Band-Maid HATE? Reaction | This Band Has Some Groove

Another viewer request! I had never heard of Band-Maid before someone asked me to check them out and now I'm kicking myself for not having heard them before. The drummer defines the pocket and the back and forth section with the lead guitarist and bassist is ON POINT!
Thanks for getting In The Pit! Have a song you think I would like? Leave a comment below and if I haven't heard it, I'll add it to the list.
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[@inthepitwithsteve]

Thanks for all the awesome feedback and filling me on things about the band. Lots of stuff got suggested in terms of songs to check out. I will do my best to get as many as I can added to my list!

[@zinoviylubman5553]

Somebody said: BAND MAID is the musical gift to the world and it is 100% true!!!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

BAND-MAID don't have a pit but they do have a damn deep "Pigeon hole" to dive into. It's one helluva leap into awesomeness :)

[@crabuki1273]

Curated by the man, the myth, the GD legend, Gary Holloway!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@crabuki1273 You don't have to keep writing nice things about me GG....🤔 but don't let that stop you.🤗

[@crabuki1273]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I'm just doing my part to spread the word of the Garyverse

[@topographic1973ify]

This IS them playing live. Best rock band on the planet.

[@DeanF_MIDI]

The band ranges from 30 years old (Saiki - lead singer) to 33 years old (Akane - Drummer). They been together for 10.5 years.... with the same lineup since August of 2013.

[@snowdog5895]

Congratulations on discovering the #1 band in the world today! Enjoy the ride!! 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂🕊

[@curtisrrobles7885]

💯% agree 🤙🏽

[@Space_Ranger]

This has an extended solo for live. They do that in a lot of their live shows. They want to make sure you get something special. Don't You Tell Me also has an extended bass-guitar solo.

[@DeanF_MIDI]

This song is from the 2022 EP "Unleash". Their new yet-unnamed album is due for a summer 2024 release.

[@shirato39]

Yes, dueling from bass solo is a bonus for concerts. They extend their intros and solos for concerts. Fans who come to the concert will get a special treat. Since there were 33 songs played at this concert, extended versions of many songs were played.

[@johnmatthew102]

Thanks for your kind comments about the costumes. Some people don't get that the maid motif is seen throughout Japanese popular culture and entertainment and signifies servitude (to their fans in this case) rather than submissiveness. "Welcome Home Masters And Princesses"

[@philproffitt8363]

Well said. And if someone focusses on the costumes more than the music...well...they're missing out on the good stuff.

[@jeremydawkins8814]

The stars of the show are BAND-MAID. No egos here.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Have you had any luck on the fruities recently, Jeremy?

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I haven't been back yet took my winnings and ran.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jeremydawkins8814 Very wise but don't lie, it's only cos your awesome sofa is too comfortable to get off of.😉

[@jeremydawkins8814]

@@GaryHolloway-810 haha yes it is very comfy.

[@_DriveTime]

Their solos are a bit more like, say, Rush than typical rock solos. What Rush called a "band solo". And I love it. No matter what you listen to, it is interesting.

[@k3w1b3an5]

They are not an idol Band. Rhythm guitarist Miku was a pop idol wannabe that went to her management with the idea of this concept. She found the lead guitarist (Kanami) who had demo videos on the internet. Kanami's close friend was the drummer Akane. Akane knew the very talented bassist Misa who joined the band. They are extremely talented musicians that found each other.

[@tsunami-lightwave9395]

Then, to complete the story, after a few months of playing as a 4-piece with Miku doing vocals, she realized her voice wasn't quite right for the hard rock sound they wanted so she stepped back to do backup vocals and had auditions for a lead singer and thus found Saiki. But they were worried she wouldn't want to join if she knew about the maid costume concept so they didn't tell her about that until just before their first gig together. They realized they needed a rhythm guitar so it was decided that Miku would take that on even though she had never played before. Kanami, the lead guitarist became her teacher and she basically learned to play on stage. The comradery of the group group and complete lack of ego of Miku who gladly stepped back from the lead position of the band she started for the sake of the group as a whole is truly special.

[@NomadFlow]

"They are not an idol Band." You're using this term ("idol Band") as if anyone outside of Asian circles knows that means. No one in the Western world uses the term "idol" in the way that Asian music industries use it. Also, even if a band is an "idol band" that doesn't mean anything negative. Some people happened to have found each other to be in a band through a music label. There are different roads that lead to the same place.

[@philproffitt8363]

​@@NomadFlowHe just stated a fact...they weren't formed in an idol band process. You assumed negative connotation and everyone in the west with a television surely understands the terminology.

[@ASR1nc]

The manager found Kanami online and told Miku, who asked him to contact her. Luckily she knew Akane, Akane knew MISA, and after that they found Saiki. But everything was ok'd by management. It's kinda common for fans to romanticize the group's story but you can't really believe that the management would let a 21 year old girl from a failed idol group put together a band without oversight. BM is not a garage band. There's nothing wrong with that.

[@NomadFlow]

@@philproffitt8363 First of all, no. The term "idol band" is not a term used by native English speakers. That is a term invented in Asian countries by borrowing the English word "idol" and using with a different meaning. You clearly are not a native English speaker if you thought that that was a native English term. And second, in the way that he worded his comment he did, whether he meant to or not, imply a negative connotation with so called "idol bands.".

[@user-ii1ke9ex4u]

Band-Maid appeared in the Netflix series Kate, where they played themselves. The group has 6 albums

[@jeffersoncosgrove1910]

I would still call them eight albums, whether some call it an EP or not. I don't think Linkin Park ever had an album longer than 30-32 minutes.

[@NomadFlow]

"Band-Maid appeared in the Netflix series Kate" It wasn't a series it was a movie.

