Reichi Nakaido LIVE "Skinny Blues"

It was over ten years ago, but I remember going to see Chabo-san's live show in Tokyo. During the MC, he said, "This is a song I wrote while admiring The Band," and after playing Robbie Robertson's picking harmonics, he sang "A Day When We Can Laugh Someday." Unless a recording or video is released later, a live show is an experience that only happens in that moment. But there are many scenes I remember very well. Of course, I don't remember every scene of every live show. But "that moment" remains in your heart forever. I go to live shows because I want to increase the number of those moments, even if just by one.

Reichi "CHABO" Nakaido SOLO LIVE
Skinny Blues
July 12, 2026 (Sun) Fukuoka border

This was his first solo live show since 2019, and his 2-man show with Shigeru Izumiya was in 2022. It has been a while since his last Fukuoka performance.

There was a huge cheer from the moment he appeared on stage. Thanks to my rehabilitation, I was able to raise my arm. As I wrote in my post about Taeko Onuki, the lyrics really sink in. I've had a lot going on personally over the last few years, and since COVID, I have a strong desire to go to as many live shows as I can. This day also became an unforgettable memory.

The latest album is "Experience," released at the end of 2024. I said goodbye to my father that year, my mother the year before, and then spent days cleaning out my parents' house. During that time, I often listened to Chabo-san's "Feel Like Going Home." These lyrics were repeating in my head the whole time.

Things to take, things to throw away
The feeling of going home now
Things to throw away, things to take
The feeling of going home now...

It was a time of many emotions: things to take home, things to dispose of, and the past to leave behind. Seeing Chabo-san sing that precious song right in front of me, with his shout that sounded like a cry and his slide guitar that sounded like a prayer, I felt like I was finally saved.

Like George Harrison, Lowell George, and Muddy Waters, it was a superb slide that shook intensely and painfully. I took it all in with my whole body, hoping the last note wouldn't fade away.

I was also able to hear new songs from "Experience." There were quite a few covers with Chabo-san's signature Japanese lyrics, and it was a truly positive live show. I've been watching his solo shows since his days with RC Succession, but every time I can hear "songs he wants to sing with his current feelings, and the guitar he wants to play right now." That is what is best. Ah, it looks like I'll have a good summer this year.

When I was a child, I spent my summer vacations at my mother's parents' house. I went to the nearby river and swam with my cousins. This year, I'm going to visit the grave during Obon. To that place of nostalgic memories.

Blown by Garcia's wind
We cross the hill
When we reach the sunny village
We go down the gentle slope to the river
You change into clothes of freedom
And dip your feet in the cold river water
"Lucky Sun" peeks out
And blesses us

These lyrics linked perfectly. That beloved scenery from my childhood came back to life. It was truly the magic of music.

Ah, there was nothing that couldn't be helped
Ah, there was nothing that was hopeless

Now that I've finished cleaning out my parents' house, my mother's parents' house is my "hometown." Chabo-san also sang about Shinjuku, where he was born and raised, and talked about it during the MC. It was a good live show where various things overlapped.

Chabo-san leaves the stage. To my surprise, he went through the audience toward the exit. I immediately approached him, and since he noticed me, we did a fist bump! He had been a guest on my program many times in the past, and I produced many special programs featuring him. That is my pride. This year, I was able to fist bump Paul Simonon and Chabo-san. I was able to see THE MODS' 45th anniversary event in my hometown of Hakata. I want to tell my teenage punk self in the countryside, who was blown away by The Clash, RC Succession, and The Mods 45 years ago: "Something amazing is going to happen in 45 years. Don't forget rock, keep listening to music." My R&R

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