BABYMETAL - MONOCHROME - LIVE AT PIA ARENA (JOHNNY REACTS)

[@Sfendo63]

The singer Suzuka Nakamoto is from Hiroshima. We all know what happened there, and their world turned to black and white in an instance. The town and the people survived the Ragnarok and bloomed into colors, like Suzuka, who now in her turn, is painting our monochrome world with her voice. This is how I like to conceive this particular song.

[@Just-a-Thought.]

I love your interpretation

[@yunametal344]

Thank you John for your wonderful reaction! I cried too because you cried 😭BABYMETAL has many fans regardless of age. I'm 18 now. I think John really enjoys BABYMETAL's songs, which means we are friends 🤘🦊

[@JohnnyReacts1]

This was a wonderful comment, thank you my friend!

[@jjs2351]

Babymetal (and Su, of course) has made me emotional many many times, and I am not one who gets emotional easily. Babymetal has literally put all of my lifetime favorite bands into the background for the last 10 years. I never get tired of them. I feel like they were a gift to me that I am so grateful for ! Su, Moa, Momo, (and of course Yui !) - all four of them - are jewels. Their hard work has paid off for them.

[@Icipher353]

Su-metal's greatest gift as a vocalist is her ability to express emotions across the language barrier. You don't need to understand a word of Japanese to know exactly what she is saying. The thing that seeing Su-metal on video doesnt prepare you for when you see her live is how overwhelming her stage presence is. She's only 5'2", but on stage she's ten feet tall. I was at PIA Arena for this performance and it was absolutely mesmerizing. When Su had us pull out our phones and ahe pulled Moa and Momo into a group hug and began to hum was the most amazing experience I've had at a concert.

[@charleslatora5750]

Yes. Truth. This song. All versions. Tears and smiles. Joyfulness.

[@martinmetal7481]

Great reaction really enjoyed it and the lyric video as well 👍 you are spoiling us . The reason i became a fan and stuck with BabyMetal is Su . Her vocals and chrisma just hooked me . Of cause Moa and Yui ( originally) performance also a reason to keep me a fan all these years and MoMo an excellent choice for 3rd spot after around 5 years showing her commitment to BabyMetal being rewarded. Seen this song performed 3 times now and gets me everytime a good feeling created within the audience . Saying that their is always a great feeling at their shows which you will find out soon 😁🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I felt I needed more, so was the main reason I did both.

[@martinmetal7481]

@JohnnyReacts1 The lyric video was first to be released, making you wonder how it would be performed . When the live was performed and Su did the takeout you phones part, the song felt so full of hope to me . Then, Su started humming it felt reassureing . 😁🤘🏼🦊

[@kitkat6407]

Thank you for your impressive reactions. SU-METAL is just a goddess.

[@RealStang]

I have never balled as much for a song as I did for this song. I think it's undoubtedly my favourite song ever. Babymetal has been my favourite band for a long long time! And they'll continue to be. The addition of Momo is amazing, she's bringing something completely new to them, and it just works! As for this song, yeah, as many comments have eluded, Suzuka is from Hiroshima, drawing strong connections to the atomic bomb that was dropped on the city. At least, that's what I believe the song to be about! thank you for this video, always makes me appreciate Babymetal more when someone else sees them and they drive a reaction!

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks for the comment!

[@martinbroten9467]

Great reaction. One of Su's super powers is the ability to reduce you to tears whenever she wants. I saw BM in Los Angeles last year, but seeing them in Japan must be spectacular. Enjoy. BTW, now you need to watch the "First Take" piano version of the song.

[@Hgoenge81]

5 minutes in and already great reaction! I think we can all relate to getting emotional during certain songs or moments. To Me the moments are plentiful. Easily overshadowing any other group personally. That's one of the reasons Babymetal is my favorite group, and it's not even close. Everything about them and their entire team is about positivity and you will never find them bringing anyone down or reacting angry towards critics or haters. They are truly wholesome and humble, which can be a rarity these days. Especially if you're in a very popular group. Kitsunes up and long live Babymetal! 🤘🏻🦊🤘🏻

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank You!

[@tevisstier9044]

When Su looks to Momo during the humming and is like "get in here" was probably one of the sweetest things. Momo had been one of the backup performers brought in to fill the slot after Yui left, and I think this was one of her first shows as a full member of the band.

[@justinbarnes8834]

Not one of. It was the night after she had been announced as the new member at the end of the previous nights concert. Momometals first performance as a full member.

[@tevisstier9044]

@@justinbarnes8834 i thought it might have been, but I wasn't 100% sure.

[@stevechevy3382]

Nice reaction. Whenever you think of Babymetal singing. "Just Smile". Babymetal because they make me happy. You hear about many of their fans talking about how they got them through some dark times in their lives. Got me through the darkness of the covid Lockdowns. The foxhole is deep and full of surprises.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

🥰

[@Mike-xh8fl]

You'll definitely see this live at Fox Fest - it's their current live show "anthem". I literally bawled during the phone lights section when they played this in Toronto - it was spine tingling. To this very day I can't get through a performance of "Starlight" at all without shedding a tear knowing it's about the loss of Mikio.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Looking forward to it, but I won't cry 🤣

[@rrahl]

You are in for so much enjoyment as you keep going with Babymetal, they are one of a kind amazing.

[@emperorchopchop7726]

As a longtime fan, it's incredible to see the band producing songs like Monochrome 10+ years into their career. On it's own as a song, it's beautiful. But more it's such a clear demonstration of how much better they've gotten over the years while still holding true to their core values. It's just the sort of mature, complex, hopeful music that a fan who's seen them grow up would hope they would be making in adulthood.

