The opening act for Day 2 of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL was Japan’s old-school rock quartet THE BAWDIES.
Kicking it around Japan’s music scene after forming in high school in 2004, the group has made quite a name for themselves with their fun-loving rhythm and blues inspired offerings, giving them immense recognition in Japan and even some international fame on the back of five studio albums. Following in the footsteps of their idols The Beatles, in 2011 the group played a sold out show at the massive Budokan – a huge feat.
They were a perfect opener for the day at Fuji Rock, getting fans worked up with their over the top enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment at playing such a huge event. The Bawdies are heavily influenced by 60s rock groups and thus all band members were donning the same dapper suits and old-school rock haircuts.
Even though every band member was obviously enthused during their set, guitarist Yoshihiko “Jim” Kimura was the real standout performer, host to a massive grin for the entirety of the performance, persistently throwing himself around the stage and whipping his long locks in true rockstar style. The group will be taking their talents on a small Asia tour in October this year.