Japan Nightporter (live)

[MartiniStrom]

Timeless !

[robertsorensen]

Absolute GOD's !!!!

[chuggerboom1]

Sublime

[roelhfd]

this song will be played at my funeral :-) i will get alive !

[invaderzezix]

i ment love!!

[invaderzezix]

i love japan as much as invader zim and thats lotsa live

[atrios28]

Has anyone ever seen pictures of the Batt sisters? Evidently there are two of them, and my professional curiosity has me wondering if they aren't the most beautiful women in the world, as they're brothers are certainly fine human specimens

We come in peace. To serve all of man

[invaderzezix]

He's cute!!

[Rovrobbo]

david sylvian was awesome, saw them in concert 1981, brilliant gig

[dogsbalearics]

this is best from sylvian i thought,, great melody.

[mintwithahole]

This is the best version of Nightporter. Its as awesome as its possible to get!

RIP Mick Karn. You'll never be equalled.

[mintwithahole]

This is the best version of Nightporter. Its as awesome as its possible to get!

[dogsbalearics]

ya joking, this bloke is really talented a fuck, 4 duran duran and all there copy japan for the new romantics and all... lol

[Bergysot]

This is my all time fav song and it will be played at my funeral all though im only 46! Sylvian is god. End of!

[dogsbalearics]

@Bergysot yeah mine is this and jimmy morrison and this is the end. have a good one!!!. sick of silly people i am, sure you feel like the same.

[Bergysot]

@dogsbalearics thanx mate glad you agree i loved the doors but to me sylvian is the best and always will be!

[bugfm]

great song a timeless beauty

[bugfm]

great song a timeless beauty

[ALanSaidTrujillo]

You can see sylvian face frown arruind 4:40 because the lkead improv was bad.

[1966buttons]

excellent...buttons

[TheBahnhofskino]

25 years ago I heard this song for the very first time.

Timeless beauty!

Check out the album version too!

[shinysynthcity]

@ 4:53 cameraman fail.

[23sugarcane]

omg! That EYEBROW has a life of its own ^

Only Sylvian can combine so much tatent with so much beauty <3

[armandin2048]

@23sugarcane LOL - I think he modelled them on the Thunderbirds puppets!

[NnenStMartin]

@23sugarcane Power to the EYEBROW!

[z1barrie]

total shyte

[boldovah]

@z1barrie

Wanker

[shinysynthcity]

<3 <3 <3

[DugOut1985]

Winter 1986, I lived in a very cold bedsit. The peak of my day was coming home after work, slipping into a hot bath and staying in it for as long as possible listening to Japan and David Sylvian on my tape recorder, in the dark. Bliss!

[evelyneverettgreen]

@DugOut1985 and that winter was very, very cold...

[DugOut1985]

Winter 1986, I lived in a very cold bedsit. The peak of my day was coming home after work, running a hot bath and staying in it for as long as possible listening to Japan and David Sylvian on my tape recorder. Bliss!

[mintwithahole]

In the future when people ask just how good can you get a live performance to sound they will point to this video and say, this was as good as it gets... Unique...

[hgenevieveable]

timeless music. The song lingers in my mind. So beautiful and yet so sad. I love David Sylvian. He is a writer, poet, musician, and a great photographer of life.

[laurencehegarty]

"the width of a room that can hold so much pleasure inside" great line

[apougher]

I remember watching this episode when they played live & I was about 12yrs old. 25+ years on and still completely engaging. I am so glad youtube can resurrect such pieces I thought were gone forever.

[biladd]

I don´t mind if they can be categorized as new wave, new romantic, glam pop/rock, synth pop... I just know they are blessed and I´ll always love Japan! This is music. You can feel theirs souls and hearts on it! "Could I ever explain

This feeling of love it just lingers on" <3<3<3<3<3

[videocanone]

@Noragirlie63 ... for sure Glam comes in many flavors and time periods and developed over the years ... some would call early Roxy Music Glam in a way, or Bowie... Theatrical Rock and Glam tend to merge here and there ... and then you have bands like the New York Dolls, Angel, etc. Japan was on the high tech end of it all I think, and I think better musicians and songwriters than most. Sylvian acted up more in the earlier videos than later ones as the band grew more confident and artistic.

[micmac09]

On oublie la coupe de cheveux impossible et le costard entre Duran Duran et Bowie. C'est une des meilleures chansons pop des 80's. Sylvian a composé un classique.

[150369]

@micmac09 oui

[WiTtochannel]

Sono qui ancora solo

un paese silenzioso dove la vita si arrende

sono qui che mi chiedo

i custodi della notte vanno

i custodi della notte sfuggono via..

