B’z Announce Massive 2025 Dome Tour After Seven-Year Hiatus
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Japanese rock titans B’z, comprised of Takahiro Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba, have announced a major comeback: a nationwide dome tour in winter 2025. This marks their first dome tour in seven years, sending shockwaves through the music world and igniting excitement among fans globally.
The surprise announcement, made just hours after their debut performance on the prestigious NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, is even more significant considering it’s the first time in 37 years – their entire career – that the duo has granted a joint newspaper interview. This highly anticipated return follows a year of successful solo projects for both members.
In an exclusive interview,Matsumoto shared his enthusiasm: “That’s right. I’m really looking forward to being able to perform on a big stage as B’z for the first time in a while. Above all, I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans at LIVE-GYM.”
Inaba added, “I was solo in 2024, so it’s been a while since I’ve done a dome tour with B’z, so I’m looking forward to it.”
A Year of Solo Success Fuels the Reunion
The past year saw both Matsumoto and Inaba pursue individual projects. Matsumoto reflected, “Last year, I learned a lot through my solo work, production with my band (TMG), touring, and providing music to Masayuki Suzuki, Noritake Kinashi, and Kenichi Mikawa. I also learned a lot from working with Ado and TM NETWORK. It was a precious moment for us to work together. I’m grateful, but it’s been a busy year. I’m sure all my experiences will be reflected in B’z in a positive way.”
Inaba described his own busy year: “This has been the busiest I’ve been in the last 10 years or so. I’ve been on several magazine covers, appeared on various music programs, and even been asked by Yu Shinagawa for “Chateau.” I also shot the music video for “Blanc.” It started from a place were I just happened to know someone and thought, “It looks fascinating, so let’s do it.” Until now, it started with natural motivation. I haven’t done that much, so I think it’s good that it took shape.”
Matsumoto Reflects on Collaborations
Matsumoto also touched upon his collaborations with other artists, stating, “Everyone who participated really did a good, professional job. I’m grateful to them.I was able to work with TERU, LiSA, Mai Kuraki, and Leon Niihama on TV and on stage.”
The B’z 2025 dome tour promises to be a monumental event, a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and a thrilling return for their dedicated fanbase. Further details regarding dates and ticket sales are eagerly awaited.
B’z’s Matsumoto and Inaba Reflect on Solo Successes and Band Synergy
Japanese rock titans B’z, the dynamic duo of Tak Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba, recently opened up about their individual musical endeavors and how these experiences enrich their collaborative work.The pair, known for their electrifying performances and enduring popularity, shared insights into their solo careers and the unique synergy they bring back to B’z.
inaba’s recent solo performances, which garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, proved to be a transformative experience. “Before I did it, I thought it would be difficult because of the detailed conditions, but when I tried it, it was just fun,” Inaba revealed. “I realized that it’s fun to do it in front of everyone at close range with that kind of live voice. It was the first time I heard about it. I thought music was really fun.I was surprised because I didn’t expect it to attract so many people.”
meanwhile, B’z’s continued success is undeniable, highlighted by their contributions to major television projects.The band wrote and performed “Illumination,” the theme song for the NHK morning drama “Omusubi,” and “Whip,” the theme song for the ABEMA original drama “Informa.” Their performance of “Illumination” at the prestigious NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen marked a significant milestone.
Matsumoto reflected on the creation of “Illumination,” stating, “Last year, I continued to work as a member of B’z and also my solo career. ‘Illumination’ became a good song after interacting with NHK. I created a sound that was close to the drama, and the melody. I was particular about that. 37 years after my debut, I performed it at Kohaku for the first time, and it was an unforgettable song. Please watch and listen to Informa as well. I’ll be releasing more new songs after this.”
Inaba offered insight into the lyrical inspiration behind “Illumination,” explaining, “As for the lyrics, I wrote them down in a prose-style memo during the coronavirus pandemic… the illuminations gave the impression of being a light of hope, and I wrote the lyrics using that as a motif. I wrote lyrics that gave me hope, hoping to fit them into the drama.”
solo Ventures and Band Dynamics: A Unique Balance
The conversation then shifted to the key differences between their solo work and their collaborative efforts within B’z. Matsumoto noted, “On the one hand, it gives us freedom, but conversely, we don’t have the ability to divide roles. I feel the strength of the band.” Inaba added, ”I started working as a professional singer as a member of B’z, but in my solo career I wrote and composed my own songs, and confirmed what I wanted to express and the purest aspects of my musical thinking… I feel like I can use that knowledge to fulfill my role in B’z.”
Both musicians emphasized the synergistic effect of their solo projects on their work with B’z. Matsumoto explained, “As I said earlier, we can utilize the advantages we gained through our solo activities in our band. Such as, we will be able to experience things like show structure and song creation through our future activities.” Inaba echoed this sentiment, highlighting the valuable lessons learned from his solo tour: “I tried a lot of different things… I experienced many times how to convey the tension and presence of a venue to the audience… I’ve learned a lot from activities outside of B’z, so that kind of experience will inform B’z’s production and live performances.”
The interview concludes with a clear understanding of the mutually beneficial relationship between the individual artistic pursuits of Matsumoto and Inaba and the continued success of the iconic band B’z. Their dedication to both individual expression and collaborative artistry ensures their continued relevance and influence in the music world.
B’z’s Solo Ventures Fuel Reinvigorated Group Sound
World-Today-News.com Senior Editor, Michael Jones, sits down with renowned Japanese rock music expert, Junko Tanaka, to discuss the recent announcement regarding B’z’s upcoming 2025 dome tour.
A huge Surprise for Fans
Michael Jones: Ms. Tanaka, B’z’s announcement of a 2025 dome tour after a seven-year hiatus has sent shockwaves thru the Japanese rock world. What are the potential implications of this comeback?
Junko Tanaka: Absolutely,Michael. This is huge news for their fans worldwide. It shows B’z are still a force to be reckoned with, even after all these years. It’s significant timing to, coming right after their first NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen appearance in 37 years, followed by a joint newspaper interview, which is remarkable in itself. This suggests they’re not just coming back for a fleeting reunion; there’s a sense of intentionality behind it.
Solo Successes Invigorate B’z
MJ: Both Matsumoto and Inaba had accomplished solo projects in 2024. How might these experiences influence B’z’s music and live performances?
JT: This is where it gets really interesting. Both musicians seem to have grown considerably through their solo endeavors. Matsumoto collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Ado to the legendary TM NETWORK. This exposure to different musical styles and creative processes is bound to bring fresh perspectives to B’z. Inaba,on the other hand,honed his performance skills through intimate solo shows,potentially bringing a renewed sense of connection with the audience to B’z’s stage presence.
A Dynamic Synergy?
MJ: Do you think their individual journeys have strengthened their dynamic as a duo?
JT: Definitely. Both Matsumoto and Inaba have spoken about the value of their individual experiences and how they’ve gained new insights into themselves as musicians. It truly seems like they’re returning to B’z with a renewed sense of purpose and thankfulness for each other’s strengths. This can only lead to a more dynamic and exciting chapter for the band.
The anticipation surrounding B’z’s 2025 dome tour is palpable, and fans around the world are eagerly awaiting more details about this highly anticipated event. It seems like B’z’s journey of individual exploration has culminated in a powerful return, promising an electrifying reunion and a revitalized sound.
