YES!!! First-Time Ever Reaction to Band-Maid "Domination" Live

[@russellpotter7294]

10 years together as a band. They are something special and well worth time to explore. Great live and well worth exploring some MVs too. Write their own songs. Their costumes are based on Maid Cafes that the founder Miku (red rose) worked in. The clothes and the music they call the gap. Cute clothes while playing rock songs.

[@maidnewsnetwork]

OK, let's unpack this in an orderly manner. What Mrs Coach is referring to is called "The Gap." It is the juxtaposition of looks and sound. It is very intentional and a hallmark of the brand. The fan club Coach asked about is called Omeisyusama-no kai. If you were to go for round two, I'd suggest Warning! official music video. They are 100% a live band but the Warning! video and song are pretty special.

[@Gakster81]

I think Coach profoundly hit the nail on the head: "Yes"

[@CoachCastTV]

😆 🤣 Nothing more needs to be said.

[@alanlee8590]

Hi Mr and Mrs Coach, this maid outfit, alongside school girl uniforms etc, are indeed part of an unique Japanese subculture. In Japan there are actually "maid cafes" where young waitresses dress as maids to serve customers as a form of novelty and gimmick. The maid outfit is also constantly featured in Japanese manga and anime. The reason why they are dressed in maid outfit is because one of the band members used to work in one of those maid cafes. They found it a good idea to dress as maids in order to highlight the stark contrast betweeen their feminine side and their rip-your-face-off heavy metal.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's awesome! Thanks for the explanation.

[@ChuckJansenII]

Well. Originally, two of the members thought it was a great idea to wear the maid uniforms. Both the rhythm guitarist (Miku w/red rose) and lead guitarist (Kanami of Mincho). The Drummer (Akane) and Bassist (Misa) had to think about it. Lead singer Saiki wasn't told about the maid outfits because she would have been against the maid uniforms. So Miku (founder and Pigeon) didn't tell her until she agreed to do a couple of shows. Miku held up the outfit for Saiki who asked, "What is this?" She was talked into wearing the maid outfit but took off the apron after the show. Nowadays, Saiki is so happy she was deceived by a Pigeon. These aren't just band mates in Band-Maid. These are very close friends. I don't think Saiki would rather be anywhere else.

[@paddyofurniture4681]

Fan club? Oh you're in, and you are in for the ride of your life. I', a 72 yr old dude lucky enough to see Zep, Bowie, Allmans, D Purp, Springsteen, etc etc all thru the 60's and 7o's but when rock kind of petered out I was stuck listening to all that great old stuff but then 2 yrs ago magic happened and i found Band Maid. This is the best band I have ever followed, best band I have seen live, best catalog of compositions ( too complex and wonderful to be called just "songs" ) over 130+. So get ready cuz cousin, it's a deep and broad rabbit hole of rock excellence comprising hard rock, ballads, thrash, speed metal, jazz, blue, punk and prog. Whew!! Must sees: - Blooming MV - Daydreaming MV - From Now on - Gion-cho Nice overview on those 4 only 130+ to go after that!

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL, thanks so much. We will definitely do more.

[@kla4600]

They really, really are amazing live. I caught BAND-MAID in Minneapolis last August, a few days after they were at Lalapalooza. They play more medium sized venues in the US---it's a great experience, getting to be ten feet in front of Kanami (lead guitarist) for the whole show. If you want some next steps and a BAND-MAID music video, I'd suggest "Choose Me", "Dice", or "Blooming". If you want some all-female J-metal bands at some point, as opposed to J-rock, consider Nemophila or Lovebites. For some joyous rock-pop-funk, consider Gacharic Spin.

[@BillHallisey]

Band-Maid fans call ourselves Maidiacs. These five Japanese females are the best rock band I have heard (and seen) in my 75 years on this planet. The concept in the creation of Band-Maid was the idea of Miku Kobato (she's the rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist with the red rose on her headband). Miku worked in a cosplay maid cafe in Tokyo and was the winner in a female idol contest. She didn't want to continue as an idol singer, so she suggested to her management company the formation of an all-female rock band who wore cute maid outfits while playing hard rock. Miku recruited their incredible lead guitarist who also composes their music, Kanami Tono. Kanami recruited Akane Hirosi, their drummer, who was a longtime friend. Akane recruited Misa (no last name) as bassist. Misa and Akane both attended the Tokyo School of Music together and played as backup in other groups. Finally, Saiki Atsumi was recruited as the lead vocalist because Miku (to her credit) realized that her voice range was not strong enough to be the lead vocalist in a hard rock group. The band just completed their 10th Anniversary tour with concerts in Japan, the U.S., Mexico City, and Hong Kong. I'm from Atlanta and was fortunate enough to see them live when they came here. At my age, I thought it was a "bucket list" concert, but I was so blown away by their live performance, their command of the audiences attending, and their personal interaction with their many fans in the audience, I decided to travel to Minneapolis to see them again. If you ever get a chance to go to one of their live concerts, do so. It will be worth it. Now for more song I suggest you should listen to are "Manners/Black Hole", the official live video. It's a two-fer video was filmed during an online oku-ji (concert) during the pandemic without a live audience in front of them because of Covid restrictions. The hard bass funk groove of "Manners" doesn't prepare you for the frenetic posta-pocalyptic punk sound of "Black Hole". If you want to see where they started, you can review "Thrill", the official music video, that saved this band's career because of it's popularity. Band-Maid also does beautiful rock ballads like "Daydreaming", "Memorable", and "About Us", a lament to their fans during the pandemic shutdown.

[@CoachCastTV]

Great comment. Thank you so much for this info. It's cool to see their appeal across many age-spectrums.

