Even though there are only about 2 months until FujiRock, it seems some people have started to lose steam. This may be because most of the line up has already been announced. There may be more artists you want to see, but as far as big names go, there aren't many more surprises.

You have to have an open mind when you come to FujiRock. If you want a hundred big-names for next to nothing, this ain't your place. Nor is any other festival in Japan. There are other places that are closer and cheaper, but we feel they don't even begin to compare with the experience you will have in Naeba. Remember that FujiRock is more than music and it's impossible to check out every show. And to be honest, you shouldn't. Soaking up the atmosphere is half the fun.

There are few places like the FRF that you can share something beyond a simple concert. I'm sure that whoever has experienced FRF at least once knows that it's a festival for those who really love music and freedom. Maybe that's why everybody looks so happy. It might sound a little tacky, but I think that FRF has an atmosphere of LOVE & PEACE.

When you really get into the vibe of festivals like this, you begin to relax and enjoy each moment with your friends, even when you're supposed to be going crazy over the music or live performances. It's really amazing.

Anyhow, we're still excited to know about who is going to be added or "what kind of interesting things will happen this year". Every year has provided something out of the ordinary. For example, in 1997, there were mysterious statues in Naeba. Unique objects made by London's famous artist, Gordon, were all over (By the way, one of Gordon's objects was lost and there was a story that it was found at one of the musician's dressing room. Hmm, should we laugh or get angry about this?)

And last year, people were astonished by the circus. Who knows what will amaze us this year?

Anyway, we went to see Taisho to hear some latest news.

At this moment, about 70 artists have already been announced. However, the total should reach about 100, so there are still about 30 more to go. We started our interview with Masa, the big, bad boss of FujiRock, on this topic:

"The artist line-up doesn't look as large yet because we haven't announced the dance tent artists." says Masa. "I'm thinking about some techno bands, but there's not many. Most of the artists have played FujiRock already...and DENKI GROOVE is the biggest, I guess." He say aside from Denki Groove, not many other unannounced artists will debut. "It's same as overseas," he says. "It's hard to find new acts when there are few artists around. But if I find an interesting one, I'm gonna try and get them."

He continues: "And the Sunday session, this always turns out to be mixed up, but it will be more than that. It's already been announced but, now, many English artists will perform, and in someway, X-PRESS2 will be the biggest hit."

Masa goes on about the dance music artists.....

"I was thinking that HUNDRED REASONS will be a big hit. They were on the cover of NME. I'm looking forward to these guys. They're like punk, but mixed with pop, and everyone is looking forward to them. The headliner for the 3rd day will be announced in June."

So are there any other secrets or unannounced artists?

"There are some rumors that say it's LIMP BIZKIT or KORN (laugh), but I can't tell (laugh). We had a contract with them. There are still some spaces on the Green stage on Friday. I don't know if we can do it or not, but I'm thinking of KING SUNNY ADE, which many people don't know. Maybe someone has heard the name once. They played a few years ago in Japan, but I wonder how young people will feel about this. They play what is called African JUJU music, using an instrument called a talking drum. They are the fathers of Trance music, really. The problem is that they will play for 3 hours, though I can guarantee that you'll be blown away when you see their performance. They were the very first artists to combine African music and rock. They are way beyond the category of world music. It's not SALIF KEITA, but it sounds like FELA KUTI - like music from another galaxy. We're talking to them, but not sure if they're gonna come. Japanese people seem to think that once a trend is over (like African Music), the music is over, as well. That simply isn't true. Don't you remember FEMI KUTI who performed a few years ago? That was amazing, as well. Well, I guess I just want everyone to realize how incredible this style of music is and check it out for themselves..

The first time I saw KING SUNNY ADE was at the Glastonbury Festival in 1984. I remember writing crazily about him for a number of magazines after I saw his unbelievable JUJU music magic. At this moment, I think that that was the start of World music, and he was the one being pushed so hard to be sold together with BLACK UHURU by Island Records. I'm sure it will be great if he can come and put the audience in a trance by playing all night like he did in LAGOS, NIGERIA.

"And we still have some spaces for Friday's Green Stage, so I'm trying to bring something surprising. I'm looking for rock (rock n' roll), but there ain't any good ones. Here, rock (rock n' roll) meaning, having the soul of rock (rock n' roll). KORN is good, but I can't make them play before PRODIGY..."

Does this mean that there is no chance to see KORN?

"We haven't announced much about Field of Heaven, right? If you see the whole, you'll find out it's so heavy (powerful). One day will be a Jamaican day with a jam of Ska and Reggae, except the headliner. Another day will be a dim day (laugh), such as an authentic Ska and Reggae day with RICO and the SKATALITES. I'm trying to get more artists from Japan, like DETERMINATIONS or SKAFLAMES. I want to make 2/3rds of it Japanese."

It will be great if MUTE BEAT gets reorganized, but Taisho said "Well, you guys can decide what you want (laugh)."

"Also, I think RED MARQUEE has some really heavy performances. PATTI SMITH will play here and then do another session at the Field of Heaven. And Sonic Youth will be playing another session [on the Field of Heaven], as well. I can't tell you yet, but you should know, come on! It's a Japanese band. They're gonna have a session with this band. And if PATTI is in a good mood, I want her to read some poetry somewhere like the Avalon Field. We can figure something like this out."

From what he said, does it mean that there will several out-of-the-ordinary sessions happening suddenly?! It seems like FUJI ROCK continues trying to create something new and interesting. It won't be just the artist playing their own music. Look forward to it.

But on the other hand, I'm a little concerned that I don't see ZZ Top, Neil Young & Crazy Horse or other laid back American artists that middle-aged people love to see. (No one has yet to write about it on BAND BBS) I have the feeling that I can hear some middle aged guys asking for, like, RY COODER or JACKSON BROWN... "I didn't seriously think about American rock n' roll bands this year. Just one of these types of artists (like BONNIE RAITT, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, or TOM PETTY) performing is not a good idea, I thought. Well, look forward to the ASAGIRI JAM (laugh), someday (laugh). I really want them to perform, but we would need to create a certain kind of atmosphere for them. It's not a good idea to just let them perform alone. Neil Young performed last year, but if it was only him, I don't think it would have really impressed the audience. So ALANIS MORISSETE helped set the tone. She was the flower, and it made for a situation that was like 1+1 equals 5 or 6. That won't happen this year. If the ALLMAN BROTHERS or LYNYRD SKYNYRD still existed, and JONNY WINTER joined them like in the old days, the situation would be different.

But now the music scene is not like that, and it's just laying back to the old days, so I think it's dangerous to try that. We need to think what is appropriate for now. Old artists performing with their style is ok, and if youngsters could enjoy it that's great, But it needs something else. We need a point of contact to the present musical landscape. Otherwise it will be a Hippy concert like in the American countryside. The combinations become the most difficult thing to make this work"

Taisho's story goes on and on, but I, ORG-master am pretty busy now and I can't write the rest of it. I am sorry, but I'm just uploading this as Part 1. Part 2 will be uploaded soon. Sorry......

reported by ORG-master  (May 31, 2002)
and translated by ORG-damon with a help of ORG-yohei & ORG-yuko  (June 30, 2002)