I hear quite a few of you recognized Rose at the Dir en Grey Seattle concert, and asked where I was. Sadly, I couldn’t make it because of travel and work overload… However, Rose submitted an A+ report and had quite the adventure, including hanging out with Dir en Grey in the flesh! It’s wonderful to hear that the famous musicians are sweethearts in person, and truly make time for their fans. (Photos by Rose, except the ones used with permission from Edge.)

It took me an entire day to travel to Seattle — but it was more than worth it to see my favorite band, Dir en Grey! On September 10th (the day before the live), I rushed to get myself glam-fabulous for a nightcrawl at club Can Can (which I visited with La Carmina last month). I had just approached the front door when the owner Chris (above right) saw me, and gave me a huge warm welcome. He hooked me up with free absinthe, and the fun began. I missed the beginning of the Castaways show, but it was spectacular and totally different than the one we saw.

The next day I went down to Uwajimaya to buy some cute Rilakkuma things, then stopped in the Daiso at the train station before going back to get ready for the Dir en Grey concert.

I got to the Showbox SoDo around 5:30pm, and received my press ticket and photo pass. Then I went into the bar, so that I could get in before the others outside. I want to say I was paying attention to their opening act but all I could think was “DIRENGREYDIRENGREY oh my God I get to take photos of Dir en Grey hurry up!” The band was Evaline, and they were all right, but honestly I am never going to remember anyone who plays before Diru.

I bought a Dir en Grey poster, made my way up to the barrier again, and waited for them to come onstage. Finally the lights dimmed and the beginning of Sa Bir began to play. I was allowed in front on the barrier, since I had a photo pass, and out they came!

I lost my breath, as I always do when I see my favorite band in person. And this time, I was so close, just inches away from my music idols. Kyo looked very different from the last time I saw him in Seattle; his blond hair is now short and black, and he was dressed in jeans and a black shirt. Die was looking lovely; he’s got his hair longer again, as I like it. Kaoru… I think he always looks like he knows just how awesome he is. Last time, Toshiya’s hair was long and shaved on the side, and he had a little facial hair going on. This time, he has a cute short little hair cut, and a clean-shaved face; he was dressed in a black skirt and long sleeved black shirt. And then there was Shinya, lovely Shinya: white long sleeved shirt, and a similar hairstyle as last time I saw him. Beautiful hair as always.

Kyo put his heart into the songs, as always, and they all looked to be enjoying themselves on stage. Shinya, he always amazes me, tiny and beautiful, but so much energy on stage. Such amazing drumming; I don’t know how he does it.

I’m pretty sure this is the correct Dir en Grey Seattle set list: Sa Bir, Red Soil, Agitated Screams of Maggots, Gaika, Chinmoku ga Nemuru Koro, Hageshisa to Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no Yami, Obscure, Shokubeni, Rotting Root, Inward Scream, Dozing Green, Vinushka, The Final, Reiketsu Nariseba, Rasetsukoku, Encore, Kodou.

The crowd and I went crazy when they played The Final, and went positively insane for the encore. The songs Kodou and Vinushka always get a huge approval from the crowd. I was surprised that they played Rasetsukoku (it was great live) and happy they played Dozing Green (such a beautiful song). Sadly, after they played Kodou, the show was over… As always, they could have played forever and it still wouldn’t have been long enough!

I went outside for a break, and even though I knew Apocalyptica was up next (and Kyo would most likely sing with them), I chose to stay outside. I made my way to where the staff was loading up Dir en Grey equipment, and sat down with about two dozen other Diru fans. I talked to many nice people and waited for a glimpse of the band when they would finally come out. Some fans recognized me from your blog and from the D’espairsRay and Miyavi concerts. They all wanted to know why La Carmina wasn’t there too!

After over an hour of freezing, out came Toshiya: so cute. Quite sometime later, Kyo emerged with a towel over his head and waved as he quickly went to the bus. Shinya waved and quickly disappeared. I chatted with their translator and roadie, who I had met before. They invited me to the bar across the street. I found a seat…

… and noticed the merchandise sales guy at the bar with Kaoru and Die! So, I summoned up my courage and went over to ask for autographs. I walked up and tapped Kaoru’s shoulder, and asked him to sign something, which he did. Die asked my name, and wrote: “To Rose, I love you, Dir en Grey, Die.” I can’t tell you everything that went on behind-the-scenes, but I had so much fun and couldn’t stop laughing.

I stayed for another hour with the band members and their friends. Then we went outside, and the drummer from Apocalyptica set up his DJ equipment in front of the buses! They had a silly DJ party with some of the members of Apocalyptica, Kaoru, Die, and some random fans. Eicca from Apocalyptica kept trying to get me to dance, but I stood around beside Kaoru most of the time. I asked their translator if there was any chance I could get a pic with Shinya. She said he was already asleep on the bus. I’ll have to wait until next time… but she kindly gave me a poster signed by every member of Dir en Grey.

Needless to say, I had the most incredible time. Dir en Grey just means so much to me, and has for ten years now. Their music has gotten me through many horrible times in my life, and I know so many others feel this way too. I’ll be counting down the days until they return to America!

Have you seen Dir en Grey in concert yet? Did you have any memorable encounters with them? How has their music impacted your life?

Japanese Word of the Day: Haiiro = Grey
Song of the Day: Dir en Grey – Kodou