Reacting to BABYMETAL "Death Legend 1997"

[@papa_xan]

Isn't this how all 16 year old girls celebrate their birthdays, or was it just Su?

[@regaubade8329]

The show was in 2013. 1997 is Su-Metal birth year. 16th birthday.

[@ForAnAngel]

Sign you're getting old: You still think 1997 was just a few years ago. We are now close to the year 2044 than the year 1997.

[@moalisa2086]

“Unhelpful guide” - YES!

[@Grington300]

Great reaction - and great facial expressions lol. I'll start with #notacult Mikio Fujioka (RIP) was the guitarist on the left as we look at the stage, there was a great shot of him smiling in this. Also the Kami Band always wore the white burial robes and corpse face paint - they are kami (gods or spirits) of guitar, bass and drums. In 2018 they wore black robes and from 2019 the face paint has been replaced with masks (which are not popular among the fans, we like to see their faces and to see them smiling and joking around). So 'BABYMETAL Death' - you probably need some sort of explanation. It is actually all very simple ... well maybe: So how did you celebrate your 16th birthday? This is where we all realised 3 Japanese teenage girls were more 'metal' than any of us ever were or will be (Yui and Moa were 14). Well done on reading the translation of introduction, most people miss that. Basically this show was the final step in BABYMETAL transitioning from Idol group sub-unit to independent metal band - it was also Su-metal's final step in her transition from J-Pop Idol - she was sacrificing her human existence and life as a J-Pop Idol to be reborn as a Metal Goddess chosen to lead the Metal Resistance. 'BABYMETAL Death' was the first track on the first album and was most often used as the show opener (without the crucifixion) - it is the perfect introduction - that is what the lyrics are:- "B - A - B - Y - M - E - T - A - L Death Death Death Death Death Death. Su-metal death. Yuimetal death. Moametal death. BABYMETAL death. Death Death Death Death Death Death." It is a play on words. There is no 'TH' sound in Japanese, so to a Japanese speaker death sounds like desu (the U is silent) spoken with a slight lisp. Desu means "To be - I am - you are - we are - it is" etc ... so in Japan you might introduce yourselves as "Follow the Eve desu" (we are Follow the Eve). All they were doing throughout the song was introducing themselves by name and introducing BABYMETAL by name - and 'death' is just the sort of thing you'd expect to be chanted by any self respecting metal band and their audience while the lead singer is crucified. There were a couple of homages in this performance too. The opening drum beat is an homage to Metallica's 'One' and the statue crumbling at the end pays homage to Metallica's Justice For All tour of 1989 where they also had a statue (Lady Justice) crumble at the end of their shows. The neck brace is a tribute to X Japan drummer/pianist/songwriter/composer Yoshiki who damaged his neck so badly headbanging that he has to wear a neck brace most of the time, especially when performing. On special occasions 'BABYMETAL Death' was used later in the show - Legend 1997 was the title of the show celebrating Su-metal's 16th birthday ... and they only crucify Su on special occasions. So far that has happened 5 times, the last was at Legend S in December 2017 to help her celebrate her 20th birthday - and that one had extra flames. Did I mention? #notacult

[@karu-metal1943]

Dude give other people a change as soon as Ievery video is posted you give every bit of info about the song the band the girls in an essay it’s like you do nothing but monitor KZbin for Babymetal videos like you do nothing else stop trying to get all the credit

[@moalisa2086]

@@karu-metal1943 And most of us appreciate that from Grington

[@martinmetal7481]

Grington dont forget to mention we are #notacult 🤘🦊🤘

[@Grington300]

@@karu-metal1943 Always happy when someone beats me to it, it saves me the time and I can just stick in a couple of lines appreciating the reaction, but if I happen to be here and nobody else has provided the info yet then I'll give the reactor the info that will be most useful for them (if I have it). I don't need any credit, I'd use my real name if I did. Oh yeah #notacult

[@karu-metal1943]

@@Grington300 sorry if it came out sounding horrible that wasn’t my intention I was annoyed with someone else who commented on a comment I put on a slarlight video who I was just an overzealous fan because I said it was a tribute to Mikio yet other people commented the same but he didn’t comment on their comments and call them overzealous fans. Carry on giving the info

