Community.
Fuji Rock works hard to work with the local community and become a part of the fabric of Naeba through art work that remains up throughout the year like (Kids Land), Gonchan art work, Joe’s Garage. And each year, volunteers from far and wide turn out to construct the longest boardwalk in Japan,

There’s no doubt that Fuji Rock has benefitted the Naeba community and this year, a record number of locals and others guests (14,000) attended the pre-festival party on Thursday night. The event featured a “bono dori” performance, fireworks, and just a few speeches welcoming guests to a revered music festival with few comparisons in terms of cleanliness, outdoor setting, and good conduct.

Fuji Lore

Of course, building an incomparable music festival did not occur overnight, and it did not come easily. It came on the back’s of perhaps music’s “greatest generation,” artists whose careers stretch back to Woodstock and other protests such as the UK’s Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

And here we honor contributions by bluesman John Mayall who played Fuji Rock on two occasions, and sending two sons Jason and Gaz to do much of the heavy lifting regarding logistics, programming, and art. His inspiration also led to the Field of Heaven, which caters to older musical forms and musicians, though the may not achieve the same number of streams or downloads.

Major laurels go to Smash and Fuji Rock founder, Masa Hideki, for first conceived the idea and funded it. He also crafted a musical festival that put the focus back on the people, and not the corporations or the management groups that dominate so many other festivals. The original rock rebel, much of what is good and pure about Fuji Rock can be attributed to Masa’s vision.

Art Work
Nearly every step on every path is dedicated with incredible art work made by local artisans. The work is organic, reusable, and mostly made from otherwise discarded materials. Few other festivals would care about how visitors travel from stage to stage, but at Fuji Rock, every walk or excursion is special treat.

If you look closely, there’s art in unexpected places, or art work behind the artwork. For example, just outside the festival near the storage containers are two important works by UK artist Dotmaster. While they are overlooked and unseen by many, they play an important role in the festival at a time when Glastonbury chose a fallow year, freeing up the Unfairground group to appear in Japan.

Blue Galaxy
The return of the stage was important as it proved an altar to music’s highest form: they vinyl record. With nothing more than two turntables and a very simple Pioneer mixer, some of the most solid, danceable beats were produced at this stage. For example, Ruby Flashman absolutely turned it out by dropping jungle music, while other stuck with cumbria, ska, and reggae.

And Jim West did more hours at the deck than anyone I have ever seen. Without Blue Galaxy, festival goers would be subject to ridiculously high BPM levels, and bass bombast, and overdriven tweeters coming from Red Marquee.

Turnstile
What can I say, this group which resembles a random mix of people from just about any high school in North America absolutely turned it out. And they waited until about 200 of their closest fans were able to get onstage before firing their confetti canons.

1. group_inou

Huge disclaimer here: Extreme bias as a group_inou superfan who has waited nearly a decade hoping to see them live once again finally gets their wish. On top of the boundless energy and creativity that these two consistently bring, I think what makes group_inou so great is their ability to be just as endearingly goofy as they are untouchably cool. Rapper CP’s peppy staccato lyric delivery never fails to conjure up weird and wild imagery (amplified by frequent visual collaborators AC-BU), while producer imai thrashes uncontrollably behind his bank of samplers like they were giving him electric shock. I was hyping up this long-awaited comeback performance in my brain and body for months leading up to the festival, and to say that it exceeded even those expectations says everything you need to know about group_inou.

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2. PAS TASTA

This raucous six-piece collective are probably not the group of pompous partyboys you’re picturing in your head. A veritable dream team of Japanese electronic music nerds, PAS TASTA combine their diverse influences in the most haphazard way yet it somehow always ends up hitting harder than anything you’ve ever heard on the dancefloor. The venue also worked to their advantage, making the grassy mountaintop Daydreaming stage feel like a no-holds-barred backyard summer house party. Joyously slicing and dicing their way through a sound salad of what seemed like hundreds of samples and sound effects, the crew were in a frenzied battle over who took control of what wild tunes were allowed to be squeezed out from the samplers next. You’d get the idea that they’d be having just as much fun up there goofing off together even if they were playing to an empty field.

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3. Summer Eye

Quick, what do these 3 things have in common:

1. Pineapple patterned swimwear
2. Melted blue ‘Garigari-kun’ ice-pop juice trickling down your arm while riding bikes with friends
3. The sound of screaming cicadas

If you answered pure summer vibes then my friend, you’d be correct, and those were exactly what jovial pop band Summer Eye brought to Naeba Shokudo on Friday night. Strutting onto the stage with a huge blue/orange striped parasol and a huge smile, frontman Tomoyuki Natsume and the entire band exuded unadulterated happiness, bringing the entire crowd along with them into their world of beachballs and watermelons. “Today’s microphone cable is 40 meters long!”, Natsume joked as he bounded out into the center of the crowd and sung merrily atop a ladder with his parasol as if he were the most cheerful lifeguard on the entire beach. Summer Eye’s vibe was so summer-y, you could almost smell the coconut suntan oil.

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4. hobnob

I could see absolutely nothing “rookie” about Rookie A Go-Go entrants hobnob. Mysterious and dressed in all white, hobnob confidently blended heavy and extremely technical live drumming with atmospheric synths and robotic vocal samples bringing a hard-edged electronic mood to the performance. All this was elevated by the group’s visual artist who created lighting scenes on-the-fly, projecting them directly onto the band and animating their actions. Shoutout to fellow rookie entrants peterparker69 and Salmon Pink, but based on the enthralling performance here, I think I’m giving the edge to hobnob.

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5. KRAFTWERK

As far as this year’s big-name acts go, nothing else came close to carrying the weight that true legends KRAFTWERK had. Their influence is evident across the entire spectrum of music in the past half-century and needless to say their performance felt like a monumental occasion. Beyond a moving emotional tribute to Ryuichi Sakamoto, the performance was at once engaging, political and energizing. Each moment brought with it a feeling of gravity that we were able to witness KRAFTWERK still playing together some 50+ years into their influential careers.

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A Tale of Two Sets

Esne Beltza performed at 3 a.m. Saturday at Crystal Palace, followed by a performance less than 12 hours later on the White Stage. When asked about the difference between their performances over the two days, Lova described the first night as more intimate, with a closer connection to the audience. “Saturday night was more intimate. Like we were more near the people. But Sunday was like an explosion,” she said, her excitement palpable. This juxtaposition between the closeness of their first set and the explosive energy of the second highlighted the band’s versatility and their ability to engage with the crowd in different settings.

Fuji Rock: A Familiar Stage

Despite this being Lova’s first time at Fuji Rock and in Japan, Esne Beltza is no stranger to the festival, marking their fifth appearance. Lova marveled at the Japanese audience, describing them as incredibly passionate and welcoming. “The Japanese crowd is so grateful. They go crazy or mad. It doesn’t matter if they know you or not. They are so grateful. I love that part of this culture,” she shared. This warm reception contrasted with the often reserved audiences they encounter in Europe, making their performances in Japan particularly special. “In other countries, they are colder. They start like getting high when the show is in the middle or finishing. But I feel like in Japan, you just say hi and they are like… they are mad just in the start of the show.”

A Whirlwind Tour

The band’s tight schedule left little room for sightseeing, but Lova was captivated by the snippets of Tokyo she managed to explore. “We see something about Tokyo, and I was like, I love it,” she exclaimed. Their busy itinerary included a performance at MARZ in Shinjuku before heading to the festival, showcasing their commitment and passion for sharing their music. Despite the hectic pace, she appreciated the brief moments to soak in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Culinary Delights and Cultural Connections

Lova expressed her admiration for Japanese cuisine, noting its healthiness and rich flavors. Her favorites included takoyaki and a variety of rice dishes with fish or meat. “I find it healthy food. And the flavors are spicy,” she noted, appreciating the unique culinary experiences Japan offers compared to her hometown of Bilbao. She mentioned, “Yesterday we had dinner and we got the takoyaki. Tako rice. Tako rice, chicken, spicy or something like this. It was super good.”

A Journey of Musical Fusion

Joining Esne Beltza two years ago, Lova was discovered by the band’s founder, Xabi Solano Maiza, through Instagram, where she showcased her rap and hip-hop talents. This diverse musical background aligns perfectly with Esne Beltza’s genre-blending style, which incorporates reggae, rock, and more. Lova emphasized the importance of the message in their music, stating, “What I like more is the message. Like the message of the songs. I don’t mind what genre. But what I like is the music.” Her personal influences span a wide range, from Bob Marley to Aretha Franklin, reflecting her eclectic taste and the band’s multifaceted sound.