[@outwest1014]

One small detail, They Tricked Saki into joining the band!!

[@skrrytch]

You forgot their acoustic concert and performances 😅 Everything they do is great and nothing is boring ... Even the multiple solos are short and crisp 😊

i'm happy more and more people find Band-Maid. They are super talenred and deserve all the attention, bigger arenas and worldwide tours. Found them four years ago and been a fan since. Maids have grown in their ten year journey and their newer releases are quite.. intense.. For olskool hard rock fans their earlier releases hit closer to home. Songs like "Dice", "Real existense", "Puzzle", "Cant live without you.", "Freezer", "Clang", "Blooming" and "Manners" are all (insert profanity) bangers.

[@Harry_Creter_AKA_Kaldath]

Dice is my favorite Band-maid song! followed closely by Daydreaming, and Different!

[@AldoGuerraALDO-METAL]

You want more? Anything you pick from them will be great. And I mean ANYTHING. They don't have a single bad or mediocre song in their discography. So just pick a song, any song, you won't be disappointed. Wait until you start getting into the fandom. We have several KZbin channels dedicated to Band-Maid. Fan made documentaries. A news network, a podcast, fan covers, song lessons, etc. For when we fall in love with a band, we fall hard. Once you have a few songs under your belt, I highly HIGHLY recommend the documentaries. Get to know the band and why we love them on another level after discovering them. We really REALLY love this band.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's awesome that their fanbase is so passionate.

[@sjnix7044]

A News Network. 🙃

[@maidnewsnetwork]

@@CoachCastTV MNN would like to cover that fan club admission for you...seriously.

[@geoffb5]

And a Discord fan site too.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@maidnewsnetwork That's great guys!

[@jkkansasband7056]

Coach had it down quickly. And Mrs Coach will warm up to the band upon more listens. With 10 years and 120+ Awesome songs in their catalog their diverse and unique Rock music will attack your soul. Instrumentals, acoustics, anime, traditional Japanese instruments. I'll suggest the song they played just before Domination at this concert: PLAY-LIVE. This is the Rock band you've been waiting for. Peace. 10.5

[@GaryHolloway-810]

I was at the doctors, now i've got to go back tomorrow for blood tests, idk why cos they didn't tell me. But as i left the surgery, by all the tears i didn't know they were that sad that i was leaving. And that made me late for Coach.😔

[@jkkansasband7056]

@@GaryHolloway-810 Hey silly, the tears weren't for you. They were sad that they had to miss Coach BECAUSE of you. 🤔 Hope everything is going as expected. They didn't tell you why because you keep saying to them DON'T YOU TELL ME.... probably. 😆Stay well.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@jkkansasband7056 Lol. Yeah you're right, Jk. When i go back tomorrow they'll probably say "Oh sorry we cancelled the blood tests, we didn't think you'd make it back".😆

[@jkkansasband7056]

@@GaryHolloway-810 😭😆Wasn't sure which emoji to use.

[@Staren01]

I'm not super fond of the Babymetal comparison because they are two very deferent things, but there is one thing that Band-Maid and Babymetal do have in common. That initial WTF moment. If you don't love them right off, you do need to get over the gap of the music with the look.

[@allanmoger1838]

Band-Maid are best live. They have some excellent music and a fantastic energy live, maid uniforms or not. The point of these Japanese Girl’s bands image is juxtaposition, you’ve already seen it with BABYMETAL and when you get to LOVEBITES you’ll see they are all dressed in angelic white for the same reasons. Even Hanabie, who are Harajukucore, dress to confuse in that unique Harajuku inspired way. It’s all very much as Japanese as the wonderful way they all put a different chord progression and different timing, compared to western bands, into their music, along with that woman’s touch, to give something unique and wonderful in the world of music.

[@sondebueu]

Yes.. Rock, heavy, thrash, power metal... My recommendation for @CoachCastTV is LOVEBITES too.. And NEMOPHILA just after them. And HANABIE.. if they like hard vocals metal (not me) All girls bands. All from japan too.

[@MVDRAMABLACKWITTE]

Welcome to BAND MAID Songs I recommend BLOOMING; kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4bXkH14gtSWga8 MANNERS/BLACK HOLE live : kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5LJamekg7iFfac DAYDREAMING: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHTEloihp66nr7s This song is beautiful FREEDOM: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHnTpningqaWesk INFLUENCER: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5DFdplneJWmprs And if you want to know more about them, I recommend this documentary made by fans and where you will know much more about them. There are 7 videos, it is very complete. It may be long but it is very good to start with, sorry for my English as it is not very good. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX7bkKWQo9aUr8k In the documentary you will understand why their band maid costumes and how incredible their leader and creator of the band is, I will look forward to it and thank you very much for reacting to band maid

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for this great information.

[@MVDRAMABLACKWITTE]

​@@CoachCastTV Thank you for reading my comment and for your reaction.

[@tk72231968]

Out of all the groups you mentioned, Band-Maid is the best in my opinion. They are a group of self maid(pun intended) musicians, they have worked very hard without big corporate backing..in fact they had a small label that was about to drop their contract when their first hit 'Thrill' music video went viral and literally saved the band from breaking up. The rhythm guitarist/backup singer Miku(small pigeon) is the creator and founder of the band, and writes most of the lyrics....she's also somewhat of a standup comedian with her Omajinai time during concerts. I would suggest another song, but really you can pick anything from this band...not something I can say about very many other bands I've heard over my 50+ years of rock and roll. Great choice, super reaction 👍👍

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks. This was fantastic.

