HYDE [INSIDE]: Rock legend returns to L.A. with theatrical brilliance
Live Report and Photos by Christan Copeland
HYDE’s 2024 world tour concluded with overwhelming energy and excitement at The NOVO in downtown Los Angeles on November 30, leaving fans exhilarated and craving more. After a five-year absence from the U.S., HYDE returned with a new album and global tour, reigniting the magic of his legendary live performances.
Eerie, carnival-like music filled the air as fans packed the floor. Shadowy figures with glowing eyes emerged onstage as a gruff carnival barker’s voice broke the tension, announcing HYDE’s arrival and welcoming all to the world of HYDE [INSIDE].
HYDE appeared atop a tall podium with a snake coiled around a cross. Opening with the fiery anthem “LET IT OUT”, he commanded the crowd like a rock-n-roll overlord. With sunglasses concealing his gaze, HYDE exuded mystery, pausing between verses to draw energy from the audience with deliberate stares. Arms wide, his soaring vocals turned the venue into a rallying cry, with fans responding like devoted disciples.
Descending to the stage, HYDE shouted, “L.A.! Are you ready? Are you FUCKIN’ ready?” before launching into “AFTER LIGHT”. At the song’s bridge, the crowd’s collective singing took over, reaffirming “HYDE” as the ringleader of his rock circus.
“I GOT 666” showcased HYDE’s incredible vocal range, seamlessly shifting from guttural growls to piercing high notes. “Hello, L.A.! Here’s… HYDE!” he declared, channeling Jack Nicholson from “The Shining” as he introduced his new album and launched into “DEFEAT”. Alongside his masked bandmates, HYDE synchronized his wild headbanging to the music’s climax.
The haunting “THE ABYSS” shifted the mood. A piano solo transitioned from discord to melody as the outline of HYDE’s silhouette broke the darkness, flanked by his dystopian-masked bandmates looming like phantoms. During “Tokoshie,” HYDE’s deep, resonant vocals filled the hall, guiding fans through dense layers of sound as crimson mist enveloped the stage.
Nostalgia swept through the venue with “HONEY”, a nod to HYDE’s L’Arc-en-Ciel days. During a temporary sound glitch, the crowd eagerly took over the chorus at HYDE’s command. Even those unfamiliar with the song couldn’t resist the infectious enthusiasm.
The energy spiked with the punk-fueled “6or9”. “L.A., I want more chaos – CHAOS!” HYDE commanded, then prompted fans to crouch low before erupting upward into a synchronized frenzy. Tracks like “MAD QUALIA” and “SOCIAL VIRUS” amplified the madness, with HYDE orchestrating circle pits and fans eagerly obliging.
By the time “MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION II” arrived, HYDE was drenched in sweat, suddenly streaked with stage blood, and utterly unrestrained. The climactic “LAST SONG” brought a haunting stillness. Under a deep red glow, HYDE’s crumpled figure slowly rose, his voice blending with the eerie piano chords as confetti burst into the air and slowly rained down over him – a striking emotional moment that elevated the concert to theatrical brilliance.
The encore reignited the crowd. Bursting from a tall black cylinder, HYDE delivered “PANDORA” with electrifying energy. He then displayed a fan-signed banner, draping it over the drum platform as a heartfelt gesture. Next came “Mugen”, where he invited the audience to join in a joyful duet.
HYDE’s masked band played integral roles in the show, showcasing their musicianship with crowd-pleasing solos during transitions, hyping the audience, and partnering with HYDE’s boundless energy. Each member added a unique flair, enhancing the performance with their dynamic presence. HYDE curated this ensemble meticulously, ensuring every element resonated with his raw, electrifying energy, creating an unforgettable experience.
The punk-infused “GLAMOROUS SKY” sparked another circle pit as HYDE climbed a barrier platform, singing directly to fans who held him steady. Meanwhile, his masked bandmates enthusiastically interacted with the crowd, embodying the unleashed revelry of the performance.
Closing with “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, HYDE left the crowd exhilarated and stomping for more. Having attended several of HYDE’s U.S. shows before, I’ve never seen a mosh pit so alive – and now, I can’t imagine one without it.
One live show is all it takes to become a HYDEIST. With decades of chart-topping hits and sold-out arenas, HYDE’s career is legendary, but his true brilliance shines on stage. From grand arenas to cozy venues, he delivers performances with unparalleled energy, precision, and passion. This concert was no exception, further cementing his legacy as a rock icon.
HYDE – NOVO Los Angeles
November 30, 2024
Set List
LET IT OUT
AFTER LIGHT
I GOT 666
DEFEAT
BLEEDING
TAKING THEM DOWN
THE ABYSS
Tokoshie
HONEY
6or9
MAD QUALIA
SOCIAL VIRUS
MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION II
LAST SONG
PANDORA
Mugen
GLAMOROUS SKY
SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL
Official Website: https://www.hyde.com/
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HYDEOfficialENG/
X: https://x.com/HydeOfficial
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hyde_official