[@DAVID-io9nj]

Thanks for the intelligent, perceptive comments. The guitar bass exchange was added on. In fact, a common remark about lead guitarist Kanami's solos in their regular studio versions is"too short". They self describe as a hard rock band, but tends to wander all over many styles. A good example is their 2 songs in one video of Manners, and Black Hole. Bluesy rock to frantic punk?

[@Davey-Boyd]

Welcome to Band-Maid! The best hard rock band I have heard in my 58 years on this planet. They don't stick to any one genre and often mix genres in songs. They are extremely diverse and have an extensive back catalogue featuring Punk, Pop-Punk, Hard-Rock, Classic Rock, Metal, Prog, Blues, Jazz, Groove, Rap etc. From face melting 220 bpm punk-prog to ballads, instrumentals to acoustics they do it all. They can make you headbang, they can make you pogo, they can make you cry like a baby. They are also five of the nicest people in music, without a shred of ego. They are funny and fun and world class musicians to boot. They are currently into their 11th year with the original line up. The ladies are now all in their 30's. Btw, Miku the rhythm guitarist (red rose) formed the band. She had the idea of Band-Maid after working as a maid in Japanese maid cafe's. Her idea is a concept called "The Gap" - that is what you see (cute maids) is NOT what you get (Hard Rock/Punk/Metal). They take the maid café concept literally. They call their concerts "servings" and their fans "Masters and Princesses". Oh, and Miku is an 810 year old small pigeon. Welcome to the pigeon hole Po!

[@ericifune5543]

They frequently change up songs for live performances. Makes you want to go to all their shows. Many in Japan have been to over 100 live shows. A few over 200.

[@dazedandconfused318]

This was their 10th Anniversary finale at Yokohama Arena and yes they are all 30 +/- 1

[@DeanF_MIDI]

Saiki 30 MISA 31 Miku, Kanami 32 Akane 33

[@miqoto]

Thanks for reacting to our favorite band! They did this live(was streamed online at the venue) quality of their performance has been consistent over the years. Initially people thought it was studio magic, but theyve proved its not. Even on fancams you can tell its real.

[@Kevin6059]

Thanks for reacting to the maids! As a 60 plus year old guy with a music background, it's just really nice to see a current band that actually has high level skills. Plus, if you keep checking them out you'll find that their songwriting is even better. This song does not have the extended solo section in the studio version - it was added for live performance. In fact this band is a "live band" all the way, and their shows tend to be very audience interactive and super fun. They don't shy away from complexity either - they are constantly working hard to improve and have been for ten years now. (This show as just released on Blu-Ray, is over 3 hours long with 33 songs, and is truly excellent!) It would take me ten pages to say everything i want about these five ladies, but they have been a source of uplifting vibes and inspiration to get off my ass and practice for five years now. You'll find their fanbase very loyal but also very friendly and supportive. Their early stuff tends to be more of that 70's classic rock sound with a fatter guitar sound, and their later material tends to be extremely dense and in general more complex. But they were great from the get go, as evidenced by early tracks like Yolo, Moratorium, etc. They genre hop more than any band I can recall - even in the same song. Prog rock, metal, classic rock, pop/punk, beautiful ballads - they're all there in their mammoth 140 or whatever song catalogue. Lastly, they're the type of band and people that you just really want to root for - they work their butts off, they push the envelope, they write in parts for audience participation, etc. They started organically, not like Babymetal, and they have come from nowhere playing tiny venues to this huge show. But that took ten years, and they are all close to 30 years old now. You don't go to a Band-Maid show and just stand there with a stoic expression on your face. Miku will climb off the stage and slap you around if you do!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Awesomely said, Kevin.😌👍

[@Kevin6059]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I had excellent inspiration!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Kevin6059 Where can i find this mythical person?😯

[@Kevin6059]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Shhh... It's not a person really. It's an 810 year old pigeon☮️🐦😉

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Kevin6059 The fabled small pigeon never ages a day does she.😁

[@tedmaire1599]

This was the final show of their 10th anniversary tour. They're all in the 30-32 age range. This song is from 2023.

[@bocatampere]

10 years and 120+ songs of pure greatness 🔥🤘 Best liveband in this planet. Lovin’ Band-Maid 🤘🔥❤️🇫🇮

[@BM4-Life]

🐦 *In The Pit With Steve* 🐦 Welcome to the world of *BAND-MAID* (2013 - Present) A group of 5 young ladies from Japan that will rock your world: *Miku Kobato* (Kuruppo) = Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar *(Po!)* *Saiki Atsumi* (Sai-Chan) = Lead Vocals *Kanami Tono* (Kanamincho) = Lead Guitarist *Akane Hirose* (A-Chan) = Drummer *MISA* (MISA, MISA, MISA) = Bassist If you wish to continue down this Pigeon Hole 😊 you will enjoy over 100+ great songs you will start saying to yourself “This is my favorite *BAND-MAID* song”. _(No joke Po!)_ Below is a list of songs that will get you started *Choose Me(MV) - 2018* *Dice(MV) - 2018* *Real Existence Live - Zepp Tokyo 2018* *Blooming(MV) - 2019* *ONSET - Zepp Tokyo 2018* (instrumental) I discovered *BAND-MAID* in 2019 and came to a realization that *BAND-MAID* more then just a rock band they are a band that does not have any boundaries and is willing experiment into different genre from (Blues, Rock, Punk and Jazz) and a lot of fans including me would say “you got to check out their live videos” from: *2017-STUDIO COAST* *2018-Zepp Tokyo* *2020-LINE CUBE SHIBUYA* *2021-BAND-MAID ONLINE ACOUSTIC* In the end I realize that *BAND-MAID* more then just a band but a band that cares about each other and their fan base and in October of 2022 I had a fortune of experiencing them live and with that *BAND-MAID* cemented their Legacy into my heart. Rock On! 🤘 *100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back…*

[@paulpetersen879]

These girls are fantastic. The absolute best band on the planet. 10 years of great music with hopefully at least 20 more years ahead. Love the Maids!

