OVER THE RAINBOW: Japan, Spring-2009For the last 10 years, we Japanese fans were quite lucky to see and
enjoy many incredible concerts by former Rainbow vocalist, Joe Lynn Turner. Recently he gave us great memories with his "Tribute to Rainbow concert" with Orchestra. Additionally, JLT and ex-Rainbow singer Graham Bonnet also teamed up for "JLT vs.ALCATRAZZ" shows within the past few years. Surprisingly, we could see one more "dream" in here Japan. It was the
Over The Rainbow Tour!
Japanese fans were very exited to know that former Rainbow musicians
teamed up for OTR. They were JLT, Tony Carey, Bobby Rondinelli and Greg Smith. And, we had so much interest with a second generation Blackmore on guitar to form OTR. I'm so proud of the well-known Japanese JLT band called " Tokyo-Mafia" ---They were just perfect! But I really wanted to see another band with JLT in next time he came to Japan. Yes, OTR was the best band in this world, I think.
No need to say, there are so many Rainbow Fans in my country Japan. Actually, the venue named Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Hall (1,800 capacity ) was filled with a huge audience. It was double the capacity of JLT's last Tokyo show, "JLT vs.ALCATRAZZ".
I, Kaoru went to the Nagoya and Tokyo shows. The set was same. But the venue of Nagoya was "general admission (no seats)." OTR was just front of me, so I could touch their hands very easily. It was a very HOT and exiting night! The Tokyo show had seats. Some of fans had also seen Rainbow during thier Japan Tour in '80. I was so lucky person who enjoyed diferrent style OTR shows. However there were no backdrop yet the sounds were so clear and also lighting was so beautiful.
The show was started with "Tarot Woman" and next was "Kill The King". It was NOT same as we saw before with JLT solo shows. These songs had taken us to the OTR world in less than 10 minutes. On keyboard,Tony Carey was excellent, however the stage set was so simple.
Many Rainbow fans are love ALL of the Rainbow albums. Also I, Kaoru does too. JLT was quite powerful to sing "Man On The Silver Mountain" and "Eyes Of The World." I wrote before that JLT has become more powerful than last year. I do think same way in this year too with his strong shout.
OTR played "JLT's masterpieces for Japan" Street Of Dreams" and "Power." But NO "Spot Light Kid." We were surprised and glad to hear "Ariel" and "Wolf To The Moon." JLT sung these songs just like his own songs!! Also it was very fresh to hear a B-side tune "Jealous Lover." OTR had shown us a more WIDE Rainbow's world than the original
Rainbow.
Greg Smith did wonderful backing vocals with JLT. He was shining like a star on the stage. Jurgen gave us his tender smile with stabilized sound all through the shows. I really enjoyed Bobby Rondinelli' s drum solo time! They all are so excellent, I was so I moved and enjoyed this very authentic sound! it was such a wonderful thing for us Japanese fans who had seen JLT and his Japanese band to see him with OTR.
"Star Gazer" and "Long Live Rock'n'Roll" shook to us so much. All of audience shouted so LOUD with OTR. A couple of encore times made us feeling high! Almost everyone in the audience could sing these English songs so perfectly!
If I try to describe these shows in only one word I would say they were"FUN." They gave us a never ending dream. I am strongly wishing that many JLT fans and Rainbow fans in the world will be able to enjoy the marvelous Over The Rainbow show. And I hope that we will be able to see the show again. OTR guys, See You Next Year. Thank you very much for the WONDERFUL
shows.
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SET LIST1 Tarot Woman
2 Kill The King
3 Street Of Dreams
4 Man On The Silver Mountain
5 Over the rainbow-Death Alley Driver
key solo
6 Eyes Of The World
7 Ariel
8 Wolf To The Moon
9 Power
9 Can't happen Here
10 Jealous Lover
drum solo
11 Star Gazer
12 Long Live Rock'n'Roll
Encore#113 Since You Been Gone~Stone Cold
14 I Surrender
Encore#215All Night Long
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~~Kaoru Hoshino