[@emb5091]

So true! I had wondered what direction they would go when they hit their 20s and I'm so glad that this is what they are doing now....and it still has that "BABYMETAL" feel.🤘🦊🤘

[@taziir443]

You are not the only one to react emotionally on hearing Monochrome ❤🦊🤘

[@Grington300]

Brilliant double reaction, thank you.🦊🤘Yes this is an incredibly beautiful song ... and I like that you were getting emotional right from the very start and even before Su started singing. The filming with the drones etc at the PIA Arena are amazing and really capture the moment. You were making the same connections and interpreting the visuals in the lyric video and most of us when we first heard it. I think that must have been semi deliberate, but I don't think it was meant to be as specific as we all made it ... there was also the fire bombing of Tokyo that killed over 100,000 people and I think I read the lyric video may have been released on or near the anniversary of that. Another thing that suggests maybe we were slightly misled or steered a certain way with the lyric video visuals is that Su-metal said she was very surprised that people were interpreting the song the way they were - she had thought of it as a really nice, uplifting song that was full of hope. The reference to Ragnarok doesn't really fit with the song being about Hiroshima or Nagasaki. I think it really is meant as a more general "things can get really dark, it may look like nothing is left, that there is no hope, no future ... but there is, light will return eventually. No matter how long the night, the morning will arrive." It may all be monochrome now, but we can imagine a colour in the sky ... we can paint the sky in rainbow colours ... we can illuminate the whole world in rainbow colours. 🌈 There is a piano version on The First Take (just Su, Moa three backing vocalists for the "whoa oh" parts), piano and strings ... and all recorded in just one take. That is beautiful again, but different again. Don't worry too much about when you see them at the weekend and hear songs you haven't reacted to yet - do reaction to those songs afterwards, each performance has its own magic and if you want you can relate back to your first experience hearing the song in person. I don't think anybody will have a problem with that.🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you so much for this comment! Yes, interpretation can be very personal. I did feel there was a mismatch between how I interpreted the music video and the song lyrics. I got a completely different feel with the music video, and although the visuals were beautifully haunting, they maybe influenced me too much towards the feeling of war.

[@Shoe-metal]

@@JohnnyReacts1 It is the video the Babymetal team created and released for the song, the "visualizer" of the music, so it is intended to be seen and felt.

[@TheEvilJade]

The tree in the song is Hibakujumoku (被爆樹木; also called survivor tree or A-bombed tree in English) is a Japanese term for a tree that survived the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945: hibaku, lit. 'bombed, A-bombed, nuked' and jumoku, lit. 'trees, woods'.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you for your comment!

[@triyadiwijaya1019]

I really like your reaction, just like you I also cried, like a proud father for his daughter

[@General_Cartman_Lee]

This was the song that got me into Babymetal. It was the first song I listened to when preparing to see them as supporting act for Sabaton last year. Monochrome was their most recent video. My first impression, even without knowing anything about BM, was that the song is about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I don't know where I've seen it before but I have the picture of a girl with an umbrella in a rain of bombs in my head. Also the colors fading is something I think survivors of the atomic bombs were talking about. And finally the image of the tree in the devastated landscape. There's a tree in a park in Hiroshima that survived the explosion. And in general it's a common image of hope and renewal. The lyrics might not be that specific but in combination with the visuals it points into that direction.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks for your wonderful comment!

[@JohnnyReacts1]

00:00 Intro 1:22 Monochrome Live at PIA Arena Reaction 13:06 Monochrome (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO) 23:59 End thoughts. Sorry about all the umms and arrs. 😥 I remember when I saw the image of the girl with the umbrella. Some students at school were making paper cranes for the Hiroshima Memorial, and one girl was drawing an image of a girl with an umbrella. Is there a connection?

[@Ganimal83]

There is somewhat of a connection, but more to contribute to the weight of the lyrics, versus actually about Hiroshima: *1).* Su is from Hiroshima, and the imagery on the video screens and from the MV depicts a ruined city, mushroom clouds, etc., reminescent of the bombing of Hiroshima. *2).* Lyrics speaks to the "star that shined that dissapeared", the "warmth of the love that vanished", followed by "the monochrome fireworks", representing a disastrous catastrophe in life destroying everything around you. You can see how the Hiroshima imagery adds to the weight of "a major catastrophe". *3).* While sad, the song is also hopeful. The protagonist increases in confidence from "how will we imagine the colors of the night sky" to "WE WILL paint the night sky in rainbow colors". Despite the "Ragnorak" (end of days), "tomorrow will come, so just smile". 🤘🦊

[@Yashannya]

now you've watch the MV . and Live version of monochrome. proceed to Monochrome Piano Version ( First Take )

[@steffenjachnow8176]

I don't know, but Suzuka was being born in Hiroshima and one or both of her grandparents were survivors of the bomb-drop.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

@@Ganimal83 Thank you for that explanation, that makes the video clearer now. It gives it more context and knowing Sue is from Hiroshima gives the song more impact.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

@@Yashannya no not seen that one, ill hunt it out.

[@Wolfpack94487]

Wonderful reaction! "Monochrome" is wonderful, too, isn´t it? And SO Metal, if you think about it. Expressing strong emotions through music and "dance", using VERY strong sound (Su-Metal´s voice included!) and motion. But contrary to "conservative" Metal, it is about hope (and love, for sure!). That´s why I always say, that BABYMETAL IS Metal without a doubt. "The Other Metal", if you wish 😄 Your facial expression while watching this little moment of "bad ass Su-Metal is getting emotional, too!!" was very sweet! She is a frikkin´ pro in doing the performances, but she is Suzuka Nakamoto, too. The sweet, sometimes dorky, music and singing nerd, who absolutely loves what she does. During the introductory part to the crowd participation you saw the sweetheart Su-Metal 😉 She loves and respects her crowds, too! The same goes for Moametal and Momometal. Both are pros in what they´re doing and they obviously love it. They love and respect the crowds as well! IMHO this performance is one showcase of what BABYMETAL is all about. Happy Metal, and all parties involved having a very good time together. Including you, obviously 😉

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you for this wonderful message.