[@skrrytch]

100% correct. But let me recommend a next song: "Play"(Live) is a good follow up. Or maybe something more catchy, then "Choose me" or the wonderful "Daydreaming". But yeah, you might choose any song you can find. They are all great, never boring because of their wonderful song writing and all members are very talented. Just listen to the bass or the drums!

[@howardbrown911]

I am over 70 and have seen great incredible bands, but these women are the greatest band I have seen since Led Zeppelin! Nothing more needs to be said. I heard them this last summer in Salt Lake City and like you I was wacked!

[@tonygriffin_]

Yes! The only band I've seen live that came close to Band-Maid was Zeppelin...but that was in 1979!

[@gku8744]

What makes this band even more special is the interaction and respect that this group has for the fans. Many concert fan cams, fan song covers, fan channels, fun informal interviews, and not an ego in the group.

[@jeremydawkins8814]

Coach has a Lazer guided hammer that hit the nail dead centre. Welcome to BAND-MAID.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

"Yes", just "Yes" :)

[@mikkj1]

We have to give the Japanese credit for putting these groups together that feature women in genre's that, traditionally, are male dominated. Band-Maid and Babymetal illustrate that it's ridiculous to ignore half the population of the world because of "traditional" biases. For me, it's refreshing to see women on stage killing it like these groups do. It's also interesting in that Japan is a very male dominated society, but these groups indicate that there's a huge market for women in these genre's. I knew Coach would like this, and, dare I say, I think that he might find Band-Maid a bit more "attractive" than AC/DC? ;)

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL, there is no doubt they'd be more attractive, but honestly, that never even entered my mind watching it. I was simply rocking out because they were awesome! This was gender-free rock and roll excellence to me.

[@chrisegbertky]

​@CoachCastTV well said Coach!

[@holyomega3093]

@@CoachCastTV exactly. It's not about the genders. They are simply great at what they do. One of the best rock band in the world.

[@edwardmcalister8743]

I always love to see someone's first exposure to Band-Maid. First it's "What the?" Then "This is good". Then "This is REALLY good". Then "This is AWESOME!" Never fails.

[@bocatampere]

Magical band. 10 years of greatness. Amazing musicians, humble humans. Best liveband in 21st Century. Greets from Finland 🤘🇫🇮

[@chrisegbertky]

Well said!

[@EbefrenRevo]

I cant put better words to describe the band.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Mr & Mrs Coach i like you.👍 I'm married to BAND-MAID but i still like you :)

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL! Thanks!

[@Kevin6059]

Best hard rock band in the world, IMO. And there is usually so much going on with their music that you'll like their music more and more every time you hear it. Plus you'll always finish the song grinning!

[@paulpetersen879]

Brother, you aren't wrong. Band Maid is their own genre. Pop, rock, punk, metal, speed these beauties put it all together in a killer mix. The variety in their music will blow you away. Check out Moratorium live, Freedom live, mv for Manners, mv for Choose Me. Great starting point

[@Raiden-R]

World wide rock band "BAND-MAID"😆👍♪♪♪

[@70soperator16]

It's about the smiles.....when was the last time you heard such "heavy" music coming from such smiling and happy faces....most "western" bands seem to think a scowl is required....not our Maids....their absolute joy in entertaining us is electric and infectious....everyone leaves a Band Maid concert satisfied, amazed and both energized and exhausted....talented, humble, beautiful geniuses....you'll understand.....I promise

[@tonygriffin_]

So true and it also applies to all the hugely talented female/female-led bands from Japan such as Lovebites, Nemophila, Asterism, Otoboke Beaver, Hanabie, etc, etc.

[@SkullAngel002]

Glad y'all discovered the world of BAND-MAID. For context, maid outfits are commonly worn by servers in cafes in Japan. Miku (pigtails on the left at 6:33) founded the band in 2013. She was working in a cafe and got the idea to play rock music while wearing maid outfits. She recruited everyone (including Kanami on the right at 6:33 who taught her how to play). BM has an eclectic style when it comes to their music so there is something for everyone. Here you go; it only gets better from here: Freedom (2020 live) Warning! (MV) Secret My Lips (MV) and Secret MAIKO Lips Shambles (MV) Dice & Hate? (2023 Lollapalooza) From Now On (MV)

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks very much. We look forward to hearing more!

[@sugaanessena3143]

It's Maid cafes, not all cafes.😉

[@roumiaou]

The smallest tip of a giant iceberg ;-) All genres, all melodic and technical.

[@senjii-kun]

Welcome to the family ♥ Next on the list, you will probably love FREEDOM from that same concert!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks!

[@sugaanessena3143]

Band-Maid is the best thing to happen since the invention of sound. Two more victim's of Miku's "The Gap" Welcome to the Maidiacs, CCTV

[@johnarksey9460]

In my 5+ decades of listening to rock I thought I'd heard it all until I was introduced to Band Maid a few years ago, and they are now legitimately one of my favourite bands of all time. Since forming 10 years ago in their late teens/early 20's they've amassed a catalogue of over 120 original songs, dozens of which would be major hits if they were better known... so where to go next? The Maidiacs will be out in force to offer suggestions, but to get you started my choices would be Dice, Freedom (live), Blooming, or Real Existance (live).... or you can go right back to their beginning and check out their "Thrill" music video - the song that introduced them to Western rock fans and literally saved the band from being disbanded

[@grantnealon5101]

Well at last!! Welcome Mr and Mrs Coach. The first of 4 you need to see, and once you do there is no turning back... Check out Freedom Live and Real existence Live next from the Maids.. Very very cool band. They have over 100 songs for you if you dare... Oh, and welcome to the "Pigeon hole" Ok 3 months ago I gave you a list on your first Baby metal reaction... Please watch these 3 bands next.. Lovebites - Stand and deliver shoot em down live from Knocking at Heaven's gate Nemophila - Raitei MV Aldious - Reincarnation Live Get ready to be blown away.. Again Best wishes from France

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you so much. This was fantastic. We'll certainly do more.

