Interviews posted to the band's official facebook had a tiny bit of uncertainty as to if the reunion was a permanent resurrection of the band or something a bit more fragile.
I arrived at the Hollywood Palladium exactly at two in the afternoon with my sister. The line was very short because it had been divided into VIP and General Admission. Waiting outside the venue fans were treated to what seemed to be an incredibly thorough sound check.
At 7 the VIP line was lead through the parking lot and to the doors of the venue. We were given vouchers for our shirts which had to be picked up before the show began in order to avoid missing out since it was part of the VIP package. We were than directed upstairs to get our VIP bags. The bags contained a letter thanking us for our support and a pamphlet signed by the band. It also included two wristbands, one white and one red. I met my sister at the barrier where she had been holding onto a spot for me. Front row in front of J and Inoran's side.
The show was incredible. I tried to keep telling myself I was really seeing them live, but it just felt so unreal. The setlist was perfect. Luna Sea has so many good songs it would have been impossible to hear them all that night, but their selection reached both ends of the spectrum. There was a nice balance between the newer songs and the well loved classics.
J and Shinya's drum and bass solo was really a treat. J's energy and charisma really shined through as he bounced around the stage.
SETLIST:
LOVELESS
Dejavu
SLAVE
END OF SORROW
TRUE BLUE
FACE TO FACE
gravity
RA-SE-N
Providence
GENESIS OF MIND
Drum Solo
Bass Solo
FATE
STORM
DESIRE
TIME IS DEAD
ROSIER
TONIGHT
Encore:
I for You
IN MY DREAM (WITH SHIVER)
WISH
setlist.fm
During Wish the members were all over the stage. Inoran came up to the crowd singing along to the words the crowd followed along with the chorus.
After Wish the members came back on stage, they were throwing towels, water bottles and picks out into the enthusiastic crowd. Sugizo took a few iPhone photos and all the members returned to the front of the stage. They joined hands and encouraged the fans to do the same. Together they took a bow. It might be a long shot but I do hope one day Luna Sea decides to return to the US. I would love to experience that kind of energy and excitement that only true anticipation can bring.
A few more photos of the event are posted here
Los Angeles Tour Shirt