Asia News: Nakano Sunplaza To Close; Randy Bachman Reclaims Stolen Guitar; Philippines: Live Nation Moves On Scalpers; China: Montreux Jazz Edition

JAPAN

Nakano Sunplaza Closure Set

The local government of Nakano Ward, Tokyo, has finally announced a closing date for the iconic concert hall Nakano Sunplaza, which will be July 2, 2023.

Since 2009, a major developer had been planning to tear down the historic structure and replace it with a new complex that would expand the auditorium capacity from its present 2,000 seats to 7,000, and would also revamp the complex’s hotel and restaurant facilities.

Before the hall closes for good, a special series of commemorative concerts will be planned.

Randy Bachman Reclaims Stolen Guitar

Canadian guitarist Randy Bachman, formerly with the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, played a special gig at the Tokyo American Club in Japan on July 2 to celebrate
the return of his beloved 1957 Gretsch guitar, which was stolen from a Toronto hotel room in 1976.

Last year, a local musician bought the guitar from a dealer, unaware that it had been stolen, but upon researching the provenance of the instrument realized it was Bachman’s and contacted the guitarist.

Bachman was unable to come to Japan to claim his property earlier due to COVID, but he was able to make it in early July and a special ceremony to mark the handover was held at the Canadian embassy on July 1.

According to Japan Today, the show at the American Club was filmed as part of a documentary about the 78-year-old Bachman’s trip to Japan to receive his guitar. The performance was part of the Tokyo American Club’s July 4th celebration.

PHILIPPINES

Live Nation Acts Against Scalpers

Live Nation Philippines has said it will take legal action against the unauthorized sale of tickets for the upcoming concert in Manila by K-pop boy band Seventeen.

In a statement posted on July 2, the promoter said, “It is unfortunate that we have received confirmed reports of unauthorized and therefore illegal selling of tickets for the ‘SEVENTEEN World Tour (Be The Sun)’ concert. Live Nation Philippines does not authorize anyone other than our official ticketing outlets for the selling of tickets.”

It’s not known how tickets were obtained prior to the July 12 presale. It is also unclear where tickets are being resold. General passes won’t be made available until July 14.

CHINA

Montreux Jazz China Gets Second Run

A second Montreaux Jazz Festival China will take place in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct. 15-16, according to CEO Joyce Peng.

Peng made the announcement from the festival’s home base in Switzerland on July 6 as the Montreux Jazz Festival celebrated its 56th edition on the shores of Lake Geneva with 500 concerts spread across 13 stages.

Last year’s inaugural edition in China was much more modest: nine bands and about 1,000 people attending in person due to COVID restrictions.