INDEX
Key Highlights and Confidence in Hospitality at rockin’on sonic
Considering that, could you share with us the key highlights of rockin’on sonic from your perspective?
Yamazaki： First and foremost, the headliner, Weezer. They are currently touring to recreate their highly popular The Blue Album (their debut album), and they’re sure to perform many of their tracks that are especially beloved in Japan. Rivers Cuomo is a huge fan of Japan, and he’s very familiar with Japanese culture and the tastes of the fans (laughs). I’m confident they’ll deliver a top-notch live performance tailored specifically for their Japanese audience.
(The Blue Album refers to Weezer’s debut album, which is named after the blue-colored cover.)
Yamazaki: The stage by Manic Street Preachers is another highlight. Their live performances have a power that truly makes you say, “This is what a legend looks like.” You’ll experience a stunning display of musicianship and vocals that young bands simply can’t replicate.
Yamazaki: Cigarettes After Sex is also a must-see. Their music has spread to younger generations through TikTok, but at their live shows, you can immerse yourself even more in their soothing sound and unique atmosphere. They’re a band that tours arenas overseas, so I think you can expect a stage performance with a great sense of scale.
Yamazaki: And I’d also like to mention The Lemon Twigs. Their music has a certain romantic quality, evoking the nostalgic rock sounds of the 1960s and 1970s. However, in contrast to that musical image, their live performances are full of energy and a mischievous vibe, and it’s that gap that makes them even more appealing.
By the way, is the decision to use Makuhari Messe as the venue and to hold the event at this time largely due to the ability to utilize the venue and infrastructure used for COUNTDOWN JAPAN?
Yamazaki： Yes, that’s correct. In addition to the appeal of Makuhari Messe as the venue itself, being able to directly utilize the infrastructure we use for COUNTDOWN JAPAN was a significant factor in making this festival possible.
Considering the current state of Western music, there are some limitations on attendance numbers. Therefore, in order to offer high-quality stages and facilities while keeping initial investment costs down, we concluded that leveraging existing infrastructure was the only way to proceed. As a result, I believe we can provide a well-rounded environment by making full use of the resources we’ve developed through COUNTDOWN JAPAN.
The festivals organized by rockin’on are well-known for their high level of hospitality. I remember being impressed when I attended COUNTDOWN JAPAN, thinking, “I can enjoy music until late at night in such a comfortable environment, even though it’s winter.” Will similar efforts be incorporated into this festival as well?
Yamazaki： Yes, we take pride in the infrastructure we’ve developed through COUNTDOWN JAPAN, and the food area, in particular, has received great reviews. We’ve even held a massive food festival called Manpaku that focuses solely on food. While the food area will be slightly smaller for this festival, we are utilizing the same infrastructure for rockin’on sonic.
Yamazaki: I believe that fans of Western music who have never attended a rockin’on festival will experience a bit of surprise and freshness. In that sense, I really hope they enjoy this festival.
Earlier, you mentioned “nostalgic” music. I’d like to ask you about that. Unlike experimental or avant-garde music, nostalgic music is often viewed as looking backward. How do you view enjoying such music?
Yamazaki： It’s true that, especially for those in their 40s and 50s, there is a strong belief that “rock must always evolve.” In that mindset, nostalgic or mature music is often undervalued. However, I believe that musical evolution isn’t just about moving forward—it also involves reevaluating the past and creating new value from it. There are times when our generation, advocating for “music that continues to evolve,” is faced with young people saying, “No, Oasis is the best!” I’ve noticed more and more of these “reversal phenomena.” We are now in an era where both avant-garde and nostalgic music can be enjoyed at the same time. I think that’s a wonderful change.
Certainly. Watching Weezer’s The Blue Album live, you’ll see a generation that experienced it in real time shedding tears, while younger audiences will be amazed, thinking, “Wow, this amazing album existed 30 years ago!” The space where these different generations coexist simultaneously is truly rich and special.
Yamazaki： If this were just a few years ago, a debut album reproduction tour would have been one of the most criticized ideas (laughs). People would say, “What’s the point of doing something so backward?” But perhaps we were too confined by the mindset that “rock must always keep evolving.” Of course, that idea isn’t wrong, but now it seems that enjoying music more freely is being recognized as a new way for rock to exist.
rockinʼon sonic
January 4, 2025 (Saturday)
- GALAXY STAGE
PULP / PRIMAL SCREAM / JIMMY EAT WORLD / FRIENDLY FIRES - COSMO STAGE
ST. VINCENT / WEDNESDAY / THE SNUTS / LUVCAT
January 5, 2025 (Sunday)
- GALAXY STAGE
WEEZER / DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE / MANIC STREET PREACHERS / THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN - COSMO STAGE
CIGARETTES AFTER SEX / THE LEMON TWIGS / DIGITALISM / MONOBLOC
Venue: Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall
- January 4: Doors open at 12:00 / Show starts at 13:30
- January 5: Doors open at 11:00 / Show starts at 12:30
Tickets:
1-day ticket ¥18,000 | 2-day pass ¥33,000
Organized by: rockin’on Japan / Makuhari Messe Co., Ltd.
Sponsored by: J-WAVE
Planning: rockin’on Japan
Produced and managed by: Creativeman Productions
Tickets: https://rockinonsonic.com/tickets/
Official website: https://rockinonsonic.com/
