J-rock band MAN WITH A MISSION set on playing Glastonbury
Japanese rock band MAN WITH A MISSION is setting its sights on a new goal: playing at the Glastonbury festival in the UK. The group, known for its unique combination of human and wolf characteristics, has been together for 15 years but still has ambitions to fulfill. Guitarist and vocalist Jean-Ken Johnny opened up about the band’s aspirations in an exclusive interview with ContactMusic.com. He expressed a strong desire to perform at large international festivals such as Glastonbury. Despite never having had the chance to participate in such significant events abroad, MAN WITH A MISSION remains hopeful that one day they will grace the stage at iconic venues like Glastonbury.
The band previously had the honor of playing at Ozzy Osbourne’s Ozzfest in Japan back in 2013. Reflecting on the experience, Johnny mentioned the significance and privilege of being part of such a prestigious festival. Although they never had a personal encounter with the late rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, who sadly passed away in July at the age of 76, it was undoubtedly a memorable and enriching experience for them.
MAN WITH A MISSION recently released a new vinyl and CD of their “XV EP Across The Globe,” featuring bonus tracks. They are currently gearing up for their HOWLING ACROSS THE WORLD tour, which includes stops in the UK and other European cities. Despite the logistical challenges of performing live in heavy, furry wolf masks, the band is determined to make their upcoming shows a success. Johnny shared that it gets incredibly hot and suffocating under the masks, especially for the drummer, who struggles the most due to the lack of ventilation during performances. Despite these physical challenges, the band remains committed to delivering high-energy performances for their fans.
While discussing the surge in popularity of masked bands in recent years, Johnny speculated on the role of social media in driving this trend. He suggested that the anonymity provided by wearing masks appeals to artists, as it allows them to maintain a level of privacy and mystery in the era of social media oversharing. This shift in mindset could explain the rise of masked bands like Sleep Token, Ghost, and President, all of whom have found success by leveraging their unique personas and avoiding the pressure to reveal their identities.
MAN WITH A MISSION will be touring various European cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, in the coming weeks, showcasing their distinctive blend of rock music and theatrical performance. Fans can visit the band’s official website to secure tickets for their upcoming shows and witness the electrifying spectacle of the HOWLING ACROSS THE WORLD tour.