BARBEE BOYS reboots as "4PEACE"! First one-man live in 6.5 years marks new territory
The BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE one-man live "BB4P SHOW" was held on June 15 at Zepp Haneda (TOKYO) in Tokyo.
BARBEE BOYS returns as "4PEACE" roughly six and a half years after their 2020 one-man live
BARBEE BOYS returns as "4PEACE" roughly six and a half years after their 2020 one-man live
BARBEE BOYS originally reunited in 2018 for a performance at the music program "The Covers" special live event "The Covers' Fes. 2018." After appearing at several festivals, they held one-man concerts in January 2020 at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium and LINE CUBE SHIBUYA (Shibuya Public Hall). From 2024 to 2025, marking their 40th anniversary, the band drew attention by reissuing their entire discography. Amidst high expectations for their return, the band shared an update on their status in December 2025. It was announced that Toshiaki Konuma (Dr) had "gracefully retired" from the band, and KONTA (Vo) revealed that he had suffered complete paralysis of his four limbs due to an unexpected accident.
While many fans were shocked by the sudden announcement, KONTA, Kyoko (Vo), Tomotaka Imamichi (G), and ENRIQUE (B) declared they would continue their activities as a four-member unit called "BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE," as if to blow away those anxieties. They officially resumed live activities in early 2026, performing at the music event "Kano-Fes 2026" hosted by Sandwichman and Hidetaka Kano in February, followed by the "Spring Rock Festival" hosted by the music program "The Covers" in March.
Keeping the essence of BARBEE BOYS while delivering classics through new interpretations
Tickets for "BB4P SHOW," the first one-man live under the BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE name and the band's first in approximately six and a half years, sold out immediately. Among the audience gathered at the venue, some could not hide their excitement for the long-awaited concert, while others appeared anxious, concerned for KONTA’s well-being.
As the bell signaling the start of the show rang, KONTA began a prologue, saying, "Shall we start with a bedtime story?" After he finished the tale of a man driven from his village, the stage curtain opened, and the live set began with "Aisatsu wa Itsudemo." Although the band remained seated and the sound had undergone a major transformation—centered on a drumless, acoustic-based arrangement—the perfect chemistry between KONTA and Kyoko, Tomotaka Imamichi's melodious finger-picked guitar phrases, and ENRIQUE's light yet resilient bass playing remained intact. They delivered numerous classic songs through new interpretations while maintaining the unmistakable essence of BARBEE BOYS.
KONTA: "I won't say anything tactless. I just want you to enjoy yourselves"
Following "Fushidara VS Yokoshima," which featured Tomotaka Imamichi's sharp, bluesy guitar tones, KONTA warmly welcomed the audience. "If I say anything clumsy, I'll either end up seeking sympathy or pity. Otherwise, the mood will just freeze over. But I won't say anything tactless. Please just enjoy yourselves tonight!" He further reassured the crowd with his usual persona, adding ironically, "You can jump and hop all you want! In my place!"
As the live show progressed, the song arrangements became more diverse. "Pretty Doll" underwent an image change, incorporating programmed beats that evoked New Wave and synth-pop styles. "Kurayami de DANCE" featured a section where the guitar and bass engaged in a session-like dialogue, creating a more driving song development. After the performance, Kyoko revealed behind-the-scenes stories from the time of the song's single release, reflecting deeply on how they rarely had the chance to perform it live. Afterward, the four created a nostalgic mood with "Jodan ja Nai," featuring KONTA on lead vocals, racing through the first half of the set.
See you back here in half a year
After an intermission, the second half began with a free-talk segment. In contrast to the stoic performances of the first half, the four members showed a relaxed atmosphere as they discussed whether or not they should wear black glasses on stage. When they resumed the performance with "Onna-Gitsune on the Run," the audience filled the floor with fox hand signs. Following a stripped-back version of "Uchiage Hanabi" featuring only acoustic guitar, "Norma Jean" was delivered with a more emotional feel, opening with an instrumental "reprise" version. Furthermore, the band's biggest hit, "Me o Tojite Oideyo," featured a significant restructuring of the lyrics. While Tomotaka Imamichi focused on the acoustic guitar, he applied solid effects right before each chorus, giving the sound a bold sense of contrast. During "Nandattanda? 7DAYS," a call-and-response broke out during the chorus, adding a cheerful color to the end of the main set.
As the four returned to the stage amid loud cheers, KONTA promised a reunion with the fans, announcing their next one-man show: "In almost exactly half a year, we’ll do another live show right here at Zepp Haneda. See you then!" To express that joy, they performed "Chance Torai" for the encore, closing "BB4P SHOW" with a somewhat poignant atmosphere.
BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE will hold another one-man live at Zepp Haneda (TOKYO) on December 7. Ticket information will be announced at a later date.
Setlist
BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE「BB4P SHOW」2026年6月15日 Zepp Haneda(TOKYO)
Part 1
01. Aisatsu wa Itsudemo
02. Mikazuki no Yuutsu
03. Fushidara VS Yokoshima
04. Pretty Doll
05. Kurayami de DANCE
06. Dear Wagamama Alien
07. Naita Mama de Listen to Me
08. Jodan ja Nai
Part 2
09. Onna-Gitsune on the Run
10. Aimai Tension
11. Isamiasi Sammy
12. Uchiage Hanabi
13. Norma Jean
14. Me o Tojite Oideyo
15. Waai Waai Wai
16. Nandattanda? 7DAYS
<Encore>
17. Chance Torai
BARBEE BOYS 4PEACE One-Man Live (Title TBD)
Monday, December 7, 2026 – Zepp Haneda (TOKYO), Tokyo
Source: Music Natalie
*This content has been translated from Japanese into English using machine translation. We apologize for any mistakes in the current version, and will update accordingly.