[@jasonnord785]

Love this band! One of my favorites of the last couple decades. Many, many more great songs from them.

[@user-ii1ke9ex4u]

This is a close-knit group, at the beginning of their existence they even edited the stage themselves, so they went through everything. They write the music and songs themselves, their catalog contains about 100 songs, and the set list changes at concerts. Solos are mostly at live concerts, and everyone has them, I recommend the solo of the drummer in the song Freedom

[@Jonas_S_]

Not overly tall women, but not Babymetal tiny ;) MISA(Bass) - 171cm (5'7.3" in outdated mesurements) Akane(Drums) - 168cm (5'6") Saiki(Vocal) - 163cm (5'4.1") Kanami(Lead Guitar) - 158cm (5'2.2") Miku(Rhythm Guitar/Vocal) - 155cm (5'1")

[@GaryHolloway-810]

What do you mean "Outdated measurements" you metric traitor you.🤨

[@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd]

Interesting to note that as the band added members each new member got progressively taller. (Except Saiki who makes up for the aberration by wearing the highest heels!) 😊

[@Jonas_S_]

@@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd Haha you're right, I never noticed that 😄

[@garykeeling2275]

@@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd Lol, yep!

[@modelsfan]

Best hard rock band

[@jenssweden3621]

Congratulations you just found the best band on the planet 🔥🔥🔥🔥🤘🎎🤘🎎

[@Jackgtd2]

Nice reaction! Hate is from their 2022 EP “Unleash”. Best thing that came out of being locked down during Covid for me was discovering these ladies. They have quite a deep and diverse catalog. Hard to pin them down to any specific genre as they pull from so many styles. Hard rock generally sums them up though. They can be wonderfully nostalgic yet are fresh and innovative. Hope you explore more of them. Best of all they always make me smile.

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

They have been moving away from maid outfit. Now it is only the rhythm guitarists and backup singer Miku and the drummer Akane that has maid outfits. BTW - the founder of the band is Miku, also known as the pigeon. She is the master mind behind it all. She worked in a maid cafe when she had the idea to form a hard rock band with a maid theme. And they all wore proper maid outfits in the beginning, except maybe the singer Saki. She came later, when Miku decided they needed a stronger singer than herself.

[@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd]

Now only 60% of the band wears maid outfits. LOL. You have a great eye for detail, brother Roland!

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

@@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd Nope, actually only 40%, its only Miku and Akane.

[@chrisegbertky]

​@rolandkarlsson7072 not to be a nerd but Akane"s outfit is based on a page boy (remember tiny hat).Miku is the classic kawaii maid cafe get-up but Kanami sports an English frumpy maid ensemble or did. Now I'm not so sure since she has turned into Dark Mincho.

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

@@chrisegbertky OK, I wondered about Akane's outfit. So, it has nothing to do with Maid Cafés. Good to know. Akane is a bit weird :) In a good way. They all are BTW. And I love them.

[@k3w1b3an5]

Thank you for reacting to the greatest rock band on the planet. Check out "From Now On' when you get a chance.

[@JohnGioffredi-gi7zd]

I second K3W’s recommendation of “from now on” by BAND-MAID. I think it really shows what the MAIDS can do when they get intense. It’s an instrumental.

[@roqy]

They’ve been writing and arranging all their own music since 2016 or so and do whatever they want. Sometimes there are echos of four or five genres in a single song.

[@jeffragar3493]

When they started they all wore maid-type clothes. A set of outfits lasts about a year then they are all replaced at once. Miku has retained the original style. Kanami is still in maid style with her dresses getting progressively longer. The others have evolved according to their personality - Akane's bellboy look, Misa's ninja assassin, and Saiki's queen.

[@JayDavisAtHome]

I'm old and I've heard many fantastic bands over my many years. Countless bands have released great songs but none have released as many as Band Maid. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say they are truly a miracle. The reason I think they are the best rock band in history is not only their songs but their Humanity. I honestly mean better than the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and so many more. The previous all have great songs but they have many that I skip over. Not so with Band Maid. Those other bands have nothing regarding their Humanity and love for their fans like Band Maid does. As far as I can remember none of those other bands have ever written songs dedicated to their fans. I love them because they have brought music back into my life. I had given up on music many years ago because it wasn't interesting and didn't appeal to me. I wish they would have come out 30 years ago so I would be able to hear 30+ years of Band-Maid. Thank you Band Maid for existing. I dearly love each and everyone of you.

[@asicdathens]

Yes, the solos are extended for the live. The studio version is short

[@elliott8339]

Thanks for the reaction and comments. These ladies are FIRE!!!!! They exude pure joy and energy. Not more to say than what's already been said. Check out Play!, Domination, Moratorium, Real Existence (all official live videos) to start. If you want to check out a studio recording, check out Shambles, Blooming, or From Now On. Cheers!

[@loumunga]

The bassist MISA is actually 5’7” she just has a big ass bass!

[@RebornThroughHate]

Dude, from the looks of it, you're the Tsar of Dunkin Donuts.

[@PANIC_aka_PinD]

Roger strikes again! ... our MAIDs thank you ;) .

[@mkoose]

Hey Steve, welcome to the world of Band-Maid. Glad to have you on this journey !

[@philproffitt8363]

You got it down in the first pause/chat...they don't pander...they just make their very own classic rock. 10 years in and no sign of them running out of ideas. As a 70s kid I adore them as much as any classic rock band...more so because they're fresh and Now 👌🔥🤘🤘🤘

[@Maidiac88]

Thanks for reacting to the greatest hard rock band in the world. I've seen and listened to a huge number of rock/metal artists in my life, starting in the 80s and not many have affected me as much as Band-Maid. Their talent and overwhelming joy are infectious and the connection they have with their fans and each other is incredible. I've been privileged to see them live twice and am waiting impatiently for them to return to the States. I hope you react to more of their music or at least check some out on your own.

