Hard rock and metal goliath DIR EN GREY documents two momentous shows in its upcoming live Blu-ray and DVD THE FINAL DAYS OF STUDIO COAST. Fresh off the heels of the latest album Phalaris (released on June 15), the announcement revealed news of uncut footage from the back-to-back performances on January 26 and 27 that marked the end of the renowned venue in Shinkiba, Tokyo. THE FINAL DAYS OF STUDIO COAST releases on September 14.
Concert hall Studio Coast closed its doors on January 30 and demolition of the building began the following month. Although Japan proposed a phased reopening of concerts just weeks after the first wave of the pandemic, declines in attendance and repeated COVID-related cancellations continued to jeopardize the future of live entertainment.
Sadly, operations management and its parent company Usen could not spare Studio Coast from the financial impact that rippled across the industry. Despite negotiations, they could not renew their lease with the property’s landowner.
Since launching in 2002, Studio Coast regularly hosted weekend club events and touring musicians from Japan and abroad. It accommodated over 2,400 attendees on the floor and balcony. A panel of PA speakers, arranged in a colossal octagon, hung overhead and marveled concertgoers over its 20-year life.
The mid-size setting offered acoustic amenities that paired uniquely with DIR EN GREY’s aggressive sonic cadence. It became a cornerstone stop for the band on countless national tours.
Other major artists commemorating the final countdown included THE BACK HORN, SiM, HEY-SMITH, HAWAIIAN6, and Kazuya Yoshii of THE YELLOW MONKEY. DIR EN GREY, with a record 72 gigs at Studio Coast, embodies the fitting headlining act to send off what longtime fans remember as their second home.
THE FINAL DAYS OF STUDIO COAST features 38 songs that span DIR EN GREY’s prolific history with the legendary concert hall. The dual setlists include new singles Oboro and Ochita Koto no Aru Sora as well as classics audience KILLER LOOP, Fukai, and magnum opus VINUSHKA. It is available September 14 in two versions: Regular and First Press Limited Deluxe editions.
Those who preorder by July 18 will also receive an original mask case and gain access to an online viewing party with members of DIR EN GREY present in the chat.
Furthermore, members of the DIR EN GREY fan club a knot unlock an exclusive bundle sold on the online store GALAXY BROAD SHOP. The bundle packages together an original travel tumbler and sticker with the Blu-ray or DVD.
