IRON MAIDEN Coming!

Thursday, October eighteenth, two thousand and seven

IRON MAIDEN, my favorite British heavy metal band, is going to come to Japan in February of next year as a part of its 2006 world tour, which is called "SOMEWHERE BACK IN TIME", according to the official web site. However, they are planning to hold some concerts only around Tokyo. Since I lived in Osaka, it's sort of expensive and tough for me to go to Tokyo and see their gig, that's nearly impossible, I guess. (ToT)
The web site says that they are going to play the songs that they released in 1980's. I'm anxious to see the performance but I won't make it unless they modify their decision. The way I see it, the reason they are going to have concerts only around Tokyo would be that they wasn't able to make a good profit last year in Japan. I'm terribly sad to hear the news. (ToT)(ToT)(ToT)(ToT)(ToT)

be anxious to do something: ～することを切望する。
(= eager, keen???)
(cf. be anxious about something: ～のことを心配する。)

Watching DVD with my kids

Saturday, August eleventh, two thousand and seven

Last night my eldest son and third son asked me like, "Dad, we would like to watch the DVD you often watch!" I didn't understand what DVD they want to watch at first, actually.
No way! Adult DVDs????? NO! Honestly, I DON'T have such a kind of DVDs!
They went on like, "Rio... whatchamacallit...."
I realized what DVD they had mentioned; that is to say, they wanted to watch the DVD that is called "Rock in RIO" and that is presented by IRON MAIDEN.
Like father, like son! They seem to like the DVD. Generally, IRON MAIDEN is categorized as "Heavy Metal"; in fact, they are still one of the greatest British heavy metal band.
I recommend watching the DVD to anyone who usually doesn't listen to heavy metal. Whenever watching the content, I don't think they are older than me through the energetic performance. There are some melodious numbers; on the other hand, they are sometimes excited with the Brazilian audience. In my case, I MUST watch the DVD at least once a week. :)

Fear of the Dark

Sunday, February twenty fifth, two thousand and seven

I suppose those who often read my blog know I'm crazy about IRON MAIDEN, one of the greatest British heavy metal bands. Actually, I can't catch most words in their songs, because the lyrics tend to be difficult and have lots of messages and information. Since I'm not a native English speaker and not good at listening lessons, it's too hard for me to catch the meanings. But only one song I can catch clearly. The song's title is "Fear of the dark", the title track of IRON MAIDEN's ninth studio album. The lyrics sound similar to a lesson that I've taken before at my English school and they are relatively easy for one of the band's songs. That's why I can catch them clearly, I guess. Let me quote a part of them;

"Fear of the dark... Fear of the dark... I have a phobia that someone's always near."

Those who study at the same English school as mine probably know the lesson that sounds similar to the part. It's "ZONE-E03". Since I haven't finished reviewing all ZONE-E lessons yet, this IRON MAIDEN's lyrics helped me review "ZONE-E03" lesson the other day. I'd appreciate it, MAIDEN! :)
Now... I've just finished reviewing "ZONE-E26" lesson, actually. Twenty four ZONE-E lessons still remain, I have to review... And, all ZONE-F lessons from scratch as well. How lazy I am! I should've reviewed them as soon as I took the lessons, even though I often tell off my children saying "Don't procrastinate!" X(


from scratch: 最初から、ゼロから
tell off: ～に小言を言う、～をしかる
procrastinate: 引き延ばす、ぐずぐずする、遅らせる

IRON MAIDEN Helps me Out

Tuesday, January twenty third, two thousand and seven

My 6-year-old daughter usually kiss me before she goes to bed and I leave for work, but she didn't do that habit today. I'm soooooooooooooooo sad that I couldn't fall asleep tonight. Actually, only her nice habit makes me feel good nowadays, however, she seems to be tired of doing that, in spite of I work so hard for my family everyday. Let me try to find another nice girl who gives me a number of nice kisses instead of my daughter....
Just kidding, of course.... maybe... :) Since I had to work fourteen hours today due to malfunction of the machinery in my factory, I'd like to have a good and deep sleep tonight anyhow. Let me listen to IRON MAIDEN to make myself relaxed, and go to bed... Huh ? Is it strange to listen to heavy metal music before going to bed? In my case, it's sort of an excellent vitamin. For me, there are no more nicer ones in the world than listening to IRON MAIDEN before going to bed!