[@evilducks3710]

Band Maid has been around a little over a decade. Miku is the band founder (the one most dressed like a Maid in this video) and worked in a maid cafe when she came up with the idea for the band. All of the terminology you were iffy on is from Maid Cafe’s (Masters and Princesses, Servings, etc.) so, it goes with the theme. The fans refer to themselves as Maidiacs usually. Or at least the English speakers. This song is from 2022, they’re pretty prolific in their output and usually release something nearly every year. Though last year was almost all touring for their anniversary. I think you might enjoy the music videos for Shambles or Warning from them as well.

[@crabuki1273]

With BAND-MAID, anytime you hear a guitar solo, there's probably effectively a bass solo and/or a drum solo going on at the same time. And it works. Hate was a B-side on their extended play "Unleash!!!" I say that, but there aren't too many songs of theirs I listen to and think, "Meh." They have a song they wrote for a Tokyo University Rainbow 6 tourney called "Hibana" that's a banger, but just exists (like Hate) as an add-on for a single. Everyone's tastes are different, but for my brain's musical preferences, BAND-MAID are dead solid perfect. New album coming this year, it's very exciting!

[@crabuki1273]

Roger Chance strikes again!

[@dazedandconfused318]

Akane's kit is Tama Starclassic Bubinga, with a Ludwig Black Beauty snare (although she uses others as well), Zildjen cymbals, Wincent 5B sticks, she has signature sticks that for some unfathomable reason were only available in Japan

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Thanking you.😌👍

[@Davey-Boyd]

Second time commenting (my last one disappeared). Akane's signature sticks are available worldwide. Each batch sells out really fast though. I'm from the UK, I bought three sets online from Japan.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@Davey-Boyd OMG kawaii Davey has six arms. 😲

[@dazedandconfused318]

@@Davey-Boyd Where from, I tried but couldn't find anyone that shipped overseas

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Six arms and no drum kit! 😆

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Im a drummer too.....and I hate to tell you....Akane doesn't make style mistakes.....Just ask Jimmy page about her. This is the Band maid style. Don't make broad idiotic comments when you have heard one songs !!!!

[@sugaanessena3143]

Welcome to the Maidiacs, Steve Roger🤘🤘

[@falconsooner]

You are a good reactor! The song was from their 2022 EP Unleash. They are a bit hard to pin down genre rise. Overall genre is hard rock but the incorporate metal, punk, pop, funk, blues and also have mellower ballady songs. They have written the vast majority of their songs. The bass/guitar battle was added for the performance. Since you like drums you might enjoy the recent Don't You Tell Me Live. There is a very atmosphris bass/guitar call and response section in that which is very different than the one in Hate. What the drummer (Akane) does in helping create the atmosphere is very impressive and sublime IMO. If you want see what they can do instrumentally then the MV for From Now On is a good one. Definitely leans towards the Metal side of things and some good shots of the drummer.

[@bettyyu-h5q]

when they first started out....many did not believe they played their own instruments. I believe Konami the lead guitarist had to prove on you tube she was legit by playing a cover of One OK rock.....lol

[@davidcanty7903]

They possess one of the greatest rhythm sections in music right now. The Drummer Akane and Bassist MISA are ungodly duo and the best of friends off stage.

[@neilyamashita4348]

And akane's favorite Tom she named emily!❤

[@Puyax01]

They are all between 30 and 32 years old.

[@garykeeling2275]

Most of them are. Akane turned 33 back in December.

[@mrwolfe67]

They have been playing since their early 20's. They are all in their early 30's. Check out their live video called "don't you tell me" or "Play". They are incredible live.

[@Dragetize]

Nah the Bass is just big. The bassist is around 5’7 Edit: it’s a 5 string bass so it’s bigger than the usual

[@britwill72jp]

Welcome to Band-Maid! That fantastic drummer is a Jimmy Page certified! Overplaying? no no, they do it on purpose. They don't step back as long as it makes the song sound better. Try "Manners/Blackhole" 2 in 1 official live. You'll see this band is the grooviest today🤟

[@danmolnar402]

Band-Maid released three other live videos from this Yokohama 10th anniversary concert that you can watch. You'll get some sense of their range from those videos but they have a huge catalog at this point with great songs going back years. Misa on bass, Kanami on lead guitar and Akane on drums are definitely music nerds - playing since they were children and went to college for music. Saiki on lead vocals and Miku (band founder) had been singing since they were young and Miku started playing rhythm guitar (no guitar background) soon after the band formed (taught by Kanami). They compose and arrange their own music and kill it playing live.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

"HATE?" is from their 2022 EP 'Unleash'. While touring in 2023, they improvised and added in the guitar/bass duel which they introduced at Lollapalooza in Chicago. I saw them in Detroit and Columbus, Ohio in May, 2023. They put on a great live show at any size venue. This video is from their Tenth Anniversary Tour Final, a concert these ladies had been planning for well over a year. It's the largest venue they had ever played and they wanted to pull out all the stops: new costumes, huge set, lighting, special presentations - it was a huge 3+ hour show and was live streamed internationally. In Band-Maid every member gets to be a 'Rock Star' and they back each other up. So when Misa is doing her bass solo she has Akane (her bestie from college) backing her up and you'll hear Miku on rhythm interjecting too. Misa plays a Black Cloud Bass and is well known for her ability to transition seamlessly between pick, slap, and finger style. Kanami Tono plays PRS guitars and is the band's composition leader. Rhythm guitar/vocalist Miku Kobato plays Zemaitis guitars and is the band's primary lyricist, writing in both English and Japanese. Miku's side project is 'Cluppo' where she is a pop singer. Saiki is Band-Maid's lead vocalist. She wrote the lyrics for "HATE?" and she plays keyboard occasionally. Saiki usually steps to the back when the others are soloing. Akane uses Tama drums, Ziljan cymbals, DW pedals.

