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lonelyasawhisper · 2 years

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Interview with Kaz Utsunomiya (2018)

Scans by 亚基拉鱼, translated by 走路帶風的Mia to Chinese and then by me to English.

Kaz Utsunomiya has the closest relationship with Queen in Japan. Having gotten acquainted with the band when he was the London correspondent of Music Life (ML) magazine, he subsequently became close friends with the band and has since maintained contact both publicly and privately. It is his old friend, DJ/music critic Imaizumi "Snoopy" Keihimeko, who is exploring these secrets of Utsunomiya. She dedicated her youth to Queen, and it’s because of this band that she pursued her current career, making her a representative of Queen fans.

Interview and writing: Imaizumi Keihimeko

In 1986, I went to London's Wembley Stadium to watch Queen's final tour - The Magic Tour, after which Mr. Kaz Utsunomiya took me to their private party. The adrenaline from the concert alone made me so excited that I couldn't sleep. As for the party, I couldn't believe that I was going to the unimaginably extravagant world of Queen. Richard Branson's restaurant at Kensington Roof Gardens was reserved for the party, and a slew of well-dressed celebs were already there. I remember the band members coming in late. Next to Freddie was Elton John, who soon began to play the piano, and members of Duran Duran were present as well. Everyone was chatting to each other, but I was staring at Freddie. I was so terrified to be near him. Being a silent wall was the better option.

And Mr. Kaz was still the usual Mr. Kaz, he is able to chat with ease. This state he’s in won’t ever change, no matter if he is drinking at a party, drinking at home, or at an interview. He hasn't changed a bit since the first time I saw him in 1979. This is the secret of his foothold in the overseas music industry, it is a kind of charisma. I hope to become the female version of Kaz one day. I am conducting this interview with my gratitude to my elder Kaz Utsunomiya over the years and the unchanging spirit of a fangirl.

As the man who has the closest ties to Queen in Japan, what does Mr. Kaz think of the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody"?

Kaz: No expectations at all at first. It is Dexter Fletcher, whom I already know, who started the project. But there was a falling out due to a quarrel, and another director was found. But in the end, Dexter went back. His wife is a Lithuanian actress, who is also renowned for making folk costumes. When I went to Lithuania, I happened to meet Dexter and he said: "I wanted to do it, but our opinions clashed, so I was fired. The band is very serious about the project. Everyone is also very cooperative. We could have made something good. It’s a pity." He is a very good director, and I also feel that it’s a pity. Dexter still went back in the end. Elton John's "Rocketman" was just in its preparation period. After filming, he went back and finished it. Although it was only a trailer, it was quite a surprise.

Why did Dexter quit his job?

Kaz: It's not that he’s at odds with the band. This movie is mainly about the band's story, but also about Freddie and to portray the character of Freddie. The members of Queen must know their own people. In Dexter’s view of Freddie as an outsider, his goal was to respect history and aim for accuracy, but the band did not want to make a documentary, and this probably caused a disagreement.

I’m once again going to ask, how did Mr. Kaz and Queen meet?

Kaz: We were not friends at first. I only learned later that we went to the same university. We first met at ML interviews. They were very kind to me at the time, and Roger and I would meet frequently after that.

What was your impression of their debut?

Kaz: Although I generally believe that Queen is a band championed by Japanese fans, in fact, they had already gained considerable attention before coming to Japan, and also had hits. At that time, their US tour with Mott The Hoople as their opening act was canceled due to Brian's illness, creating a bad first impression. NME and Melody Maker criticized them as outdated glam rock, unlike Deep Purple. Subsequently, as soon as they went to Japan, many fans greeted them at Haneda Airport. They received a warm welcome from everyone and fell in love with Japan, which became their home from home.

They must have been upset by the negative reviews in the UK. I imagine coming to Japan was great progress for them.

Kaz: I think all four people in this band have an excellent sense of balance. All four of them can write songs, and each member’s songwriting corresponds to respective popular trends. All members can sing and write. Everyone has hits. They are very democratic.

Any anecdotes when you accompanied them on their Japanese tour?

Kaz: I first came to Japan as a staff member of Watanabe Music Publishing House, and then took them on on the advice of Jim Beach (manager). For a while, they always went to LEXINGTON QUEEN (a famous disco) in Roppongi, where the band was surrounded by all kinds of artists, and it didn't feel like they were in Japan at all. Gary Numan has a pilot's license, and if Queen is in Japan, he would fly over by himself for a week. JAPAN also came to Japan at the same time, and consequently, LEXINGTON was very lively.

Have the four of them ever had any heated arguments?

Kaz: None on tour. Often in the studio. I forgot which album it was. I went to Ridge Farm’s recording studio. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I heard them arguing loudly. Of course it was about the music. The discussion was sparked by their desire to make good music.