[@majicjon]

James: "Ready ?" Sandy: "Yes" Me: "Wrong"

[@FollowtheEve]

😂

[@jeffschreifels8651]

As you probably guessed by now, the unhelpful guide gives away the crucifixion so we had to make sure you saw this video first or the impact would have been far less. It's always fun watching people react to this. Sandy had some very good facial expressions. :) I was guessing it was chocolate on her teeth the whole time. I guess I was wrong :D

[@FollowtheEve]

Haha yes looking forward to the unhelpful guide!

[@karu-metal1943]

Su “what did you do on your 16th birthday” Friend “had a party, what about you?” Su “ I was crucified on stage in front of tones of people” Friend backs off and is continuously is scared of her

[@cuttysark8017]

And they say this is kawaii (cute) metal #notacult #maybeitisacult. "Babymetal Death" is all a big messianic pun. This concert ("Legend 1997") was on the day after Su-metal's 16th birthday and as a present she is transformed from a simple Sakura Gakuin school girl and reborn as a Metal Goddess to fulfill the plans of the Fox God, and that obviously requires crucifixion. There is a confusion and juxtaposition of death and rebirth in that. This is echoed in the chant at the beginning; "BABYMETAL desu, Su-Metal desu"...etc. The "desu" sounds like "death" to Western ears (which is entirely on purpose), but in Japanese it means "to be" - they are actually singing "We are BABYMETAL, I am Su-Metal" etc. So while this initially seems to be about death it's actually an affirmation of existence and being. Death is invoked visually and verbally, but in both cases the opposite meaning is also there.

[@jorgeluis2247]

"What just happened ????" I'll tell you what happened.... You guys just got Babymetalized! 🦊

[@FollowtheEve]

Indeed!

[@mynameisstorm.]

1997 is the yeat su-metal was born, not the year the performance took place. The performance was in 2013

[@FollowtheEve]

Ah makes sense. Thank you!

[@paulbroady4141]

The statue is of Sumetal. The concert is called Legend 1997 , that is the year Su was born. This concert is her 16 th birthday celebration.🦊

[@DasVERMiT]

It's stylized just like Mary statues though, hence why everyone thinks that's what it is.

[@butterfly-yh8zn]

Normally this song was the show opener but it's also a great way to end a concert. #notacult

[@jakemuller8626]

This is Babymetal's statement for all of those who said "Babymetal is not metal". Well there you have it.

[@tk72231968]

I think Babymetal is really taking some of the Heavy Metal history into their shows. Performances from Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Ozzy(BlackSabbath), Alice Cooper and many others all incorporated shocking imagery in their live stage shows back in the 70's and 80's. Babymetal does this and puts a story and a historical context to the narrative. Like Star Wars or Harry Potter, they flesh out a fantasy world for the audience....this is kind of unique for a music band and fits well with their wide musical catalog I think.

[@road-runner]

Great reaction, thanks!! "Woahhhh!!!"? Yeah!! I'm not gonna lie, I enjoyed it so much :) This must be the best way to celebrate your 16th birthday. I'm pretty sure she will remember this forever, and so do we. And... by the way... #notacult

[@FollowtheEve]

Thank you!!

[@mdc7081]

Finally watching the "Unhelpful Guide to Babymetal" will surely help you to know them a little.

[@josemanuelperez2853]

There´s really a "japanese" explanation for this Babymetal borns as a subsection of an idol group called "Sakura Gakuin". Like a lot of idol groups they have a member´s rotation. When some girl ends high school of reach certain age they "retired" and let the place for a new ones. Suzuka graduated from Sakura Gakuin and they can´t be in the group anymore but well... Babymetal was really popular so they decide to "kill them" and do a separate band. Babymetal were no more a subunit from Sakura Gakuin and becomes a new band for the record label AMUSE Also of course, the neckbrace of the "Metal Good" it´s a reference to Yoshiki Hayashi, the founder and drummer of X-Japan who wears for years one because he damaged his vertebrae headbanging. Also Yoshiki in Japan it´s one of the most well known and famous musicians in all the country.