[@zer0tzer0]

BAND-MAID consider themselves to be Hard Rock, but they're Genre Jumpers with many influences. Each song is different but still uniquely BAND-MAID. Sometimes more than one influence in the same song they can shapeshift through Rock, Punk, Funk, Power Pop, Jazz and Metal in the blink of an eye, even Acoustic Ballads, Classical and Japanese Traditional! So do forget to check out their April Fool''s Day Alter Ego, BAND-MAIKO. Band Founder, Miku on Ryhthm Guitar and Backing Vocals writes the lyric, but on this song it was Lead Vocalist Saiki. She really did not like somebody, though nobody seems to know who it was. Akane "The Beast" Hirose, aka Gorilla, plays a TAMA kit.

[@crabuki1273]

A signed Yuji Nagata towel, that's a deep dive.

[@inthepitwithsteve]

One of the best ever!

[@kla4600]

I caught BAND-MAID live last August, in the USA. A smaller venue, so I got to watch the HATE? guitar-bass exchange from about ten feet away. It's built-out from one of their lesser known songs (no music video), as a fan pleaser and a chance to show off one of Kanami and MISA's guitar-bass battles. They did at Lollapalooza, too. My first time to your channel. And Subscribed. Thank you! I'm grateful for some thoughtful and educated content, and I hope you'll dig into J-metal at times. You're not in, yet. BAND-MAID is rock. So some requests... I'm catching another Japanese band live, this May. And I dare you to check them out. HANABIE. Who will be at Lollapalooza this year, I think, too. You have the background to comment on them. Start with "We Love Sweets" or "Otaku Lovely Densetsu". Their sound is Harajukucore. You can figure out what that means. That said, if you've never heard of Maximum the Hormone, you really ought to check them out, maybe first. A band more active in 2000-2015 or so, though they still make music. Members of BAND-MAID, HANABIE, Nemophila and numerous other bands got into music, precisely inspired by Maximum the Hormone. They are metalcore, at its most creative. I suggest "Yoshu Fukushu" or "Zetsubou Billy" music videos.

[@MusicMike747]

Band Maid! ❤ This is a typical stellar live performance for them. However, as a melodic, blues rock guy, I love some of their other songs much better. And you bet their tight. They spent a season in their own self-imposed version of boot camp. They lived together, practiced, ate, slept, and practiced more. They can all stop on a dime together, brilliantly transition from one dynamic level to the next, and their use of the strategic musical rest is exceptional. The more you explore their back catalog, the more you’ll find them at the point of the spear and following no one. However, if you have good ears, you’ll pick up certain phrasings, certain tones, or other tidbits that harken back to seventies rock. Or postmodern punk. Or alt rock. Or even surf rock, which I get from Kanami’s solo here in “Hate?” If you’re a drummer, here are the songs that are noteworthy because of what Akane does behind her Tama kit. 1) “Onset,” official live 2) “DICE,” music video 3) “Warning!” music video 4) “Play,” official live 5) “Shambles,” music video

[@GaryHolloway-810]

OMG, women from Japan speaking Japanese. And all this time there's me thinking they were from Nigeria.😏

[@DeanF_MIDI]

Hey Gary.... why haven't you commented on my last several covers? Are you boycotting me? 😀

[@jeremydawkins8814]

Can you repeat that? I didn't understand.😁

[@myeckwaters]

Just because you keep sending your banking details to Kanami doesn't mean they're Nigerian. And Princess is just a term of affection.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

​@@myeckwaters 😢 Surely you lie?

[@GaryHolloway-810]

​@@DeanF_MIDIDean let me get around to it. I didn't even know you'd uploaded anything yet, i've been in hospital for a heart operation & then recovering at home. I'm only just starting to catch up on the weeks i've missed now. I would never forsake you.😔

[@thisismadness6962]

So, it's kinda their thing to be busy, but mostly in a good way. All their stuff is orchestrated, no jams, and the drummer writes her part last (the lead guitar/songwriter programs a placeholder in the original demo). The drummer tries to support the solos dynamically rather than just rhythmically, It mostly works really well. For and a great example, check out From Now On. The extended solo part in Hate was created for this live performance, capping their 10 year anniversary tour. Could be the process was different for the added section. For busy in a good way, check out Black Hole Official Live Video (on a two song video with Manners).

[@glenkelley6799]

Great first reaction and others have filled you in about the show and song. If you continue to react to this band you'll discover that they are all excellent musicians. New sub and looking forward to more Band-Maid (each new song will become your favorite).

[@hookstrpd]

I'd suggest for you "No God" the instrumental version. I know you like Saiki, as do we all, but the cool thing about their white room instrumentals is you can both see and hear the instruments so well, including the drums (Tama). It's not on their official channel but on the Instrumental Maid channel, which posts from official instrumental and concert DVDs -- they seem to tolerate and perhaps appreciate Instrumental Maid. I do!

[@SagaciousTwo]

I am a longtime fan, over three years. Allow me to answer some of your questions, voiced or unvoiced. Akane plays exclusively Tama and zildjan. The maids never play the same concert twice. Every one has different songs added and deleted. They add in a lot of unique intros and often add extra solo time for whichever instruments want them. in the studio version this song has a short talk between the bass and guitar, on this concert they extended it and then did it exactly the same three weeks later. They are flat out phenominal.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Watch "From Now On" to see Band-Maid perform face melting metal. They perform it LIVE.