[mrfoltz]

I have loved this song for years since I had the record..... hard to find now... Thanks for posting!!!

[videocanone]

I don't think of these bands as pretentious , the look and posturing of the bands has to do with the fact that they were GLAM bands and of course, the modelish posturing and visual snobbery has to do with that whole Vogue look ... runway models all act that way on the runway, so its just part of the 'look' and image. I never took Japan or Duran Duran to be snobs or pretentious as a result. Other bands that are ugly and have no musical talent, if they act that way, now THAT would be pretentious.

[Noragirlie63]

@videocanone not glam but new wave Glam was earlier in the early 70's with bands like T Rex and The Sweet ...... as I remember it anyway..

[Noragirlie63]

@videocanone as I remember it Glam was earlier (The Sweet etc) Duran, Duran and Spandeu Ballet, were New Romantics but I don't Japan was quite like the former 2 just about at the time....

[shockmastershocksu]

gregingram1970=troll, ignore him

[shockmastershocksu]

I was a fan of Mick Karn's work with Japan (esp. Quiet Life,and Gentleman Take Polaroids) and he inspired me to play fretless" - John Taylor

electric barbarella's single cover

"Band founder Nick Rhodes:

-... drawing from the musical, visual and lyrical stylistic elements of Bowie, Ferry, Sylvian and Eno...-

[shockmastershocksu]

Nick Rhodes played Visions of China on MTV

John Taylor has played their songs when he dejays

Roger Taylor lists Japan under his favorite albums in Red Carpet Massacre tour book

[gregingram1970]

Its understandable japan fans are jelous of the global success of duran duran. I would like to add, with glee, that duran duran changed their appearence and style on each album. I think Rio is 25th best written album in last 50 years (Qmag). I think japan fans think coz duran duran imitated blonides Atomic with their Planet Earth classic and Japan fans love it, would like to attribute it ripping Japan off. fun...

[atrios28]

Greg,

After your extraordinary effort of tracking down and then polling all Japan fans (which in the days before the Web would have simply beggared belief) I only have one question. Since I started listening to Japan a year or so before Duran Duran and have always loved both bands, did you exclude me from "Japan fans" and "Duran fans" because I would have weakened the "either/or" approach with my "both/and" feelings?

[gregingram1970]

@atrios28 HI atrios28 - thanks for the human touch of 'Greg'. You will no doubt have some level of impartiality here then...I love a lotta japan stuff. I dont think its fair or accurate for japan fans to 'create facts' about duran duran modelling their career on japan - when people who are impartial know otherwise. I take back any wicked words that could have appeared to be aimed at you.

[streicher78]

I'll watch for a sign and if I Should ever again... Cross your mind.

I think that line will stay with me forever.

[ariesscorpiorising]

@streicher78 Dont worry, you will never cross anyones mind!!! Not no how!!! HA!!! ;)

[willimoto]

WE NEED SOMETHING

[missabs09]

what a fantastic record.see these before they got in the charts.who the hell are duran duran,a poor imitation of japan.

[gregingram1970]

@missabs09 duran duran are better than japan. i dunno but japan fans seem to be 1) delusional and 2) stuck in a time tangent of around 1980. duran duran moved on from new romantic style - and of course, japan were closlely linked with it too in stylel, however failed to progress any further. duran duran, on the other hand, simply flourished into one of the most successful british bands in popular music history.

[gregingram1970]

japan were pretentious and duran duran were much better despite their fan base. im wondering other than planet earth (synth loop) is similar and a few ambient textues that japan stole off kraftewerk - other than that they were not alike only in poofy looking sense

[hub1971]

@gregingram1970 you utter penis. go away.

[gregingram1970]

@hub1971 this song is rubbish.

[LCMHUNG]

A unique masterpiece! Where can you still find such a piece of art in music nowdays? Only back in those good old years, people make music with a heart. Atmospheric, it is hollow and yet feverishly affectionate.

[ariesscorpiorising]

I cried so much, I PUKED!!

[KizzyDog01]

That is so fantastic.

[cigoli100]

Capolavoro assoluto !!!

[granderuga]

Concordo pienamente. Mi commuove sempre.

[desson40]

Oh I wanted that suit....he wore it on the cover of all tommorows parties single(i think0

[jackfeirytheonlyone]

Meraviglia.

[deesailorbird]

so glad i got to see this band in the 80's 'if I should ever again cross your mind' where are you Jeremy Taylor?

[anthonynewsome]

david played in dublin 2007, amazing gig, his new CD is out in Sept it be fab if he toured again

[indiareed]

I listened to a radio interview recently that David gave awhile back and I want to say it was 2007, where he says he really has no interest in touring again. I hope that's not the case, I would certainly make the trek to see him live.

