u/sjioldboy

Original BABYMETAL artwork at Seikima-II illustrator's second solo exhibition

It's a week-long affair until this Sunday (free admission). The walk-up venue is at Moa's hometown Nagoya, if correct.

He's also selling some merch (mostly past products), but not his commissioned works for Seikima-II & BM. Still, it looks all four three of his previously-shared BM illustrations (three two penciled, one coloured) made it to display, although none of the kamishibai storyboards for the joint concerts.

You can probably DIY & print out the image on your own poster or T-shirt. Gratifying artistry in this age of generative AI.

u/sjioldboy — 1 day ago
▲ 163 r/BABYMETAL

A symbol of "The Miracle In The Making": BABYMETAL - METAL FORTH (Deluxe Japan Edition) [album review] [translated]

A symbol of "The Miracle In The Making"
BABYMETAL - METAL FORTH (Deluxe Japan Edition)

Arriving about a year after their fourth album Metal Forth, this re-release marks BABYMETAL's first-ever deluxe album. It features an expanded total of fifteen tracks: all ten songs from the original album; separate remix versions of 'From Me To U (feat. Poppy)' produced by Major Lazer and Jordan Fish respectively; as well as live recordings from arena shows in the UK, the USA, and Japan, including their historic feat as the first Japanese performer to headline London's O2 Arena. With a heavyweight lineup like Tom Morello, Polyphia, and Electric Cowboy having already contributed to the main content, this reissue is thus more reminiscent of commemorative editions by international artistes visiting Japan. It also stands as the very symbol of BABYMETAL itself: "The Miracle in the Making" that has outstripped merely "spreading its wings from Japan to the World", and is now literally standing toe-to-toe on the global stage. In essence, this album vividly highlights the current status of the three members: having journeyed from the groundbreaking Kawaii x Heavy Metal fusion seen on their debut album BABYMETAL, through a countless array of metal subgenres and all over the metal galaxy, they have finally reached the point where they themselves resonate as a beacon of hope for metal itself.

(Tomoki Takahashi, Rockin'On Japan September 2026 issue)

Source: https://rockinon.com/disc/detail/215651

u/sjioldboy — 8 days ago
▲ 110 r/BABYMETAL

LuckyFes'26 BABYMETAL delivers overwhelmingly as Day 2 headliner: "This is so much fun! Thank you everyone!" [translated]

[Quick Report] LuckyFes'26 BABYMETAL delivers overwhelmingly as Day 2 headliner: "This is so much fun! Thank you everyone!"

2026-08-10 | BARKS.jp | Tomokazu Nishihiro

Closing out the main Rainbow Stage on Day 2 of LuckyFes'26 was BABYMETAL, making their first appearance at the festival. The participation of these ladies, who are now global artistes, was indisputably thrilling not only for their fans, but also for many music lovers.

The audience gathered at the Rainbow Stage, their hearts filled with anticipation. The lights then dimmed, prompting huge cheers to erupt from all over the venue. It was followed by a prologue, highlighting their 15-year journey and the "Beyond Metal (METAL FORTH)" message. The thunderous, bass-heavy sonics of the Kami Band proceeded to reverberate widely, as Su-Metal (Vocals, Dance), Moametal (Scream, Dance), and Momometal (Scream, Dance) made their entrance, marching in cadence onto the stage. The beat soon accelerated fiercely into the opener BABYMETAL DEATH, in tempo with searing flames shooting up from the front of the stage, transforming the Rainbow Stage into a sacred ritual podium.

With just a single song, they had bowled over the astounded crowd. Almost without stopping, the familiar intro from 'Megitsune' rang aloud, spurring the spectators to roar approvingly in acknowledgment. Su-Metal's powerful, soaring vocals, along with Moametal's & Momometal's flawless dancing, were mesmerizing everyone present. Midway through, Su-Metal hyped up the masses further, shouting "Hey LuckyFes! You can make more noise, right?" On her cue, the fans began bouncing energetically in unison, kicking the sheer exhilaration up a notch.

Next, the simple refrains of "Fu Fu" over an electronic drumbeat transformed the Rainbow Stage into a massive dance rave. Ratatata's irresistibly punchy and catchy music had already made the world go wild. Performed afresh with overwhelming charisma and unmistakable showmanship at LuckyFes, it soon roused even first-timers and casuals to compulsively join in the revelry.

Thereafter, each Kami Band member took turns to showcase their impressive playing skills over a shamisen incidental riff. They then synergized musically into the carnivalesque Metali, which was tailor-made for festivals like this. The song's Japanese aesthetics and verbal exhortations, which aim to rally people of all ages and genders, saw numerous "circles" spontaneously formed all over the venue, turning words into action. Moreover, Momometal's oral-and-growled interlude, which urged the spectators to crouch and then leap up together, would deliver another memorable climax on the night.