[@grantnealon5101]

@@CoachCastTV Excellent, look forward to it.. Don't forget the next 3 I don't think you are going to believe it...

[@skrrytch]

Hey coaches. I look at it like this: Manners is perfect musical craftsmanship, nothing more but nothing less. It's a song you want to listen to every day. Blackhole on the other hand is an experiment, an experience, an adventure. In that sense they are both wonderful songs. Would you like a little more pop/melody? Then maybe “Alone” (their first self-written song) or “Choose me”. Or a ballad? Then “About us” or “Memorable”. And also “Daydraeming” is kinda ballady ... wonderful! My current favorites: Corallium (Live at Shibuya) and "Beauty and the Beast" (lovely Miku is singing with Saiki backing up) Po 🕊

[@CoachCastTV]

Appreciate this good comment! 👍

[@claymore2of9]

Miku the originator of the band (rhythm guitarist red rose) worked in maid cafes and liked the idea of cute girls wearing cute clothes but playing cool heavy rock music, she has explained it as a Japanese idiom term called "gap" meaning being surprised by what you see being not what you get.

[@zoob6510]

BAND-MAID is an organic unit of five outstanding musicians. They are one of the best rock bands I've heard on earth in decades. Listen to the three songs: Onset live, Without Holding Back, and From Now On. Although they are instrumental, each one is very distinctive. Their songs are made up of a wide variety of parts, but listening to these songs you can get a feel for the performance power behind their vocals.

[@dennismayo4307]

You become a Maidiac, as soon as your smile and body enjoy the music of BandMaid...❤❤❤

[@stevekane4922]

Some of us old guys remember Winston Churchill's funeral, the day JFK left the world, 9/11, our first kiss, and the day we first heard bandmaid. Generally followed by 12hrs of rabbit hole without reaching the bottom of the opus.

[@Charles-ce7ev]

Band Maid is: Akane Hirose, Drums Kanami Tono, Lead Guitar and main song writer Saiki Atsumi, Lead Singer and lyricist Miku Kobato, Rhythm Guitar, second lead singer, lyricist and originator of the band Misa, Bass Guitar Five of the most incredible young women on the planet.

[@jameswelsh598]

You just saw the greatest rock band in the world today. Welcome Maidiacs

[@mamoru1412]

Japan is the future of rock and metal. Japan has a huge number of top-level bands consisting of super musicians. There are many all-female bands in Japan playing great music. Band-Maid is one of these bands. The vast majority of listeners in the West are not even aware of this. The time will come and the West will be covered by a wave of Japanese bands. This will be the "Japanese musical invasion of Europe and America".

[@falconsooner]

The song played right before this was Play. It is definitely worthy of reaction.

[@mae_mon]

Welcome to BAND-MAID world and pigeon hole. They're a genuine proper rock band wearing maid outfits.

[@palominokid3002]

Welcome to the wonderful world of Band-Maid. Yes, Miku (red rose, rhythm guitar and back up vocals) founded the band and she once worked as a server at several Maid Cafes. She had the vision of wearing the cute maid outfits while playing “cool” (rock) music. The story of how she found the the others, their sisterhood like bonding over 10 years, and the sheer depth of their amazing catalog of over 100 brilliant songs and incredible live performances will keep you entertained and amazed for months if not years. You have found one of the genuinely best bands in the world, with an incredible fan base of masters and princesses (as they call us), or Maidiacs as some have named themselves. Over a hundred songs and not a bad one in the bunch, but dozens snd dozens of spectacular tunes. Start with learning their names: Miku (red rose), Saiki (sigh-key) - lead singer, Kanami - lead guitar, composer, arranger; Misa - “lead” bass; and the ever smiling incredible Akane (Acan-nay) on drums !

[@ΚάλλεΤάβος]

After becoming disinterested in new music for about a decade, simultaneously got pulled into J-Rock and K-Pop by Band-Maid and Dreamcatcher. Just about all I listened to for about a year before expanding into the respective orbs. Like most of the other bands you're done, with Band-Maid you can just pick a song. Think Mrs. Coach might like the vibe of "Daydreaming". At the Classic Rock Awards 2016 in Japan, Jimmy Page gave Akane high praise for her drum work. There's a selfie of them together floating around the internet.

[@AldoGuerraALDO-METAL]

I like how you said that. It has nothing to do with "it's Japanese or it's all female, or whatever. It's just good ROCK AND ROLL. I get so tired of hearing people automatically say because it's Japanese, it sounds like an "anime song". Nah bruh. It's just good effn' Rock and Roll baby!!! Fanclub you say? They have a pretty big following on Facebook fan groups. We're known as Masters and Princesses by the band officially. But unofficially we also call ourselves Maidiacs. Welcome!!

[@CoachCastTV]

Maidiacs sounds awesome. Thank you!

[@Bodneyblue]

Was gonna pretty much say the same thing..hehe...Long May They Reign!👑

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

@@patron40silver 💯% agree, well said 👍

[@miqoto]

Thank you both for being open minded and checking out non-english bands! these ladies have been my favorite band for quite a while, and many people brush it off due to it not entirely being in english

[@CoachCastTV]

We have found quite a lot of good music lately that is not in English or only partially English. We're thankful for people pointing us in this direction.