[@cryptickitsune1876]

Something about Babymetal's music... and especially, their music within the context of live performances connects with the heart. It just cuts through the bullshit and delivers a very clear message of belonging and sincerity. Glad to see someone else get as emotional as I do when listening :)

[@わっしょい-x1r]

SU-METALの素直で無垢な歌い方とあなたの純粋な反応がとても好きです

[@JMxx6204]

Su is an amazing singer, performer and even more importantly a truly lovely person. Can’t praise her and the group enough. They get under your skin don’t they.

[@seregamolodets5286]

🍅💀🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼 " Just smile "

[@玄米中心の生活]

素敵なリアクションをありがとうございます。 私は57歳の日本人です。 貴方と同じように、毎回泣いてしまいます。

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you for your wonderful comment!

[@mr_ozio]

This song and video were released during the most difficult times for Ukraine. As a Russian citizen who left the country because of the war, feeling the hate for something I fled from, fought against, and despise more than anyone else-this song resonated with me deeply. I understand that the video isn't directly about these events, but it feels like it's about everything at once: a collapsing world, a sense of hopelessness, and the need to keep living, knowing that sooner or later, things will get better. It's so simple, yet so powerful, and it's exactly what we need right now. People can have different opinions about BABYMETAL, debate whether it's true metal or not, but this song is an emotional peak of everything I've experienced in music over the past few years.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Great reaction....one of my fav's too !!!!! Take a listen to the live version of Kagerou w/ Kami band intro...will absolutely blow your mind !!!

[@johnbedinghaus2390]

As a musician myself, I agree with so many of your observations. You're right on! Love it. I've shared a few tears over this song myself.

[@creep_ltx]

Greetings from Sweden, great reaction. Found and subscribed to your channel today. It's not only you, I cry whenever I hear this song. For me it touches something that gets me very emotional every time.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Many thanks!

[@road-runner]

Nice reaction, thanks! "Monohrome" is a really beautiful song and it has quickly become a fan favorite. My suggestion about the festival would be to know previously as many songs as you can. Because it's going to be an overwhelming experience. And being a concert in Japan, you also need to know the cues to chant or make a particular move. But being a festival it's probably not so important (in one of their solo concerts you would probably feel weird not knowing this). The lyric video is quite explicit visually. I've been in Hiroshima (Su's hometown) recently. And I can relate my personal experience there with the song and the lyrics. Despite all the devastation and pain, in the end, what moves us forward is hope and they want to represent the light and the color of our lives. Enjoy the festival! 🤘🦊

[@autohmae]

I mean, if it was Metrock 2015, you'd still feel kind of left out if you didn't know what was going on. 🙂

[@road-runner]

@@autohmae Yeah, that crowd is so freaking crazy! 😁

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Yes, being at the Peace Memorial Park really humbles you. There is a strange atmosphere there. I didn't feel good or bad being there, but it made me think deeply.

[@road-runner]

@@JohnnyReacts1 Absolutely! It was probably my weirdest experience ever. I even had a moment all alone (literally) at the National Peace Memorial Hall and it was incredible considering I'm not a religious or spiritual person. I admit not being the same person after that.

[@emb5091]

Great reaction! SUBSCRIBED! Keep doing what you're doing!🤘🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you!

[@derwolf9670]

Great reaction

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you!

[@rustytower8960]

It is about Hiroshima, which is Su's place of birth. The tree is real as it is one of the few that survived the bomb

[@robote7679]

Fantastic reaction. Su has a way of flooring us all everytime she sings. The joy on her face in this performance is-as they say-alone is worth the price of admission.

[@emb5091]

Welcome to "The One" my friend. Now you know why the fans have an almost cult-like loyalty or devotion to this group. They make us feel emotions of hope and positivity while being heavy as fck. For many of us, we are protective of them like they are our own daughters, neices, or granddaughters. I look forward to watching your journey, you have 60+ more songs, and 100s of videos to watch still!🤘🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks for your wonderful comment!

[@robertniemaier8944]

Hello Kitsunes 🦊, Suzuka's hometown is Hiroshima. Her grandmother is an atomic bomb survivor. The umbrella protects against the fallout afterwards (black rain).

[@adamdavis1252]

And leave it to Babymetal to make music that carries all the emotional weight of those bombings within a framework of hope and beauty.

[@jackpatterson7110]

Jeez, the music video really started to click with me with all the imagery, beautifully done... I love this song so much ❤❤

[@kurosaki5488]

私はBABYMETAL初心者ですがこの曲をじっくり聞くと感動します。私は日本人ですが、日本語として理解してるのは一部なので英語圏の方と違いはありません😅

[@paulwilkinson6011]

Wonderful reaction to a wonderfully beautiful song❤❤🦊🦊❤❤

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Many thanks!

[@emb5091]

Dont worry about seeing them perform songs at Fox Fest that you may not be able to do a "first reaction" to. They have 60+ songs worth reacting to and many of those songs have multiple videos that are still worth watching. For example "Headbanger" has a music video, plus the Legend 1997 concert video from about 10 years ago that you have to watch, and you should watch a recent live performance too, unless they perform that song at the Fox Fest, which they might do.🤘🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you!

[@rrcollier]

Wonderful reaction. Speaking for myself, I'd be happy to watch a 2nd time reaction to any songs you hear at foxfest, and to hear your comments on the fox fest experience of the songs. Subscribed! 🦊

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you!

[@JL-go3]

Great reaction brother 🔥🤘🦊🤘🔥 Those high pitch crackle/distortion parts, just before the guitars drop in,before the chorus, sound like the tapes from atomic testing footage when the EMP from the blast effects the recording. I don't know if it's intentional but it reminds me of something like that. Keep on rocking friends.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Nice observation. I love analyzing videos like this.

[@johnhansen7505]

Actually a really good analysis of the song. SU-METAL was born in Hiroshima

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks!

[@Codametal]

It's okay to be emotional. I got emotional when I first saw the lyric video. The performance you watched at the PIA arena is a flagship concert in Japan. The touring concert will be much simpler and scaled down.

[@donz_8549]

great reaction john...🦊🦊🦊

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Many thanks!