[@ljupcotanushoski2154]

I love to see new reactors. Good job bro. Check out other metal Japanese all-female groups like "Lovebites" and "Nemophila"

[@grahamreed8774]

Great reaction- on the money with your interpretations. Band has been together for 10 years- Singer -(Saiki- Blue Rose). Solos are ofter added to their songs. mostly bass (Misa) or guitar (Kanami), but there is the occasional drum solo (Akane) and the backing singer (Miku- Band Founder- Red Rose) get a few solo songs in a set too. Others have already told you the history. Drummer Akane- Tama kit, Vincent 5A sticks.

[@SO.CAL-D.Edwards]

On June 12th Band Maid is playing a show in Japan with a band called. "THE WARNING" if you've never heard The Warning you're in for a wonderful experience.. 3 sister's from Mexico..ages 19, 22, 24 have been a band for 10 years..All 3 sing (in English) At the 2023 Drumeo Awards the drummer won Rock Drummer of the Year. This is the best live band I've seen in 25yrs. try THE WARNING "HELL YOU CALL A DREAM" LIVE AT THE PEPSI CENTER CDMX..or DUST TO DUST LIVE AT TEATRO METROPOLITAN CDMX 2022. You'll thank me & the music Gods for finding them..💯%💥🤘🎶✌️

[@joebarrera9741]

THIS SING IS A GEM❤❤❤❤❤

[@jkkansasband7056]

Thanks Steve. There are many obnoxious and too long guitar solos in the history of rock music that can be called noodling. Kanami is not one of them. So now I'm not sure if you'll enjoy my favorite BAND-MAID song FROM NOW ON (the MV) but that's my choice. How about a power ballad? DAYDREAMING. Or take a gander at Akane's longest drum solo on video FREEDOM-LIVE. With over 120 songs in their 10 year catalog that will be at least a start down the pigeon hole. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Peace. 27

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Kanami likes noodles but not noodling :)

[@bretcrooks4207]

@@GaryHolloway-810true but not as much as the gorilla lmao

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@bretcrooks4207 Even truer.😁

[@bretcrooks4207]

@@GaryHolloway-810 tadhaill

[@bretcrooks4207]

@@GaryHolloway-810 sorry for confusing you with a bit of Irish 😂

[@JaimeMartin724]

You’re a drummer, you say? Then I highly recommend Freedom, official live video! There’s a nice drum feature in there. And you get to see some of their personalities as they interact with each other. Enjoy the ride! If you keep reacting to them, the Maidiacs will come!

[@tonygriffin_]

THE best Hard Rock band on Earth. Think that covers everything. Maybe I'll add that this was the 27th song of a 33 song set.

[@TheVleckChannel]

Also present in the audience were three members of Lovebites, who I also recommend you check out. I'm frankly shocked by the amount of musical talent and excellence from the two bands in one space didn't cause a tear in the time/space continuum.

[@davidcanty7903]

Height wise they range from 5'1 for the rhythm guitarist, band found and backing vocalist Miku to 5'7 for the bassist MISA who plays barefoot

[@paullow3377]

