Versailles's Dramatic US Debut

On one of the last humid days of May, a line spanning the perimeter of the inside of A-Kon's convention center waited for the doors of the ballroom to open. Despite the large number of people, the line diminished quickly as everyone filled the room, trying their best to make it to the front of the crowd.

After an opening concert by Budo Grape, who did a great job of getting the audience psyched up for the main event, A-kon staff milled about, passing water to the audience members in hopes of avoiding any issues due to over heating. Unfortunately, whether because of these activities or delays relating to Versailles's preparation, the show was delayed an hour past its scheduled start time. However, the audience remained enthusiastic throughout the lengthy wait, occasionally starting up a chant of "Versailles! Versailles! Versailles!" As the lights finally went down, signaling the band's entrance, loud cheers filled the ballroom as the members took the stage to dramatic, haunting music.

YUKI, HIZAKI, Jasmine You, TERU and KAMIJO stood in their respective places, each raising a hand in to the air, which the eager crowd copied as they awaited the first song. Versailles opened with The Love from a Dead Orchestra, during which KAMIJO, ever vampirish, swept across the stage, swishing his cape around him. Each band member seemed to sparkle in their elaborate costumes, hair and make-up highlighting their aristocratic theme. HIZAKI played sweet for the audience, batting his eyelashes demurely as KAMIJO wrapped his arms around him to excited squeals from the co-ed attendees. Jasmine You seemed serious, but looked beautiful as he moved gracefully from the back of the stage to the front.

Energy was high, both from the band as well as the audience as KAMIJO's darkly powerful voice closed out the song and his fingers danced through the air as though playing an invisible piano before he blew a kiss to the crowd. The epitome of drama, Versailles's next couple of songs, Shout & Bites and Beast of Desire were feasts for the eyes and ears. With much yelling and head banging, which concert-goers eagerly participated in, all five members moved around the stage in big sweeping motions, KAMIJO once again paying special attention to HIZAKI as well as TERU, whose ever-smiling face brought a bit of light to the otherwise moody atmosphere of the concert. YUKI was a pleasure to watch, the obvious excitement he felt clearly showing on his face as he pounded out the heavy beats with ease. At well-timed intervals, all members except YUKI spun around, skirts and hair and feathers streaking the air with color.

After a quick solo from HIZAKI, KAMIJO greeted the mass with his trademark, "Bonjour, Honey!" Long time fans who recognized this call screamed with delight and zombie began. Though the stage was bare of embellishments, the band, and their music, set a wonderful mood for the show and all eyes were on the members as KAMIJO sang, TERU growling the background vocals. No matter how heavy the song, Jasmine You's actions were delicate and feminine; he definitely plays the part well.

YUKI's drumming provided an exhilarating backdrop for SFORZANDO, which got the crowd even more pumped up, and KAMIJO took a moment to talk before Aristocrat's Symphony. "I've been waiting for this time," he proclaimed then asked everyone to "Shake the Earth!" TERU smiled and sang along as he played and the other members motioned for the crowd to raise their hands. At the end of the song Jasmine You blew a kiss to the audience and KAMIJO hid his face behind his cape as SUZERAIN started. During this song, HIZAKI and TERU performed a guitar duet at the front and center of the stage and KAMIJO strutted about, making eyes at the excited onlookers. Things slowed down a bit during the intro for Forbidden Gate, before the song blossomed to its full power. Hands continued waving in the air as both new and seasoned fans clapped enthusiastically through the end.

A seemingly impossible feat, the crowd's passion increased further as the band began their performance of The Red Carpet Day. This song was clearly a favorite and fans kept time with the rhythm by clapping their hands and chanting loudly along with the lyrics. Jasmine You stood atop the drum platform and played while KAMIJO briefly abandoned his microphone in order to spend time interacting with those lucky audience members who managed to claim places at the front of the stage. After this song ended, KAMIJO thanked everyone again and asked, "Do you like Japanese?" He then told the audience that they were "saiko (the best)" and spelled it out for them, "S.A.I.K.O!"

Closing out the set was a heartfelt performance of Sympathia. It was a welcome moment for everyone to catch their breath and cool down. Audience members once again waved their hands through the air and TERU mouthed the lyrics along with KAMIJO's singing. "Thank you very much," KAMIJO said and bowed to his fans as the band disappeared backstage.

After a few moments of calling for an encore, the crowd managed to lure the band back on stage where KAMIJO said, "Thank you for inviting us!" In high spirits, the members all seemed genuinely happy to be playing in the United States and Jasmine You playfully flirted with the audience. As they performed The Revenant Choir, KAMIJO introduced his band mates, then himself, accompanied by a dramatic sweeping of his arm to which Jasmine You reacted by pretending to stab the vocalist with his bass. Roses, picks, drumsticks and water bottles were thrown to the crowd before the band once again left the stage.

The crowd's energy never faded and, just as they never failed to show Versailles how happy they were to see them, Versailles never failed in delivering a stunning performance even as they played late in to the night. Drama, mystery and fantasy combined to create a memorable live for the fans who traveled from both near and far to witness the dazzling spectacle that is Versailles.