On September 14, 2024, the Paris stage pulsed with the energy of FLOW, the masters of anime songs! Although the band had previously performed in France twice, in 2012 and 2016, this was their first-ever concert as the main act in the country! Initially scheduled to play at the 600-capacity Alhambra, FLOW finally set the Bataclan ablaze with a show dedicated to anime openings!
Sold out for weeks, FLOW's performance was highly anticipated by French fans. Heated up by MAN WITH A MISSION's visit just ten days earlier, anime lovers were eager to dive back into this cult universe. Despite cooler-than-average temperatures in Paris this season, the line grew steadily throughout the day, stretching several hundred meters long. From the youngest to the oldest, including those dressed in their finest cosplay, the crowd balanced between patience and excitement. FLOW’s arrival brought fans together for what was already shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
In a seemingly calm atmosphere, the crowd filed into the iconic Bataclan. A few minutes after the doors opened, a DJ took to the stage, proudly sporting a chicken hat, colored like the French flag. After some initial smiles, collective excitement swept through the early entrants as the DJ played anime openings. His mission was clear: to hype the audience before FLOW's members appeared. The result was immediate as the Bataclan sang along to iconic themes from anime like One Piece, Demon Slayer, and many more.
A new testament to the French audience's love for this world, the minutes flew by until FLOW's much-anticipated arrival! As the historic columns of the Bataclan were draped in darkness, Naruto's voice echoed, quickly joined by other familiar voices… Sasuke, Kakashi, Sakura, Lellouch, Masayoshi, Sorey, Mikleo, and Renton took turns in a dialogue, acting like Masters of Ceremony. Immersion into FLOW's world was instantaneous, and a wave of nostalgia washed over the older fans, who were transported back to their childhoods.
Then, the five musicians took the stage and kicked off with "Re:member". Already 18 years old, the song was an electric shock for the 1,500 attendees, who, as the unofficial sixth band member, chanted the lyrics and jumped in unison with Keigo and Kohshi. The tone was set, and the energy multiplied as "Kaze no Uta" followed. After these first few minutes, it was time for the band to speak.
From their initial thanks to introducing the next song, "LOVE&JUSTICE", FLOW fired up the audience, who had just caught their breath, only to raise their voices again. Despite being a recent release, dropped just a few weeks prior, the crowd was right there with them. The energy didn’t wane, and they enthusiastically welcomed "Steppin’ Out" from Durarara!!x2 Ketsu, released in 2016. Another brief speech from Keigo came before the opening notes of "CHA-LA HEAD CHA-LA". The audience’s immediate reaction was to increase the volume, drowning out the two men on stage. Then came "HERO – Kibou no Uta", wrapping up these few minutes dedicated to Dragon Ball Z, one of the anime that helped bring international attention to the genre.
Even as the songs kept rolling, the crowd’s excitement and enthusiasm never wavered! The voices of Renton and Eureka returned, introducing performances of "DAYS" and "Bravelue". Welcomed by a united cheer, both songs resonated across years, despite their gap in release. The first dates back to 2005, giving FLOW’s performance a timeless quality. The second, from 2012, incorporates the colorful pop universe of "DAYS". The seamless flow between them proves that FLOW has evolved over the decades without losing their essence, weaving it into their personal growth. The iconic lyrics were sung in unison as the stars sparkled in the eyes of everyone present.
Next, C.C. and Lellouch introduced the legendary "COLORS". Once again, it was both unsettling and magical to realize that despite the song’s age, its lyrics transcended time, uniting nearly three generations of fans. The older ones, still teenagers when the anime was released, were transported back, while the younger ones rediscovered these worlds they had only heard about. "WORLD END" followed, bringing a tinge of emotion to some fans who were finally witnessing a FLOW performance, a band that had accompanied a whole generation for many years.
Returning to the present, the first notes of "United Sparrow", the ending theme for the second season of BACK ARROW, rang out. With a slower tempo, the song allowed the audience to catch their breath and appreciate Kohshi and Keigo’s vocal talents. Once again, a sense of unity filled the performance as the final notes drifted into the Parisian night. Like a full circle, this return to a recent song left a lingering doubt about whether this journey through FLOW’s discography was coming to an end... However, a quiet rumor began to spread, expressing a restrained impatience: where was Naruto? The one who had opened the night had yet to reappear!
The wait didn’t last long, and the famous voice rose under the crowd’s cheers, anticipating with growing excitement. The grand leap was made without a net: back to 2003 with "Viva★Rock", a cover of ORANGE RANGE’s third Naruto ending theme. This song was the perfect introduction to the next part of the show, as FLOW’s first participation in the legendary anime came with the following opening in 2004. And as if to extend the suspense, the band took another pause to introduce all the musicians. Iwasaki took the opportunity to show off his drumming skills, Got’s took center stage for a moment, and TAKE turned into a neon man, much to the delight of the audience. The effect was immediate, even getting the fans to join in on a tecktonik dance session, creating a moment of shared hilarity.
Then, in response to the crowd’s impatience, the first notes of "Sign" echoed through the venue. Poignant and emotional, a part of the audience was once again swept away, as phone lights illuminated the darkness, creating a sparkling Milky Way. Symbolically, the lyrics were sung in harmony with the band, creating a true sense of communion. The moment was magical, proving the cultural impact that Japanese pop culture had—and still has—on multiple generations. Finally, as if releasing all the pent-up energy, the iconic "GO!!!" began. The bubble of enthusiasm burst, having been contained for far too long. The famous chorus became an anthem, with the sixth band member singing along without needing any prompting. Positive and empowering, the lyrics reminded everyone to chase their dreams, to fight for them. A hopeful and unifying message that, even after all these years, still resonated strongly with the audience.
The final notes gave way to "GOLD", from the anime Boruto. The reception was mixed, as the song marked the end of the evening. The timeless bubble that had surrounded the fans for ninety minutes was about to pop, and a faint sense of "too short" began to creep in. Despite this, the joy of finally seeing FLOW in their first-ever French one-man live overshadowed the inevitable disappointment, even though the band left the stage without an encore. Not surprising for the fans, who stayed behind to keep chanting the words to "GO!!!".
Highly anticipated, FLOW’s first concert as a main act on a Parisian stage will leave unforgettable memories for the 1,500 people in attendance that night. Welcomed as the true Kings of Anime Openings, the five musicians had a clear marketing strategy: to capitalize on their success through anime openings, ensuring the success of their first European tour.
However, FLOW is a band with nearly 25 years of career behind them, with iconic tracks unrelated to anime that equally deserve to be performed on stage. This is just the beginning! FLOW now owes their fans the chance to showcase the other side of their discography, with no excuses for not returning!
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