Eve of Destiny : Live Report
Monday, April 12, 2002
EVE OF DESTINY
+ Dj Eiji (Club Eve the New Church)
Supported by The Late Isabel, Prominence of Cathedrals,
Five Wounds to Enter, Skies of Ember etc.
April 12, 2002
Ten Years After, Saint Francis Square
Pasig City Manila, Philippines
gates open at 9:30 PM
It felt surreal going to Ten Years After with a different goal. Most of the time I go there to drink. But tonight was different. I was going because I had a mission and I was also going to watch a rare performance by a Japanese Group. Eve Of Destiny was going to be there, they would be headlining and it was exciting for me. There had been talk that Kozi (of Malice Mizer fame) had joined Haruhiko Ash's camp and the fact that Eve Of Destiny was coming over to the Philippines made a lot of people excited.
One of them was my sis, Razzy Rain *MAJOR MALICE MIZER fan*. She was the one that prodded me to go and take my chances in making contact with Kozi. That was motivation enough I guess because then I found myself buying a gift on her behalf and a card full of well wishes for Kozi. You could say that delivering that gift was my mission; then came taking pictures and making reports such as this one.
I must confess that I knew almost nothing about Kozi or Haruhiko Ash, but the experience that fated Friday night was a learning point for me and I appreciate every moment of it.
The first thing that entered my head upon stopping at the parking lot was that I was not dressed according to the theme of this party. As I exited the car I took note of the gowns and the trench coats worn by various guests. they looked like Dracula and Morticia Addams. It fascinated me to see such visual display. It almost felt like I was looking at Cosplayers, and in a way I guess they all were. Some people dressed wonderfully, bearing the intricacy of being a "Goth". Some were just plain "posers" and I felt sorry for them. I guess some - like me - took the safe route and dressed in jeans - rather than pretend to be something we were not.
I should be proud that I was prompt. I arrived at exactly 9:30 with my cousins who really had no choice but to be there ^^;; We got seats that were rather uncomfortable (since they were pretty high and situated on the bar). But I need not complain because as I started to analyze my situation I noticed that the seats were pretty close to the stage, it was high enough that if I stand I had a pretty good view of those performing and it would be of an advantage come picture taking time. But I guess the best reason why I am so in love with my seat was because it was directly in front of the entrance. I had total access to who was coming in and out of the bar.
Ten Years After had no alternative entrances and surely EOD will pass there.
So the name of the game was WAITING. I had to sit out a good two hours through various bands - some of which sounded good, while the others sounded not so good. It was also a nice experience to be finally introduced to gothic/industrial music through DJ Runeschadow's and DJ Fleschwound's mixes. I was in awe of the effects they used to enhance the songs, and it made me wonder where they ordered in their materials.
I was about to start on my second Marlboro pack of the night when I got a text message from my cousin; he was lounging outside the club because this wasn't really his scene and he was rather perplexed by cigarette smoke. He said that there were a bunch of weird people climbing out of a band, and he guessed it might be EOD. I checked my watch and took note that it was exactly midnight, as I looked up I saw Haruhiko Ash then Kozi and then the rest of the EOD entourage.
I was going out on a limb at that point because I was going by gut instinct as to what Kozi looked like, I saw the tattoos and remembered that I saw a picture of him with tattoos and was pretty convinced that Kozi was indeed himself ^^;; I was armed by a picture of him without make up. Hehehehe, Kozi arrived in full make up and goth regalia, so it surprised me a bit. But the fact remained that EOD were there and I had seen Kozi. I watched closely as Subkulture staff lead them to the second floor of the club to a remote corner (that would serve as their lounging area).
I followed them up there and waited until they were rather settled, then I spoke with a translator (Japanese speaking Filipino) I asked if I could take a picture. She then relayed the message to Haruhiko Ash and he said yes. I took two shots. That would be enough for the time being.
I went back to my seat, as Dominion began playing, taking note that it was around 12:30 am. I noticed that I was now less self conscious about being out of place and under dressed. I was now aware that I was NERVOUS. I had to watch the show, take pictures and most importantly - deliver a gift. It was nice looking up at the balcony to find either Kozi or Haruhiko Ash peering and watching the people downstairs and most importantly paying attention to the band that was playing on stage - Dominion. And to be real honest, Dominion was very good. Their vocalist first sounded like Kyo to me and that was NOT good with me...but then he started to warm up to his own voice and in the end they sounded close to amazing.
Kozi passed my seat twice when he went off to go to the men's room. I thanked the lord for the compact size of the club which forced people to make skin contact even if it was involuntary ^_~ I had to make little effort to make sure that contact happened *lol* [hentai no Dfm]. Those were little encounters worth remembering. But then again how can you forget someone like Kozi. A man who demanded attention just by being there. Guys and girls alike had to stop and stare whenever he passed by. It's not everyday that you come across a guy wearing Goth make up, a corset, a pvc thong, and five inch platforms [ie watch Beast Of Blood PV]. To me he was very good looking ^___^ in that weird I-am-a-man-yet-a-woman-and-you-can't-have-me type of thing. Haruhiko on the other hand wore a black over coat and printed, fitted jeans and boots, the prints on his pants was like snake skin, but i could be wrong :)
Oh the torture *dies*.
At around 1:15 am the stage dimmed yet again, and the music died. EOD had made their way to the stage and introductory music began playing. That caused everyone to start pushing for the stage, and that's exactly what I did. Pushing until I was in second row, a little more and I was in the front already.