A Band with a Mission

Esne Beltza’s mission goes beyond music. They aim to fight for freedom, culture, music, and language. This commitment to their roots and values resonates deeply with their fans, making their performances not just entertaining but also meaningful. “We want to fight for our freedom, for our culture, our music, and our language,” Lova stated passionately. Their performances were a testament to their boundless energy, cultural pride, and musical versatility. As they continue to captivate audiences worldwide, their powerful message and infectious spirit remain at the heart of their journey.

[Interview Transcript]

FR: So, congrats, that was a great performance. And I saw you guys last night also. It was so much energy. So, how was the set last night compared to today’s set? Were there differences? How did you feel?

Lova: I think yesterday was like more intimate. Like we were more near the people. But today was like an explosion. We were super happy for being here. It has been like a really huge party today.

FR: Was this your first time at Fuji Rock?

Lova: Yeah. Well, no, it’s never like the band. It was the… How many times have you been here? The third time? Oh, fifth time at Fuji Rock. It’s my first time here. Okay. Because I just entered into the group.

FR: I see.

Lova: This last year, but the group… Yeah, they’ve been here.

FR: So, is this your first time in Japan?

Lova: Yeah.

FR: So, how do you find Japan?

Lova: Wow. The people, like the culture, the food, the passion for music. I’m in love with Japan.

FR: Have you had time to tour, like to travel and explore?

Lova: Not so much, because we arrived here. We went to Sala Mars in New York. Where was Sala Mars? Shinjuku, Tokyo. So, we went there yesterday to go there to play. Yesterday, we’ve been playing here in Fuji Rock, and today, too. Very busy. Yeah. But we see something about Tokyo, and I was like, I love it. Yeah, that’s awesome.

FR: And for you, it’s your first time in Japan. How do you find the crowds in Japan compared to back in Basque Country or Europe, other places you travel to play? How do you find the Japanese crowd?

Lova: I think the Japanese crowd is so grateful. They go crazy or mad. It doesn’t matter if they know you or not. They are so grateful. I love that part of this culture. The passion they have for music. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

FR: Do they feel very welcome? Like, welcome to you?

Lova: Yeah, we feel like they know us. Like all people know us. And it’s super, super funny. Yeah, when you go to places like this, you feel that energy.

FR: Yeah, and that energy is different from the energy playing in other countries?

Lova: Yes, maybe in other countries, they are colder.

FR: Oh, interesting.

Lova: They start like getting high [energy] when the show is in the middle or finishing. But I feel like in Japan, you just say hi and they are like… They are mad just in the start of the show. Right, right, right. So that’s super, super cool.

FR: That’s very awesome. So you guys have been so busy. Are you able to walk around Fuji Rock after this or anything?

Lova: Yeah, yesterday we went to watch Kraftwerk. And maybe today it’s raining but we don’t mind because in Basque Country it’s raining all the time too. So maybe we are going to watch other shows.

FR: Nice. Have you had any of the food here? What’s your favorite Japanese food?

Lova: My favorite food… Maybe… And I’m just impressed that all the food is so healthy or something like this. Like rice with fish or meat. But I like that I find it healthy food. And the flavors are spicy.

FR: Yeah, all the different Asian flavors that you might not get. Do you have much Japanese food back in… You’re from Bilbao, is it? There?

Lova: Yeah. Yeah, but I didn’t try so much. It’s not the same.

FR: Yeah, it’s true. Here I like… I would say like rice with meat and like with the spicy sauce or something like this.

Lova: Here, yesterday we had dinner and we got the takoyaki. No, taco rice with chicken, spicy or something like this. It was super good.

FR: Nice. So how long have you been with the band?

Lova: Two years.

FR: What were you doing before and what made you…

Lova: I have like my own friends apart from the band. I’m like… My name is Lova Lois. Lova, like love. And I meet the band. Xabi, like he find me on Instagram because I was doing a song for the women. Like rapping. I usually do rap, hip-hop. And he find me and he told me, we are looking for a singer in our group and I think you will be the one.

FR: That’s so cool. How did you feel?

