Baby Metal
April 22, 2024 - San Francisco
by Elijah Clower
BabyMetal's first night at The Masonic in San Francisco was an unforgettable kickoff to their two-night special, filled with high-energy performances and a stunning display of their unique blend of J-pop and heavy metal. Opening with "BABYMETAL DEATH," the trio, comprising SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and MOMOMETAL, immediately set the tone for a night of relentless intensity and non-stop choreography.
The setlist was a journey through BabyMetal's expansive discography, with "Distortion" and "PA PA YA!!" keeping the energy levels sky-high. These tracks, known for their aggressive riffs and catchy choruses, had the crowd roaring with excitement. "MAYA" and "BxMxC" followed, showcasing the band's newer material and their evolution in sound, which blends heavier metal influences with their signature pop melodies.
"Monochrome" offered an epic but graceful cooldown with its melodic hook/chorus that had everyone in the venue singing along, but "METALI" ramped things right back up, setting the stage for some of their most iconic songs. "Megitsune" and "Gimme Chocolate" were clear crowd favorites, with fans singing along to every word and riff.
The main set concluded with "Headbanger," a fitting finale that had everyone in the venue headbanging in unison. The encore, "Road of Resistance," was a powerful ending anthem. The group appeared from backstage all carrying a BabyMetal flag which got the crowd united in a sea of waving flags and echoing chants, encapsulating the communal spirit that Babymetal concerts are known for.
The first night was a showcase of BabyMetal's ability to fuse different genres seamlessly and maintain an electrifying concert atmosphere that's both visually and sonically overwhelming. This concert not only met but exceeded expectations, leaving fans eager for what night two would hold. 10+ Years of BabyMetal has without a doubt left their mark on the music industry and world, here’s to another amazing 10 years.
*Photo gallery limited to 4 photos approved by BabyMetal management.
