We're sorry, but we couldn’t find any events. Try updating your location and date range, or use more general keywords.
Kero Kero Bonito in Concert
Kero Kero Bonito (KKB) churn out shiny, happy pop so irresistible even the most disenchanted of punks can't resist it. Since coming together in 2011, the London trio has been creating a fascinating fusion of quirky J-pop, upbeat dancehall, electro blips and bleeps, and noisy indie rock.
It all began when former schoolmates and producers/multi-instrumentalists Gus Lobban (who also records music as Kane West and Augustus) and Jamie Bulled (who also performs as Wharfwhit) put up an ad on an online forum for Japanese expats in the UK. They were looking for a band member interested in Japanese rap. Artist Sarah Midori Perry (aka Sarah Bonito) responded and, though she had no experience singing professionally, got the gig.
The name Kero Kero Bonito has a few different meanings: In Japanese, "kero kero" is the sound a frog makes and "bonito" is a type of fish. Meanwhile, in Portuguese, a similar translation results in "I want, I want beautiful."
However you interpret the name, their sound is a cross-cultural blend that was first displayed in full on their 2014 debut mixtape ‘Intro Bonito,' released by British indie record label Double Denim Records. Perry sings and raps in both English and Japanese as Lobban and Bulled bring it all to life with bouncy, Casio-fueled electro-pop. Later that year, the band also appeared on Canadian DJ and producer Ryan Hemsworth's compilation EP ‘shh#ffb6c1' with single "Flamingo," which remains one of their most popular songs.
By 2015, the trio headed out on their first North American tour, and one year later they dropped their debut album, Bonito Generation, which reached No. 9 on Billboard's U.S. World Albums chart. In 2017, the ‘Bonito Retakes' EP came out, featuring notable remixes by artists like Frankie Cosmos, CFCF, and Saint Etienne.
By the next year, KKB began pushing their sound into a heavier rock and power-pop style with EP ‘TOTEP,' and later with their second studio album, Time ‘n' Place. At the end of 2018, they added a few new members to their live band setup and set out for another extensive North American tour, all leading up to their debut at the prestigious Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2019.
This was by far the best show I’ve seen. The venue was clean and had A/C, the opening act was actually very good, and the energy in the room was so positive. KKB put on an amazing show with good vocals, talented musicians backing her up, fun lighting, and an adorably bubbly personality.
One of the coolest shows ive seen. They played great. It was fun experience.
This is honestly the best concert I’ve been to. Me and my friend got there to get to barrier and by god was it worth it. Their energy is fantastic, the reworks of old songs into hard rock versions were stellar, and I really enjoyed watching Sarah and her band perform. They interacted with the crowd and at one point I got ahold of James’ guitar. He did ask for it back but me and some other fans had the chance to chat with him. The merch wasn’t crazy expensive and neither were the tickets. 10/10 would go again anytime.
This was my first concert and it was great! I could hear the music and see the band, they were entertaining and the merch table wasn’t too crowded.
The concert was high-energy and lots of fun! People were jumping, dancing, and singing along to the lyrics. I would definitely go to see Kero Kero Bonito again!
KKB blew my mind. Never have I been to such an immersive live performance by electronic artists and producers. Gus and Jamie are talented performance DJs and gifted producers. Their sounds come to life and surround you in waves live. Sarah is adorable and authentic. No flashy lights here, just quality sound and fun.
super fun, tons of jams, gus & jamie are hilarious. actually perhaps the best show ive ever seen. Especially because it was so small and everyone there was in love with kkb.
Just her presence was awesome along with jamie n Gus. Very professional, put on quite a show. I was the T-rex and people liked me. The crowd was cool.