Lova: Wow. I couldn’t believe it. That’s a f**king masterpiece.

FR: That’s amazing. And who are your personal music influences? What musicians do you like?

Lova: I think I listen to all type of music. I like the old school musicians. But for reggae, I like Bob Marley, or like Elvis Presley, or Aretha Franklin.

FR: Lots of genres, right? Because you guys play lots of genres also.

Lova: Yeah, yeah. I always say that what I like more is the message. Like the message of the songs. I don’t mind what genre. But what I like is the music.

FR: And you guys have a very strong message also. What would you say, like right now, in this era, what is your band’s message to your fans?

Lova: We want to fight for our freedom, for our culture, our music, and our language. Yeah, so like fighting for rights.

FR: Yes. Amazing. Perfect. Oh, last thing. How do you do this hair?

Lova: This is my mom[‘s work]. She’s the artist.

FR: Your mom?

Lova: She’s the actual artist.

FR: Wow, so she did that for you.

Lova: Yes.

FR: It’s great. Amazing. Thank you so much.

1. Girl in Red
I’ll be honest, as epic as it was to catch Kraftwerk’s much-anticipated set on the Green Stage, I regret not rushing over to see Girl in Red’s White Stage set from the start. Nonetheless, I caught most of her show and am still buzzing from the energy she brought to Fuji Rock. The queer icon interacted with her audience with friendly conversations and banter, even receiving a bag of coffee as a gift from a fan in the front row. Later on, she climbed into the crowd as she sang and made her way through the sea of fans. I love when artists make the effort to connect with their audience, and Girl in Red was one of the most memorable examples of this at this year’s festival.

2. The Killers
I didn’t think they would make it on my top five, but call me basic. They really rocked Friday night! What was most memorable about seeing the band that shaped my teenage years was that I got to see them with my 7-year-old, thinking about what an iconic memory it will be in her life. I would compare this to seeing Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd at her age, had my parents been cool enough to take me to a festival (sorry mom and dad, you DID take me to see lots of great music still!). We sang along to all our nostalgic favorites that we still sing to at karaoke—with the live band right there with us. I can’t forget to mention Brandon Flowers’ outfit change into a bright pink suit jacket that I wanted for myself!

3. Kenya Grace
I went into her set nearly blind-sided, only knowing her from her TikTok/Reel hit “Strangers” (my basic b*tch personality seems to continue). But the moment she began her set, I was blown away. Not only does she have a beautiful voice, but she also combined her vocal skills with her Drum & Bass synth techniques, mixing every song on her own. I especially enjoyed her cover of Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” that brought new electronic depth to the iconic original. Grace also brought a D&B version of Britney Spears’ ever-beloved club hit, “Toxic,” that I couldn’t help but sing and dance to.

4. Esne Beltza
I caught this Basque band at both of their Fuji Rock appearances—Saturday night at Crystal Palace and Sunday afternoon on White Stage. I wondered how their intimate Crystal Palace set would translate onto the big stage, but they still kept the same spirit up in both environments. As advocates for the preservation and protection of their unique Basque culture, the band sang outspokenly about their heritage and political movements, often teaching their audience phrases in their own language. It felt like a true cultural exchange right at Fuji Rock. Influenced by a plethora of genres, every song was exciting and unpredictable. At both sets, the band got the audience involved in mosh pits and jumping for a visually and physically exhilarating experience!

5. Festival Flags
Speaking of activism, the fifth place on my list goes to a whole movement I saw throughout the three-day festival. While Western festivals such as Glastonbury and Coachella are filled with creative flags made by attendees flying high all over festival grounds, it’s much more of a rare scene in Japan…BUT not this year! I was excited and amazed to see some flags being carried around by attendees. From a Pride flag by a fabulously fashionable group of friends to a handful of Palestinian flags, they reminded me that Fuji Rock may be entering a new, elevated era. Sure, these flags can convey sensitive topics (especially here in Japan), but it’s no secret that rock has historically always intertwined with politics. Fuji Rock has its own roots in activism—always showcased at NGO Village but rarely put in front of your face, especially in more recent years. Since Fuji Rock 2023, there’s been a major shift in the world’s political climate, namely, the war in Gaza. While Japan is often seen as a place of passivity, there was no denying that Fuji Rock 2024 shone a different light.

