Live Review: Tomoyasu Hotei @ Shepherds Bush Empire.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.