[@jakemuller8626]

Welcome back to the Foxhole and now with the new metalverse era🦊🤘🌐 Thanks for coming back with this suggestion. Monochrome is another beautiful track from latest album, it was the 2nd single released in November 2022 with the official visualizer you just saw and later in 2023 right before this live concert they released the Piano Version at The First Take surprising everyone with another stunning and beautiful one off stripped down version. The lyrics got some Norse mythology reference and when the lyrics vid came out there were many theories around, later they said they were surprised about it and saying they just wanna give a hopeful song. Here's some official info: _"One of the discovered 10 parallel worlds is MONOCHROME and this 2nd pre-release digital single “Monochrome” centers around this theme. From the eyes of the children, what color were the monochrome fireworks lighting up in the night sky? This song expresses the hopeful wish on Ragnarok, which signifies doomsday in Norse mythology, twinkling across the starry skies in rainbow colors."_ This was live at BabyMetal Begins - PIA Arena MM Clear Night, Yokohama on April 2, MomoMetal first concert as an official member (she's the new official member after YuiMetal left the group in 2018), you can notice SuMetal speaking to them in the middle section and giving that recognition. They got this magical moment when performing live in every setlist they did throughout the recent World Tour 2023/2024, get ready to take your phone out during this song at the Festival to light up this dark dsrk world.🤳 The composer behind this song is the same one behind Karate, Rondo Of Nightmare, Kagerou, the arrangement of Megitsune and also behind Believing from this same latest album, you should really not miss those songs. Next suggestion: - MAYA live at PIA Arena MM 2023 official MV. Like SuMetal said at the end: "Just smile".🙂 Keep enjoying BM songs and see you next time 🦊🤘🌈

[@autohmae]

I think it's best to suggest a song that they will actually perform, instead of Maya, how about Megitsune and Metali ?

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you for your wonderful comment and great information as always!

[@jakemuller8626]

@@autohmae MAYA is the second song most played after Monochrome from latest album during last year and current year live concerts, so most likely they're gonna play that song too, regardless I already recommend him Megitsune and METALI!! along with most played songs at recent World Tour 2023/2024.

[@MacTaipan]

Wow, this one got you good. I love seeing a reaction like that! Not sure what to tell you now, maybe better not to watch the much more emotional piano version. :-) Su has such a phenomenal power to bring the emotions across, in addition to her pure angelic voice. It's pretty safe to say that this song is many fans' favourite from the The Other One album. The song hits even harder if you know that Su was born in Hiroshima. The lyrics are very vague, as they often are with BABYMETAL, but the video doesn't leave much doubt that it's about the bombing. But it's BABYMETAL, so in the end there's always a hopeful look into the future with a smile.

[@autohmae]

If Hiroshima is a theme, which seems very likely based on the lyrics MV, it's definitely not the only theme. But I think the idea is especially meant as: symbolic.

[@CrashDeluxe]

Great reaction Johnny Boy, I didn't know your could cry lol, I never see before. Don't worry about you reaction, you do great! I love you liking BabyMetel so much!

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Crash! That's because you have never done anything to make me cry, yet... Love you Crash!

[@CrashDeluxe]

@@JohnnyReacts1 yet haha

[@thenormalman3409]

You also need to check out the trilogy of light, starlight shine arcadia to add to your playlist🎧

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Ok, ill add them to the list. 🦊

[@Shoe-metal]

Suzuka Nakamoto was born and raised in Hiroshima. I drew all the same conclusions you did from the lyric video. The lyrics themselves are far from direct about any such connection, though Raganarok stands out as a very unusual reference among them. Suzuka did not make that connection herself when she was first introduced to an early version of the song years before: _"When I first heard 'Monochrome', my impression was that it sounded rather 'light'. But when the lyric video was released, fans seemed to perceive it as a 'sad' song with a 'powerful message'. I think your impression of the song will change greatly depending on where you focus your attention, so I’d like you to empty your mind and listen to the song many times."_ - Nikkei Entertainment Magazine April 2023

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I think the video had a massive influence on how people interpreted the song.

[@faceplantor5647]

@@JohnnyReacts1 In true Babymetal fashion, they focus on the response to adversity rather than the event itself. It is a strong theme in many of their songs👊🏽⚡️🤘🏾🦊 One of the many reasons I love them.

[@karlrattray]

Great reaction, I love this show from start to finish and Monochrome live always make's me cry as well and I'm about your age, it's Su, see can do this to you, Listen to Akatsuki Legend 1997 unfinished and then Budakan Black night 2014 and she will have you crying again. Su and Moa did this as a piano version on the F1st Take that is amazing, I just love the last line, "Just Smile" Everything off the last album is grate and very varied and with it Su fulfilled her second dream after becoming a singer and she is now also a published song writer having written the lyrics to Devine Attack. When you watch that do the live version from this show. Keep them coming and I like the comparison. This was the fist night Momo was an official member after it was announced at the end of the previous nights show that she would be and the whole show was amazing even for BM 🤘🤘🤘🦊🦊🦊

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I enjoy doing these reactions, but because I want to capture my first feeling I always find I miss things I want to say and I feel I needed to speak more about the band and the music. I'm a sucker for the guitar and loved some of the guitar melodies in this song. I also wish I said more about Moa and Momo, again their dancing was spot on, and beautifully supported the song. I wasn't prepared for the feeling this song gave me, to be honest, I thought it was going to be another hard, heavy song. Brilliant.

[@karlrattray]

@@JohnnyReacts1 I like your reactions and it's hard with BM to cover everything as they are a performance and not just like a normal band, the band are a group of some of the best session musicians I've ever heard known as the Kami band. They do quite a few intro's where they all get to solo and show off what they can do musically without the girls so the girls can take a couple of minutes breather. Yava is a masterpiece but Rondo of Nightmare really is amazing (Budakan Black Night 2014) Boh plays one of the most increasable bass solo's I've seen in 45 years of going to to see and collecting music and Su's solo performance is outstanding. I would recommend you react to Matal! Featuring Tom Morrello (Live) and there new single before the weekend as they will play those 2 as new singles and the new one that comes out on Thursday is with Electric Callbay and they are playing Fox Fest I think you may well get to see them do it together just a couple of days after it's release. You say Su keeps surprising you wait till you get to BxMxC live and then you can see the other end of her range though the highs she manages to hit effortlessly on From Dusk till Dawn are ridiculous but then she can hold a crowd kneeling on the floor and worshipping her for minutes at a time on Headbanger. In a BM crowd you are part of the performance, you will be the One and as such you have lines to sing. I could go on forever but I have to be up for work tomorrow. Looking forward to your next one.🤘🤘🤘🦊🦊🦊

[@IAMisLove]

👍👍Awesomely awesome performance. This performance hits me in the feels, no matter how often I watch it.🥲 Please give all the details of your experiences at the festival. 🦊🦊🦊 🖖❤

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Many thanks!

[@kenji69-o4x]

I am always watching from Japan! Oh, what beautiful tears. I also had a drop of tear in my eye. Thank you very much.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

No, thank you for your wonderful message!

[@rustytower8960]

John, you should also react to the version of Monochrome from the "One Take " channel, also known as the Piano version. (Make sure you have tissues)

[@celt0203]

Perhaps it not told yet. The theme is about Hiroshima, the town were Su is born.

[@es4941]

You like crying? Try monochrome piano version. 🎉

[@jimmiedement9221]

Great reaction I'm just amazed how clear the video of babymetal was like true 8k or something

[@Yashannya]

indeed it's a emotional song. but in the end . just smile. check for No Rain No rainbow ( Legend S ) don't hold back your tears. cause we won't

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I love it. It's so good.

[@ksbrst2010]

It is a nearly oerfect Song and this was zhe first time with thenee Metal Momo, so there were still negotiations how tightbmust Momo be , for how long.

[@08080oasi]

私も初めて聞いた時、泣けたー😭

[@babymetalversearg]

Oh, man! I really want to give you a hug 🫂 this is a incredible and emotional song! I cried too the first time I heard it🥹 New subscriber from 🇦🇷

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks so much ❤

[@martingonzalezgarcia9568]

Es una hermosa canción 🤘🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I agree, I love it.

[@chrisharris1522]

A lot of us thought the same as you when we first saw the video, which was how the song was released. Su later said that she thought the song was very uplifting and positive so she was surprised at how fans were interpreting it. I think the song is positive as she said but whoever made this video added their interpretation into it with the obvious Hiroshima images, mushroom clouds, burnt out city, the umbrella girl, the acid rain, the survivor tree and I think even the flower was one of the first to bloom after the event. I feel the overall message is that even when some catastrophe strikes your life and takes away your hopes and dreams for the future, by clinging to those dreams, maintaining a positive outlook and enduring the cold dark times you can eventually make it through to the new day and make your dreams a reality again

[@brianmassey7563]

Give the first take version a try if you like emotional. Great reaction and keep up the good work.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I did, not long after this one.

[@Ganimal83]

Great reaction! Don't worry about "ruining" first reactions because you were attending a Babymetal concert 🤣. We won't hold it against you, lol. With that said, you'll probably want to do a few more reactions of songs before the actual show: *Brand New Day:* This song features Tim Hansen and Scott LePage from Polyphia, who will also be at Fox Fest. We expect to see them perform this song live for the first time! *Ratatata:* This is a new single releasing May 23rd, and is a collab with Electric Callboy, who will also be at Fox Fest. You'll probably want to do a 1st reaction to this before the show, as they will most likely play this together live. *Babymetal Death:* Legend 1997 version is absolutely the best. It's their typical show opener (although at Legend 1997, it was a closer). *Megitsune, Headbanger, Pa Pa Ya!!, and Distortion:* These are some of their staple songs at shows. But if you don't have time before the show, no worries. Look forward to more Babymetal, and enjoy Fox Fest!! 🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Wow, so many people are mentioning different songs, lol it will be hard to do all.

[@Ganimal83]

@@JohnnyReacts1 haha, don’t worry man! If you had to choose, I definitely say Brand New Day, and the new single with Electric Callboy out on the 23rd. Just so your thing and enjoy the ride! 🤘🦊

[@Will_I_am59]

Nice reaction :) I knew you'd like this one. It's not uncommon to get teary eyed listening to BabyMetal, happens to me all the time. There's something about Su's voice that just tugs at your heart. I'm glad you're going to get to see them soon. Maybe you could look up what songs they're doing on their set list and go from there? There are a few that, as far as I know, they do almost every show. One is 'Megitsune', a real rocker from their first album. You should definitely check out the studio version before the live one for that or you'll never get what the break is about towards the end. Same thing with the songs 'Iine' (iine, pronounced E-nay) and Karate. There are things that happen in those songs that you won't understand what is going on if you just watch the live versions. There's another called 'Doki-Doki Morning' which was their first single from the first album. The one that started it all. It's a 'Must See' for any BabyMetal fan. Enjoy the ride :)

[@JohnnyReacts1]

This is not just a favorite BabyMetal song of mine but easily in my top 20 all-time great songs, loved it!

[@Will_I_am59]

@@JohnnyReacts1 I really can't pick a favorite. Like a lot of people say it's whatever one I'm listening to at the time :) They have so many great songs and you've barely scratched the surface. I almost envy you, hearing them all for the first time. You have a lot of great moments coming up, enjoy!

[@beakermeepmeep]

Newer BM converts are noticeably embracing the emotional power of Monochrome, just like jaded metalheads previously did with Road of Resistance during the second half of last decade. I detect a lot of prog metal in this track. It's a subgenre that still has its gatekeepers, over past BM songs like Tales Of The Destinies, The One, Syncopation, Believing, Mirror Mirror, even Rondo Of Nightmare & Brand New Day. Finally, we get Monochrome which wholly resonates, hitting all the marks & feels, to shut them up. BTW Polyphia said in a new Rolling Stone Japan interview that they finally met BM in person (unfortunately only briefly) at last year's Aftershock Festival & are looking forward to FOX_FEST this weekend. Hopefully, they'll perform BND together & the sound visuals can give a more uplifting perspective (since prog is meant to be listened to & experienced live in person).