Runner-up: Family Mart x Fuji Rock Fashion
I cannot talk about Fuji Rock 2024 without mentioning the standout act, Family Mart. The beloved Japanese convenience store chain collaborated with Fuji Rock to produce colorful socks and towels sporting the signature festival colors. Not only did I rock up to Fuji Rock on Friday wearing my own pair of the white socks, but I was also impressed to see their marketing at the festival itself. They had a booth of their own at the entrance of the festival, surely increasing sales. While I personally was excited to see soooooooooooo many people rocking these goods throughout the weekend (me again, the basic b*tch), I heard some say they were embarrassed by it. Whatever your take, there’s no denying that they stole the show.

1 – group_inou. With a bullet. Since their soft breakup some, jeez, 9 years ago I have been hoping to get a chance to see them again (or at least more than the one song they did at AC部’s expo 85, but I digress). They are simply one of the most energetic, fun and creative live acts around. They also have the best projected visuals, bar none. Thanks again AC部. If you were able to stay up until sunrise to see them on the first day of the festival I’m sure you would agree with me.
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2 – Summer Eye. Had no idea what to expect, they just seemed like a good band to cover. Like a good journalist, I did no prior investigation. The good news there is I was pretty floored with how much I liked the set! It was was like Okinawan beach bum punk. I will definitely be going to see them at a regular livehouse at the earliest opportunity, hopefully while the weather is still warm and the summer sun is still shining.
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3 – Cho Co Pa Co Cho Co Quin Quin. Other than group_inou, this is the show I was probably most looking forward to. I like their recent debut album quite a bit, and was curious how they were live. The good news is they were great. It was a fun, eclectic set and seemed very, very promising for a new band. Let’s see where these guys end up in a few years! Hopefully back at Fuji Rock!
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4 – Kraftwerk. I mean, of course. Without Kraftwerk think of all the things we would be without! YMO prime amongst them! Speaking of, the Ryuichi Sakamoto tribute mid-set was stunning. I also love the way their visuals look straight after a 1997 point and click computer game. I am honest when I say I love that. Please never change it. Also hearing Kraftwerk so cleanly out of such massive speakers was a treat. Danke schön gents!
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5 – bongjeingan. This one really, truly surprised me! It was my last show of the festival, and I was really hoping to end it with something unique and special. And Christmas came early. This Korean band was wildly fun, erratic math-y changes all over the place and just a really solid band presence. My only note would be maybe go a little easier on the guitar shredding my dudes, but even that bit was honestly a bit of fun. It was apparently their first show in Japan, and here’s hoping they come back a bunch more times!
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Honorable mention to Kim Gordon, Shibusashirasu, Ohnuki Taeko, Tokumaru Shugo, Sampha and, of course, the buskers. Until next time y’all!

First Time at Fuji Rock

Leo and Eddy, who had never attended a festival before, were thrilled to make their Fuji Rock debut. “We’ve had opportunities to come before, but we wanted our first time to be when we played,” Leo shared. Their excitement was palpable as they recounted the moment they learned they’d be performing: “We applied every year, not expecting much. And then this year, we got in. It was a surprise for us for sure.”

Performing at Fuji Rock 2024

When asked about their set, both agreed it was “f**king awesome.” Eddy noted, “The crowd could have been rocking out a bit more, but it’s Japan. [The crowd] can be a bit conservative.” Despite this, their enthusiasm remained high, reflecting on the positive reception they received.

Cultural Roots and Inspirations

The duo has a rich cultural background, with Leo being English-Japanese and Eddy Brazilian-Japanese. This blend of cultures influences their music and stage presence. They draw inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including The Beatles, John Mayer, Khruangbin, Mac DeMarco, Tyler the Creator, and Glass Beams. “We love Glass Beams,” Leo mentioned, adding that they missed their set at Fuji Rock but heard it was fantastic. The duo’s music covers a range of themes, from love and heartbreak to darker topics like death. Their songwriting process is deeply personal, often stemming from emotional experiences. “When there’s emotional pain, it comes out much easier,” Leo reflected.

Tokyo Music Scene

Salmon Pink has been active in the Tokyo music scene for the past 2-3 years, frequently performing in popular areas like Shimokitazawa and Shibuya. Their favorite venues include Three in Shimokitazawa and La Mama in Shibuya. “La Mama is a place with a lot of history. A lot of old school bands played there before they were famous,” Eddy explained.