[@rjaywest378]

Welcome to the world of Band-Maid! They play everything from classic rock to prog rock, metal, punk and everything in between, including some awesome instrumentals. They also play acoustic versions of some of their songs, and not forgetting their trainee Geisha alter-egos, Band-Maiko. Pick any one of their songs and they will blow you away every time.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Coach....you absolutely nailed it....its just good rock and roll !!!!!! Too many people try and pigeon hole them into a genre. You have just been introduced to the best rock band on the planet. Get ready for your wonderful journey......next up PLAY LIVE !!!!!!!!

[@tedwatson1743]

Band-Maid is about contrasting cute girls in maid outfits melting your face with rock.

[@waynebenedict5785]

To give the two of you some context for the band, Miku Kobato(Small Pigeon), formed the band with the juxtaposition goal of cute maids vs hard rock music, which she calls the "Gap", and Mrs. Coach picked up on, right away! You might want to go to the song that saved them from being broke up, "Thrill", then maybe "Alone", their first self written song allowed onto a album by their label, then for a musical eargasum try their instrumental songs, "Onset", "Without Holding Back", and "From Now On!! Five amazing musicians, talent, dedication, and devotion to the music almost beyond measure! The fandom is affectionately referred to as "Maidiacs", which I happily admit to belonging to! No bad songs from these amazing ladies! They just celebrated their 10th Anniversary, with all the same members, btw! We like to say Band-Maid is their own genre!

[@CoachCastTV]

Appreciate this! We look forward to more.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

And a thing about the maid outfits, Mrs. Coach ;-): as Fans and Maidiacs know, Miku -- the 2nd guitarist, lyricist, founder and who worked at a maid cafe -- wanted to show that everyday working "Kawaii" girls dressed as maids in high heels while having fun and smiling could rock as hard as any guy band sweating it up in their hip, poor tortured artists "outfits"... and by showing that contrast (the Gap), it would generate interest, which it so successfully has done! It also represents Woman Power (Equality), which is an important theme with the Maids. Now they show up as Maids for all band business and interviews, etc. and have created a long-lasting, unmistakable, visual band brand. Very cleaver, Miku. Your diabolical plan for world domination is working, Po! Of course, none of this would work if their music and stage performance wasn't at such a remarkably high level. Band-Maid is considered by many of their fans and Maidiacs to be the best hard rock band in the world - maid outfits and all!

[@Davey-Boyd]

Hi guys! 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 10 year 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 are also five of the nicest people in music, without a shred of ego. They are funny and fun and bad-ass musicians to boot. They are currently celebrating their 10th anniversary with the original line up. I flew from the UK to Japan just to see them play live. I saw them four times in nine days and they blew the roof off every time! Just think, they play at this intensity for 2+ hours, no support acts, no encores. Rock and Roll did not die, it moved to Japan. And as an added bonus, the Band-Maid fanbase is comprised of really lovely welcoming people. The band and the fans are all in this together. They adore us, we adore them, we all look after each other. 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. The 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! And yes there is a fan club of course!

[@CoachCastTV]

We are very impressed after just one video. We are certainly going to do more.

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@CoachCastTV I'd better subscribe to your channel then! Best wishes from a snowy England

[@gku8744]

Baby Metal and the Warning are also fans of Band-Maid (and vise-versa). There are meet-and-greets of the groups with Band-Maid on the internet.

[@swissystan]

Coach, you got it spot-on. It’s just good old rock and roll. Prepare to be amazed over and over as you experience more of this band’s music. One of a kind….

[@douglasbrown1345]

Greatest rock/hard rock band in the world.

[@lordrahl2345]

People say Rock and Roll died...it didn't die, it moved to Japan.

[@CoachCastTV]

😆 🤣

[@jeffreyandrews6700]

Yay! Coach fell into the Band-Maid rabbit hole. 🐇 Won't be finding his way out anytime soon. Saw them live last year in Boston and it was a wonderful show.

[@sugaanessena3143]

It's pigeon hole, thank you.😉

[@outwest1014]

The maid costumes are to create "the Gap" meaning the difference in what you are seeing Demure maids vs what you are hearing Hard Rock. They write their songs. Kanami, lead guitar, writes the basic song sending it to MISA, bass and Akane, drums to complete the music. Then it goes to Miku, guitar, vocals, Spoke-pigeon and Band Founder, for the lyrics. Saiki, vocals is now contributing to the lyrics. They toured the US twice last year, including festival and Lallapalooza. Second Japanese band to perform at Lalapalooza which is by invite only. I found Band Maid thanks to Blackpink!! Hears what Rollin Stone said about them at Lallapalooza -- ROLLING STONE Japanese Rockers Band-Maid Put Guitar Center Showoffs to Shame There’s a pun to be made about how much Band-Maid ripped, but the Japanese group goes even harder than that. Fluctuating between hard rock, aughts nu-metal, and pop rock, each member of the quintet is a virtuoso in her own right with more than a decade of practice in Band-Maid alone. They lured curious onlookers into the fold when highlights like “Domination” and “Don’t You Tell Me” got huge reactions from the crowd, but it was the bass solo-versus-guitar solo duels mid-song that got the biggest cheers. This is what those guys in Guitar Center think their ridiculous riffing sounds like. Turns out it’s done best, and most effortlessly, by women in black-and-white maid dresses and frilly hair-pieces as they smile ear to ear. -N.C. Next - "Hate" and "No God" live, performed at Lallapalooza.

[@CoachCastTV]

Haha, that's great!

