2024年11月24日 @ FEVER
Roger Armstrong Memorial Gig THRASH BACK 完。
6月、熱海のケネスの家に行ってロジャーの遺品をケネスから受け取る。素材を元に編集を開始してから約半年。昨日、集大成である横浜FADと新代田FEVERでのメモリアルイベントが終了した。
ステージの撮影は1人では回しきれなかったので急遽、長男にステージサイドのカメラをお願いした。自分が育った音楽を彼がどのように受け止めたかは知らない。ただ、音楽が受け渡されていくということはこういうことなんだろうなと思った。ロジャーからのギフトに心が揺さぶられる旅の様な時間だった。彼には感謝しかない。
ロジャー追悼の元で、「ここでやらなければ男が廃る」と企画したケネス。ケネスの企画に共鳴し参加を決めた新旧メンバー。各方面への声かけと難しい調整役を引き受けてくれた剛さん。快く集まったバンドの皆さん。わざわざこの日のためにアメリカから飛んできたオリジナルメンバーのジョンとケビン。お疲れ様でした。貴重な時間を過ごせて嬉しかったです。
Roger Armstrong Memorial Gig: THRASH BACK Completed
This June, I made my way to Kenneth’s home in Atami to receive the treasures Roger left behind. Those pieces of his life became the seeds of something greater, and for the past six months, I poured myself into shaping them into a story. Yesterday, the journey reached its poignant climax at Yokohama FAD and Shindaita FEVER.
Unable to capture everything alone, I asked my eldest son to take the side-stage camera. I wonder how he perceived the music that shaped my youth. Perhaps that’s the essence of what it means to pass something on-not just sounds or scenes, but a spirit that transcends generations. It felt like a pilgrimage, guided by the gift Roger left behind, and I am endlessly grateful for the time he gave us, even now.
Kenneth, with unyielding resolve, declared, “If we don’t do this, what are we?” and brought us all together under the banner of Roger’s memory. Old friends and new voices alike answered his call. Takeshi-san, who carried the weight of coordination with such grace, deserves endless thanks. To the bands who gave their hearts to this night, and to John and Kevin, who crossed oceans to be here-it’s because of all of you that this rare and radiant moment came to life.
This was more than an event; it was a testament. A gathering of shared memories, of gratitude, and of the unbroken chords Roger strummed within us all. It was an honor to stand in this fleeting light with you. Thank you, from the depths of my heart.