Back To the Future Hearts Tour: ONE OK ROCK (Indianapolis)

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So I saw One Ok Rock today.

(Me, minutes before the concert started)

It started off entering the building and being very surprised to find that there were no seats. At all, even though TicketMaster gave me a seat number and row…. odd. Oh well, I didn’t really mind it because my friend and I were able to practically be in the front of the crowd. I perfectly positioned us in front of where Toru would be (I planned accordingly people). 

My friend and I got in exactly at 5pm, meaning we a whole 60, grueling, minutes to let our nerves and excitement fester within our bodies. Me being the party pooper that I am I looked up who would being going first out of the four bands. Of course One Ok Rock was first. That prior knowledge was very soon confirmed when one of the crew members stepping on stage and brought out the iconic red microphone. The way the venue was set up there was a huge gap to where if you where in the front you could see band and crew members in the back. It wasn’t until I saw a glimpse of Toru and Taka talking to crew members in the back that I realized that I’m about to see them live, right here, in front of my eyes. 

I saw the silhouettes of the boys doing their “hands in” thing they do before every performance and that is when I just about lost it. Being one part of the small handful of OOR fans at the venue the girls that surrounded me where clearly not fans and gave me strange looks when I covered my mouth and started freaking out. Yes, there was a part where I almost cried. ALMOST! I was very close, but I held it together. 

Then, the boys came out guns blazing. Immediately setting the tone for a head banging experience. They played flawlessly (duh, when wouldn’t they?). Like I said before, being one of the very few hardcore OOR fans there I was very loud and was dancing and singing along with every song while the crowd around me moved with the beat and nodded their heads. Me being so loud and over jubilant got Toru’s attention a couple times. Now, I know not every time was directed at me but I know that he looked right at me (and kept it there for a decent amount) at least three times during their performance. I got very confident for a split moment and in between songs when Toru was changing guitars I screamed out “Toru, I Love you!” that got a few OOR female fans to start screaming. I couldn’t see his reaction though, his back was turned.

* Photo from Toru’s Instagram* (looking at the woman with a light in the bottom half of her face, about 3 people back is where I was)

After only five songs they were finished. As much as I loved every second of their performance I was not satisfied with how little they played. But, I later found out on Taka’s Instagram that his throat is sore and he thinks that he is sick. Which would explain why Toru did most of the scream parts in the songs, as well as Taka not finishing some of the lyrics and letting the crowd or the other band members finish them. From someone who doesn’t know the band very well wouldn’t have even noticed, which is probably what they wanted. I am very pleased with how they performed considering the circumstances. 

*Photo form Taka’s Instagram*  (Poor Taka…)

Now, for the meet and greet. I bought an OOR sweatshirt and a T-shirt. I got in line for the autographs, which the line was lengthy but man did they fly through them. This is now the part I didn’t enjoy. The security staff was very strict with the rules of the autographs. “one item, no photos” was barked at me when I reached the table. Giving them the shirt I just purchased to sign I asked the security guard if I could give them my drawings. He takes them from me and replies “I’ll give it to them later”. Later? They are right in front of me why can’t I give it to them myself right now? It’s not like there was a huge line behind me, maybe like 10 people left. I eventually decided to just continue to greet the band. Which, I was disappointed in myself to say the least, I clammed up. Taka was first so I said hello and told him that I brought him a gift (the drawings where still with the security guard), Taka was really sweet and thanked me and said that he will see it. Then there was Toru. Oh Toru, how I wanted to say more to you. You of all people I wanted to talk to, but I got nervous and all I did was smile and, very dorkily, mutter a “hi”. Of course, being as sweet as he always is (actually how all of them are) he looks up at me and gives me that wonderful smile of his and gives me the cutest little “hi” right back. It seems like a silly and insignificant moment, but besides not being able to form words (like my friend had so cleverly predicted) it was the best moment of the night. My shirt is then passed to Tomoya, who just simply smiles at me after I greeted him. Unfortunately Ryota wasn’t at the table when it came to my turn so I didn’t get to say hi to him or get his autograph, which is disappointing. 

I am really bummed I couldn’t give my portraits to them in person and see their reaction. I know those drawings are not 100% accurate when it comes to anatomy but I am proud of those portraits. I hope they enjoy them. 

Taka’s Portrait

Toru’s Portrait

Ryota’s Portrait

Tomoya’s Portrait

So maybe this wasn’t EXACTLY how I had pictured meeting One Ok Rock for the first time but it definitely was an experience I will never forget. Now, to find out when I can see them live again!!