Is BAND-MAID's drums/bass duo the best in the business?

[@drogonr9318]

To my ears, they are right up there with the best!

[@rodconnah4249]

Great review, so happy that someone actually took the time to put this together ... thank you ... I've been playing bass since I was 13 years old, now 75 and I have to say that this rhythm section is up there with the best around, and the ladies are still so young. Even better things to come. Thanks again Rabbi.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching and for appreciating my efforts, and of course, for the wonderful compliments. You're very welcome. Stayed with an instrument for 62 years! That's an extraordinary accomplishment. Yes, your opinion on the topic carries weight.

[@rodconnah4249]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs ... a groove a day keeps the arthritis at bay 🤣

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@rodconnah4249 I like that

[@uffdad8211]

Misa performs barefoot so that she can feel Akane's drums vibrations though the soles of her feet which makes them so much in synch that their hearts probably beat in identical rhythms on stage. They are simply amazing together.

[@garfieldhall7758]

I've been following Band Maid for years and seen and read all their interviews. I have never once heard Misa or any of them say she plays barefoot to feel Akanes beats. She did say she just feels comfortable playing in bare feet.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@garfieldhall7758 Check out the interview of MISA and Saiki on FM Okayama, 9/26/2023. MISA reportedly said as translated to English: "barefoot is to feel the vibe of drums from the stage floor".

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@uffdad8211 Thanks for watching and for your excellent input. I should've mentioned her going shoeless. Let's call her stage leggings as "synch slippers". :-)

[@uffdad8211]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs lol. Great description!

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@uffdad8211 Haha, thanks! Glad you like it

[@kennogawa6638]

MISA and Akane played together even before joining Band-Maid.

[@dahnawa1957]

Great breakdown. You could build houses on the foundation those two put down.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Haha! I like that. Thanks for watching and for the wonderful compliment. So glad you like it.

[@bertg2779]

They may be one of the top ten, I've seen Billy Cobham, Rush, Yes, BabyMetal, Santana, Stanley Clark and more. What I can tell you is that out of all the bands I've heard over the years these ladies make me the most emotional.

[@LawrenceCox-bv9zt]

I love your analogy of Akane and Keith - they've got talent, feeling, charisma and attitude. Thanks for this review, Rabbi Rabbs.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

You're welcome. So glad you dig my analogy! Thank you for sharing that, and your description of them is well-stated.

[@ziggyphoto]

Great video Rabbi, thank you! I too have thought that not only does Akane remind me of Keith Moon but also “Animal” from the Muppets.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you so much for watching and the wonderful compliment. I'm so glad you enjoyed watching. Great observation on Animal. That Muppets bit with Rita Moreno and Animal was the kids version of Victor Borge's entire skit with the opera singer (from which I pulled a tiny segment). It's possible that Keith Moon even inspired switching Moreno's accompaniment to a drummer. (ie) Animal was supposed to be Keith Moon/Victor Borge. We'd need to verify that with the Muppets' writers, if they're still alive. But yeah, Borge, Moon, Animal, and now Akane. Same genre of comedy. Great call!

[@chrisegbertky]

Thank you for this R R !

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

You're very welcome! Thank for watching

[@greylocke100]

Akane and MISA both provide backing vocals for the backing track is my understanding. It's only during live performances that they don't sing, as they are concentrating on their instruments/performances. On one of Keith's drum kits, I think it was at Shepperton, where he had 3 floor toms, in addition to his 2 kick drums. Two of the floor toms were tuned the same as his kick drums.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for providing that cool info, and for watching!

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

Akane and Misa met while in college. I believe they've been room mates at times. When Kobato asked Kanami to join Band-Maid, Kanami immediately thought of her oftentimes accompanist Akane and invited her to join. Akane then asked Misa to join. So Akane knew both Misa and Kanami before Band-Maid was formed.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Hence the intangible bond. Nice. Thanks for watching and the info.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

What constantly amazes me is they both never play it straight.....there is alway a little twist that you would never think of.....and it fits the song perfectly !!!!!! The tightest rhythm section on the planet !!!!! And they just keep getting better !!!!!