[@JohnnyReacts1]

So many recommendations lol

[@Shoe-metal]

@@JohnnyReacts1 Brand New Day would be special, as a pre-existing collaboration song between Babymetal and Polyphia. If they perform it together live - they never have - it would likely be at FOX_FEST and probably during Polyphia's set since their gear will be set up on stage for their part which is all instrumental. So if you watch it in advance you'll be familiar with it _if_ it happens and you are there for it, but there's no guarantee they will perform it together. Whereas there are Babymetal standbys you can watch in advance which will be likely to be played during Babymetal's set.

[@jeffschreifels8651]

I think you comment at 23:02 hit the nail right on the head. For me, that is what the song is about. The imagery is just the setting to make the point that life sucks sometimes. Of course, that doesn't mean other interpretations are wrong.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you. I got very different feelings from the first to the second reaction, so shows you how much the music video can change how you feel, in a good or bad way. I enjoyed both, but I think i preferred the live version more.

[@Dragonstar-Metal]

@JohnnyReacts1 Monochrome currently three versions. (LIVE and LYRIC, which you watched and also the Piano version from the F1rst Take KZbin channel) Each version is amazing, and I feel like they are 3 totally separate songs that I will watch each time they come up in my video playlist.

[@lppsychogamer]

It is best to always react to Babymetal videos that are from the "PIA Arena" they have the best atmosphere

[@kennethyoung8639]

In a world where mediocrity is the norm. Baby Metal stands out. Saw them live last fall, I swear I stood through their entire set with my mouth hanging open. I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing. The work these ladies put in to prepare for a tour is incomprehensible to me and Su's live vocals may be the best I've ever heard. They never fail to put a smile on my face.

[@johnschultz7765]

Even Su- was a bit overwhelmed by the emotion on this one at 11:14 . The studio recording is from some 5 years prior to its release. Su- said she thought it a lighter song and was surprised by fan interpretations of the lyric video. Yes, Su- is from Hiroshima and has a survivor grandparent, but she did not write this song or create the lyric video. Certainly, with the lyrics referencing Ragnarök there is some validity to having cataclysmic events come to mind. For those of us who are Su- admirers/worshippers/stans, it is because of the emotion she conveys while singing that she is queen. Truly, the girl who loves to sing most. And producer Kobametal knows how to get a song to support and reinforce that. Great reaction. Love the double header. Do give the piano version a listen from The First Take channel. Always more Babymetal, forever. 🤘🦊

[@kitkat6407]

You have written succinctly all that I have to say.😊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you for your wonderful comment! Yes I will hunt and react to the piano version soon!

[@autohmae]

Yeah, 11:14 is where I often break.

[@Slytherkins]

🤘🦊🤘

[@jonabitstream]

Good reactors all cry sometimes watching them perform. The song is about the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima in WWII (the "monochrome firework" was what the bomb's explosion looked like from a distance). Perhaps coincidentally, Su is from Hiroshima. The tree you see in the video is found somewhere near where the bomb detonated and the tree survived. It's a memorial now. You might enjoy their "First Take" performance of this song.

[@emb5091]

That theory about the meaning behind the song has never been confirmed (by the way, I thought it was about that too) and only came about due to the visuals in the music video, not the lyrics, other than the word "ragnarok". Even Su said in an interview that she was surprised how people interpreted the song because she thought it was a light hearted song.

[@jonabitstream]

@@emb5091 I’ve also read that when Su was told about the WWII connection, she understood, realizing its deeper meanings. She was born well after that tragedy and may have lived her life unaware of it up to that moment. However, whoever wrote these lyrics knew, as well as whoever designed the video. It cannot be mistaken.

[@Ryujin170]

@@jonabitstream Yuyoyuppe wrote the song. Check out his solo and Vocaloid works, you will find a connection to Babymetal's music. His song 'hope' is similar to this, positivity in the face of adversity. It's 50/50 whether the lyrics are about Hiroshima. If they were i'm sure Su would have been told straight away. The video does suggest this though but even that is subjective.

[@emb5091]

@@jonabitstream That makes sense. Basically everything BABYMETAL does is usually thoroughly thought out and has a purpose. Reminds me of an interview for an article where the girls talked about when they did BABYMETAL BEGINS - THE OTHER ONE at PIA ARENA MM last year, they were surprised no one really caught the fact that "MM" was for Momometal.🤘🦊🤘

[@autohmae]

I think it's important to see the lyrics MV as symbolic, not the only theme of the song.

[@meimemeime]

ありがとう！ BM is better live than on studio recordings, but as for Monochrome, I highly recommend seeing the official music video and the piano version of "The First Take". I think each of these can be interpreted in a completely different way. I am sure that at FOX FEST they will perform the song with ELECTRIC CALLBOY, I hope they will make it into a music video like BMTH did. There are many old uncles crying in the audience at every song, so please go into the world of BM with all your might and enjoy FOX FEST. 🔥🤘🦊 From🇯🇵

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Will do, and I react to the official music video at the end of this reaction.

[@meimemeime]

@@JohnnyReacts1 I always translate the comments with translation software and look at them as I write them, so I'm early. Sorry, I also watched the music video part, and I too think the music video is made to remind people of WW2, since SU-METAL is from Hiroshima. The colored tree at the end is interpreted to be a Phoenix Trees that survived the atomic bombing.

