ART-SCHOOL Holds 'Dreams Never End vol.4' Tribute Show with STRAIGHTENER

ART-SCHOOL brought their "Dreams Never End vol.4" tribute concert to Tokyo's LIQUIDROOM on February 11, joined by longtime friends and fellow rock veterans STRAIGHTENER for a special two-man performance.

The evening proved particularly emotional when the bands performed a cover of "CRYSTAL," with ART-SCHOOL frontman Kinoshita Riki visibly moved to tears during the performance. The moment highlighted the deep musical bond between the two groups, who have supported each other throughout their careers in Japan's alternative rock scene.

Both ART-SCHOOL and STRAIGHTENER emerged from Japan's late 90s indie rock movement and have maintained a friendship spanning over two decades. ART-SCHOOL, formed in 1989, became known for their blend of alternative rock and post-punk influences, while STRAIGHTENER developed their own melodic rock sound that has earned them a dedicated following.

The "Dreams Never End" series has become a regular platform for ART-SCHOOL to collaborate with other artists and pay tribute to musical influences. LIQUIDROOM, one of Tokyo's premier live music venues in Shibuya, provided an intimate setting for this meeting of two bands who have helped shape Japan's modern rock landscape.

For fans of Japanese alternative rock, seeing these two groups share the stage represents a celebration of the enduring friendships and musical connections that continue to drive the scene forward.