JUST like many other J-rock bands, Scandal was introduced to local audiences by way of original soundtracks carried by popular anime series such as Shōjo S and Harukaze of Bleach, Shunkan Sentimental of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Pride of Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto.
(Editor’s Note: For Gen-X’ers—Obviously not to be confused with the 80s’ American rock band fronted by Patty Smyth; see SoundSampler, March 29)
Familiarity breeds fixation; thus, it comes as no surprise that viewers grew up to be fans of animes and Scandal as well. In the past 23 years, Scandal is the first girl band in Japan to perform a two-day stint at the Yokohama Arena with an audience capacity of 17,000. In March 2017, the band embarked on a 47-prefecture tour with 53 shows that were well received by fans—not a small feat by a J-rock band composed of high-school girls who started to dream big in 2006.
All their eight albums debuted in the top 5 on the Oricon chart. Their latest offering Honey ranked at No. 3 on February 13. Its digital release had garnered nine No. 1 spots on the European charts (iTunes and Amazon World).
With more than a million fans worldwide and on social media, Scandal launched its first world tour in 2015 and staged sold-out concerts in ten cities, covering nine countries in the US, Europe and Asia. The all-girl band’s popularity had landed them on the pages of Rolling Stone, B=Pass and Guitar as one of this generation’s music icons.
Said to be the third biggest J-rock fandom in the country, local fans have yet to witness the live performances of Haruna Ono (main vocalist and guitar), Mami Sasazaki (lead guitarist), Tomomi Ogawa (bass guitarist) and Rina Suzuki (drummer).Kate Lewinskie Gesoyot has been a fan of Scandal for five years and her favorite songs are Departure, Awanaitsumorino Genki dene, Love Survive, Kagen no Tsuki, Freedom Fighters and Short Short.
“I like other Japanese bands, but Scandal just has this charisma that you can’t resist. Several times, I thought they’re a waste of time; you know that feeling that you just had enough of them, but I can’t let them go. They don’t compete with each other—something I always see in other bands. They didn’t give up on their dreams, even though they encountered so many problems: Suzuki thinking about quitting; [then] she, Ono and Sazasaki quarrelling. But that didn’t stop them from performing [and] from spreading their love through music. I like how they respect each other’s opinion and how humble they are to the fans,” Gesoyot shared.
Alvin Michael Sarael stumbled on a Scandal song in 2012 that was featured in Bleach: “At first, Scandal for me was just one of those Japanese bands in animes, but I got totally hooked to the band in 2016. For me, it’s their music ‘feels.’ It’s not just about the lyrics, but about how the music is arranged. They have lots of different songs with a wide variety of themes, but what really gets to me is how I can get lost in the moment while listening to their songs. They have songs that I can really relate to, like every word in their songs.”
His favorite songs include Awanaitsumorino Genki dene (which roughly translates to: Take care, I won’t be seeing you anymore) that tackles the emotional state of someone whose relationship just ended; Departure, that deals with moving on from difficult memories, and Take me Out, that just makes one want to dance.
“There are lots of bands in the country, and even more in Japan. Most band members are guys, some may even have a girl for their vocals, but Scandal is an all-girl band! I think being an all-girl band enables them to really, honestly, convey their thoughts and emotions through their songs,” Sarael added.
Happy surprise
WAY back in 2016, Scandal did find its way into the country and surprised Filipino fans when Sasazaki arrived with J-pop star Kyary Pamyu Pamyu for a vacation in Cebu. Their Instagram posts were met with excitement by fans who fervently wished for a live performance from their favorite band. Not long after, that collective wish started the ground work for having a Scandal concert in Manila.
“Actually, our friend from the One Ok Rock fandom helped us make this dream into a reality,” Sarael shared. “Their fandom helped us to hold a survey for the use of a concert promoter, so we would know how many are in support of a Scandal concert and to establish that Filipino fans were just not noisy on social media. When One Ok Rock came [over] for a live concert, it was a big factor for us because it gave us hope that it is possible to invite the band for a concert. The success of that concert inspired us to continue and collectively show our support for Scandal, and maybe then there would be a chance for the band to hold a concert here.”
He continued, “It was also in 2016 when my friends from Davao and I recorded a video clip to congratulate Scandal on their tenth anniversary, which was featured on their social media page. This was a project of Scandal Heaven, the unofficial international fan group. We were especially noisy last year. We had meet ups, activities and gatherings to celebrate the birthdays of each band member. When their latest album was released, we campaigned for fans to buy the digital copies of Honey. We also purchased Scandal’s CD albums, singles and their official merchandise.”