[@kevinzamorajuarez9950]

nose cuantos años tendra jhonny reacts pero senti lo mismo cuando escuche por primera vez monochrome

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Old

[@Dragonstar-Metal]

Beautiful reaction! A lot of BABYMETAL songs get me emotional as well. I swear Su-Metal could sing me the dictionary, and I would have tears in my eyes. Listening to your reaction, all I can think of is that you might enjoy watching Professsor AJ Hartley analysis of Monochrome. He is a fellow fan who has analysed many BABYMETAL songs and has opened up ideas of BABYMETAL that I never thought about as possibilities of what the songs could be trying to portray. It has made me appreciate BABYMETAL even more. I'm happy but jealous that you will get to experience BABYMETAL live at Fox-Fest. I know you will have an amazing time. I was lucky to see BABYMETAL in Toronto last September at a small venue (about 4000). I was at the barricade a few feet from the stage and able to have a tiny interaction with Moa. It was the most physically and emotional experience I ever had. Right now, it still feels like a dream. Enjoy yourself! 🤘🦊🤘

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Ill check him out, thank you!

[@autohmae]

Thanks for this reaction. Babymetal is a silly idea on paper, but they grew into a powerhouse at delivering performances with emotions, some are energetic, some more like this. The latest album has less 'kawaii culture', which feels like they are losing something, but the latest song Metali reminds us, that album wasn't meant to be their direction, just a side story. 6:50 breath control, breath control, breath control, fans make memes and funny comics about it. 🙂 it's astonishing. From someone who has been watching Babymetal reaction videos since 2015... watching what happens on stage is more important than the lyrics, actually can be a distraction, Babymetal already hits enough sensors, often times we are kind of overloaded with it. The lyrics (especially translated) you can read after.

[@autohmae]

The song is goes from dark/sad to hopeful, a common Babymetal theme in different ways. And the MV does hint towards bombs and Hiroshima... I do think it's meant to be especially symbolic, like the umbrellas instead of paratroopers. As at least 1 comment already pointed out, Suzuka/Su-chan/Su-metal is from Hiroshima, at least 1 of her grandparents is a survivor. Their is an old forum post for English fans, but a Japanese fan, it was an 'open class' event by the group Babymetal was born from, they are a school themed J-pop group, which is why the following text mentions students and school, etc. Sakura Gakuin aka SG aka often translated as Cherry Blossom Academy is however meant as a training group for the most talented girls in the company. Sadly we do not have a recording of this event at all ! 😞 Su-chan's presentation on SG open school in 2013 (self.BABYMETAL) submitted 9 years ago by Dokoiko It's about Su-chan and less of BM though good to know she is what she is. And my begging. Please, please do not start arguring about... you'll know. This is a convination of translation of event reports from this site and that site Event title: Archaeology of songs @ Sakura Gakuin open school 2013/2/23 Title : Shimauta (a song of island) by THE BOOM, 1993 Presenter : Nakamoto Suzuka In this school each of five students on the stage picked up one song released before their birthday, learned its meaning and background to make a presentation in five minutes per student, then sing the song a cappella with no handclaps along. Suzuka picked up Shimauta, a song of a band from Okinawa. It sounded a decent choice at the time. She began from the line: "I often grab an image of songs by color. Which color do you imagine from this song? It's crisp blue of the sky and sea of Okinawa for me at first. But on my way of leaning what Shimauta really means, it's image began to change." Then she continued with lyrics on whiteboard. Sunshine tree bloomed, flowers brought in a wind, here came the storm (The flower, believed to bring in a disaster, was there and the battle broke out) Flowers everywhere, brought in a wind, here came the storm Recurring sorrows, like waves, to the island (Battles popped everywhere along flowers, swept all over the island like brutal waves in a storm) In sugar cane forrest we met ever Under sugar canes we separated forever (We met in a field then, about to end in a shelter under the field now) A song of island, ride on a wind, fly over the sea, with these birds A song of island, ride on a wind, bring my tears to, far over there (Our song, please fly over the sea with our souls and let people in main land know our sorrow) Battle of Okinawa lasted from 3/26 to 6/20 in 1945 with over 200,000 casualties and losses, both sides combined. "The song also has such a meaning" she said and proceeded to a reason why she pick up the song... She is a native of Hiroshima. So 8.6 is a special day for her, she said. All students there learn a lot about it in years, sometimes met with its survivors. Also it is a school day in a dead middle of 40-days summer break to observe a silent prayer. Whole the city also does the same. Local media play special programs on the day. She is so used to this and thinks it the same for others. Then last year it happened. She was in Tokyo on the day. She turned on TV and stood still waiting for 8:15. But daily programs kept going, passing the time and no prayer broadcasted. Olympic games in London was along the way and Japanese medalists on the tube. She was way confused. Then she got messages on her phone. She told members of Sakura Gakuin yesterday that today was the day so all of us observed a silent prayer at the moment. They wrote: "I woke up early and observed a silent prayer on time!" "I missed the time but observed a silent prayer afterword!" She felt delight. Her word did reached to them. She thought she could do not so much now. What she could do was to tell people around her or make presentations to small group of people, and it's not a big thing. So, she wanted to be a singer, a great singer enough to reach to way more people, to share something important, she said in a decisive tone. Then she sang. I lost my mind completely. Her voice was compared to none. Top tier in Japanese [idols] definitely. All of her feeling came into me directly. A song from the girl who wish a peace of the world did shake all of 200 attendees there, deeply. I had never made a sigh with listening anyone singing before and found myself shedding tears on my right cheek. A full of applause never, never ceased.

[@kitkat6407]

@@autohmae 🙏

[@JohnnyReacts1]

@@autohmae wow, thank you so much for this. I really enjoyed reading and learning from your comments.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks for the comment. It is a beautiful song.

[@birdbranch]

This song is about the bombing of Hiroshima where SU is from. She lost her grandparents in the bombing. So this song means alit to her. ❤❤❤ I love Anthony Barones drumming. Moa and Momoko amazing dancers and singers. And the choreography by Mikiko. And Su’s stamina comes from her running on treadmills for hours and singing at the same time. And yes. It is a very emotional song. Makes my eyes tear up as well. Great reaction. And one thing that differ BM live shows is that they use drone filming. And one thing is that in most arena shows in Japan you are. It alowed to use you mobile phone during concerts. That why people was hesitant to take out there phones when SU asks them to. Love from Sweden.