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Well put! I like that. Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@UncleYoshi]

Yes!

[@Bodneyblue]

One of my fav clips is at the end of the duel between MISA and Kanami in "Don't You Tell ME" LIVE at Zepp....they both turn walk back to Akane and aknowledge her part in the battle...That's class and respect for your friends and band members.

[@miqoto]

I love isolating Misa and Akane on different tracks. Still fun to listen to 🥰

[@JuanSan66]

It is undoubtedly an unbeatable combination. Music history like Steve Harris - Nicko McBrain, John Paul Jones - John Bonham, Geddy Lee - Neil Peart... I like their daring, rapport and versatility. I like to compare them with the greatest in history.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Yeah, just to be included in the conversation when discussing those greats is an amazing accomplishment for Band-Maid. Thanks for watching and your feedback!

[@JuanSan66]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs my pleasure!

[@frankandre4385]

Thank you RR , I couldn't agree more ! When I was a kid, I loved Victor Borge. Years later ,my wife gifted me with a Concert video of his and I've always treasured it . The only bad thing about a Band Maid concert is not being able to watch all five at the same time . Everywhere you turn, you're surrounded by brilliance and beauty ! 🤯♥️

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Right on! I found me another Victor Borge fan. He's still in my short list of funniest people. Thanks for watching my video and for sharing that!

[@frankandre4385]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs Victor's given name was Borge Rosenbaum. He was born as an Ashkenazi Jew in Copenhagen, Denmark. He came to America in 1940 but snuck back to his Nazi occupied homeland, disguised as a sailor , to visit his dying mom . He was a child prodigy and an all-around class act ! His joyful and playful love of great music lives on in the greatness of Band Maid ! ♥️

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@frankandre4385 Nice! Thanks for sharing that. It's nice to think a Holocaust survivor played an influence in Band-Maid's act.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!! absolutely loved the comparisons Thanks RR

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Right on! Thanks for watching, and I'm super stoked that you dig the comparisons.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

@Rabbi_Rabbs it seems so obvious when pointed out you think. " why didn't I see it before"

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@DavidMISAMISAMISACook Ha!

[@markstehle151]

All 5 of these ladies are masters of their respective craft. I believe anyone would have a hard time finding a better rhythm section than Misa & Akane

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Boom! Nice. Thanks for watching and your input.

[@jeffragar3493]

When Akane made that "kissy face" it was her response to the other members making faces at her to make her mess up.

[@philcalvino884]

Nice! For some silly reason I never connected Keith Moon's antics with Akane's. Now that's a drum battle I'd watch. Not just between kits, but between two of the goofiest personalities that ever picked up sticks. Agreed about the MISA-Akane duo: no matter if it's driving lines of straight-ahead rock or proggy counterpoint, they are always locked in.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you! Oh wow, if we had a time machine, that would be the most awesome and fun drum battle. Haha, yeah you're right, it's not only when they're drumming, it's their entire off-stage personalities. Thanks for watching, and the feedback!

[@EliteRock]

Check out the break at 3m 9s into the official version of _Play_ live - just fr-kking insane sync between Misa and Akane's double kick, I don't think I've heard anything like it even in studio recordings let alone live.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Great call on that sync up. That whole 2020 live version of "Play", I don't know how they can do that live without a band conductor. Insane tight band.

[@xovaqiin4844]

This is something all good bassists do. They're building a pocket. A good drummer/bassist duo will do things like this to optimize their timing and create a groove for the rest of the band to build on. Yes, Akane and Misa are two of the best at this.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching, and for your positive feedback.

[@mikye8876]

Your choice of music video, the sense is great.👍

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you so much for that amazing compliment. Very much appreciated. Glad you enjoy my videos.

[@Racer-X-090]

Kieth Moon is in my short list of fav drummers all time. Along with Akane.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

That's an epic short list! Btw, I like your profile name. Thanks for watching my video, and the feedback.

