Japanese rock legends FLOW recently performed at Boston’s historic Wang Theatre as a part of their Anime Shibari 2024-2025 world tour. This tour follows the band’s 20th anniversary celebration. It was hard to tell who was more excited that night: the fans in the crowd dressed for the occasion in all kinds of cosplay or the group who prepared their most iconic anime songs for a yearlong tour.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd quieted down, Naruto, Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Sakura from Naruto, Lelouch from Code Geass, as well as many other characters from various anime began speaking. The memorable opening highlighted just how many shows FLOW has made music for over the years. What’s more, the band let the crowd know that the voice actors themselves recorded these lines specially for the tour, making the concert feel all the more tailored for anime fans. The entire venue was abuzz with anticipation before the group performed two songs from the Tales of series, “BURN” and “Kaze no Uta,” with the fiery energy and passion that have fueled them through their long career.
After taking some time to introduce themselves, the group couldn’t hide their excitement to be back in the city. Vocalist Kohshi shared that their tour bus had actually broken down in New York and they weren’t sure they would even be able to make it to the Boston show. Luckily, they were able to get a replacement and make it back to Boston for the first time in six years. The group only had good things to say about the city, reminiscing about their past visit, giving an extra nod to Boston’s famous New England clam chowder (as well as how drunk they got at the afterparty last time).
FLOW performed plenty more of their anime tracks such as “COLORS” and “WORLD END” from Code Geass, “HERO ~Kibou no Uta~” from Dragonball Z, “Steppin’ Out” from Durarara!!, as well as “Sign” and “Re:member” from Naruto. Every song was performed with a palpable, vibrant energy, as Take took every chance to the front of the stage to show off his guitar playing while vocalists Keigo and Kohshi ran around in the back singing and dancing along to the music. Meanwhile, Iwasaki sat up on a platform killing it on the drums, and Got’s chilled in the back, smoothly strumming the bass. Reciprocating the energy, the crowd vigorously jumped and danced in the aisles, while waving their lightsticks in the air. As the energy continued to climb, it felt like the show could have brought the old theater down.
Switching things up, Take returned to the stage in a suit covered in Christmas lights and light up glasses with glow sticks in each hand. As the venue went dark, he energetically danced to “Tick Tack!” and the entire audience followed suit. Getting back to the show, Take (still in his light up suit) mentioned that he knew Harvard and MIT were located in Boston. Segueing into the next song, he told the crowd that Boston is known to be “very smart, but for tonight let’s be stupid!” Closing out the show with Naruto and Boruto tracks, FLOW played “GO!!!” and “Gold” to the crowd’s delight.
While the show runtime was around an hour and a half, the band prepared a jam-packed setlist of anisong favorites. These industry veterans showed their years of experience that night, keeping the crowd engaged and hyped at all times. Performing songs across their wide discography, FLOW gave Boston an unforgettable show. Just before leaving the stage, the group gathered together and bowed in thanks to the crowd. Iwasaki tossed his drumsticks into the crowd, gifting a lucky fan before the group left the stage for the final time.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the concert:
