At the second-to-last stop on her first U.S. tour, Japanese singer Ado (アド) performed at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre on Friday, March 29th. The sold-out show was filled to the brim with dedicated fans dressed in cosplay from her projects such as One Piece Film: Red and SPY x Family, and others wielding blue lightsticks, her signature color. From start to finish, the crowd cheered, sang, and danced along, truly enjoying the music and living in the moment in an electronics-free environment.
As fans first arrived, everyone crowded around the merch and slowly trickled into the theater as a light rain fell outside. The process to enter the venue was slow due to one special step: phones and other smart devices had to be handed to an employee to place into a Yondr pouch, which would remain locked for the duration of the show. The owner would keep the pouch with them during the show, and an employee would unlock the pouch at the end of the show as the crowd exited the venue. As Ado is an anonymous singer, one who performs without showing her face and keeps her identity private, this step is meant to protect the singer’s privacy and immerse the crowd in the performance with no distractions. Another additional feature to protect Ado’s identity was the stage setup. There was a backlit cage called the “Ado Box,” where the performer stands inside to perform. It lights up to clearly show her silhouette as she performs, yet the audience cannot see any of her defining features. Thanks to the crowd’s cooperation for not trying to sneak any photos or videos during the show, the Ado Box remained lit for the entire show.
Once everyone had settled into their seats, it was time for the show to begin. The lights began to dim, and a blue flower appeared on the screens in front of and behind the Ado Box. The petals burst, and a figure holding a blue umbrella appeared before walking into the Box – Ado had arrived. Kicking off the show with One Piece Film: Red’s “新時代 (New Genesis),” the performer executed a flawless acapella introduction that had the crowd instantly jumping to their feet. As the performer moved into the next song, the show took a huge shift in genre from a lighthearted and upbeat track into angsty, pop punk vibes with “うっせぇわ (Usseewa),” “ラッキー・ブルート (Lucky Bruto),” and “レディメイド (Readymade).”
The show continued on to passionate cheers from the crowd, some head banging and dancing with strangers in the next seat over. Even as the singer performed “求められたる救世主 (Tot Musica),” another song from Ado’s time as Uta from One Piece Film: Red, her voice was nearly drowned out by the audience’s fervent singing. Each song was coordinated with different lightstick colors, so while the lighsticks would typically alternate between blue and red, SPY x FAMILY season two’s title song “クラクラ (Kura Kura)” saw an array of orange, yellow, and green lights that dazzled in a rainbow color.
Taking a small break from her high energy songs, Ado performed a cover of Miki Matsubara’s iconic city pop song “真夜中のドア (Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me).” This led in to the one and only talking segment of the show, as the young singer finally took the time to confidently greet her crowd of supporters and thank everyone for coming to her first ever overseas tour and performance in Los Angeles. Serving as a final message for the fans, this talk led into the final song of the evening aside from the encore, last year’s viral USJ Halloween Horror Nights theme song, “唱 (Show).” The undoubted highlight performance of the evening, this song was suitably paired with eerie dark red lighting, and the song’s choreography was played on the screens, encouraging the crowd to dance along. Although the whole show had everyone on their feet, jumping and dancing around, the audience’s movements during this last song were synchronized as if one.
Wrapping up smoothly with three encore songs and ending with “踊 (Odo),” the evening came to a quick close. Lasting just over two hours, the concert left attendees feeling bittersweet as they were happy to have experienced the show, but sad they wouldn’t have fancams to turn back to when they’re longing for more. Despite not being able to take home physical videos of the night, everyone was able to leave with new memories of a fantastic show and anticipation for the next time Ado returns stateside.