....I'm relieved to be managed to keep on writing my English diary...

IRON MAIDEN in OSAKA

Friday, November third, two thousands and six

I went see IRON MAIDEN's concert and Lauren Harris's opening act in Osaka Jo Hall this past Monday(October 30th). I was too busy at work on the day, so I wasn't able to change my clothes to get there in time. But I think it's OK to go see the show with my dirty working costume. Because, after all, I had to break a lot of sweat during hard head banging. :)

The greatest heavy metal band on the planet played all songs of their new album as I've heard of the rumor before. I realized the powerful potential of the CD "A Matter of Life and Death" again. Besides I was all choked up when they played "Fear of the Dark" and "Hallowed Be Thy Name". Needless to say, we harmonized those songs as much as possible. They gave us an impressive and aggressive performance and played music with hardly any rest, even though they are almost 50 years old.

Lauren Harris, the eldest daughter of Steve Harris(the leader of IRON MAIDEN), sang some songs before her father showed up. I was so surprised when she started singing "Natural Thing", which is a famous song of "UFO". (UFO used to be one of very famous British hard rock bands as a great guitarist "Michael Schenker" joined it.) The sound reminds me of my old happy memories.

And now, as far as I was able to catch the words Bruce Dickinson(the vocalist of IRON MAIDEN) said, they are planning to come to Japan soon(next year?) and play many songs of their early days at that time. In addition, he asked us to bring many friends of ours to the live show. :) Plus apparently they went for a drink to a terrific bar in Osaka the previous night. (^^; I want to find out where the bar is somehow.

Anyway, all songs from the new album sound more exciting and much greater to me than the recorded ones. I'm enjoying listening to the numbers now as I'm remembering the concert.... I've got an ultimate power!!!! Thanks MAIDEN! I had a great night thanks to you all!


SET LIST:

[All songs from "A Matter of Life and Death"]
Different World
These Colours Don't Run
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns
The Pilgrim
The Longest Day
Out of the Shadows
The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg
For the Greater Good of God
Lord of Light
The Legacy

Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden

[encore]

2 Minutes to Midnight
The Evil That Men Do
Hallowed Be Thy Name

Reason I like IRON MAIDEN

Sunday, October twenty ninth, two thousands and six

Yesterday I went to the English school to which I usually go Saturday. I was supposed to write down this article yesterday before I visited there. After I told an English teacher of mine that I'm going to see IRON MAIDEN's concert tomorrow, he asked me why they are my favorite rock band. I thought at that time that I should have written this post yesterday morning. Because if I wrote it up, I could have been able to explain adequately the reason I love IRON MAIDEN so much. :(

Let me note down the points I like them below.

First of all, I respect Steve Harris, who is the leader of IRON MAIDEN and a member of the founders. Most of their songs was written by him. From my point of view, he likes reading novels [which are] hard to undestand very much. Therefore almost all of his lyrics have a lot of difficult and hard-to-understand information and messages - such as contemporary serious themes and social problems.
And next, all of their songs never fade out. I mean, the songs end properly to play good performances on live shows, although many rock'n'roll songs tend to fade out when they are recorded, just in my opinion. Besides, the rhythm of their music changes abruptly and dramatically by means of drastic methods.

Anyway, I'm going to Osaka-Jo hall(Jo means "castle" in Japanese) very close to Osaka castle tomorrow, in order to see their great play. It must be exciting! According to some web sites, Lauren Harris, who is the eldest daughter of Steve Harris, is going to support her father's great rock group as the opening act. And apparently, the greatest heavy metal band on the planet is going to play all songs of their new album, which was released last month and ranked in the top ten of the Billboard album chart for their first time. I've never heard of such a big try, playing all songs of an album in a concert. As far as I know, it's the maiden attempt in recent rock music scene.

