Seven years into his music career, Japanese singer-songwriter Yuuri put on his first stateside show in LA at The Wiltern on a busy Saturday night. The show was an homage to Yuuri’s illustrious career and a love letter to his fans and his favorite band Bon Jovi.
The show began about fifteen minutes past 8pm, as “In and Out of Love” by Bon Jovi began to blast over the speakers. Once the song was over, the lights dimmed, and live band members came on stage one at a time. The drummer, two guitarists, bassist, and keyboardist began playing their instruments while the stage lights warmed up. Then the man of the night, Yuuri took the stage with an acoustic guitar, while smiling widely at the crowd.
The night kicked off with “Peter Pan (ピーターパン)” and “Choked up to ask you out (告白直前酸欠状態)” before the singer paused to greet the audience. Yuuri shouted with a laugh, “My English is very small, but my love for you is very big!” Throughout the night, he switched between different guitars and just singing into the mic, showing off his versatility as a musician.
What was most special about the concert wasn’t a particular song or stage setup, but it was the collection of performances. Yuuri prepared songs old and new, showcasing the evolution of his musical style. Some songs, such as “LEO (レオ)” and “Dried Flower (ドライフラワー)” offered a softer, more intimate contrast to the upbeat performances that preceded them. Both featured moments where Yuuri’s vocals were accompanied only by an acoustic guitar or keyboard. “Dried Flower” was particularly striking: after the first verse and chorus, a brief silence gave way to the drums, gradually building the song back up. The sudden shift drew an immediate reaction from the audience, who went from cheering to listening intently as Yuuri’s vocals took center stage.
“DiNA” was another memorable performance, featuring just Yuuri and his acoustic guitar. As he launched into the final chorus, he began singing acapella before strumming the guitar a few beats later, allowing his voice to shine solo for a moment. The simplicity of the arrangement made the moment all the more striking, with audible gasps from the audience as Yuuri’s voice filled the room with raw emotion and power.
Yuuri’s shirt noticeably had the words “BON JOVI ROCKS YOUR ASS OFF” across it, and it was a hint for what was to come. As another special treat for fans, Yuuri also prepared two English covers, performing Mr. Big’s “To Be with You,” and of course, Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
The live band also greatly contributed to the overall atmosphere of the show. Everything felt much more riveting and theatrical, as certain instrumental breaks and carefully layered arrangements adding new depth to the songs. The transition between “Galileo falls in love (ガリレオは恋をする)” and “Lyra (ライラ)” gave each band member a solo moment to shine, starting with the drummer, then keyboardist, then bassist, and finishing up with the two guitarists.
The night came to an end with “BETELGEUSE (ベテルギウス),” one of Yuuri’s most popular tracks. During his final farewell, he introduced each band member individually, highlighting how integral they were to the show. He stayed on stage after the band had exited to share his gratitude with the crowd.
There was never a moment where it felt like Yuuri was giving anything less than his all. From the diverse setlist and crowd interaction to the simple joy of finally hearing his voice live, every part of the night felt meaningful for his US fans. Though his state performance lasted only one night, Yuuri made the most of it, leaving behind a night of memories that will last far longer.