[@drvijil]

Great post. Misa & Akane are a great rhythm tandem that remind me of Neil & Geddy, but the references to Queen and The Who are also fine with me. Akane is my favorite drummer, her double pedal work is amazing and clever, all while providing a powerful driving beat. The way Misa is in sync with Kanami is also very noteworthy. I saw the Maids in 2023 and they exceeded my already high expectations, they’re the best.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching and for the wonderful props! Much appreciated. Yeah, I'm also fine with Rush references, and from Cream, Led Zep ... Good point about the MISA/Kanami thing. Great idea for a future video.

[@garycooke5576]

Couldn’t agree with you more .

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

BOOM! Thanks for watching and the positive feedback. Glad we agree.

[@charlescoleman4017]

Nice rundown! Love the comparisons. And yes, they are my all time favorite bass/drum duo, po! 🎸🥁🥰❤🤘🤘🦍🍌🍻🍻

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Right on! Thanks for watching and for the wonderful compliments. So glad you like it.

[@cholatse6745]

In the rock business - yes!

[@PANIC_aka_PinD]

My favorite Rabbi with pearls of wisdom ;) .

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Haha! Hey bud. Thanks for your continued support. Glad you enjoyed the vid.

[@PANIC_aka_PinD]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs as always ;) .

[@LifeVsTom]

You are talking about the best rhythm section in any band who plays today. Misa and Achai are phenomenal

[@joki5346]

Let's not forget the outstanding John Entwistle as the congenial partner of Keith Moon (the Loon). MISA's mother listened to rock music all day, including The Who and Jimi Hendrix. No wonder that MISA brought with her from this time her enormous hearing ability and understanding of music, from which she now benefits.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching and for your feedback. Entwistle is a great shoutout. For the record, the original version of my video contained a bunch of clips focusing on his performances, but the video was soooo lengthy, so his parts unfortunately got omitted. I failed. MISA's mama-san intro'd her to The Who and Jimi, basically Woodstock? Wow. The musical influences of those 5 Band-Maid members combined is astonishing.

[@waterwalker9600]

AKANE and MISA 🥁🎸🏆

[@RA57727]

Rabbi Rabbs, you sir know your music and brought the receipts to make your argument? Let say make your points instead of argument. I also loved your comparison with Akane and Victor Borge (what a talent). I would also add that Band-Maid also reminds me of RUSH. Their pursuit of excellence, fun, and a humble attitude minus the washing machines on stage. Thanks again I enjoyed it.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Oh wow, thank you so much for all of those wonderful props! Very much appreciated. Rush is another good comparison. So glad you enjoyed the video.

[@elesiobuccat3951]

Thank you RR for another thoroughly enjoyable vid. Are you coming to see them in Japan anytime soon?

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you for watching and for your continued interest in my videos. Oh wow, I'd love to see them in Japan.

[@billb.5183]

I don't go around saying they are "the best" but they are my favorite in the business.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Are B-M's drum & bass duo the best? Why are you asking me Rabbi, that's a silly Question.🤭

[@Studio-Coast_Kid]

Aye Grats Double R! Great Content

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you so much for watching and the wonderful compliment!! So glad you enjoyed it.

[@gingerespinoza5015]

Hi Rabbs, thought of you today--found you here. Hope you re well...

[@interstellardave]

I’ve seen some great tandems live… Geddy Lee and Neil Peart, Chris Squire and Bill Bruford, and most recently, MISA and Akane Hirose. These maids don’t take a back seat to anyone, especially in the current music scene.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

There you go! Nicely put. Thanks for watching and for your input

[@Rappfeff5]

Good job Rabbi

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thank you so much!