[@rickwagner-]

Amuse, Inc. isn't a record label, it's a multinational entertainment company. BABYMETAL is one of their projects. They have had distribution arrangements with several different labels, both foreign and domestic. Sakura Gakuin is also an Amuse, Inc. project.

[@tmt7265]

I realize this was a couple of months ago but what an outstanding reaction. Beautiful! This is one I will be watching again. I loved it and you brightened my day. Thank you!

[@FollowtheEve]

Your comment just brightened up our day 😊 Thank you!!

[@satoru4797]

Now you're ready for the unhelpful guide. Mikio Fujioka was the one did the guitar solo after Su's 'scream' while at the crucifix. You'll know more about him in the guide. This is performed on Su's 16th birthday. It's probably the most metal way of celebrating a girl's 16th birthday. There are many homages here. First, the beginning drum beat was a homage to Metallica's song "One". The statue at the back was also a homage to them where in Metallica's "...And Justice for All" album, their "Lady Justice" statue also collapsed. The neckbrace was a homage to X Japan's drummer and pianist Yoshiki who broke his neck so he sometimes has to wear a neckbrace while performing. Since that you read the description, I guess you already know that there's nothing 'satanic' in this video. It's just about their lore (more details in the guide). Catch you at the foxhole! Kitsunes up!

[@dingjk5630]

From the beginning of the MV to the end, I only heard you shouting "WHOA... WHOA... WHOA..." Hahaha. WE ARE PART OF CULT, we are BabyMetal fans DEATH DEATH DEATH...

[@autohmae]

#notacult though

[@TreadheadA1]

Wow! That was an awesome reaction! I thought for sure, Sandy was gonna fall off the chair from leaning so far forward, lol! Good stuff all around! A+ for the great facial expressions! Kitsune Up Y'all! 🤘🦊🤘 #notacult

[@aamiw99]

Mikio was the guitarist that creeped out Sandy at first :) . He sadly passed away 3 years ago. More about that in the guide.

[@LuckyScot444]

Legend 1997 is just the concert name to honour Su who was born in 1997 lol. She was 16 here

[@Backoffboogaloo]

This was the first song they played when I first saw them live. I was at a metal music festival and I’d heard that a Japanese metal band were playing. They came on stage to this song and blew me away. I fell down the Fox Hole hard that day. I’ve now seen them live seven times.

[@martinmetal7481]

First of all #notacult do not know if anyone mentioned it in comments. I mean nothing remotely cultish about 16 year old Su being crucified to save metal and men in high priest type customs bowing in homage to her then jumped up and down with crosses while thousands of fans shouted Death ! Death ! Death ! The stunned look on your face was priceless 😲 . Even if we now worship Su as a Goddess which is official won awards for Metal Goddess twice . We are just normal very enthusiastic fans and are definitely #notacult . 🤘🦊🤘

[@stevechevy3382]

No one is ever ready for Death, especially Babymetal version. As far as I know it was last performed for Su's 20th birthday.

[@GorillaGorilla]

Love the reaction. Glad you saw this before the unhelpful guide. Now imagine being there at the live show. RIP Mikio

[@crypticmisery7996]

I love reactions to this performance because everyone always freaks out lol I know you guys are doing the “Unhelpful Guide” next. I would say wait, because I am currently making a new, more up-to-date version, but I have no clue when it’ll be done. If all things go well, it’ll be done next week.

[@TreadheadA1]

Can't wait to see it!

[@scottianson5133]

Great. I look forward to watching it.

[@rickwagner-]

I hope you'll consider removing the references to "creepy middle-aged men". That's been kind of toxic and corrosive to the "ONEness" of the fandom.

[@crypticmisery7996]

@@rickwagner- Of course

[@rickwagner-]

@@crypticmisery7996 Cool. Thanks!

[@stevechevy3382]

They did a new version of this song for their 10 years of Babymetal at the Budokan. I hope you got to see the show back in July. It was worth it. They're releasing the Blueray DVD in September. Babymetal said they're on break til Oct. Only the Fox god knows what happens then.