Hate? was released in September 2022 from the EP Unleash.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Welcome, Steve. You are embarking on (along with many others - nearly 200 million YT views plus over 40 million reactor plays!) an awesome, progressive, hard-rock journey with 5 incredible women. Here's my intro blurb for those who may be new to Band-Maid: BAND-MAID’s songs and sound beat with the heart and soul of all rockers. But you’ll also hear heavy influences of Prog, Punk, Metal and Pop, with nice touches of Blues, Jazz, Funk and Grunge. Sometimes they use multiple genres within the same song. Their Composition, Execution, Joy of Playing, Consistency (130+ songs), Uniqueness, Charisma, Charm and, oh yeah, Cuteness factor, position them as becoming the hard rock Beatles of our time! In other words, they’re destined for mega-stardom. Each member's personalities are super interesting and their musicianship among the best. Their writing, arrangements and overall sound, especially guitar tones and drums, are kick-ass! Having seen them LIVE, I can honestly say their performance, sound, stage appearance, and band synergy is off-the-rails spectacular! Band-Maid is the only band in decades where I love nearly EVERY song they’ve done. I have over 70 favorites! "Thrill" (2014) is a great place to start: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5XWaJppgpJnorM Their songs from albums Unleash, Unseen World, Conqueror, World Domination, Just Bring It, Brand New Maid, and New Beginning drive even more - Shambles, Warning, No God, Different, Black Hole, Rinne, Blooming, Moratorium, Domination, Clang, Dice, Spirit, Don’t You Tell Me, Turn Me On, Fate, Play, Hide-And-Seek, Secret My Lips, Puzzle, Choose Me, I Can’t Live Without You, and on and on. But don’t miss out on their powerful, beautifully written, mid-tempo songs like Daydreaming, Bestie, About Us, Memorable, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, At The Drop Of A Hat, Mirage and Smile... or more punky like After Life, Don’t Let Me Down and Screaming… or funky like Bubble… or bluesy like Manners and The Dragon Cries… or poppy like Start Over… or a bit jazzy like Wonderland… or progressive like No God, Giovanni, and Black Hole… or cultural like the Band-Maiko series… or instrumentals like From Now On, Don’t Be Long, Onset, Without Holding Back and Going Nuts… or their many acoustic versions like Catharsis and Sayonakidori... and last but not least, their Anime hits (AniMaid) like Sense, Glory and Unleash!!!!! (from their own Anime MV (series?)): kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX2lkHiGiJlrfqc) And many songs are represented with over 50 well produced music videos. kzbin.info Most performances should be experienced from their LIVE audience & online OKYUJI concerts:  2023 Yokohama 10th Year Anniversary Concert “Endless Story” kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJKUqmCIh7uXbZI  ONLINE OKYU-JI (Feb. 11, 2021) “No God” kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHLHiKF_h896l80  Tokyo's LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (February 14, 2020) “Domination” kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5PcgnaAo5ulj8k  ZEPP 2018 “Real Existence” kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6K0n35_gbdoq5I  Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 and other full concerts are on bandmaidprime.tokyo, bili, and official Band-Maid’s DVD/BD/CD.  “P and D⁴” Photo Collage videos at www.youtube.com/@PinDakaPanic810 And some of the better quality fan videos are excellent. Here’s two of what it’s like to see Band-Maid LIVE at an intimate venue:  Shot by Pat McKee from their 2023 US tour concert in Detroit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epjbhmCDi8-nl5I  See the Maids 2023 Rockville Festival’s short-set perfection performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJu9nIGbpKygnsU If you like Band-Maid, make sure to support them by purchasing some concert tickets, CD, DVD/BD & Merch, etc. bandmaid.tokyo Like most Band-Maid songs, I like them from the get-go but really start to appreciate them after more hearings and seeing their LIVE videos. I'll go back and see an older song like YOLO, Order, Shake That, Freezer, Before Yesterday, Real Existence, Non Fiction Days and Alone, etc. and realize there's no band that can consistently construct and play like Band-Maid. For fun, check out:  "Mega Band-Maid Mix" by DJ Ray of some of their earlier stuff: facebook.com/djrayboston/videos/1004709499579009  Band-Maid MIDI covers: www.youtube.com/@DeanF_MIDI  Reimagined compositions of Band-Maid songs: www.youtube.com/@fxdxmusic Band-Maid Members: Saiki Atsumi (Sy-i-Key or Psyche) “StarQueen" - Lead vocals, arrangements and melodies. At 30 and the youngest, “Sensei” (Teacher) as band members call her, has the last word on many musical decisions. High-heels or sneakers, Sai-chan’s smile melts away her sometimes perceived, coldish persona. Saiki’s powerhouse performances, charisma, and voice focus the experience that’s driven her to the top echelon of hard rock frontwomen... or frontmen! Miku Kobato (Me-Ku) "Small Pigeon" - Rhythm guitar, vocals, lyricist, 32 years old. “Koba”, as Saiki calls her, is the Band founder and a firecracker MC & PR SpokesPigeon, po! Her “Magic Spell Time” charm and energy ignite the room. Kuruppo! No, no, no… KURUPPO!! Kanami Tono (Ka-Na-Me) “Princess” - Lead guitar, keyboards, 32 years old, is a prolific writer of most Band-Maid material. Kanami (translates “Song Wave”) is a possessed riff-slayer who’s so damn adorable it hurts. The only thing you want from Mincho is more! Akane Hirose (A-Ka-Nay) "Gorilla" - Drums, 33 years old, band energizer & co-clown with MISA. Achi’s talents include massive consumption of noodles and bananas, of course, (even during performance!) while revolutionizing rock drumming with relentless drive, dynamics and the kick. This “DrumZilla” is the Party! MISA (Me-Sa) "Barefoot Assassin" - Bass, 31 years old. An alluring free spirit driving her 5-string to rapturous low-ends while pulling off surprising counter leads with Kanami, off-stage MISA is the band’s goofball ballerina. Sometimes seen as the Mysterious One because she lets her instrument do the talking, the Assassin literally kills it… every note... uniting Band-Maid’s world-class rhythm section. A slug of JB, a slight grin, and let the slappin’ begin… MISA! MISA! MISA! Maidiacs (Maid-e-acts) - Band-Maid’s crazed yet supportive, knowledgeable and loyal Super Fans. [BAND-MAID NEWS]  BAND-MAID PRIME - Special Video Distribution Website. Along with nearly 50 great play-through’s by each member, concerts and skits, Band-Maid management / label(s) have included the Acoustic Christmas 2021, ZEPP 2018 and Shinkiba Studio Coast 2017 concerts! Fans can now see more than 50 great live performances with awesome audio, etc. like Fate, I Can't Live Without You and the great MISA / Kanami exchange in Don't You Tell Me. Those concerts are two of the best produced & performed concerts ever recorded, IMO. bandmaidprime.tokyo  The Maids SOLD OUT 2023 US & Mexico tour wrapped up and was a fantastic success. And so many great live fancams to watch! Their playing and antics were as fresh and fun to experience from first show to last. BRAVO Band-Maid!!!!! In addition, their Japan tour finished up with 13 concerts, AND they’re writing and recording for their new album. Their 10th Anniversary Tour concluded at Japan’s 17,000 seat Yokohama Arena on Nov. 26, 2023 and in Hong Kong Dec. 21! And their latest 10TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR SPIN OFF concert at KT ZEPP YOKOHAMA on February 22, 2024, where they played songs not performed at the 10th anniversary tour final at Yokohama Arena, was SOLD OUT!  📢 JUST ANNOUNCED 📢 -- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID will perform a dream two-band show! After meeting on our US tour in 2022, "The Warning" will be making their memorable first visit to Japan with BAND-MAID! Venue: EX THEATER RIPPONGI Date: Jun 12, 2024. -- Incubus and Band-Maid at Tokyo Garden May 1… AND… BAND-MAID release a new song, "Bestie," co-written with Mike Einziger of INCUBUS! -- BAND-MAID HALL TOUR 2024 -- June 28, 2024 (Fri) Nagoya City Public Hall, Aichi, Japan -- July 5, 2024 (Fri) Osaka, Fenice Sakai Main Hall, -- July 14, 2024 (Sun) Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Kanagawa. The Maids are one of the hardest working super groups in the business! Their music, their sound, each of the Maids, and the love that permeates their live events is an experience not to be missed. Hope you can catch them LIVE!

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

In my experience, Japanese drummers helps an accentuates in solos. There is an heavy metal female Japanese group called Lovebites, and the drummer there is very good at accentuating both singing and solos. I think you will like that drummer.

