocalist Kenji Furuya. They were not coming as RIZE, but as The BONEZ.
I was surprised when I saw the list of performers. I never expected such a charismatic band to be there, plus Kishidan and SHAKALABBITS.
That shabby Odaka Ryokuchi Park in the middle of a residential area (I think people living in the southern part of Nagoya will know the image)…
I had been looking forward to it ever since I found out who was performing… but on the first day, Saturday, it rained heavily from the morning. And I was feeling a bit like I was getting better from a cold, so I had no choice but to cancel on Saturday.
I started on Sunday.
There were a lot of people even before the event started. There were already long lines from the nearest Sakyoyama Station and Narumi Station, where the express trains stop.
Naturally, most of the people were in their teens or twenties. Blending in with them was a middle-aged hack writer. Unable to contain his slow progress and his excitement, he started drinking alcohol he had bought at a nearby convenience store.
As we got closer to the venue, I could faintly hear the sounds of rehearsal. The sound of the drums resonates in my heart. That alone is fun.
If you’ve read this far, you may think that children’s literature and rock festivals are as incompatible as a rock singer playing golf, but I don’t listen to classical music or children’s songs all day long (although people often say that’s the kind of music I like).
However, I like surprisingly solid rock, such as Yutaka Ozaki, the High-Lows, Michegan Elephant, Bodys, and the aforementioned Dragon Ash. (Of course, I also listen to classical music, Naruyoshi Kikuchi, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Hawaiian music.)
Going back to the point, I wanted to see The BONEZ, so I went early and sat in the front area, but that was a big mistake as a middle-aged person to begin with.
The BONEZ were scheduled to perform at 10:30, but as soon as the first band started playing at 10:00, my thin body like a dead tree was at the mercy of the young people’s enthusiasm, dancing, and the waves of power, and I was about to sink.
One lesson learned here. The front row at a festival should be occupied by the band’s fans. And if you don’t want to get caught up in the circle they form (where the fans circle around in a circle), take a position further back than you would expect. I was reminded of this basic rock festival principle once again.
Naturally, The BONEZ’s performance was amazing. I was moved to be able to hear them in person.
After the 30-minute performance was over, I was still basking in the afterglow for a while, leaving the audience seats waiting for the next performers, finding a spot in a corner of a hill a short distance away, and wandering aimlessly around the various stages.
And second lesson learned. Even if they’re not well known, there are many young, interesting bands that put on amazing performances.
Drunk on the alcohol. Good for the music. Drunk on the festival atmosphere. What a great feeling. I thought to myself. This kind of elation is something you can’t easily get from reading, and it’s a completely different experience.
Then, as I took a nap on the grass until the evening and ate various snacks from the stalls, I felt truly free and happy for the first time in a long time.
Jesse shouted during the performance,
“Go get your freedom.” Somehow, I felt like I was truly free.
Yes, as he said, no one will bring you freedom just by opening your mouth. You have to go and get it yourself with all your might.
And the power to desire this freedom. The power to seek it. I thought to myself as I lay down on Wakakusayama (the grass square) as the number of people gradually decreased as the evening approached.
Then, when I came to, I was completely drunk.
I’ll go again next year. For sure.
And so, I went to a music festival with some lessons learned in mind. It’s strange how no matter how old you are, you can always remember the passion and enthusiasm you had in your twenties.
Rock festivals are the best.
“I’m determined to go and get freedom”
By the way, I found a video of the organizer (who mainly runs live music venues in Nagoya), so I’d like to introduce it to you. They’re really determined.
I’m rooting for you. I’m looking forward to next year.