[@craigreichhold6032]

YES🎸YES🥁YES ! Just YES 🎤

[@CoachCastTV]

😆

[@paddyofurniture4681]

BTW they just completed their 10 yr anniv tour and Bluray pre-ordering has begun. Very special 3.5 hr show that any real fan must own. Have to order from Japan I got the whole package it was around a hundo but for me well worth it. Release date March 27 so plenty of time to get one. The two older Blurays are fantastic as well that vid is from one of those

[@mikeat2637]

They are literally the best rock band on the planet right now. And they have the fan base on just about every continent to prove it. You mentioned the Warning, who are just amazing in their own right. They know the ladies of Band Maid very well and have played together several times. And Mexico is one of the biggest fans of Band Maid and they tour there frequently. I've seen Band Maid three times since October 2022 and they were here in the US twice in 2023. The guitarist you were raving about is Kanami Tono a/k/a Mincho (shorty), who is also the composer of the group and a rock Mozart for the 21st century. Her compositions are just luminous and always tell a story. The band's founder, Miku Kobato a/k/a The Pigeon is the rythym guitarist and writes a lot of the lyrics. The Bassist is MISA MISA MISA (no last name, all caps) a/k/a The Barefoot Assassin, because when she found about the maid costumes she wanted to be the Assassin Maid. The drummer, Akane Hirose a/k/a Gorilla (because she pounds the skins and loves bananas) is one of the best drummers I have ever seen, male or female, and is the High Priestess of the Temple of The Perfect Fill, lol. Sometimes when watching her I am reminded of Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, she is that proficient. And last, but definitely not least, is lead vocalist Saiki Atsumi a/k/a The Fashionista or Ice Queen. She has developed into one of the best rock vocalists and frontwomen that there is in music today. To see a real demonstration of their musicianship, check out two of their instrumentals, the live official video of "Onset" and the music video for "From Now On". I have been a big fan of instrumentals since the days of Don Wilson and The Ventures and The Shadows, and Band Maid belongs up in that legendary level. A side note, The Ventures were one of the first, if not the first, rock group who went to Japan back in 1960 or 1961 and are still very popular there today. You are in for a wonderful ride with these ladies and they have a catalogue of 120+ that doesn't have a mediocre song in it. Now I'm going to give you a little homework. What would you say about a Japanese band that has been together for 17 years and whose inspiration was The Beatles, along with early 60's classic blues rock and psychadelic music and a bit of country and western added in ? Their name is Glim Spanky and they are a true powerhouse. They are extremely retro in their dress and their style of play, with raw and filthy riffs that bring back memories of a time before sound studio smoothing and refining. Classic Rickenbacker's and Les Paul's. If you decide to dip your toe in the water, first check out the song "Circle of Time" from their 2020 KZbin Live Concert, it's just faultless. For a more country feel, check out "By Myself Again" and "Singin' Now". And because the vocalist's voice is a mixture of Janis Joplin, Grace Slick and Siousxie, check out their cover of "Move Over".

[@CoachCastTV]

Appreciate the great comment and all the additional info.

[@mikeat2637]

@@CoachCastTV I bet you never realized the depths that you were getting into with your first reaction to, I believe it was Baby Metal ? But there is sooooooo much great music out there awaiting you.

[@CoachCastTV]

@@mikeat2637 BabyMetal was after the K-pop which started with BLACKPINK. Also The Warning was in there somewhere. It's all a blur now. LOL

[@jenssweden3621]

Best band on the planet 🤘🎎🤘🎎

[@rosssnel3117]

Coach got it immediately! Mrs. Coach got confused by the “gap,” LOL! (Don’t worry: it happened to many of us!) Both of your lives just changed for the better, but you may find your disposable income disappearing on this band’s discs, merch, and travel to their concerts. Trust me. I have not loved a band this much in a very long time. A few suggestions for other Band-Maid reactions: Freedom (live), Dice/Hate? live from Lollapalooza, From Now On, and (for their slightly softer, tear-inducing side) Daydreaming.

[@armynurseboy]

The Gap strikes again!

[@chakouyang2545]

Don't let the maid outfit food you these ladies are some of the best musicians right now

[@ShikataGaNai100]

Simply put, the best live rock band on the planet. His Holiness TinyHat-san welcomes you to the Unseen World which leads to World Domination.

[@BRO-HI808]

Did you have a class with Professor Ogawa?

[@daft73games]

Band Maid is the real deal! Welcome to Band Maid, and enjoy the ride 🤘😀🤘

[@auzdoz]

Coach and the Mrs. welcome to the Madiacs family! In my humble opinion the best Rock/ Hard Rock band around. I've seen them live 4 times, amazing!!! Pick any song you won't be disappointed. Keep Rocking Amigos!!!🤟🏼✌🏻👍🏼

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks. Amazing how many people have said pick any song. You don't see that with a lot of groups.

[@skrrytch]

​​@@CoachCastTVand it's true. Well it might depend on your musical taste: heavy, funky, progressive, emotional ... Band maid has it all! Well, there is time for any genre, I think. 😅 Their songs are always well structured, complex and never boring. And when you learn more about their character (especially Miku) then you will be drawn deep into the pidgeon hole 😅 Later on you might watch the wonderful documentaries from Ohrenje here on YT!❤

[@uffdad8211]

The initial mental confusion produced by Band-Maid's dress appearance versus their incredible rock sound was intentionally designed by the band's founder, Miku Kobato, to produce exactly what Mrs. Coach experienced. Miku had worked in a maid cafe wearing a similar outfit and her first band recruit and lead guitarist, Kanami Tono, also wore a maid costume in a school music performance. This juxtaposition between look and performance is called "the gap" by the band and always makes the band smile when they see a new listener's stunned reaction to them. The band calls their costumes their "battle armor" and fans just accept it as one of the many endearing characteristics of this incredible band of maids or Band-Maid. Cheers.

[@robertbassham8514]

I saw them on their US tours in 2022 and 2023 and can't wait to see them again. Out of the bands you mentioned, Band Maid is my favorite.

