Review: RYO NISHIKIDO FAN CLUB TOUR 2023 'UNTITLED' at Zepp Namba (Osaka)

Ryo Nishikido: Debuted in the music scene in 2000, Ryo and his group have performed in over 100 dome concerts. In 2019, he embarked on his solo career and established his label, "NOMAD RECORDS." His first album, "NOMAD," for which he handled all the songwriting and composition, debuted at the top of the Oricon Weekly Album Chart. He has also taken on leading roles in numerous dramas and movies. In 2023, he appeared in the TBS-produced Netflix series "Let's Get a Divorce”(離婚しようよ) and NHK BS's "Kazoku dakara ai shitan janakute aishita no ga kazoku datta,”(家族だから愛したんじゃなくて愛したのが家族だった) and on March 1st in 2024, a Japan-UK collaborative film titled "Cottontail" is scheduled for nationwide release over the nation. Furthermore, from October 23rd, he kicked off his 6th solo live tour, "FANCLUB LIVE 2023 'Untitled'," starting in Yokohama and spanning 6 cities with 10 performances. In this article, we'll be covering the Osaka live performance held on the eve of Ryo’s 39th birthday (November 2).

Zepp Namba's floor was packed to the brim with standing fans. After the opening jam session by the band members, Ryo made his entrance from the stage right. He walked towards the center of the stage and opened the show with songs from his group days, "Your WURLITZER.” While "code" was delivered with intense passion, a more mellow atmosphere prevailed during “Scarecrow”(スケアクロウ). The dim lighting enhanced the song's ambiance. In the opening talk, he revealed that this day marked the last day of his 38th year, eliciting applause and cheers from fans.

When "Tokyoholic" began, he energized the entire stage, inciting fans to shout, "Tokyo!" The up-tempo "Banana Juice”(バナナジュース) led to lively handclaps, and during “Highball”(ハイボール), bathed in red lights, the audience was captivated by his singing. Singing “Kono sekai ni sayonara”(コノ世界ニサヨウナラ) with a husky voice, his shadow contained a sense of sorrow. The laser lights and smoke created an ethereal atmosphere over the audience during "Half down," where he sat down and sang, conveying the lyrics as if speaking directly to the crowd.

Moving on to the banter, a host suddenly spoke, and along with live band music and the audience's singing, a birthday cake appeared, celebrating Ryo, who would turn 39 the next day. In a special arrangement for his birthday, his real father made his first-ever appearance via video call to deliver his heartfelt message. A commemorative photo was taken with the audience and the cake, leaving a lasting memory for the fans.

In "Hitome bore”(ヒトメボレ), he extended his greetings to the audience, waving and encouraging handclaps from the stage left to the right. In the lyrics of “I’m Osakan,” performed in a manner that felt like a heartfelt appeal characteristic of his hometown, characteristic Osaka dialect phrases like 'Shiran kedo' (meaning 'I don't know') were scattered, leaving a strong impression. “Honky-tonk Rhapsody" was sung passionately, with sweat glistening on his forehead. During "Last Note," as the audience swayed and clapped in rhythm, the entire venue was filled with joy, and without realizing it, even I was moving to the beat.

Following his closing words, he gently sang the new song "Road Movie." During the encore, Ryo and the audience bid farewell to each other, both parties waving their hands, showing reluctance to part. At the end of the song, he raised his fists to the sky in a grand conclusion.

Ryo’s unpretentious and frank attitude toward his fans was evident even in their conversations. The continuous cheers, laughter, and hearty applause that erupted from the audience demonstrated his unwavering popularity. The "RYO NISHIKIDO Fan Club Tour 2023 'Untitled'" became a special night for fans and conveyed Ryo’s new journey. His statement, "I want to do my best at 39 as well," raises expectations for what lies ahead.

Photo Credit: [田中聖太郎]

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