According to Rami (Malek) who played Freddie in the movie, Brian said that Freddie is the mediator in the band. Mr. Kaz, do you agree?

Kaz: Snoopy, you should know. You also interviewed Freddie.

He was shy, and although he was the lead singer, he cared deeply about others. Whenever he came to Japan, he always bought gifts to express his gratitude to people who took care of him, like Mr. Itami (bodyguard). Just as Charlie Watts united the Rolling Stones on principle, so did Freddie. Before the show, the four of them would always gather round in Freddie's suite before setting off. Although he doesn't care to manage trivial and logistical things, he pays attention to things related to spirits and morale.

Has Mr. Kaz ever seen John after his retirement?

Kaz: About twice. When Michael Jackson died, John suddenly messaged me on Facebook: "Are you Kaz?" At first he was very cautious, and said that “if you are the Kaz I know, then you should know my address and phone number” (laughs). When he was sure it was me, he sent me a photo of Michael and Freddie. It was taken during Queen's US tour, when everyone went to the house where Michael lived with his father in Encino. Freddie was in contact with Michael at that time. They showed him "Another One Bites The Dust" and Michael predicted that it would be a hit if it was released. I guess they originally wanted Michael to sing it.

Is John not ever coming back to the music business?

Kaz: It seems that there is no desire to stay on his part anymore. It doesn't mean that he does not have any yearning for or nostalgic attachment to Queen. I think after Freddie passed away, he just decided not to perform anymore. He still lives in his old home, and on Sundays he still seems to go to the nearby news stand to buy The Sunday Times (laughs). He now has less hair and gained a little more weight, but still very healthy. The doctor who delivered my son is also his doctor, and every now and then, I would hear from the doctor that John made some visits.

Is it true that Roger chose the English name for Mr. Kaz's son, Yusei-kun?

Kaz: Yes, it's Rufus. Roger's second son is also called Rufus. It seems to be named after the black musician he likes. The first king of Wales was also called Rufus.

It’s only because of you that I met the band!

Kaz: You've also met Roger's eldest son, Felix. I took him to Radio Nippon just to see the Snoopy show. But I rarely go to the radio station’s broadcast studio.

I appreciate it!

Kaz: The manager also made Snoopy cry, I forgot why. But I think you were nervous. (I remember it clearly! I was careful about the next question.)

Tell me about Freddie, how was Mr. Kaz when Freddie died?

Kaz: I happened to see Jim Beach at the famous MATSUHISA restaurant in Los Angeles at the time, and he told me "Freddie’s going to announce that he has AIDS tomorrow". I thought that was the case. I said that we would meet again very soon. But when I got home, I received a message from Snoopy on the answering machine: "Freddie has passed away". I rushed to call Jim, he was speechless......

I received the news of Montserrat Cabelle’s death today.

Kaz: Really? Today’s a special day. I have a good relationship with Roger and John. We often went out for drinks, but I have never been with Freddie. He said that I'm such a gentle person that he shouldn't take me to Shinjuku II Street or places like that, but he still took me there occasionally. He was such a caring person. When did this happen? It should be the tour after Live Aid. In Munich, he called me to his room. He said: "Kaz, you have a good relationship with Roger and John, so I’m not going to worry about it anymore". From then on, he would call me for a drink at his place every now and then.

What did you all drink? (The fangirl asks)

Kaz: Champagne! Minako Honda also came to the show in Frankfurt, because Brian is her producer. This is Brian's job. Later, when recording in London, Freddie suddenly showed up and came to see the live show, because it was Brian's production. It’s a courtesy visit, he was polite and courteous like that.

Mr. Kaz helped write the lyrics in La Japonaise from the album with Montserrat, right?

Kaz: When he was writing the lyrics, he asked me whether I could go to the studio to come up with some ideas for the Japanese lyrics. I was working at Virgin (Records) at the time, and they soon started working at the SARM studio in Notting Hill next door. In retrospect, Freddie's face had already started to show jaundice. Prior to this, Freddie had just bought a new home in Earl's Court. He wanted to build a Japanese style garden and asked me to help. I quickly called several Japanese restaurants and finally got in touch with a landscaper in Manchester. Freddie wanted to build a carp pond and a gazebo, demolish the walls and bought some stones. The horticulturalist didn't know Freddie at all. Seems like he lived under a rock, but that's good in a way.

Mr. Kaz, what kind of person do you think Brian is?

Kaz: He is a scholarly person, very meticulous. Since the formation of Queen, maybe since he had the sense to, he probably has already started a diary. What did he do on this day in over 20 years ago? One can look for all of it in his diary. Moving into the digital age, he might even have made an electronic version. I think his diary is very good. Brian and Jeff Beck are both perfectionists who hate cutting corners, recklessness and skimping soundchecks. But both of them do things slowly and are too cautious, and it takes them twice as long to just get out of the hotel room.