[@JakubWawrzak-i2k]

Yes IT is in Japan for sure but same level Has Lovebites Haruna Miho and now Fami but in my opinion Misa is The greatest Bassist in Japan . In old ones great were LED Zeppelin Black Sabbath and Deep Purple also Metallica Duo with Lars and Cliff very great is Red Hot Chilli Peppers with Flea too. Ps watch new vocal Great Singer Rianna Rusu and amazing Andrei Cerbu guitar and Sina Drums great collaborations

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Good picks! Thanks for watching and for your feedback.

[@elliott8339]

I believe Akane and MISA knew each other from music school. It was Akane who recommended MISA when Band-Maid was being formed by Miku.

[@gordowg1wg145]

"The" best - don't know, I haven't heard but a fraction of "duets" - but I'm happy to say "One of THE best...", and if there are better, they're going to be freaking amazing! 😎👍🥰 It's not just Akane's duets with Misa, her duets with Kanami are also amazing - just listen to "HATE?", for example! That said, one thing that's struck me right from the start - I've maybe 8 years following the maids - is the way they seamlessly come in after breaks, where one had been solo-ing, they hit breaks so cleanly, and resume dead on the mark.

[@kevinhardy8997]

Yes. 🕊️❄️🍌🥷🎸

[@Bodneyblue]

MISA and Akane were friends and played together before both joining BAND-MAID..They meet at the same music school....Akane & Kanami were also friends before BAND-MAID..and played together in the band "Mochi to Cheese". When Miku was looking for members she found Kanami..who invited Akane..who invited MISA...hence the chemistry in the band.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching and the info

[@JK-tz6kk]

Look up "ahegao" and you'll figure out the reason for Akane (Band Maid Dr) and the bands facial expressions. They usually gather around Akane to try to throw each other off with the "ahegao" face. Legend say that Saiki (Lead V) is usually the most to get thrown-off and Akane the least, Po! 🦍🍌

[@alexivan4629]

PERO POR SUPUESTO QUE YES!

[@MrLawave11]

Akane and Misa are superior especially Misa who is extremely better than queen's bass player. Super vidéo by the way

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching, your valuable input, and the great compliment. Much appreciated.

[@rockyetsx70]

Akane's commentary from the Christmas acoustic concert underlines how difficult singing and drumming is for her, she was not a fan, along with the Miku and Akane one-on-one conversation about playing in Band-Maid and the challenges that Kanami creates for them.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching and your input. Akane was on-point. Singing while drumming is incredibly difficult for anyone, I would think. If I tried to do that, my brain would short-circuit. Okay, if that 2021 stream was a special thing when she sang, maybe I should've stated that she "has sung", but not in present tense of "she sings"?

[@BillHallisey]

I absolutely agree 100% about MISA and Akane being the best drum/bass duo in rock. No one can call them just a rhythm section, because they have so much creativity in their music.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Nicely stated! Thanks for watching, I'm so glad we agree. :)

[@Bodneyblue]

Akane is my No.1 drummer ever...replacing Roger Taylor.....I have seen both LIVE...Roger in his own band called "The Cross" many years ago...Like Akane, Roger plays more than one instrument..He also plays guitar and keyboard...As in playing pretty much if not all the instruments on his solo albums...Very talented....But Akane make me Doki Doki!...She was my draw to BAND-MAID.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

So nice to see a shout out to Roger as a no. 1. He's been so underrated. You and I are similar in a way in that MISA replaced John Entwistle as my no. 1 electric bass guitarist.

[@Bodneyblue]

@@Rabbi_Rabbs A friend of mind was a huge Queen fan..So wasn't happy when he woke to find Freddy had died on his birthday. I was going to see Queen LIVE with that same friend, but his brother decided that was the day he was to get married on the same day as the concert..so we didn't go...It was the last LIVE concert they played before Freddy died...So I never got to see Queen...And the marriage didn't last...At least I saw Roger..

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@Bodneyblue Oh man, the timing on all of that is insane. Dies on his birthday, only chance to attend turns out to be historic final concert, but can't go due to a wedding for a marriage that didn't last. That's harsh. Yeah, at least you later saw Roger.