“Every year, when Scandal announces a concert tour, we would always come up with hashtags like #WewantSCANDALinPhilippines,” Gesoyot revealed. “Lately, we have confirmed through an interview that they (band members) know our wishes. Ono said she had read a lot of tweets from us.”
Two years down the road, on February 14, fans went into a state of shock when Primetrade Asia, Inc. revealed in a surprise announced that Scandal will be performing in Manila, as part of their Honey Asia Tour on June 24 at the SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, in Pasay City. “I had a mini heart attack! I wasn’t aware of the news until some of my friends, including [Gesoyot], texted and informed me. I was like ‘What?!’ I kept staring at the screen, looking at the announcement made by the concert organizer. Is it really Manila? Even now, I still can’t believe that Scandal is really coming and will be performing live!” said Sarael.
Surprise gone bad
AS sudden as the most awaited news came, the euphoria was cut short days later when ticket sales began unannounced on February 19. As a result, many diehard fans missed the chance to purchase the Emperor’s, VIP, and Fan Meet passes simply because they weren’t informed of such.
Some fans were in uproar and felt cheated since they didn’t have the same opportunity as those who were able to secure the prized tickets.
The following day, the concert organizer and promoter issued a public apology over the incident, but were silent on the fans’ demand for another batch of tickets.
“I felt betrayed somehow because it (ticket selling) wasn’t announced. No teasers…nothing. It just blew up in our faces. Tickets sold for events that I had attended had proper announcements for the date of the ticket sales commencement and other necessary information so when that date comes, I would come to the mall early and line up to buy a ticket. This time, I had to call on some lifeline just so I could secure my ticket,” Sarael lamented.
“I am actually torn [among] the voice of the fans, the technicalities of the organizers and SM Tickets; that there could have been unforeseen circumstances that happened to the organizer. But if we are to calmly think about it, as much as we’re disappointed with the organizer, it was not entirely their fault. The organizer just used an existing ticketing system and there may have been a miscommunication on the part of the organizer and ticket seller, or a system glitch that allowed the tickets to go on sale without due notice.”
He went on: “There are fans who demanded an additional release of the high- tiered tickets and I understand their feelings, but if we are to take a look at the issue from the band’s perspectives, it would be really tiresome on their part if they are to meet more than a hundred people and take pictures with them. There is also the security issue to be considered,” Sarael reasoned. The incident stirred up angry emotions, even to a point of threatening physical harm to fans that were sent through Messenger from dummy Facebook accounts.
“Yes, I was aware of the issue because a screenshot of their conversation was shared (to me), though I do not personally know the person who was threatened. My online friends who also bought Emperor tickets felt threatened so they didn’t post it online for fear that they might get hurt, but there are those who proudly posted the tickets they bought and they’re fine about it,” he explained.
“For me, it was really immature of fans to threaten someone just because he or she wasn’t able to purchase Emperor tickets. Of course, it could be just empty threats… I’m rather concerned that this issue will reach the band. It might leave a bad first impression of us, Filipino fans. I just wish additional security will be deployed on concert day,” Sarael hoped.
Reached by the BUSINESSMIRROR, the concert organizer gave no comment on the matter.
Emperor ticket holders are entitled to priority seating during the concert and fan meet, individual photo opportunity and after-concert hi-touch session with band members, special IDs as well as concert and fan meet posters. As of date, general admission seats are still available on SM Tickets. On April 2, the concert organizer made available additional 50 tickets for reservation and purchase for the fan meet that was set on June 23.
No spoiling the surprise
DESPITE the ticket selling gaffe, both members of the Scandal Fan Club PH are still hyped over upcoming debut concert in Manila.
“On fan meet day, [we] would be crazy! On concert day, I expect fans lining up, maybe as early as 5 a.m. just so they can have a good spot near the barricades. I’m also excited about meeting my online friends that I get to interact with about Scandal. Maybe, some would even faint—overwhelmed and with extreme joy over the Scandal concert,” Sarael anticipated.
“However, I’m hoping fans won’t use their phones to record videos or take pictures during the concert. Or worse, live stream the concert. It’s a serious anticamcording offense and Japan is strict when it comes to illegal recordings. I also hope that there won’t be any problems during the fan meet and concert; that unruly fans would be quickly taken care of,” he shared.
Gesoyot is equally excited and said, “I’m expecting for Scandal to perform a hot set list. They usually play old songs when they tour outside Japan and I would really love to hear their old songs performed live! I would also like for a chance to see them walking around the mall near the concert hall!”
She furthered, “[I want them to] please come back! It might be a selfish wish, but hearing them again would be most wonderful! It may take some time for me to go to Japan, so a concert tour like this is my only chance to see them personally.”