Shigeaki Kato (NEWS) talks about his passion for the music live "S-POP LIVE". "There's nothing fake about my love for music."

■“I was unsure whether to accept the offer or not, but in the end I decided to do it out of nothing but my love for music.” (Shigeaki Kato)

Shigeaki Kato (NEWS), a member of NEWS and also active as a writer, will be the facilitator for the music live “S-POP LIVE” hosted by TV Asahi, which will be held in two cities in eastern Osaka in January 2025. It was decided that he would be appointed.

Kato, who has professed to be a music lover, has chosen and played songs from various artists he is particular about even on the radio program he hosts, and this will be a music live gathering of artists he is currently paying attention to.

“S-POP LIVE” will be held at Zepp Osaka Bayside on January 11, 2025 and Zepp Haneda (TOKYO) on January 18, 2025. Following idom, luv, E.scene, Chevon, and Billyrrom, who were announced as the first artists, Gesu no Kiwami Otome has been announced as the second artist to perform at the Osaka performance.

“S-POP LIVE” is a music live show filled with Kato’s desire to “make it a POP and catchy event!” Stay tuned for follow-up news.

■Shigeaki Kato comment
It all started with FUJIROCK2024.
A friend I was planning to go with came down with whooping cough, so I suddenly had to participate alone.
However, when I went to the venue, there was always someone there, so I got in touch with some of my acquaintances, had a few beers with them, watched the live show together, and exchanged impressions.
Many of them were also involved in producing events.
Apparently, I was so happy that I said this to them.
“I’d like to hold my own event. Wouldn’t it be like a dream to ask your favorite artist to perform?”
About 100 days later. Around the time my friend’s cough completely subsided, one of the people I worked with at FUJIROCK sent me a proposal asking me to be a “facilitator” for this event.
“You said you wanted to do it, right?”
Said. I did say it.
But I never thought it would actually happen.
Of course I would like to try it if I can.
But can it be done? Is there any point in Shigeaki Kato holding an event in the first place?
Even if there is, will it be communicated to the outside world?
I was hesitant about taking the job, but in the end I decided to do it simply because of my love for music.
When I was asked to be a “facilitator,” the first thing I did was research what a “facilitator” was.
Even though I’m an amateur when it comes to producing events like this, there’s no denying my love for music.
I don’t know how far I can go or what I can do, but I want to give it a try.
I learned these things through music.
Even on my weekly radio show, I called myself the music club and played my favorite songs.
This time, we are planning to have the main artists who participated there participate.
I named it “S-POP LIVE” not only because of my name.
SONG, SING, SOUL, SPIRIT, SUPER, STRONG, SENSATIONAL, SHINY, SANCTUARY…
I chose this name based on the idea of SYNERGY, a synergistic effect between me, the artists, and the visitors.
In order to give form to our own ideas, we create something that can only be done here.
Please come and see the results at the venue. We look forward to seeing you.