LiSA, the global J-pop sensation, made her triumphant return to the United States with a captivating performance at the Rady Shell for the Crunchyroll Concert Series during San Diego Comic-Con 2024.
Marking her first US concert in nearly a decade LiSA performed a setlist of her popular anime theme songs like “Gurenge” from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, “Datte Atashino Hero” from My Hero Academia, “Crossing Field” from Sword Art Online, “REALiZE” from Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and original songs like “Black Box”.
Getting to the Show
Popular events at Comic-Con always have a line and the Crunchyroll Concert Series is no different. Just before the show opened at 5pm there was already a line that wrapped around the Rady Shell and continued down to the park harborside, where attendees at the end of the line had a nice view of the Hilton Bayfront hotel wrap of What We Do In The Shadows.
The line might have looked daunting but since the Rady Shell has a capacity of up to 10,000 people, once the line started moving everyone was able to get in without a problem and there were seats available in the back and on the grass area that did not get filled up until around 7:30. So, fans that do not mind sitting at the back would have been able to walk in after 5:45pm without having to wait in line.
And, since the Crunchyroll Concert Series are only open to badge-holders, it also ensures that it’s true Comic-Con attendees who get to experience the fun.
Crunchyroll Activities
Once the doors opened there were many activities for fans to partake in, including a One Piece Gum-Gum Punch Challenge with Luffy, Brook’s Player Piano, Nami Photo Opportunity, Merchandise Shop, and the Crunchyroll Game Vault Crane. We love that Crunchyroll offered a few fun things to do once inside the venue to keep fans entertained and to pass the time while they waited for the main event.
Prize Giveaways
Between each performance, there were Crunchyroll prize giveaways that were thrown or given to fans in the audience. This again helped keep the audience entertained, and was a nice added bonus from Crunchyroll.
Performances
Prior to the opening act, DJs from FAKE STAR USA – James Landino, Hyper Potions, and VGR – entertained the crowd.
Experimental musician and performance artist Alice Longyu Gao took to the stage next and started the night off with songs inspired by her deep connection to NANA, a classic anime about romance and music. She then concluded her set with her catchy anthem “Come 2 Brazil” to get everyone out of their seats.
The headliner was LiSA and everyone was ecstatic to see her performance. Her charisma and enthusiasm kept the audience engaged for the full show which was a mix of energetic rock anthems and heartfelt ballads. LiSA showcased her range when she came out for an encore and played an acoustic guitar while singing an original song. She was able to switch tempo without an issue as she rocked out to “Gurenge” from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba just before the encore!
Overall, LiSA’s performance at SDCC 2024 was a resounding success, as fans enjoyed the unique opportunity to see LiSA free. The previous Crunchyroll concerts were a fan favorite, but this year blew the roof off the previous concerts, with bigger names and bigger spectacle. To cap the night off, Crunchyroll set off fireworks in the night sky, which could be seen over the San Diego Convention Center.
For fans who missed out on the concert, you can hear LiSA again at her upcoming concert film, LiVE is SMiLE ALWAYS -LANDER- that is heading to theatres in the U.S. and Canada on August 17, 2024 for a special three-day event.