To tell the truth, I was longing for seeing them. I can have a reunion with them tomorrow! I'll have a hard time falling asleep tonight. :) Anyway, I intend to upload my impression of their Osaka Live this week! (^_-)-☆


Besides, ....
= In addition, .... (?)

I was longing for seeing them.
= I was looking forward to seeing them. (?)
= I was being eager to see them. (?)
= I was being keen to see them. (?)

IRON MAIDEN motivates me

I often listen to the new CD of IRON MAIDEN these days, to prepare for the concert that is going to be held in Osaka on October thirtieth. They are reportedly going to play most of the songs in their new album, so I have to memorize them before I attend their performance.

I saw interesting lyrics in the first number in the CD, whose title is "Different World".

I would like you to know...
When you see the simple things...
To appreciate this life...
It's not too late to learn...

This phrase consists of only easy words but it makes me feel alive, especially, the last part "It's not too late to learn" sounds great to me.

It's not too late to learn, I'm already on the wrong side of 40, though.

I've just got an exciting news! Apparently, LAUREN HARRIS - the eldest daughter of STEVE HARRIS, the IRON MAIDEN leader and one of founding members - is going to support the greatest heavy metal band on the planet on their Japan tour with her solo band.
Sounds super great! I've just been presented an unexpected pleasure! Here is her myspace address.

Great! MAIDEN!

The new CD of IRON MAIDEN has just been ranked in the top 10 of Billboard Album Charts.
Great! IRON MAIDEN! You made my day! I have few words to say any more....

New CD of IRON MAIDEN

I've finally gotten the new CD of my favorite rock band, IRON MAIDEN, whose title is "A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH"! They are reportedly going to play all songs recorded in the CD in their concert. I MUST put this CD on loud as many times as I can, until they come to Japan!

Ah... My wife is telling me something.... What? Too loud? She seems to be angry at the loud music. I'm in trouble now, but I want to listen to this CD! Ummm... sort of a matter of life and death...

Get IRON MAIDEN Concert Ticket

August 21st, 2006

I've finally got a ticket of IRON MAIDEN concert, which is going to be held in the Osaka castle hall on October 30th! Plus, my seat is amazingly in the arena! I'm super lucky to get such a great seat by lot. And also they are releasing a new CD this September. Needless to say, I intend to buy the one as soon as it's launched.
IRON MAIDEN, one of the most famous and popular British heavy metal bands, is actually my favorite rock group. As a high school student(When I was a high school student), I was so excited to listen to their rhythm and became a huge fun of them right away. They always make me energetic! The concert day looks so far! I can't wait! They must give a super great time to us!

| IRON MAIDEN | Heavy Metal |

Mozart

August 10th, 2006

I'm taking one week-long summer holidays from tomorrow! I have a lot of plans to do during the holidays!

By the way, you know, I usually listen to heave metal, particularly British heavy metal sounds great to me. However, I found an interesting web page the other day while browsing through some web sites.
According to the web site, it's said that Mozart is the best if you want to improve your level of concentration. Its moderate rhythm has the positive effect. It also has an astonishing healing power.
So I ordered some CDs of Mozart on the web site of Amazon.com. I guess my BGM will be Mozart for a while.
Actually, I have too much stress these days. That's why I need to relax. Let me get it off my chest. I have three kids as you know. They live off me, of course, so I have to work so hard to look after them as the breadwinner(in Japanese, 大黒柱 daikokubashira) in my family.

MAIDEN project ?

May 7, 2006

I took some English lessons yesterday morning at the English school that I usually attend.

Some of male teachers asked me if I like IRON MAIDEN when they had a look at the sticker which I put on my electronic dictionary.

There were no other students in the class so we talked a lot about IRON MAIDEN - such as the first vocalist and the first drummer. They look much younger than me but they know so well about the band. The band is more famous than I expect, I thought then. One of them went see the band on the stage of Reading Festival, a very famous ROCK festival in the UK, last year. I envy him.....