The celebratory mood continued with Pa Pa Ya!!, with its clamorous Latin-infused [sic] sounds inciting the audience to twirl their towels madly above their heads. It was followed by Gimme Chocolate, which somehow generated newer heights of manic excitement. Su-metal expressed her joy at the sight of such blissful scenes, saying "This is so much fun! Thank you everyone!"

The end of Day 2 of LuckyFes was approaching, but not without an unforgettable finale. As the intro to Road Of Resistance resounded majestically, the BABYMETAL trio re-appeared holding giant flags, and a massive 'Wall Of Death' also materialized after Su-metal solemnly beckoned for one. Its anthemic styling added a dramatic crescendo that truly brought about a triumphant conclusion, with the fans elevating the astonishing spectacle further with their ebullient kinesics and singalongs. Finally, the show concluded with the signature call-and-responses of "We are~" and "BABYMETAL!", uniting everyone present and imprinting the collective experience, bringing the phenomenal 40-minute performance to a close.

Sources: https://barks.jp/news/1082247/

u/sjioldboy — 11 days ago

BABYMETAL (9 times) is the joint-2nd topmost Summer Sonic regular

As cited on the right chart.

The left chart ranks the Fuji Rock festival regulars. The article itself noted that no performer is a frequenter at both events, with the closest being Boom Boom Satellites (14th for Fuji Rock, 34th for Summer Sonic).

BM played Fuji Rock just once (2016), where they fortuitously befriended RHCP after, according to Yui, the headliner came to watch their set from the side of the stage.

u/sjioldboy — 16 days ago
▲ 275 r/BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL to return to ROCK FOR PEOPLE 2027 (Czech Republic)?

No statement yet, but they've used Moa to publicize advanced ticket sales https://www.instagram.com/p/DbAd7uysmka/

Brilliant photo too. Found & added the uncaptioned version (for phone wallpaper enthusiasts).

Separately, BMTH Oliver Sykes also posted an Instagram Stories update of a toddler wearing a BM romper. Saved here https://x.com/sabrinaobero/status/2078843322907447639

Not sure if it's one of his twins (Grey or Zelia, if so) since I think the last shared snapshot of them was at the start of 2026. The tyke has a full mop of hair now.

u/sjioldboy — 30 days ago

Summer Sonic 2026 timetables, with BABYMETAL curating the Sonic 'Metal' Stage

L'Arc-en-Ciel, Jamiroquai, & BM are scheduled to go head-to-head on both days.

Alt-rock band Sapporo Bousho (札幌某所 "Somewhere in Sapporo") has also been added as the opening act for BM's Sonic Stage in Tokyo (Aug 16).

Bio [translated]: Based in Sapporo (Hokkaido), Sapporo Bousho is a teenage alternative band comprising of 19-year-olds. They began uploading their music to social media in 2024. The band was formed in 2022 when vocalist Kaito, who had been a 'ghost member' of his school's light music club, began writing original songs on his guitar while studying abroad in Canada. Their first single Saizensen (最前線 "Front Line"), featuring lyrics that reflect the true feelings and creative impulses of that formative age, quickly attracted attention after they debuted on the Sapporo live music scene. Since then, they have primarily focused on performances in their hometown, & after several personnel changes, have settled into their current lineup. In August 2025, they performed in the third round of the Tokyo live auditions for "Mynavi Senkou Riot 2025" (マイナビ閃光ライオット2025). Despite being eliminated, they were showcased in the School Of Lock-produced featurette "THE FIRST STEP Another Story: Documentary of Sapporo Bousho" which was uploaded into Youtube [now privated after I checked], and Saizensen also became the opening theme song for "Senkou Riot". Along with attending university, they have been actively performing live both within and outside Hokkaido, and is one of the most talked-about bands in the Sapporo music scene.

Many J-fans also noted the Mountain Stage timeslots for Tatsuya Kitani キタニタツヤ, which are scheduled in between Ave Mujica/Pendulum (Osaka) & Pendulum/MGK (Tokyo). His stage location is also nearby, particularly at Makuhari Messe, for a possible live team-up of Kasuka na Hana.

PassCode, Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas, Man With A Mission, Hanabie, Paledusk, Band-Maid, et al. will also be performing at the Tokyo-only Pacific Stage over the three days.

Source: https://www.summersonic.com/

u/sjioldboy — 1 month ago
▲ 131 r/BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL is headlining Cannonball Gaiden Day 2

Firstly, what cockamamie band logo is that? lol

Anyway, Metaraji buddies Macaroni Empitsu & Seikima-II are the headliners for the other two days. SiM & Maximum The Hormone are second-billed as well, which should incite a ruckus downstage on what will be a long holiday weekend.

The festival is in its second year, but the venue has been changed from Saitama Super Arena (closed for renovation) to the 15,000-seat Tokyo Ariake Arena. It is indoors, so summer heat or rainy weather won't be a factor.

No live streaming announced although I read that Nippon TV, one of the patrons, aired two special episodes of last year's edition on their music show "With Music" with some festival participants (including a rare appearance by MTH) sitting in the studio to recap their experiences. But the show ended its run this past March, so who knows. There was also local-radio & print-magazine coverage in 2025.

u/sjioldboy — 1 month ago
▲ 117 r/BABYMETAL

Mexican concert organizer MusicVibe promoting their end-year gig lineup

They billed BM alongside A Perfect Circle (a supergroup comprising musicians from Tool & Smashing Pumpkins amongst others), & ahead of veterans Deep Purple (who has scheduled three gigs) & Lamb Of God.

Chuffed to bits, given Bad Omens, Lamb of God & Poppy are the main draws for Knotfest Mexico 2026 at the same venue. BM chose to skip the latter (they'll still be in South America), possibly intentionally since both I Prevail & Bilmuri appear to have open schedules but are flying over to be BM's support acts.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DalSQX1GUyt/

u/sjioldboy — 1 month ago
▲ 107 r/BABYMETAL

BABYMETAL's 2012 food-court billing

Checking Japanese blogs, Su had announced BM's participation at the end of their TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL 2012 set (Aug 4), which was two weeks before Summer Sonic. BM also tweeted the info that day & on Aug 10:

https://x.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN/status/231731315014250497

https://x.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN/status/233855081567633408

The second tweet mentioned that they were scheduled to perform only ten minutes (6:10pm to 6:20pm) lol. A J-blogger said their set ended up delayed a bit on the day, before they entered carrying flags (to the 'Ride of the Valkyries' BGM), and then ran through the same songs as at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL:

  1. DDM / Iine! (medley)

  2. Headbanger (released a month prior)

  3. BABYMETAL DEATH (one-second gag version).

Left out were IDZ (then confined to Sakura Gakuin showcases only), Uki Uki Midnight (B-side to Headbanger), Kimi to Anime ga Mitai (the Kiba of Akika remake). They would bring all of them back for their next solo gig (Legend I), where they would premiere Akatsuki & Onedari Daisakusen as well.

They were then the youngest-ever performers at Summer Sonic (ages 13 & 14). Su also threw her fox mask to the audience, and announced their first overseas trip (Anime Festival Asia 2012) at the end. They then supposedly went off to watch Momoiro Clover Z, who was the opener at the RAINBOW Stage.

Summer Sonic was already sold-out when BM was added, so they expected a crowd of maybe 50 people already inside the venue. The actual attendance was never estimated, but judge for yourself in the pic BM tweeted:

https://x.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN/status/237183118077988864

Also, contrarily to some fan claims, Metallica's photographer Ross Halfin apparently didn't stumble upon BM's show at the food court & recommended them to Metallica. Instead, he only went to check out BM performing the next year's edition (2013) at Tokyo's Makuhari Messe (after seeing the 'Justic For Babymetal' tour T-shirt) & then urged Lars Ulrich to see for himself the next day at Osaka's Maishima Sonic Park.

u/sjioldboy — 2 months ago

KOBAMETAL x Naoki Shimizu: "14 Years since the food court: The current state of Summer Sonic and BABYMETAL" [translated]

u/sjioldboy — 2 months ago
▲ 194 r/BABYMETAL

[Re-up] Road of Resistance (DEAD POP FESTIVAL 2026 official live footage)

I have it now, so am deleting my other thread from yesterday.

Big thanks to the Bilibili uploader who just shared the 2 hour-long show, which was edited to showcase only one song for each performer (except for organizer/curator SiM of course).

Original BM segment is archived here for a month (until July 28 11pm): https://abema.tv/video/episode/806-1_s1_p102

u/sjioldboy — 2 months ago

Road of Resistance (DEAD POP FESTIVAL 2026 official live footage)

As you probably know by now, the show streamed only one BM song (Road of Resistance). So no Nao guesting on Gimme Choco.

Watch it here: https://abema.tv/video/episode/806-1_s1_p102

The 7:27-long clip is available for a month, until July 28 11pm Japan time.

Unfortunately, the content protection is very strong.

You can get pass the geo-restriction, eg. using Firefox's built-in VPN & set the location to Japan.

But the DRM encryption makes it unworkable to rip or screen-record. Can't even take simple screenshots or make gifs for prosperity's sake. All I got were black screens after trying several apps.

Maybe someone else can do better.

u/sjioldboy — 2 months ago

DEAD POP FESTIVAL 2026 trailer

The show is steaming later tonight (Sunday).

u/sjioldboy — 2 months ago