[@keimahane]

Another great live performance is BAND MAID - Manners/BLACK HOLE - LIVE, two songs in one video and it really show cases the Drummer and Bass. The performance was filmed May 2021.

[@CoachCastTV]

We have another Band-Maid coming this week.

[@keimahane]

@@CoachCastTV Sounds good to me!!!

[@francislow3176]

Band Maid... I was waiting for this. ❤

[@MahoroAndou]

Saw them live last summer. Worth every single penny.

[@philcalvino884]

That jolt you get between how they look and what they play (which they call the "gap") is what you feel initially. Then, once you've experienced a few of their songs, you'll realize it's the songwriting, the talent, and the stage presence that hooks you for good. The cool thing is, Mr. & Mrs. Coach, that you'll get a nice variety of styles on your Band-Maid journey, from straight-up hard rock (Shambles, Warning, Blooming, etc.) to Ballads (Daydreaming, endless story, etc.) to acoustically-arranged songs (Catharsis). If you want a beautiful song from their alter-ego band, Band-Maiko, try Gion-Cho.

[@JuanSan66]

Welcome to the best Hard Rock in active. Good job and thank you!

[@devingalloway2708]

WHY ARE THE THE BEST? ITS SIMPLY THE VOLUME OF GREAT SONGS! 😊

[@jimbo3207]

Concerts in Japan are awesome most venues ban phones. It's so nice not getting your view blocked by a screen and having everyone present in the moment.

[@byrondaniel4410]

Seen alot of bands live and are even better in person

[@geoffb5]

Recommend anything on their official channel. But for a more recent live search 'band maid lollapalooza dice hate'. Best rock band in my 75 years on this planet. Their 10th anniversary tour final concert at Yokohama Arena was just 3 1/2 hours of amazement.

[@David-vz8ss]

Band Maid: Simply the best! -You’ll never have to lie abt a BM review. They always deliver!

[@alexn4843]

The rhythm guitarist with the red rose (Miku) used to work in a maid cafe and came up with idea of wearing maid outfits while playing rock music. They call that "The Gap". You think they will sing some kind of cute pop music but they hit you with this kick ass rock music. She was supposed to be the lead singer but felt her voice wasn't right for what she wanted the band to play so she basically fired herself from that roll and became the backup vocalist and rhythm guitarist. She never played guitar before and Kanami (lead guitarist) is her teacher.

[@GlennWH26]

Okay, names, pronunciation, nicknames, and roles, in order that they joined the band. Miku Kobato - mee-koo - Kuruppo, the Little Pigeon, the Little Engine Who Will - band founder, backing (and occasionally lead) vocals, rhythm guitar, principal lyricist, tireless Spokespigeon and PR machine. Wielder of weapons grade cuteness. So determined to see her band succeed that she fired herself as lead singer (she decided her voice wasn't strong enough for hard rock), then went looking for a replacement. Learned to play guitar after the band was formed. Kanami Tono - kah-nah-mee - Kanamincho or just Mincho - lead guitar, keyboards, principal composer and arranger. On stage, she's a savant mad riffer with a room temperature IQ and a huge crush on Saiki. In reality, she's a genius, and not just musically- she has a degree in economics with honors from Tokyo University. Akane Hirose - ah-kah-neh - A-chan, the Gorilla - drums, sequencing, snacks, the leader the band doesn't have. What you see is what you get- a cheerful jock with a huge appetite who burns off the calories murdering her drums. Frequently snacks between songs. MISA - mee-sah - the Barefoot Assassin, MISA MISA MISA! - bass, booze, occasional wet work. Usually stone faced. Barely acknowledges the audience's existence. Always has a beer or a bottle of Jim Beam on her Orange amp. Originally, these were ways of coping with stage fright. These days, that's just how the assassin rolls. Saiki Atsumi - sah-ee-kee (but Psyche is close enough) - the Ice Queen, Sensei, Sai-chan - lead vocals, some lyrics, the "We're done" girl. Fashionista and train nerd. In total command on stage; hides behind Miku off stage (she's actually kind of shy).

[@CoachCastTV]

Awesome! Great info. We truly appreciate this.

[@tonygriffin_]

THE best Hard Rock band on Earth. Obviously, that is my subjective opinion but, if I was to be 100% completely objective, I'd have to say that Band-Maid are definitely THE best Hard Rock band on Earth. I can't be fairer than that. 🤘🤘 2:40 - "I don't need to hear more....sign me up!" - Congratulations! You just became a Maidiac! Once you see their musical abilities live, it's hard to forget them and the need to hear more becomes stronger. The good news is that they have 10 years worth of songs behind them already (120 or so) and a new album being released this year. Try HATE at Lollapalooza from elsewhere on YT and their YT channel for a wealth of great performances and MV's. Welcome to the club, Sir! 🤘🤘 PS The maid outfits were the idea of the band's founder, Miku (rhythm guitar) who wanted to create cognitive dissonance in the audience by having full-on, in-yer-face Rock being played by women in kawaii/cute outfits. She calls it The Gap and it clearly works except for us older folks who grew up with AC/DC's guitarist dressed as a schoolboy, KISS with their animal face paints, ZZ Top and their beards and suchlike. As Coach said, "Just close your eyes and listen" if it messes with your head as otherwise you'll miss all the supremely excellent musicianship/vocals on show!

[@CoachCastTV]

LOL, thank you so much for the warm welcome. This was great!

[@tonygriffin_]

@@CoachCastTV Looking forward to seeing more of your reactions!