Future Plans and Message to Fans

As for future shows, Salmon Pink plans to continue playing in Tokyo, although they currently don’t have specific dates lined up. They encourage fans to follow them on Instagram at @NotPinkSalmon. “Everyone says Pink Salmon, but we’re Salmon Pink,” Leo clarified, revealing that the name was inspired by Leo’s love for mentaiko, a type of seasoned cod roe.

Reflecting on Fuji Rock

The duo thoroughly enjoyed their Fuji Rock experience, mentioning highlights like Kingfish’s performance and the vibrant festival atmosphere. They expressed a desire to return next year, aiming for a slot at the Red Marquee.

Final Thoughts

Salmon Pink’s music covers a range of themes, from love and heartbreak to darker topics like death and hardship. Their songwriting process is deeply personal, often stemming from emotional experiences. “When there’s emotional pain, it comes out much easier,” Leo reflected.

In closing, they shared a simple yet profound message: “Love is the answer. Love is the word.” A fun duo with great presence on stage and off, Salmon Pink is a band to watch out for.

Follow Salmon Pink on Instagram and YouTube.

*Photography credit varies:
1st: Salmon Pink
2nd: 安江正実 (IG credited)
3rd: Nina Cataldo

[Interview Transcript]

FR: Alright, do you want to introduce yourselves?
Leo: I’m in Salmon Pink, I’m Leo.
Eddy: I’m in Salmon Pink, I’m Eddy.
Both: We are at Fuji Rock 2024.
Eddy: Let’s go.
FR: Woo! So, have you guys been to Fuji Rock before?
Eddy: First time.
Leo: First time.
Eddy: First time playing, first time watching, yeah.
FR: Exciting. So, what were some of your expectations or thoughts you had before and how is it now?
Eddy: I had no expectations to be honest. I’ve never been to a festival.
FR: Really?
Eddy: To be honest, yeah. This is the first time. For you too, right?
Leo: Me neither, yeah.
FR: So, that’s like huge stakes then. If you’ve never been at all.
Eddy: Yeah. But we had opportunities to go before to Fuji Rock.
Leo: But we wanted to play the first time we came here.
Eddy: Save it, you know.
Leo: Save it for a good time.
FR: Awesome. So, how did you guys get to Fuji Rock this year then in terms of how did you get to Rookie A Go-Go?
Leo: We applied every year…Sort of not expecting much. And then one day this year, we got in.
FR: Amazing.
Eddy: I guess we did the right thing. We were surprised by this.
Leo: A surprise for us for sure.
Eddy: Yeah. It was surprising.
FR: And how do you feel about your guys’ set?
Leo: F**king awesome.
Eddy: It was crazy, yeah.
Leo: It was good though. I love it.
FR: And the crowd?
Eddy: It was crazy. You know, they could be, you know, rocking out a little bit more, but I mean.
FR: (laughs) It’s Japan.
Leo: What can you do?
Eddy: It’s Japan, exactly.
Leo: Japanese people are a bit conservative.
FR: Yeah. And are you guys from Japan?
Leo and Eddy: Yeah.
Leo: Eddy’s half Brazilian and I’m half English.
FR: Nice.
Eddy: Okinawa.
Leo: Ibaraki.
FR: My grandparents are from Ibaraki also. Hitachi.
Leo: Tsukuba-san. Are you half?
FR: Yeah, I’m half American.
Leo: We’re the same then, yeah.
FR: Yeah, exactly. I thought when I saw you guys up there [on stage], I was like, I bet they’re hafu [half-Japanese]. We just know each other.
Eddy: We know each other, you know. You feel the vibe.
Leo: Yeah. You feel it.
FR: So where do you guys see yourselves next? Any shows, upcoming shows you want to talk about?
Leo: Currently not.
FR: In Tokyo or anywhere?
Leo: In Tokyo, yeah. Definitely in Tokyo. We’ve been playing in Tokyo for like two, three years now.
FR: Where do you guys play?
Leo: Shimokitazawa. And Shibuya sometimes. Mostly Shimokitazawa.
FR: Which venues?
Leo and Eddy: Three.
Leo: In Shibuya we go to a place called La Mama. It’s a place with a lot of history. A lot of old school bands that – before they were famous – they played there apparently.
