All the Hump Back illustrations I drew this year and some extras

Following the year before last's "All the Hump Back illustrations I drew this year" and last year's "Almost all the Hump Back illustrations I drew this year", I have compiled all the Hump Back illustrations I drew this year, along with some extras.

Since seeing three shows in a row last December, I haven't had many opportunities to go to live shows, so the first illustration of this year was this one, drawn just to be posted on Instagram Stories for Pika-chan's birthday in March.

The first live show of the year was the one-man show at Kyoto KBS Hall on March 21st. The stained glass that appeared when the backdrop was lowered during the encore was so beautiful.

March 31st was "Pika Pika Night" at Misono Universe, organized by Pika-chan, but I guess I was too busy to draw an illustration. It was a venue with a great atmosphere, and the performing artists were all unique and enjoyable. I hope they make it an annual event.

The next live show was scheduled for April 28th at PENNY LANE24 in Sapporo, but it was postponed at the last minute and rescheduled for a later date. I didn't know at the time that this rescheduling would have such significant meaning. I didn't cancel my flight or hotel, so I just ended up drinking beer near the hotel and coming home.

On May 7th, for the second time since the year before last, they performed at the Nippon Budokan. Starting with their entrance to the Wedding March played by the three of them, it was a show overflowing with love from corner to corner. I was in the front row last time and the second row this time, so I've really been blessed with seat luck at the Budokan.

On May 27th and 28th, it was ACCHATTERS at the Osaka-jo Music Hall. We were blessed with good weather, and it was two days of drinking beer while soaking in the music. It's also fun to watch the performers relaxing on the lawn seats in the back.

The rescheduled Sapporo show was on June 28th. The venue, PENNY LANE24, was the first live house I ever went to. When I was a college student, it was shocking to see my favorite band, BAD RELIGION, playing within arm's reach, and that's when I started going to live houses often. And seeing Hump Back at this live house was the dream I wanted to fulfill most over the last few years.

Then, after this, it was announced that a member was pregnant, and Hump Back suspended their live activities, including those that had been scheduled. As a result, thanks to the Sapporo show being rescheduled, I was able to see their last show before the hiatus.

Just when I was thinking I wouldn't be able to see them for a while, I found that Hayashi-san had quietly posted an announcement for an acoustic live show on the new social media platform "Threads," and I was able to go see it on July 8th.

For the encore, she covered Hanaregumi's "Tip Tip," which is always used as the entrance music at Hump Back shows. Her husband was also at the venue, and they looked so close and it was heartwarming. The guitar was a Gibson 355. Come to think of it, I also went to the live show where that guitar first appeared.

On August 11th, I went to "Kyoto Geigeki 2023," hosted by Hakubi, where Hump Back was supposed to perform. Starting with TETORA, all the performers put on passionate stages, and it would have been the best if Hump Back had been up there too. Hakubi's cover of "Hoshigaoka Koen" was also moving.

From here on, it's extras. With Hump Back on hiatus, I had the opportunity to see various other bands this year. I went to see Kaneyori Masaru, Yayuyo, TETORA, and Aburina Town, which Pika-chan recommended. I also wanted to see Saba Sister, but I didn't get the chance. I'm not particularly conscious of it, but they're all female bands.

In March, I saw BAD RELIGION for the first time in about 20 years at PUNKSPRING. I was thrilled by Greg's unchanging, gritty voice. I was also happy to see My Chemical Romance and SIMPLE PLAN, but it was a shame that SUM41 had to cancel.

Furthermore, in August, I saw weezer at Zepp Osaka Bayside. This was also my first time in 21 years. I sang along to many of their classic songs just like I did back then, and I went home with a hoarse throat.

Happening to see Hayashi-san in front of this live venue and being able to talk to her was the highlight of my live music-related experiences this year.

After this, my cat got sick and came home, so I couldn't go to live shows much, but thanks to the Hump Back Budokan performance being released on DVD, I managed to endure it.

Now that my cat's health has settled down, I'm thinking of going to see various things again starting from the beginning of the year. I don't know when it will be, but I'm definitely going to see Hump Back's comeback live show!