Anyway, we weren't in no hurry to start English lessons because we prefer talking about IRON MAIDEN. haha
In my case, I'd rather have a chat about our common interesting things. I can always take lessons easier after chat. After 10 minutes chat, we started the lesson. But any new words are too difficult for me....(ToT)

Actually, it's a sort of my strategy to put my favorites things on conspicuous places so that I can make the opportunity to have a chat with native English speakers. The effect is much larger than I expected! Hooray! (I'm not sure the usage of this word "Hooray!" is correct.)

I'm so lucky I could be like Bill Gates someday! - This exaggeration is made by me. It's similar to "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!".

| IRON MAIDEN | English study |

Rainbow !

December 29, 2005

It's the first off day of my winter holidays. I saw the video, which is recorded the concert held in 1977, on DVD.


The DVD title is "Rainbow - LIVE IN MUNICH 1977".
I was really impressed by their great playing. Really excellent !!!
They used to play in the motif of classical music - such as Chaikovski, Bach, and Beethoven.
And the period when the DVD was recorded is called "the triarchy period by Richie, Cozy, and Ronnie".

Richie Blackmore, who was exactly one of the greatest guitarist in hard rock scene just in my opinion, was playing the guitar in euphoria.
Cozy Powell, the deceased, who was called "The greatest drummer in history", was playing energetically and powerfully. Especially, his drum solo was really terrific ! It's the most wonderful drum solo I've ever seen. I actually don't want to believe his death. I'm really so sad to lose a great drummer like him.
Ronnie James Dio, who is still an active heavy rock musician as a vocalist of his band "DIO", was singing with all his heart and soul. His singing style is soulful like Japanese enka singers. Enka songs are traditional Japanese ballad songs. I've attended his band's concert in Japan this June.

Thanks for your great playing. I'll see the DVD one more time !

IRON MAIDEN T-shirt

i attended NOVA yesterday to have some lessons of English conversation.

### NOVA is one of the most famous English schools in Japan.

At the place, NOVA's teacher asked me what i was wearing, and whether i went to a Rock concert or not.

i was wearing IRON MAIDEN T-shirt. :-)it's a souvenir my friend gave me when he went to Europe on his honeymoon....about ten years ago ? i'm not sure... i came up with making a joke when NOVA's teacher asked me. :-p

i replyed him..."i bought this T-shirt when i was a highschool student."He asked me again."How old are you ?"i replyed quickly, "i'm 42 !"

He was surprise at my reply.
"What ? is the T-shirt is about 25 years old ? You were wearing for a long time ! That's strange...", he shouted.

Aha !

[2005.05.29] Rock concert. - DIO(Ronnie James Dio)

i went to Zepp Osaka is in Osaka south port area to attend a Rock concert.
The concert is called "DIO Japan Tour".
i think Ronnie James Dio is one of the most excellent vocalists in the HARD ROCK/HEAVY METAL category.
i was actually impressed by all of his songs in the concert. i had a stiff neck by head banging. :-p
He's over 60 years old.... But, he shouted storngly !! He didn't look over 60 years old.
All fans was dancing madly. Of course me, too.
When he sang "Stargazer", tears came into my eyes.

SET LIST
1. Killing the Dragon
2. Egypt (The Chains Are On)
3. Stargazer
4. Holy Diver

(Drums solo)
5. Stand up and shout
6. Sunset Superman
7. Don't Talk to Strangers
8. Man on the the Silver Mountain

(Guitor solo)
9.Long Live Rock 'n' Roll
10.Shivers
11.Gates of Babylon
12.Heaven & Hell
(1st encore)
13.Rainbow in the Dark
14.The Last in Line
(2nd encore)
15.We Rock

Thank you very very very very very much ! > Ronnie !
Please Take a vacation after this tour. And be careful. if you please, visit in Japan again, i hope.
You made me so fine. i'll be able to work more hard from this.
i'm still 42 years old. i'm emulous of you. :-)

Once again !

THANK YOU SO MUCH !!!!! >>>>> RONNIE !!!!