FR: Sick.
Leo: It’s a good venue.
FR: A lot of places in England are like that too. Like in Liverpool and London, you know? You know all the places that, like, The Beatles started out in or whoever.
Leo: We love The Beatles.
FR: Yeah? So who are your inspirations?
Eddy: Beatles for sure.
Leo: Yeah, Beatles for sure.
Eddy: John Mayer.
Leo: He likes John Mayer. He used to like John Mayer in the beginning. But now we love Khruangbin.
FR: Nice.
Leo: Shout out. (laughs)
Eddy: Mac.
Leo and Eddy: Mac DeMarco.
Eddy: For sure. And who else?
Leo: Glass Beans. We didn’t get to watch it this time.
FR: I heard their set was good.
Eddy: Who else? I don’t know. A lot of artists for sure.
Leo and Eddy: We both like Tyler [the Creator].
Eddy: Tyler’s good.
Leo: Yeah.
FR: So a lot of different genres of influences come to you guys.
Eddy: It’s a big mix.
FR: Super exciting. Would you see yourselves coming back to Fuji Rock?
Eddy: Yeah, definitely.
Leo: Next year, we’re here…hopefully Red Marquee!
FR: So, have you been able to enjoy Fuji Rock this year? What’s been the coolest part?
Leo: Kingfish, he was amazing. He was in the crowd. We were running because we were running out of time. And we got to his set. We could hear the guitar but we couldn’t see him. Like where the f**k is he? He was just five meters ahead of us! It was crazy.
Eddy: I wasn’t there though, I missed that.
Leo: Kingfish was the best, dude! Yussef was good too.
Leo and Eddy: Yussef Dayes.
Leo: He’s English too.
FR: There’ve been a lot of English bands this year.
FR: What are most of your songs about?
Eddy: It really depends…really depends on the vibe.
Leo: We have love songs the most but we also like to write dark songs.
Eddy: Yeah, we do.
Leo: A lot of shit that alludes to, like, death. Shit you don’t really want to talk about to be honest, but you know, it’s real you know.
FR: Yeah. And what’s that writing process like?
Eddy: We do by ourselves mostly
Leo: Yeah, I mean we often struggle with lyrics. But when there’s emotional pain, it comes out much easier. Whether that’s heartbreak or like, losing someone. That’s probably one of our inspirations.
FR: It makes it relatable to listeners, right?
Leo: Yeah.
FR: So, anywhere that people can follow you and keep in touch?
Leo: @NotPinkSalmon on Instagram. That’s “Not Pink Salmon.” Because we’re called Salmon Pink but everyone says,
Eddy: Oooh, Pink Salmon?!
Leo: Yeah (laughs). No no, we’re Salmon Pink.
FR: Where did you get the inspiration for the name?
Eddy: He likes mentaiko.
Leo: So, you know. My favorite food.
Eddy: I mean, I also like it, but he’s like…
FR: Obsessed with it?
Leo: I’m doing a disservice to mentaiko because, I don’t know.
FR: But, so that’s why the inspiration came from your love of mentaiko?
Leo: Yeah, pretty much.
Eddy: We don’t think about it too deep.
FR: That’s great because I saw you guys’ name on the lineup and immediately thought, what a sick name.
Leo: Really? We’ve been having second thoughts for years.
FR: Keep it.
Leo: Alright, alright, alright. Easy to remember, right?
FR: It is. Any message to your fans or future fans?
Eddy: Do we have fans? (laughs)
Leo: (laughs) Yeah, do we have fans?
FR: You guys had a good crowd.
Eddy: What’s the message though?
Leo: Love is the answer. Love is the word. That’s a Yussef Dayes reference. What else? FUJI ROCK!! I guess?
Eddy: FUJI ROCK!! (all laugh)

Ponder for just a moment every single person in the front mosh pit being invited onstage to dance, jump around, and have fun. Now try pulling off a song with many people surrounding you onstage.

This is exactly what Turnstile does night after night. The Baltimore, Maryland, group are the risking stars of the underground, playing a heavy dose of guitar riffing, pounding drums, and lyrics that inspire fans to go into battle. 