[@devingalloway2708]

5 Maids THE BEST ROCK BAND ON EARTH! NOBODY CAN TOUCH THEM! ENJOY THE RIDE YOU HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO. LUCKY YOU❤

[@kinhangtang1015]

More bandmaid pls🤟🦊🤟

[@peepinR]

Yes! You're about to dive into your new favorite new band. Keep checking out their vids and music ! You're going to find they have no clunkers and a lot of stuff that I bet you'll be adding to your own playlists. May I recommend from Band Maid: Dice, Blooming and my fave Onset

[@adampino6587]

The moment of trying to "wrap your head around" BAND-MAID is intentional. Miku calls it "the gap" meaning the gap between expectations and reality.

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

[@daveboehle6027]

Your in for a ride with band maid 100% Hang on...

[@chesterloh7060]

band maid ..hell ya ..rock

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

Mr Coach instantly sucked in the right vibe 🤘. These ladies are the real deal 👌

[@andersmorell5396]

Thank you for your reaction. My musical journey with the maids started with the MV for Manners. As good as they are on the instruments I think what even more stands out is there song writing and how they work with transissions. It is also a good idea to carrfully listen what happens with drum and base as the are importen in their compositions. There are so many fantastic songs so I just pick one; suggesting the MV for Blooming. Have fun! :)

[@tinyhato]

This is the best new reaction I've seen in ages, kudos. And welcome! I hope there will be a lot more Band-Maid to come. I spent over 40 years trying to find "my" music, and it wasn't until I stumbled upon this band that I finally found it.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you! We certainly will do more from them. Coach loves rock and roll, and these ladies rock.

[@dennisthemenace671]

Coach n Mrs , Welcome to BAND-MAID and the Maidiacs , enjoy your journey down the Pigeon hole , MISA !!! MISA !!! MISA !!! the Barefoot Bass Assassin , saw them live twice Amazing shows 18 songs n 2 or 3 mc times .

[@ricardo__jr]

This song is from "BAND-MAID WORLD DOMINATION TOUR - Shinka" held by BAND-MAID at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA on February 14, 2020 Setlist: 1-Rinne 2-Blooming 3-Screaming 4-Dilemma 5-glory 6-FREEDOM 7-Choose me 8-PAGE 9-Mirage 10-catharsis 11-Bubble 12-The Dragon Cries 13-I can't live without you. 14-TIME 15-Wonderland 16-alone 17-DICE 18-Don't you tell ME 19-Play 20-DOMINATION 21-endless Story

[@MaidFrenzy]

If you liked this then you have a loooong road ahead. I grew up on AC/DC (they played at my school when they were just starting out) and was hooked on that genre of music my whole life. But there hasn't been a lot of new stuff to continue on this genre ... until I found BAND MAID. Like Mrs. Coach, I was turned off about the outfits an snubbed the KZbin suggestions for a long long time - then I had a gig to see what the fuss was about ... that was 3 years ago an I haven't listened to much else since. Forget the language barrier and the outfits and just listen to the music ... the rest will fall into place. Each member of the band is talented, precise, technical, humble - the list goes on. I'd suggest the MV of "Warning" (strap in tho) and the other end of the spectrum "Daydreaming" MV one of the best (in my words only) greatest "Rock Ballads" I've ever heard. HOWEVER ... as everyone will tell you - pick anything - no bad songs or ego's here. And no particular genre either ... they are a genre of their own. Oh ... forgot to tell you ... the next one you do will be your new favorite ... then the one after - and the one after haha. New Subby from Aust ... looking forward to following you guys on your new journey.

[@CoachCastTV]

Welcome aboard. It should be an interesting journey.

[@haggaisimon7748]

You’re absolutely right, I always say, it’s pure rock n roll!

[@EliseAutoXr]

Welcome to the club! hehe, Band-Maid has been my favorite band for years, seen them twice in the past couple of years. This is really just beginning... over 130 fantastic songs, no kidding. When they put out a new album, all songs are top-notch and unique, no fillers that you think, meh or skip past. Us Maidiacs welcome you with open arms :). In my life, I have gone "all in" for 3 bands ... AC/DC, then G&R and now Band-Maid (many other of course, just not to the same level). Looking forward to your next reaction, thanks!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks. We're excited to hear more.

[@paulsmith7062]

Finally great job Coach, Mrs Coach welcome to Band-Maid best group of musicians out there. Check out their songs Play & Puzzle both the live versions. Maidiacs are the fans and proud to be one

[@tommyjohnson9175]

🤘Love Band-Maid

[@StoneShards]

You've crossed over...into the land of the Maidiacs! There is no escape! 🤗

[@CoachCastTV]

Pretty sure you are correct. We have another coming in a few days that solidified that.

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

The maid outfits are a reference to the Japanese culture of Maid Cafes where the waitresses serve their customers dressed as maids . Band Maid are one of the best Rock bands in Japan but there are SO many more Rock and Metal bands on this level . Some other bands well worth checking out are - Lovebites Nemophila Asterism Hanabie Trident Maximum The Hormone Aldious and for something a bit different that I think will blow your minds - The Wagakki Band which is a fusion of rock and traditional Japanese music . I'd recommend checking out LIVE versions where possible as Japanese bands tend to as good ( if not better ) live BUT - these are just a very few of the almost infinite list of Japanese bands worth listening to ENJOY !

[@CoachCastTV]

It appears we have opened up another massive rabbit hole. Thank you!

[@Davey-Boyd]

@@CoachCastTV You have indeed!

[@kawliga4845]

@@CoachCastTV yes massive talent in Japan. All those other bands he mention are very good. Maxium The Horomone has been around a long time and are a trip. Japan is loaded though with lots of female bands BandMaid is one of the best along side Nemophila , LoveBites , Hanabie and Trident. Many different styles of metal and rock. It is a big and deep rabbit hole .