Mai Shiraishi: Her final Nogi concert 'Always Beside You' screenshots, recap and video

 

 This could be considered a part two to the above post. You many be wondering where that is as there is none above this(!), not yet there isn't but there will be in about five hours. Haven't began writing it yet but it'll be for finishing fourth on this year's faves list. Knew I had to do something for Mai's final Nogi performance which took place on October 28th, this is a condensed version as there easily could have been four posts. Have to give a big hand to Beam Subs who subbed this concert and it had to be their biggest project ever.

 That's because this video is 220 minutes long(!), that really must have taken them a long time and as usual they did a superb job at subbing. So will just give a brief overview of what took place during the show, took a hundred screenshots but it could have been five hundred. This was streamed life back on October 28th, from what I heard 230,000 purchased tickets to watch it live. Of course we here in America I don't think had the option to but that's always been the case for every kind of streamed show. There were a few snags in the beginning and the show had to be delayed for a short spell but after that everything ran smoothly, would think a DV D may come out too of the performance.

 Can't say I needed a box of hankies next to me but my eyes did get moist a few times. Because of the virus the original plans for Mai's farewell shows had to be cancelled, it was never completely finalized but think there were going to be two shows held in May at the Tokyo Dome. But in a way think this show worked out better, it was more of a 'home setting' as there were no fans, it was held live at the empty Yoyogi National Gymnasium arena where Nogi has played before. They did need a large stage for the show and also one that was indoors.

 What I really enjoyed was hearing Nogi's old songs as the show concentrated more on them versus the new material. There were newer tunes and once you heard the old Nogi songs those new ones just don't compare as well. I've really missed Nogi's more upbeat and fun tunes compared to their more 'mature sound' which at times is way too bland. Even the B-sides of those older tunes are much better than the current hits and a few of those were performed. Mai was the center for each song even though she may not have been on the original such as "Baretta", she even did an Undergirls song which was probably the first time she had ever done one.

 What also stood out was how few first generation members are left from those older songs. For instance "Dekopin" has always been one of my top tunes from Nogi yet only three are left from the tune, those two also played the guitar live during Mai and Kazumi's duet "Shibuya Blues". If I did have to make one minor complaint is that no graduates attended the show nor did they send in a video wishing her a successful future.

 Would have thought Nanase would have done so and can't give a good reason why she didn't. Many fans, especially me, were hoping to hear from Nanami as the last time we heard from her was in February 2017, sadly it didn't happen. Besides the many tunes a few members also gave a teary farewell to the gal who is more responsible than anyone for Nogi's rise to superstardom, there's no way she can ever be replaced. Those above screenshots are from them doing "Dekopin" and that original PV may have been their best, this version was kind of neat too. If you do view the video here's the entire list of songs, "Jaane" was done solo and that will make your eyes watery.

 End is what we've hit too, as mentioned needed to do something for this final performance but there was no way to squeeze everything into one post. Of course took many screenshots and as said could have taken five times as many but consider them to be a primer if you watch the video. That'll be after the pics, it's on YT but it's also at the Beam Subs site, might be better to grab it there so you'll always have it. So this will probably be Mai's last time singing any tunes, that's a shame as she does have a decent voice and wish more Idols would remain as singers. Bet if she released some solo singles they'd be very successful, let's keep our fingers crossed that she's thought the same thing.