[@i.shuuya3231]

They've never given "official" interpretations for any of their songs. In this album, they're purposefully made to evoke multiple meanings. This interpretation is totally valid though, specially given the imagery associated with it. But again, it's just one of the many possible interpretations (and some can be deeply personal to the listener).

[@Grington300]

I understand one of her grandparents was actually a survivor rather than Su losing her grandparents in the bombing - it would make more sense considering her age too.

[@martinmetal7481]

​@Grington300, that's what I read too 😁🤘🏼🦊

[@kylec1411]

This is loosely based on Japan being bombed. This song is emotionally charged tho. Sometimes sorrow and sometimes happiness. It effects me both ways too. :)

[@brutalshow3364]

🤘🇺🇦❤️🦊🔥

[@stevenparkerbrown8656]

Please do not stress too much about hearing the songs at FOX_FEST before reacting to them here. If you happen to hear a song at the concert before you react to it here, I think you could just tell us about what you experienced when you heard it at the concert. That being said, I strongly recommend reacting to live versions of Megistune and BABYMETAL Death before the concert so that you know what to do at the concert during the crowd interaction. There is plenty of content to react to from BABYMETAL alone, even if you hear a dozen songs at the concert, with various special performances, video guides, and time the women spent together as children in Sakura Gakuin. Also, there is a vast world of other music besides BABYMETAL that I look forward to seeing you react to. Yes, the women are in phenomenal shape, especially Moa who has on rare occasions sung a song (or part of a song) by herself despite doing all the choreography as well. Also, great reaction to the music video. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I really enjoyed almost all of The Other One album, so I think you will enjoy most of the songs from that album as well. I cannot wait to see more.

[@stevenparkerbrown8656]

I forgot to mention: Headbanger is one you should hear before the concert as well; it has a lot of fan interaction. While not a reaction classic, there is a live performance recording of the 2023 concert at Makuhari which does a good job showing the modern crowd involvement.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Magic, thank you for your kind comments!

[@regaubade8329]

WW2 impressions, you got it. This is about Hiroshima, the umbrella and rain, and the tree and flower of life, Su was born there.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

She was born there? It makes it even more personal to her.

[@johnschultz7765]

@JohnnyReacts1 , perhaps recently, but Su- said in an interview she was surprised by that fan interpretation as she had considered it a lighter song.

[@marcmacinnis6610]

Honestly I think it doesn't matter because in a lot of cases what we're looking for is your reaction to THAT particular performance, not necessarily just the song itself. There's how many different headbanger versions and each one is different. Another case in point is this video... there' a piano version from first take, and you should react to that as well, same song, totally different experience.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thank you. Ill hunt the piano version out!

[@josephdoo]

😎😎😎🤘🤘🤘

[@jimnusbaum3589]

Su is from Hiroshima.

[@rexeros8825]

To be fair, it must be said that at concerts her voice sometimes trembles a little. But this is fixed when recording on blu-ray (to make them more enjoyable to listen to, I suppose). If you listen to fancams or non-blue-ray videos, you can hear the real voice with all the mistakes.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

Thanks for your comment, I will find out this coming Sunday!

[@martinmetal7481]

There are not that many mistakes, but they make her more human😁❤️🤘🏼🦊

[@ronlawrence4706]

Su claims another victim

[@DJMichelangelo1]

Your instincts are right on, Johnny. Sumetal was born in Hiroshima. Her great-grandmother was a survivor of the nuclear bomb blast there. The lyrics and theme are based on a poem her great-grandmother wrote about that terrible experience and then she gave the poem to Su who wrote the song (ie. "Even the bright star that was shining yesterday"). All those horrors (the blast, the radioactive rain, the fallout, the destroyed citiscape, etc.) are stylized in the lyrics, music and images in this specific lyric video. And the nexus of all this centers on the word "Monochrome": the closest English word-translation to describe the terrible experience of having seen the nuclear blast and - if you survived - having your vision permanently impaired to only see in B&W the rest of your life because your damaged eyes can no longer see in color. Babymetal has a penchant for using these themes in their songs. Another song is "Gimme Chocolate" another experience from Sumetal's great-grandmother's youth: after World War II and the armistice was signed, American G.I.'s oversaw the reconstruction of Japan under the Marshal Plan from 1945-1947. Malnourished Japanese orphans would swarm friendly G.I's and say, "Gimme Chocolate! Gimme Chocolate!", since the soldiers always carried lots of chocolate bars to give to the little kidlets.

[@rickwagner-]

Su didn't write either the lyrics or the music for this song. The lyrics are by MK-METAL (Mikii Watanabe). The music & arrangement are by YUPPEMETAL (Takehiro Mamiya). Su was quite surprised that people considered this song to be a sad or dark one.

[@Shoe-metal]

Suzuka wrote the lyrics to Divine Attack, and that is so far the only one. The lyrics to Monochrome were written by MK-METAL (Miki Watanabe). Suzuka was not involved in its writing and is on record as saying she only thought of it as a "light" song before the fan reaction to the lyric video. But _now,_ performing it live, during audience interaction with the phone lights she has on occasion said "Help bring some light into this dark, dark world."

[@DJMichelangelo1]

@@rickwagner- thanks for the correction, Rick.

[@DJMichelangelo1]

@@Shoe-metal thanks for the correction, Shoe.

[@JohnnyReacts1]

I got those feelingsI didn't from the video, but didnt get anything like that from the live version. Just shows you how much the imagery can influence you.

[@dantheman9228]

Subbed just for the tears lol does it to me as well ,i recommended you do Akatsuki live from legend 97 on another vid well if you do have that box of hankies ready as you are going to need them 🤣

[@dantheman9228]

look past language just feel and you will find you dont need to know Japanese 🦊🦊

[@kc28kenneth]

🤘🦊🤘