[@raid7752]

Legend One-Nine-Nine-Seven (referring to the year of Su's birth) It is the story that, receiving the legendary corset from the god of Metal, she abandons being human and shall be reborn as a goddess. The gene which has been determined from ancient time is destined to be guided, boarding on the ark of time. The apocalypse prophesied The DOOMSDAY. Towards it, There remains... little time.." Basically this show was the final step in BABYMETAL transitioning from Idol group sub-unit to independent metal band - it was also Su-metal's final step in her transition from J-Pop Idol - she was sacrificing her human existence and life as Suzuka Nakamoto the J-Pop Idol to be reborn as Su-metal the Metal Goddess chosen to lead the Metal Resistance. SEE YU....

[@rantingrodent416]

Haha that was one of my favourite reactions to this performance. Your journey with Babymetal has been really entertaining. Looking forward to the Guide reaction!

[@FollowtheEve]

Thank you so much!!

[@mikepowers9486]

WHOAAAA! Lol. great reaction. Made me laugh throughout. BABYMETAL knows how to put on a show. :)

[@emperorchopchop7726]

#notacult

[@raid7752]

My 16th birthday was nothing like this!! This is where SU-METAL became our METAL GODDESS QUEEN and an IDOL LEGEND. Its times like this when you realize three kawaii Asian girls are more METAL than you.

[@reggiealcalen1294]

Doomsday I and II just happened live in Japan! They had two live shows at Budokan! Love seeing your reaction to this! Always a surprise to many... 🦊 🦊 🦊

[@ihwan1911]

I can tell you, sometimes when BABYMETAL do perform, some song has an animation intro, it's tell the story from the concert mean. I like the story behind them . Btw, DEATH is song about BABYMETAL just introduce themselves . And this live just to celebrate su 16th birthday 😂 Good reaction 🤘

[@ThefattestCatOnMars]

Your wife is adorable omg awww herbreactions ahaha i especially love the “It’s weird... but I like it” comments ahahah

[@HellenKillerProject]

The large concerts of two had themes. There are three different sides to the group shown. When they are together, when just the smaller two and with Su alone. When the younger ones are taken the songs are quite different and not so nice in subject as as their thoughts are turned evil. Su has the task of saving them from the trap they have fallen into, etc... Babymetal is a pretty nice art show as are the other two bands, as a unit of Sakura Gakuin, a female Idol group. Perfume and One OK Rock are two other bands associated with them through Amuse Inc. All three are great live ... On another quick thought Band-Maid is a Japanese group that is a force at the moment and they have a chance at breaking out with a bit of luck. They have the same connection with the audience.

[@METALSKINMETAL]

Great reaction Our Goddess is born BABYMETAL FOREVER 🤘🤘🤘 All hail The Fox God #notacult hmm...

[@ConsumptiveSoul]

It wasn’t actually played in 1997 it was The that the lead vocalist was born it was on her 16th birthday and that was the day when she was crucified and she became the Queen of metal

[@FollowtheEve]

Sorry! Thanks for letting us know!

[@ConsumptiveSoul]

@@FollowtheEve no worries it happens

[@Ratherbflyin]

Regarding the numbers on Mikio's guitar. My understanding, and I could be wrong, is that this is a reference to his height. If I recall correctly, Mikio was ~159 centimeters tall.

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

the most unhelpful part of the "unhelpful guide" is the name. it's actually pretty helpful.

[@MacTaipan]

Haha, your face was great. :-D You don‘t see that every day, right - especially from a band that haters say is not Metal. Personally, I think it‘s not their best song, but it certainly gets you pumped up when it opens the show (as it usually did). And I like the wordplay in the sparing lyrics, that has already been explained. I think my favourite scene is Yui and Moa fleeing in panic as Su-metal reawakens, while the badass shredding is going on in the background. Makes me smile every time. #NOTACULT

[@mixomiceto81]

Awesome, great performance

[@Marty-Metal]

Excellent content

[@Dennis-DK2]

thx for the reaction #notacult

[@jacobprince146]

The band has always dressed this way, prior it was the babybones but they have since retired. Awesome reaction by the way!