[@rolandkarlsson7072]

There is also another all female hard metal/rock/whatever band, called Nemophila, that has a quite famous drummer, Tamu Murata. She also have her own KZbin videos. She started as a prog jazz drummer, but found that she had very nimble feet, so maybe also metal! Why not? She is also a session drummer and is used in many productions and also have a drum school. She is endorsed by Tama and Ziljian.

[@dahnawa1957]

Stand by: Band Maid fans INCOMING!!!

[@rinpenjyunsei]

These women performed a one-man show of 33 songs for 3 and a half hours that day. It was a great show with great songs.

[@ArvoR]

if you're missing a top-notch Japanese girl metal bands, check out the following ones: for powermetal (sort of guitar hero hard mode) definitely Lovebites, for metalcore (and more) Nemophila and Hanabie, funk Gacharic Spin. And few more "regular" bands: powermetal Galneryus, pop- rock Octaviagrace, sort of folk rock Wagakki Band aso aso

[@kyles5513]

It's a Tama kit

[@Oldmarty]

Now imagine there are other regions in the world that also make music and have been doing so for decades. The US market is probably big, but it's not the only one. You can make a good living from music in Japan if you don't play in the USA. Almost every US citizen's guitars look small, but not because they are so big ;). it's more the width.

[@SagaciousTwo]

As to the wireless comment. Until the last tour they only used wireless in Japan. The older videos from germany and mexico they were wired and running around everywhere. It was hilarious to watch the japanese boys racing to untangle the wires before somebody got stuck.

[@pulp-tx6lq]

Great reaction. Band Maid Shambles is heavy and Akane's drumming is off the rails. Check it out. Rock on 🤘

[@keithlujan3722]

Check out Oiran live by Nemophila all girl Japanese metal

[@Bekka_Noyb]

Welcome to the fandom! Best rock band out right now! ♥ these girls! I suggest these Band Maid songs: Thrill, Dice, Manners, Bubble, No God (live) & Puzzle (live) I'd also suggest another all girl band from Mexico - The Warning I suggest these songs: Money, Sick, Evolve (live VMAs) & Enter Sandman (official video with Alessia Cara)

[@flugelhornoldman1362]

Welcome & thanks from Japan 有難う💛。 I fortunately witnessed this very performance at the veneu last year. Band-Maid is one of the best bands in our country, especially in live performance. We say "Japan is the country obsessed by Rock Music". The history is very long and the obsession started in 1966 when Beatles visited Japan and held 5 concerts at Budokan. Speaking of hard rock / heavy metal music, a number of bands started to come to Japan since as early as 1970s : Led Zeppelin / Grand Funk Railroad (1971), Deep Purple (1972), Queen (1975), Kiss (1977), Cheap Trick / Van Halen / Scorpions (1978), Judas Priest (1978/79) and so on. Now, any type of rock can be enjoyed here, especially by many all-female or women-fronted bands. They are daughters of American / European rock, for sure. (Many are grand-daughters in terms of age.) Uh-oh, we also say "Japan is the country obsessed by Jazz". It had started earlier than rock 😄

[@henry6782]

Well they are a HARD-ROCK Band.... that's what they say they are.... hahaha... For the DRUMS, you better check out FREEDOM!!

[@curtisrrobles7885]

MISA!!! MISA!!! MISA!!! 🥃🥃🥃 Badass Bass Assassin, another fantastic "conversation" between MISA and Kanami

[@reesereese2524]

👍👍👍👍👍 for Band Maid

[@sembilanindera2231]

Never heard them before ? It's never too late ! BAND-MAID, est. 2013 Members - first names in capital letter Atsumi SAIKI - vocals (wearing blue rose on her bonnet) Kobato MIKU - backing vocals, rhythm guitars, main lyricist, band founder (wearing red rose her bonnet) Toono KANAMI - lead guitars, main composer MISA - bass Hirose AKANE - drums, band leader all OG members

[@1957akash]

Yes, the drum kit is Tama, and snare drum Ludwig, pedal DW.

[@KittyKarenpoo]

Band Maid is the best thing in Japan, right now. They have 120 songs and are all great. The only way to listen to them is a live version. Domination, Play, Freedom, Daydreaming and Manners with Black Hole are my favorite (LIVE) songs of theirs.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

It's amazing how Band-Maid has rewritten the laws of nature: Hate brings Love! 😖--->🎀--->😍 📢 RECENTLY ANNOUNCED 📢 -- The Warning, a world-famous band from Mexico, and BAND-MAID will perform a dream two-band show! After meeting on our US tour in 2022, "The Warning" will be making their memorable first visit to Japan with BAND-MAID! Venue: EX THEATER RIPPONGI Date: Jun 12, 2024. -- Incubus and Band-Maid at Tokyo Garden May 1… and, BAND-MAID released a new song, "Bestie," co-written with Mike Einziger of INCUBUS! -- BAND-MAID HALL TOUR 2024 -- June 28, 2024 (Fri) Nagoya City Public Hall, Aichi, Japan -- July 5, 2024 (Fri) Osaka, Fenice Sakai Main Hall, -- July 14, 2024 (Sun) Kanagawa Kenmin Hall, Kanagawa, just to name a few dates… (But you might already know all this.) Thx, Steve!

[@agdtec]

The call and response section was not part of the original song. This concert had 2 such songs with guitar bass battle.

[@DaveJonesVideo]

Their songs are not all one style, and certainly not trying to imitate an existing band. In general they are a combo of hard rock and punk, with some vocal harmonies thrown in. The drummer is a beast, incredibly talented and flawless, with a huge grin on her face at all times. See their official live video of "Freedom" for a bit of a drum solo, and all the ladies grinning and having a fun time. Oh, and she uses TAMA.