Merry Christmas

Well I do have a soft spot for Christmas and here we are again in the blessed year of 2017. I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas (or whatever fits the bill) and I hope Trinkelbonker will continue to be a rare place of happiness and joy (even if I am a grumpy old Swede!). Yanked out the Babymetal Funko Pop dolls and placed them in front of some books for a few shots and I think this one will do for a Christmas card this year. Feel free to use it, I do not mind. It is Christmas after all.

And the soundtrack of the day? How about 220 Volt & “Heavy Christmas”?

(Books are by the authors Martin Popoff, Tony O´Neill & Ian Gillan)

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Happy Birthday Su-metal

Well today is a good day, as Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal) turns 20. What a wonderful occation to celebrate one of the most beautiful souls in the entertainment industry.

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80,000,000 hits and counting

Congratulations to Babymetal for reaching 80,000,000 hits on YouTube for the video “Gimme Chocolate!!” (happened only moments ago as I write this). It reached 75,000,000 on August 1 so it is still moving along pretty fast. In fact, I thought they would hit this number by Christmas. But here we are on December 8 (December 9 in Japan and the Far East).

Watch the video on YouTube.

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The Homecoming (3)

The big Babymetal weekend in Hiroshima has now past into the mist of history and it was spectacular rock history. The illness of Yuimetal, which forced her to not be part of the events, sent shockwaves through the Babymetal community. Yet they soldiered on and Moametal stepped up and took on those crowds fearlessly. As for the shows, rarely has they produced more spectacular events. Somebody noted that they had gone full on Cecil B. DeMille. There was no announcements about 2018 at the end of the second night, which was perhaps expected in some way by many (certainly by me). At the same time, I have to step back and accept that we simply based our thoughts on past events. Business details that are not quite ready could have held things up, or maybe they decided that the setting was not 100% right, what with Yui not being there. There were cameras, there always are. I assume they could use parts of this show for future release, but I can not see them release this in full any time soon. Maybe 20 years from now, when the time comes to give the fans all the historic stuff once it is all over and done with (thinking like a fan that has been around for a bit now). All in all, Su-metal got her big homecoming and it was executed beautifully. My general feelings is that they are at the top of their game. 2018 may turn out to be a rather spectacular year to come.

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Checking out property

Some day I will find the property of my dreams. Today was not that day. Nice little village, but way too much work on the house in question.

Maybe next time?

10 years ago

Published LE (short for Lektyrentusiasten) 10 years ago this month. 24 page promotional edition about my fanzine publications. Michael Johansson managed to corner Tarja Turunen for a snapshot where she is holding one of my earlier magazines, SLICE 2006 (also a MJ cover). I recall we had plans to ask her to hold this one for a further (third!) cover shot, which would have been great fun, but that never happened. This issue featured Deep Purple, Audrey Hepburn, Tarja etc. Copies was handed out for free at her concert in Stockholm a few months later.

Good memories!

(This blog has permission from photographer Michael Johansson to show his images)

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The Homecoming (2)

Babymetal performed as a duo in Hiroshima a few hours ago at the first of the two Legend-S concerts. Yuimetal was sick and was unable to be part of the performance. The fans were told on short notice but the show went on. The official statement read:

“This is an important notice regarding today and tomorrow’s performance LEGEND – S – BAPTISM XX – at Hiroshima Green Arena on December 2nd and 3rd. One of the BABYMETAL members YUIMETAL is unfortunately not feeling well and doctors have suggested that it is in her best interest to not perform over these two days. We regret to inform this unfortunate news and truly apologize in advance for all of the fans who were looking forward to seeing all three members play. As an entire team, we considered canceling this performance, however, it was YUIMETAL’s strong desire to not cancel this performance for the fans who were waiting and looking forward to these performances. After long discussions and careful consideration, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire BABYMETAL staff team came to a final conclusion to continue these performances for the dedicated fans who have been waiting for this special event as well as for team BABYMETAL. Therefore, we will hold these performances as scheduled. For YUIMETAL, who unfortunately will not be playing, SU-METAL, MOAMETAL, and the entire staff team would like to come together as THE ONE with all of the fans who will be coming to the performances. Team BABYMETAL would sincerely appreciate your love and continued support and would like to ask for your kind understanding.” BABYMETAL & the entire staff team /

The fact that Su-metal and Moametal battled on shows the strength of this unit and in the end that is how this weekend will be remembered.

Get well soon Yui and much love to Su-metal, Moametal and the team Babymetal.

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Suzuka Nakamoto Graduation Book

Well today is a big day in the life of Suzuka Nakamoto (Su-metal), as she will perform in her home town of Hiroshima tonight (see earlier post) with Babymetal. This is the Sakura Gakuin Graduation Book from 2013 that was dedicated to her. She was already going places with Babymetal at that point but this book is showcasing her in Sakura Gakuin and in private. Needless to say, this is not cheap today, but what a wonderful Collectors Item.

Lovely cover.

The Homecoming

This weekend is a big moment in the history of Babymetal, and in particular for singer Su-metal (Suzuka Nakamoto). Born in Hiroshima on December 20 1997, Su-metal will soon be 20 years old and as is the tradition in Babymetal they will celebrate this in public. Not on the actual day, but they have booked the 4,750 capacity Hiroshima Green Arena (the biggest in town) for two shows over the weekend. The first night is for fan club members only, the second is split between fan club members and the general public (those tickets sold out in less than one minute). For Su, coming home as a bonafide Rock Star of note is a big thing. Babymetal has never performed in Hiroshima before. I have a tremendous respect for Babymetal, how they handle things. It is a one in a million phenomenon.

(As I write this, trucks have arrived at the Arena – the operation has started!)

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