Tatu to Play Tokyo Dome in December (Sports Nippon - Japan)

Time of publication: 19.08.2003

Aiming for the Red & White Song Contest? Tatu to Play Tokyo Dome in December

The return to Japan and first concert to be held here by the Russian duo Tatu, who caused uproar upon their first visit in June with such behaviour as suddenly disappearing from a studio where a live programme was being broadcast, was confirmed on the 18th. It will take place on December 1st and 2nd at Tokyo Dome. Initially, November was thought to be most likely, but the visit has been held back until December at the request of the artists. Due only to the fact that NHK will announce the performers in its Red & White Song Contest at this time, the astounding prospect is being raised by some that they might be timing their arrival with an appearance on the Red & White in mind.

There are still likely to be one or two storms over their return to Japan and Japanese performances, which have at last been decided.

Universal Music, to which they are affiliated, remained non-committal: "We haven't heard about their exact schedule. Naturally, once a formal decision has been made, we will cooperate." However, agents who have been working to arrange their return and concerts disclosed that a formal decision has been made to hold their first Japanese concerts on December 1st and 2nd at Tokyo Dome.

According to insiders, although Tatu were the focus of criticism due to the imbroglio during their first visit to Japan, "they actually became the focus of even more attention." Their first album, "t.A.T.u." has sold more than 2 million copies if imported versions are counted. Their song "Not Gonna Get Us" has been used as the theme song for the film "Angel's Teeth", to be released on the 23rd, and there is no sign of a slowdown in their meteoric rise.

The artists and their Japanese agents have continued negotiations behind the scenes with regard to their concerts. Initially, discussions progressed with the aim of holding the concerts on November 7th and 8th, but the dates have apparently now been pushed back to December at the artists' request. It is likely that details such as the price of the tickets and the date on which they will go on sale will be announced in the near future, and it seems certain that around 100,000 fans will attend.

With regard to comments to the effect that, in deciding to hold concerts in December, "they may have in mind a performance on the Red & White", TV company insiders declared that "it seems that their producer, Ivan Shapovalov, wants to reward the Japanese fans who have supported Tatu. He is doing research about the Red & White." One theory has it that the sudden cancellation of their live performance in June was a strategy on the part of the shrewd operator Shapovalov, aimed at raising their profile. Whatever the case, it is highly likely that he will come up with some kind of gimmick during their return to Japan, and it looks like they will electrify the whole of Japan again.

Sports Nippon, 19th August

Translation by Lenochka0.
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