There are many circle pits throughout the concert, along with a wall of death and crowd surfing, and for the finale, a huge rush of the stage. Pat McCrory on guitar and vocals, along with acrobatic singer and frontman Brendan Yates, keep it down, while others are having so much fun jumping subway turnstiles and running from the cops.

Early on, the duo took inspiration from Grandmaster Flash and focused mainly on vinyl, also cutting their own mixtapes, which started to draw international acclaim. The group diced and sliced 45s with precision, bringing new interpretation to the previously recorded work. The duo later morphed into the band Soulwax, but at their heart they were still always DJs. 

At one point, an album release reached the British Top 40, but that was light years ago, prior to the EDM explosion, and now the band are starting to catch up. It was clear that the DJ duo had one mission on Saturday, and that was to get the crowd dancing. Starting with Iggy Stooge’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” the band riffed in various directions, even coming around to Franky Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax,” which was very well received by the audience.

2mandjs were instrumental in defining a path forward for electronic music, earning chart-topping records and spawning many to follow, such as Daft Punk, LCD Soundsystem, and Gorillaz. While this was their past, the reality of a 2manydjs show is a thundering sound system that is as thundering as it is loud. Decibel levels verged on the unsafe, though colorful projections did keep many in the audience engaged.

The lineup included Noel Gallagher (Vo/Gt), former Oasis members Gem Archer (Gt) and Chris Sharrock (Dr), and session pianist Mike Rowe (Key/Pf). They were joined by Russell Pritchard (Ba/Cho), Jessica Greenfield (Key/Ma/Cho), a support keyboardist, three backing vocalists, and occasionally a three-piece horn section—making it the largest ensemble NGHFB has ever had.

The members walked on stage to the sound of John Paul Jones’ “4-Minute Warning,” before kicking off the show with “Pretty Boy” from “Council Skies.” The title track, “Council Skies,” followed, showcasing a new sound with tropical rhythms and a relaxed groove. Tracks like “We’re Gonna Get There in the End” and “Open the Door, See What You Find” brought Gallagher’s signature Britpop melodies, compelling the audience to sway along. Visuals perfectly matched each song, from 90’s romantic music video footage to 70’s-inspired flower power cartoons.

Three songs in, Gallagher greeted the crowd with a simple “Hello,” which the entire audience echoed back. “You good?” he continued in his very British manner, before diving back into the music with a guitar change. Around 45 minutes into the set, a brief heavy rain shower reminded the crowd of the classic Naeba atmosphere without dampening spirits.

Gallagher engaged the crowd with a cheeky, “So I assume we’re all Oasis fans, yeah? Then this will go well,” before playing “Going Nowhere.” This second half of the set was a treat for Oasis fans, featuring an array of beloved tracks. Fan favorites like “Whatever,” “Half The World Away,” “The Masterplan,” and “Little By Little” had the crowd singing along joyfully. Gallagher played and sang Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” with him announcing, “This is our last song.”

Despite Gallagher’s declaration, everyone knew an encore was imminent. After a brief departure, NGHFB returned to perform “Stand By Me,” “Live Forever,” and finally, “Don’t Look Back In Anger.” Notably, the set didn’t include “Wonderwall,” a surprising omission that left the audience intrigued, yet, satisfied.

Noel Gallagher’s return to Fuji Rock after nine years was heartfelt for many, who were seen in the crowd (and on the big screen) with tears in their eyes. His 2024 set reaffirmed his place in rock history and provided fans with a memorable experience that meshed Gallagher’s own musical roots and the new direction that his band is heading.

Set List:
01. Pretty Boy
02. Council Skies
03. We’re Gonna Get There In The End
04. Open the Door, See What You Find
05. You Know We Can’t Go Back
06. We’re On Our Way Now
07. In the Heat Of The Moment
08. If I Had A Gun…
09. AKA… What a Life!
10. Dead In The Water
11. Going Nowhere (Oasis cover)
12. Talk Tonight (Oasis cover)
13. Whatever (Oasis cover)
14. Half The World Away (Oasis cover)
15. The Masterplan (Oasis cover)
16. Little By Little (Oasis cover)
17. Love Will Tear Us Apart (Joy Division cover)
─ENCORE─
18. Stand by Me (Oasis cover)
19. Live Forever (Oasis cover)
20. Don’t Look Back in Anger (Oasis cover)