I didn't know the playlist, it seems Haruhiko decided to play old solo tracks that were very impressive nonetheless. I don't find Industrial music moving at all, but EOD's presence made it all come together. Kozi had flair as he began moving with the music, Haruhiko was a veteran and he knew how to strut his stuff *purrrrr*
By the end of the first song, the first nuisance came. BUT this was not due to any incompetence by the band. I would have to stress that the nuisance was because of poor electrical engineering of the place. The power would die once a massive surge of electricity was produced due to the equipment. An electric guitar and hi-tech drum machine demanded a LOT of electricity. As they sorted out the first power failure, Kozi stood and offered help. Good thing Subkulture staff were there pronto. But I found Kozi's gesture very down to earth. More brownie points for him in my book.
After that the problem was *fixed* but as they went on to the second song, it seemed that it wasn't fixed enough. They went on to suffer a second power failure that earned the owners of the bar a LOT of curses from disappointed audience. An audience who wanted more of EOD. An audience who clapped whole heartedly and cheered EOD on through the darkened place. You could feel their need to hear more of EOD.
Kozi on the other hand wasn't quite happy - I mean who would be? He solemnly sat on his amplifier and stared at "us" - with us referring to expectant fans and hidden fangirls. He was poker faced and it was just too odd to stare at him so I averted my gaze to Haruhiko who were helping the crew. For the life of me, I was so proud of Haru-sama, he kept his cool. Power surged suddenly as the problem was sorted out, and caused feedback, this caused a lot of us including Haruhiko to jump at the unexpected sound. Kozi was the only one who seemed unaffected, and just looked on ahead. Then he languidly got up.
With two songs done, and two power failures in between. EOD were raring to go. They went on to play two more songs before Haruhiko thanked everyone for coming. As they proceeded to go upstairs, Kozi passed me again. I looked at my hands and patted my camera. I had good shots of the band. With the show done I breathed in deep. It was time to meet Kozi and deliver the gift.
One had to smile as the population of the club zapped within minutes after EOD's performance. It proves that a lot of people came just to see EOD, and that was very nice. I lounged some more and ordered another drink. I thought it would be rude to just go barging in while they were resting.
I set out to find Doi, the co-owner of Subkulture and the organizer of the party. We had met beforehand and we arranged for me to meet Kozi and Haruhiko. I found Doi sitting in dismay...very disappointed with the power failures. It looked as if he was going to faint. But then again it wasn't because I was being nice - I was telling the truth when I told him that the Party the next day would be better. That he need not worry about it and have faith in his own party. I didn't really know how he took that but he thanked me. And then he opened up the topic of me meeting Kozi. I was grateful, it was good since I didn't want to be the one to open that topic and wound like an ingrate. There's a lord above. Thank you.
He asked me to wait in my seat, as he went upstairs to check on the interview being conducted with Haruhiko. As I waited I took note that instead of DJ Runeschadow, Eiji (DJ of Eve the New Church) had taken his place behind the turntables. His choices were pretty much Euro-Trance which was very good. A more powerful type rather than my preferred Robert Miles music ^_~ I also noticed some girls dancing, believe me if I was drunk enough I would have danced too, just to be annoying.
I was musing over that thought when I heard my name being called out, I looked up and saw Doi waving at me, gesturing me to go up. I grabbed the gift, my camera, a piece of paper and my pen and dashed for the stairs ~_^ no use hiding my excitement right?
When I got there, Kozi and Haru-sama were still being interviewed and photographed. I took a seat next to Doi and halted for a bit. I was also given the honor of being introduced to his wife, Lisa. It was really nice that they were doing something together that they both loved and liked. they were like the king and queen of Filipino goth.
I felt dizzy once I noticed the interview had ended. I was asked by Doi to stand up and meet the band. I looked at them, and then Kozi stood up, I was so nervous I bowed first and greeted in a low voice - "Konbannwa" - I bowed a second time for Haruhiko-sama. I would have shaken their hands but they were formal. And it scared me to do so T-T
I had the translator beside me and as I gave Kozi the package I was telling the translator the message inside the card in the package. she was diligent in relaying the message, and all the while Kozi had his ear close to our mouths listening intently. I could almost faint. I was reduced to nothing but fangirl nerves after realizing that his hair and my hair were touching ~_~ I know very shallow. He thanked me for the gift, with a very quiet "Domo". I was almost cross eyed with glee. Then the translator took my hand and got the paper and pen, Kozi looked at it, and being NOT new to the business I guess he knew I was asking for an autograph. He took it gently and started making lines and curves, after that he gave a low chuckle. I smiled tentatively and took it and handed it to Haruhiko-sama. Haru-sama signed it in romanji, and I was so grateful that I bowed again -_-; (I was nervous okay) there was this nagging thought that maybe Kozi was messing with my already-aching-mind. That the curves and lines weren't really his signature. because to me it didn't look like one [it would be close to a week before Razzy assured me that the lines and curves were "Kozi" in hiragana, whew!].
Then it was picture taking time. I was given specific instructions that if I was going to have my picture taken with Kozi I'd have to include Haruhiko [no complaints on my part...I really did want to have my pictures taken with Haruhiko]. I sat between Haruhiko and Kozi and I got elbowed by Haruhiko twice. I think he was adjusting in his seat, or maybe he was doing it intentionally XD I mean I am chubby and was taking most of the seat anyway ^_~ plus I had no gifts for him [I regret having no token of my appreciation for Haruhiko - which is why I cannot wait for him to comeback, NEXT TIME Haru-sama your gift will be ready - gomen].
Doi was the one who took the pictures and he took two shots. Then I bowed to Haruhiko (again!) and Kozi thanking them. As I stood, Kozi lifted his long legs to let me pass. GOD! *____* fangirl alert almost made me faint. He has extraordinarily beautiful legs and thighs (eherm). Thanking Doi, I went back to where my cousins were drinking and gestured that we should leave. I had the photos, the story, the autograph and I had delivered the gift. My mission at ten Years After was over. Phase 1 was complete. I felt like I was floating as we were walking to the car.
