Live Review: Tomoyasu Hotei @ Shepherds Bush Empire.

by | Nov 12, 2013

Tomoyasu Hotei, who last played London at the Roundhouse in Dec 2012, was back at Shepherds Bush Empire with his Electric Samurai concert on another cold winter’s evening. That didn’t stop his Japanese and London fans being there for a night of exciting live music. Solange Moreira-Yeoell went along to photograph and review

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Hotei came to the stage greeted enthusiastically by the audience, who were involved and very polite.
Opening with Phoenix and a special arrangement of the Mission Impossible theme it was not long before he introduced his first special guest Andy Mackay from Roxy Music bringing his brilliant touch with the saxophone to the stage.

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

The show moved from effect to effect and great lighting background to another. Mike Edwards from Jesus Jones also guested and sang Believe Me I Am A Liar and the Jesus Jones hit Right Here, Right Now.

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Simon Jay Price)

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Simon Jay Price)

Hotei introduced his band Zachary Alford on drums, Tony Grey on Bass, Toshiyuki Kishi on Keyboard/Programming and Steve Eto on Percussions to howling imagery of Japanese culture which was very incredible to watch.

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

Tomoyasu Hotei at Shepherds Bush Empire London on 9th November 2013 (Solange Moreira-Yeoell)

The highlight of the night was certainly the dramatic live rendition of his classic Kill Bill tune, Battle Without Honour or Humanity a truly wonderful piece of music which he extended for quite a while ending a night which was truly fun to be part of.

Solange Moreira-Yeoell reviewed Tomoyasu Hotei 9th November 2013 for Rockshot.

My Life As A Moth (Press)

My Life As A Moth Unveils Haunting New Album ‘The Parade Of The Starlet & The Broken Hearted’

Emerging East London artist My Life As A Moth has released her striking new album The Parade Of The Starlet & The Broken Hearted, a 12-track collection that cements her reputation for crafting immersive, emotionally charged alt-rock soundscapes.

Lewis Capaldi @ Glastonbury Festival 2023 (Kalpesh Patel)

Lewis Capaldi Returns With Heartfelt New Single ‘Stay Love’ And Confirms Huge UK & Ireland Shows

Lewis Capaldi continues his powerful return with the release of Stay Love, a poignant new addition to his latest Survive EP, further cementing his reputation as one of the most emotionally resonant voices in modern pop.

Freya Ridings (Simon Emmett)

Freya Ridings Unveils ‘Dancing In The Kitchen’ And Announces Major UK & EU Tour

Freya Ridings has shared her striking new single Dancing In The Kitchen, offering another glimpse into her forthcoming third album Mother Of Pearl, set for release on 29th May.

Mae Stephens (Patrick Ford)

Mae Stephens Embraces Pop Obsession On New Single ‘Delusional’ And Announces UK Tour

Rising pop force Mae Stephens is leaning fully into her playful, unfiltered songwriting with the release of her latest single Delusional, a vibrant and infectious track she’s already dubbed “the delulu song of the summer.”

Benny G (Sophia Matinazad)

Benny G Drops ‘When You Know You Know’ EP Ahead Of Grand Ole Opry Debut

Rising country-soul artist Benny G has released his new EP When You Know You Know, marking another major step forward for one of Nashville’s most promising young voices.

Jamie Grey (Press)

Jamie Grey Reflects On Time And Love With New Single ‘How Did We Get To Midnight’

Jamie Grey continues his upward trajectory into 2026 with the release of his poignant new single How Did We Get To Midnight, a stripped-back and emotionally resonant track that showcases the depth of his songwriting and vocal delivery.

The Cab (Juan Flores Mena)

The Cab Ignite Return With ‘Sweet Kerosene’ Ahead Of New Album ‘Chasing Crowns’

The Cab have unveiled their latest single Sweet Kerosene, offering a final glimpse into their long-awaited third studio album Chasing Crowns, set for release on 24th April.

The Heat Inc. @ The Dublin Castle (Louise Phillips)

The Heat Inc. Ignite Camden’s Dublin Castle Ahead Of New Album Era

Fresh from signing with Republic of Music, The Heat Inc. returned to the stage with a fierce, tightly wound performance that signals serious intent ahead of their forthcoming third album Tom Bleasdale’s Car And Other Attractions, due this September.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing