This was a special moment for both parents commemorating a performance by our youngest lad. He played live with KK Overdrive at What The Dickens in Tokyo.
I’m J’s dad, this is my maiden post and he’s the first family member to play live music in Japan. I’m not embarrassed to admit I’m proud as fuck, much in the same manner a parent would say their son/daughter was the first in their family to go to uni, own their own house, business, go into space, be a billionaire who actually makes the world a better place or whatever. It’s a big fucking deal. He’s only just turned 14 and has performed live, albeit briefly, in one of the worlds greatest cities.
To be honest, J’s mum and I were more nervous than he was once we knew it was going ahead. So much could have gone wrong here… But it didn’t cos our lad drums in his sleep, the dinner table, school and in any indoor spaces quiet ambience he can quickly ruin with John Bonham’s invisible drum kit. Think a funeral, or doctor surgery waiting room and you get the picture.
So before I continue I’d like to thank KK Overdrive for allowing him to join them playing a track from their planned setlist, and What The Dickens in Ebisu for hosting the event on June 5th 2026. Especially drummer Lyle, who didn’t take the opportunity to sneak out of the heat for 5 minutes and stayed on stage to sing backing vocals.
This guest appearance theme continued with another audience member crushing Rage Against The Machine’s Killing in the Name. There were 3 sets of high energy, tight, rock tracks. Delivered with purpose, artistry and some banter with the audience. And I give my feedback sincerely having saw over 100 live gigs including some of the greatest musicians in history.
J is too modest to post this, so I have to share this unrehearsed cover of AC/DC’s Highway To Hell with the world, while he’s currently doing normal teenage hobbies like lying in his bed during daylight hours.
The performance
Again. Thank you for your hospitality, patience, performance, and creating the lifetime memory I’m about to share now.
I hope you all had fun too. There were great vibes between the band and audience, plus we met some new friends.
Big shout to John behind the bar for keeping my Draught Guinness glass full.
And love and respect to John, Daisuke, Hideki and Lyle. You know where we are, and if you ever visit, we’ll return your gracious hospitality. Please look us up.
そしてジョン、大輔、秀樹、ライルへの愛と敬意。スコットランドを訪れることがあれば、丁寧なおもてなしをお返しします。私たちを調べてください。
K.K.オーバードライブさん、ありがとうございます。
Proud dads verdict
KK Overdrive 11 / 10
What The Dickens 10 / 10
JR Yamanote Line (for the last train) 10 / 10