[@zer0tzer0]

Yes! The answer to your question is decidedly yes. The reason is that Akane and MISA have known each other since they went to the Tokyo School of Music together. They also did projects together before BAND-MAID. That's why they are the Best Rhythm Section in the business. They have a psychic bond. When Kanami gives them a demo the drum and bass parts are merely a suggestion before they do their thing with it.. The drum part is usually over the top. And Akane will complain, "This drum part cannot be played by a human being". Good thing she's Half Gorilla / Half Drum Machine, because she finds a way to make it work. MISA writes her parts on piano then transposes to bass so that her writing doesn't get caught in a rut. They are simply the best!

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Thanks for watching my video and for taking the time to compose such an informative comment. So, it's the psychic bond thing. See, I wasn't that far off when I said they share the same brain. Haha! As for MISA, a piano, huh? I didn't know that. Very interesting. Two thoughts immediately come to mind: 1) In official live "Onset", 2 1/2 minutes in, during MISA's lead, she plays low notes so low they sound to me like the keys at the far end of a grand piano. If she composed that lead on a piano, that might explain a lot. 2) Drawing another comparison to Queen's bassist, he composed "You're My Best Friend" on an electric piano, and even sat at a piano during that song's MV. Have a look: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpK9oY2HfJetZ5I

[@tonygriffin_]

Yes.

[@wampabites]

Yes. Yes they are. MISA and Akane are geniuses on their own. They could've had brilliant careers in anything they would've chosen to, but they joined this "silly"* concept of a Rock band of cafe maids and they play it hard. Very hard. A band is nothing without solid foundation. MISA and Akane may be petite & cute but they're as solid as the concrete of the Hoover Dam. And what's build upon their sound is nothing short of miraculous. *I say "silly" but I've never visited a maid cafe. Who knows it's actually awesome? I got a friend who's a maid afficionado (without any malicious intent) and he thanks maid cafes for his well-being. If those maids have the enthusiasm and positive vibes of B-M, especially The Po, I might become a regular as well😅

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Excellent commentaries!!! Thanks for watching and for your input. Glad you and I agree. As for the maid cafes, I've never entered one, but I watched videos of @home cafe where Miku worked, and I gained a whole new appreciation and understanding of Miku's schtick. I'll be honest, her moi moi kuyn thing annoyed me for years, until I finally watched the cafe maids do it. I honestly think fans such as myself that have no idea what Miku is doing, just need to do a quick dive into the cafe videos, and then watch Miku. Doing that made a world of difference for me. Start with the video featuring the maid Mizukin serving in Akihabara. She's going to explain "welcome home masters and princesses", throw heart signs, everything Miku does.

[@wampabites]

​@@Rabbi_Rabbs Tnx Rabbi! To be honest, a B-M concert is kinda going to a maid cafe... except their masters and princesses are all Rock veterans (and I mean true Rock)😆 And they all have great & humorous stories to tell about B-M (like when they shared their soft drinks to the audience on a very cramped club in Tochigi except for MISA who served beer😂)... as fantastic as their music is, seeing them live and being themselves hits different. I can't tell if they'll ever reach that level of stardom of the legends, but it doesn't matter. What's important is they give it all, from big stages to basement clubs... and that's the true spirit of Rock🤘

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

@@wampabites Excellent points. Very good description of their shows, their bond with their audiences, and our demographics.

[@Davey-Boyd]

Yeah joined at the hip is right. They are very old friends. Before Band-Maid both were at the prestigious Tokyo School of Music at the same time. It's where they met.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Very nice. Glad you agree. Thanks for watching and for your positive feedback.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

MISA is the reincarnation of Jaco Pastorius.

[@Rabbi_Rabbs]

Nice! I have said she's the Ray Brown of her generation, but if she's actually Pastorius, I'm fine with that, too. As for Keith Moon, I think he enjoyed getting dressed up in drag so much that when an opening got announced for a drummer wearing a maid outfit, he immediately volunteered to return. Hence, Akane.