After Freddie's death, Queen's songs have been covered by all kinds of singers. Which musician do you think performed best, Mr. Kaz?

Kaz: Definitely Adam Lambert. Maybe if Freddie had known Adam, he would like and approve of him very much. Adam also respects Freddie very much when he performs. For example, in certain parts of the performance which simply cannot be without Freddie, recordings of Freddie will be played as a tribute to pay respect. I think Adam is doing the best job.

What do Brian and Roger think. Do they think Queen is still active?

Kaz: At the very least in the form of Queen+, yes. They feel that Queen is to be treated with heart and sincerity in the name of Queen. With so many iconic hits and the ever-selling greatest albums, Bohemian Rhapsody is the most memorable song in the hearts of Brits. From this perspective, it is great to have a suitable lead singer to carry on the legacy of good music. Adam is very impressive, and Queen's two members also respect him very much.

Mr. Kaz, what does Queen mean to you?

Kaz: Without Queen and Clash, I wouldn't be who I am today. To be able to work in the British and American music industry for such a long time, I am extremely grateful to them.

Thank you very much.

Please do not hesitate to correct my translation if you see any discrepancy between this and the original Japanese transcript!

#kaz utsunomiya #interview #four aging queens #queen band #freddie mercury #John deacon #roger taylor #Brian May

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control-total · 8 years

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El Festival Internacional de Cine en Guanajuato se realizará en San Miguel de Allende y Guanajuato capital del 22 al 31 de julio

La propuesta cultural de México ha estado en constante movimiento en los últimos años, desde exposiciones en una enorme variedad de museos, conciertos y actividades sin costo alguno y el constante rejuvenecimiento de los festival de cine; han brindado una cartelera nutrida a todo aquel que busque salir del cuarto de televisión y tenga la necesidad de vivir nuevas experiencias.

Para esta edición, el GIFF dará énfasis a la estrecha relación que existe entre la música y el cine. Entre las proyecciones más ambiciosas figuran tres documentales:

We Are X nos muestra el regreso al escenario de la famosa banda de rock japonés X Japan, música que ha tocado rincones mundiales; fue dirigido por Stephen Kijak. Además, se confirmó la asistencia del vocalista y fundador del grupo, el músico Yoshiki Hayas.

Del artista David Byrne llega Contemporany color, proyecto que reunió a St. Vincent, Nelly Furtado y Ad-Rock, quienes se dieron a la tarea de musicalizar un espectáculo en vivo dedicado a cientos de bailarines que estuvieron acompañadas de banderas, sables y coreografías poco usuales.

Por último, los realizadores mexicanos Gabriel Cruz y Rodrigo Guardiola -músico mexicano- presentarán Panoramas, audiovisual que retrata al grupo de rock mexicano Zoé en una gira musical al rededor de 17 países entre Europa y Sudamérica.

La escena en la ciudad de San Miguel de Allende contará con un reparto de presentaciones musicales que van desde Troker, banda de jazz nacional que se ha presentado en festivales internacionales como Glastonbury, URSS Bajo el árbol. Mientras Capo y Camilo Séptimo, dos agrupaciones de la música indie mexicana, la agrupación mexicana Little Jesus y Vaya Futuro.

Por su parte, Guanajuato capital tendrá a grupos como lo son: Tokyo Brass Style, orquesta conformada únicamente por mujeres que tocan jazz y reviven temas de anime japonés, Descartes a Kant,agrupación de rock de Guadalajara, Sierra León, Botellita de Jerez y Yokozuna.

Por último, se incorpora una nueva competencia dentro del festival guanajuatense, el premio a la mejor banda sonora para un cortometraje del ya clásico Rally Universitario. Esto consiste en brindar el reconocimiento a la banda musical que haya compuesto la pieza más original, además del buen acompañamiento en dicha producción.

El jurado encargado del designio al triunfo musical, correrá por dos expertos: Kaz Utsunomiya (ExPresidente de Sony Tokio y LA, y ex presidente de Virgin Records Tokio y Jacobo Lieberman, compositor de cine mexicano, quien ha ganado 4 premios Ariel.

El Festival Internacional de Cine en Guanajuato recién terminó de celebrar su mayoría de edad, por lo cual, es entendible la estrategia clara: arriesgar por el bien del público.

‘Música + Cine’ la nueva apuesta del GIFF El Festival Internacional de Cine en Guanajuato se realizará en San Miguel de Allende y Guanajuato capital del 22 al 31 de julio…

#David Byrne #GIFF #Jacobo Lieberman #Kaz Utsunomiya #Yoshiki Hayas

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