[@TexasVeteranPatriot]

Typical birthday celebration at The One's First Church of Babymetal. #Notacult

[@karu-metal1943]

Great reaction the statue isn’t mother Mary it has a Japanese face it is meant have Su’s face

[@DavidVanks]

Great vídeo! Please reaction song of babymetal Onedari Daisakusen 🤘 !!!!!

[@Inosuke_Hashibira75]

Check out Ava Marie by them, the intro to this concert 🤘🏻🦊🤘🏻

[@emanymton713]

I was aware they were pronouncing Desu as Death. And I have to be honest. Moa does the best job of emphasizing the th in death. Because the rest ( Su, Yui, and the guttural track ) all just sound like Desu to me.

[@patrickwood4667]

I think that is the goddess Omi, the Japanese goddess of the sun

[@paulbroady4141]

The Kami band always dressed like that . Don’t get them muddled up with the baby bones who mined to soundtracks in the very early days

[@d4veschatzi]

what ur experience when 16th birthday party? My band sacrificed me and we're yelling with thousand people

[@PaintedTurtle001]

Hellofa performance! Loved it!

[@crimson0119]

*face palm* Didn't read the translation of the opening Japanese in the description, eh? 😏 Still love your reaction! 🤘🦊🤘 Keep the reactions coming.

[@crimson0119]

My bad.... You did read the description.

[@JW20397]

I Miss Mikio🌷💐 and Yui 😥😥

[@Wirmish]

Red lipstick? Where? 😗

[@k-taro369]

They are introducing themselves. “Su metal death!” “Yui metal death!” “Moa metal death!” “Babymetal death!” I think you can hear “desu” not “death”. “Desu” is about the same as “is” “am” “are”. In Japanese,we pronounce “desu”. So,”Babymetal death!”=“We are Babymetal!”. I’m sorry my English is bad...

[@metalyui1710]

This live is play ❗See you...🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅

[@brutalshow3364]

👻🤘🦊🦊🦊🤘👻

[@DaElfer]

Yup. now you are ready for the unhelpful guide.

[@plickerticker8754]

You two are cool. 👉🦊👈🤘❤️

[@RVREVO]

Welcome to the Foxhole.

[@vipulchavan1320]

It's is amazing ritual

[@sirmoonslosthismind]

the song title is "babymetal death", as in "babymetal desu" == "we are babymetal". every reactor gets that wrong.

[@paulwilkinson6011]

#mostdefinatelynotacult

[@レビメタル]

🦊☠🦊☠🦊☠

[@michaelmatthews3261]

I just subscribed just to get you to 666

[@johngiaccardi2299]

After this reaction you have to do IN THE NAME OF HD Before you do the unhelpful Gide This is the other performance that words can not describe Also is the opening song for the new concerts at BUDOCAN And also has a big Easter egg 🥚 About THE GIRLS JUST SAYING

[@crypticmisery7996]

ITNO is such an incredible performance but nobody every does it on KZbin because it gets blocked

[@davegnarlsson4344]

Nope, that's not it. Mikio's death was far later than this and this has nothing to do with any band member. Read the Babymetal folklore and you'll understand.

[@seregamolodets5286]

🍅🍅🍅 🤘🏼🦊🤘🏼 NotACult ! ! !

[@plickerticker8754]

Video 2015

[@stephenchigwidden7504]

Fantastic reaction. REALLY enjoyed it. Lots of BABY. Metal to do but just be careful of copyrights. Please react to BAND MAID and NEMOPHILA.

[@plickerticker8754]

Su b day

[@treydagoat6076]

Rect to juice wrld wishing well very 😞

[@KillingMachine44]

#NOTACULT

[@yolandria]

If you liked that theatrical vid...You need to watch the opening for Legend S. That song was called . "In the name of."

[@Antisocial20105]

#notacult

[@schelin1447]

#notacult

[@TheBongReyes]

#notacult

[@tomfinlay7373]

#notacult

[@PiratePawsLive]

🤘🦊🤘 #notacult #legitgoddessnow Ascension to godhood for our queen, so beautiful...