Michael Jackson/Hyogo, Japan 1987

In the Showa era, there was no such thing as the Internet, and it was common for trends from other countries to arrive later. Michael Jackson’s worldwide breakthrough was “THRILLER,” but in our country it was suddenly called “BAD.” The concert in Japan with the album and Michael’s stay in Japan lasted more than a month, and it was a social phenomenon that far exceeded the framework of a mere artist’s visit to Japan. I can’t even imagine what happened now. In Japan in the 1980s, the visit of VIPs from overseas, not just artists, became a big event. What made his visit to Japan in 1987, which was nicknamed “Michael Typhoon,” leave such a strong impression was not only the length of his stay and the fact that it was his first visit to Japan since his worldwide breakthrough, but most importantly, his visit to Japan left such a strong impression. The fact that the day performance was broadcast is a big deal. As was the case with the Beatles in 1966, performances in Japan that became a social phenomenon can only be passed down to future generations if they are recorded. As for Michael, the footage of Yokohama Stadium on September 27th plays a major role, and it reigns as a symbol of the “BAD” period, not to mention the Japanese performance. The DVD “JAPAN TOUR 1987 YOKOHAMA STADIUM” contains this standard video in the best quality and has become a best seller since its release. As for sound sources, the masterpiece CD-R set “GREATEST MOMENTS IN THE EAST” has been released, which unearths the FM broadcast on the 26th and the valuable audience recording of Korakuen Stadium on the 13th. In particular, this set received high praise for the fact that it unearthed all the materials from the performance in Japan other than the standard footage from the 27th. “BAD Japan Tour”・September 11th-14th: Korakuen Stadium *Dress rehearsal on the 11th, GREATEST MOMENTS IN THE EAST on the 13th・September 19-21st: Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium ←★Here★・September 25-27 , October 3 & 4: Yokohama Stadium *26th GREATEST MOMENTS IN THE EAST, 27th “JAPAN TOUR 1987 YOKOHAMA STADIUM” ・October 10th – 12th: Osaka Stadium And this time, newly discovered areas of Korakuen and Yokohama Stadium Audience recording of September 21st from the performance at Nishinomiya Stadium held between! In the 1987 performance in Japan, where the material had been limited to the Kanto performance until now, a sound source that captured the Kansai performance was finally discovered. This alone can be said to be a historical excavation that will excite enthusiasts not only in Japan but all over the world. What’s more, the sound quality is excellent. Even if it doesn’t reach the level of being described as “just like a sound board,” the sound image is very on. Yet, the expansive sense of presence that is typical of an outdoor stadium concert is truly realistic and clear. Also, the freshness is outstanding. It’s nice to be able to capture the feverishness of those around you at this time without being sarcastic. After all, you don’t want to hear a recording of an audience in a lively performance in Japan where the surroundings are quiet, right? LOL In the familiar scene from “She’s Out of My Life” where Michael interacts with a lucky fan, it’s funny to see the reactions of the fans (especially the women), who are both happy and sad. There must have been quite a few Western music fans around, and after “Beat It,” there were so many people murmuring, “She looks like Ann Lennox,” probably referring to Jennifer Batten’s appearance when she played the solo. in her 80’s. The sound quality is really clear, so you can even hear Michael’s breathing, such as the intro of “Workin’ Day and Night” that starts with his signature scat, and you can even feel the carnal feel of Michael’s powerful singing voice throughout the whole song. Even without the spectacular stage production like the Yokohama video, the sound alone is overwhelming. I can’t help but realize that this is truly his peak, and that he came to Japan at the best possible time. Japan is currently under threat from the coronavirus, but in Japan in 1987, a different kind of incident occurred frequently, and the scene where Michael expresses his condolences to the victims in the encore is a scene from earlier. Although he was impressively captured in live footage, it was at Nishinomiya Stadium that he began to convey this message. This scene also vividly captures Michael speaking to the silent venue. “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” begins with such a quiet atmosphere, and it is now valuable that young Sheryl Crow sings passionately. However, in the finale, “Bad,” Michael almost shouts “Tokyo” after “Domo Alligato,” but hastily stops himself with “To…”. Michael, who had accidentally let out “Tokyo” on the first day of Nishinomiya Stadium, was able to dodge it on this day. On the contrary, from then on, he only called out “Arigato” over and over and never mentioned the place name (lol). It was a common mistake at Western music concerts at the time, but it’s funny that even Michael, the world’s greatest, almost made it. This is a shocking excavation recording that not only enthusiasts but also all music fans want in terms of both sound quality and content. This is a document of the Showa era that is more than just an audience album! Live at Hankyu Nishinomiya Stadium, Nishinomiya, Japan 21st September 1987 TRULY PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (41;10) 1. Intro 2. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ 3. Things I Do for You 4. Off the Wall 5. Human Nature 6. This Place Hotel 7. She’s Out of My Life 8. I Want You Back / The Love You Save / I’ll Be There 9. Rock With You Disc 2 (65:05) 1. Lovely One 2 . Bad Groove 3. Workin’ Day and Night 4. Beat It 5. Billie Jean 6. Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) 7. Thriller 8. MC 9. I Just Can’t Stop Loving You 10. Bad Michael Jackson – lead vocals Greg Phillinganes – keyboards Rory Kaplan – keyboards Christopher Currell – Synclavier, guitar Ricky Lawson – Drums, percussion Jennifer Batten – guitar Jon Clark – guitar Don Boyette – bass Kevin Dorsey – Background vocals Darryl Phinnessee – Background vocals Dorian Holley – Background vocals Sheryl Crow – Background vocals