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Magma concert pictures

`Magma` are a Progressive Rock band from France. Here they are photographed & captured from the stage and pit area during two concerts in Japan. For more information & to follow the band on social media use any of the following external links.

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Magma concert pictures ~ Aki Fujita Taguchi

A word from the photographer

What an honour to be given an opportunity to photograph the legendary Magma for two days! The band were back in Tokyo as part of their tour ‘50 ans après’. They performed an acoustic show on the first day and played a full-scale show on the second day. I witnessed their pure magic happening on stage.

The sound from the beginning

Magma were formed in Paris in 1969 by drummer and composer Christian Vander. Through many changes of members, he is still the leader and inspiration of the band. Their music was named as Zeuhl in the 1960s. The word came from Kobaïan language which was created by Christian. Zeuhl is a music form played by a group and it includes chanted choral motifs, repetitive percussion, and many improvisations. The hypnotic repetition let us go into the comfortable trance state. The elements of jazz, progressive rock, avant-garde, opera, classic and minimalism are included in Zeuhl, and it sounds like a rock opera comes from space. I’m not sure if you could understand this explanation. But anyway, I recommend that you go seeing their show and experience their music. It’s beyond the words.

Shibuya WWW

On the first night, I headed to Shibuya WWW. The venue had a cool atmosphere because it had originally been built as a movie theater. The house was already filled with their fan’s excitement and there were long lines of people waiting to buy Magma goods. The stage set was quite simple with only black backdrop. As it was planned to be an acoustic night, there was no drum kit on stage. I felt the air in the room was thin because of the audience’s big expectations.

Opening songs

Very quietly, Christian opened the night with ‘Ügüma mà mëlìmëh gïngeh’ alone, singing and playing a piano solo. The tune was the cover song from his other band Offering. He continued a medley of piano solo for a while. I could feel his big love and admiration for John Coltrane in his play. Stella appeared onstage and sang ‘Le Ballet Des Sorcieres’ next. Then Isabelle and Hervé took to the stage and added their beautiful vocals.

Zëss

Suddenly, introduction of Zëss was played and the crowd got excited. This tune has been played since 70s, and finally they recorded it in the studio and released it this June as their latest album. However it ended before the drum section started. They seemed to tantalize us… Then, Jerome replaced playing the piano and Christian stood at the back of the stage. He sometimes added chorus and played tambourine. Benoît joined the band on vibraphone and Rudy on acoustic guitar. The band was completed and performed K.A. I.

Incredible vocals

The last song of the main set was their most recognized tune ‘Mekanïk destruktïw kommandöh’ . Christian’s vocals were so incredible. He sang as if he was playing saxophone with his both hands holding his microphone. This is his signature style of singing and the crowed enjoyed seeing it. They played ‘Ehn deiss’ (Offering cover) for an encore, and received a standing ovation. Even after they went off the stage and the house was lit up, the crowd didn’t leave and they kept on clapping their hands requesting the second encore.

EX Theater

On the next day, the show was played at a bigger venue, EX Theater in Roppongi. Christian’s drum kit was set on the center of the stage from the first. Sunn O)))’s experimental doom sound was played on the background before the show started. There was 15-minute silence after the music had stopped. During the awkward silence, expectations were raised, then, the cacophonous chords of ‘Ëmëhntëhtt-ré’ opened that night.

From a Federico Fellini movie

Bass player Philippe Bussonet joined the band on this day. His driving bass line was so dynamic and stood out. Christian appeared to be in his best condition as well as yesterday. He often smiled in a satisfied fashion. All members were dressed in black or Magma T-shirt and the whole band looked like a scene from a Federico Fellini movie. Their music led us to the fantastic trance state with minimalism and relentless repetition. That’s why we love Magma and the first reason we go to experience their show, in other words, the ritual.

The encore

For their encore, they played the addictive ‘De Futura’ from their sixth studio album ‘Üdü Ẁüdü’ released in 1976. The audience lost their mind and indulged themselves into the Magma world. It’s surprising they played their high-energy 120 minutes set without stopping.

Evolving Magma

Magma has evolved their sound over 50 years. Their endless creativity and energy are totally awesome. I’m sure this kind of great art doesn’t happen so often. You must see Magma live if you haven’t experienced yet. They have upcoming shows in Europe in October. Tour information can be found on their website and Facebook page.

Band members

Christian Vander – Drums & Vocals / Stella Vander – Vocals / Isabelle Feuillebois – Vocals / Hervé Aknin – Vocals / Jérome Martineau-Ricotti – Keyboards / Benoît Alziary – Vibraphone / Philippe Bussonet – Bass / Rudy Blas – Guitar

 Location and Date of these concert captures 

Shibuya WWW  / & / EX Theater / Tokyo / Japan / 20 & 21.09.19