[anthonynewsome]

ok right, yeah hope he was joking, he was just so good live and really got into the vibe, enjoyed himself a lot, you will know anyways that there are lots of vids of the 07 tour on here,

[caitlinniamh]

I have never thought about "labelling" this group. They seem beyond that. Totally underated geniuses. Its worth checking out their solo material. Some of it is very good I love David's work with Robert Fripp too.

[strangeparty]

I'll buy any record that has an ex-member of Japan playing on it. :)

Japan has always transcended labels, in my humble opinion.

[Mhaza]

@strangeparty yes indeed

[bobtherelevator]

beats me why no piano?????????

[crimewave66]

Sorry to be predantic to Artios but unfortunately by his own admission the works of Rain Tree Crow were never to be associated as a product of Japan , even though the group contained the members of Japan . David sylvian was quite pointed in his remarks that that period ( Japan ) would have negated from the concept of the RTC album

[davejohnslade]

I seem to remember a conversation at the time that suggested the material that came out of the RTC project was for the final line up of Japan to exhorcise their own ghosts from that period and to see where they could have been and (the kind of music they could have been creating. Virgin offered to bank roll the entire project as long as they called themselves Japan and the publicity was quite definate about this, however they decided to not take this road jointly

[crimewave66]

I remeber watching this when first transmitted manyb years ago . Excellent band , was fortunate enough to see them live in 80 , 81 and 82.

Still love the haunting vocals of david sylvian . listen to his piano version of forbidden colours on Secret of the beehive album . although th single was excellent i believe the album version was the song in it`s purer essence

[copeyattamsworth]

He puts Simon Le bon to shame, musically, poetically and physically.

David is far too beautiful in every aspect of his image, as so was simon commercially.

[indiareed]

I love the plunky arrangement of this, reminds me of something that might be played as a child on my toy piano...this was really, really wonderful. Thanks for sharing this.

[teddingtontcu]

Yes, genre location is a frought activity. Shall we call them simply great eh!

[teddingtontcu]

The only romantic band I ever bothered to listen to. Why.........well simple really. This is quality arrangement and quite simply 'out of its time' wonderful

[pnnews90]

I thought stuff like visage was considered new romantic? I always heard Japan tried to disassociate themselves with that. I'm kind of glad they did, that was more about dressing up than music.

[rowerthestokie]

best band god ever put on earth

[teddingtontcu]

A brief summit on the limp new romantic plateau. This controlled performance, like so much that Japan produced, is brilliant.

[bobtherelevator]

david always looked nervous , almost like he wasnt comfortable being in front of the camera.

[SylvianStardust]

The width of a room that could hold so much pleasure inside. <3

[kcufdam]

Life in Tokyo. Mick KLkarn sliding across the floor with his base guitar was awesome. I remember wot I was wearing (apart from make up) Green inega stretch jeans, black ballet shoes and a jacket I bought of a bird for 50p. the cow stole my Grace Jones album.

[kcufdam]

Seen them in Edinburgh in 1979 and 1981.

[ColtraneTaylor]

People have to try and write their own history... Sure Duran loved Japan but both Duran and Japan shows huge Roxy Music influences. Sounds to me like both bands were taking stuff from RM.

[petboyuk1]

A true genius, with a Princess Diana haircut(!)

This is the only pop song I can think of that is written in 3/4 (waltz) time.

Grab your Granny and waltz round the living room..... 1 2 3.... 1 2 3....... 1 2 3

[ripvanjonesy]

David obviously feels the pain that is reflected in Japans music, that's probably why it feels real and not manufactured like all the copyist bands of the time. The talent also elevates this band to real cult status, Japan, legends.

[jezzyby47]

The main reason they split is cos Micks girlfriend at the time (Yuka Fujii) started going out with David.

[caroljoelucy]

Mick's girlfriend got great taste.. He sings......He dances.... He looks WOW. ..

Like this girl.. Make him sing please.

[atrios28]

My favorite Japan album is Rain Tree Crow, although this song is terrific ...

[1festivus]

I think I know why Japan couldn't stay together. Mick Karn's giant ego! Everytime I see a Japan video, Mick seems to find a way to make himself stick out. David sits humbly to one side singing a contemplative tune while Mick stands front and center blasting everyone else out.

[Doriana58]

Yes, but David had quite an ego himself and he could be very stubborn and difficult to work with. The difference between them is that Mick is rather extroverted whereas David is very introverted. So I think one can't put the blame solely on Mick.

[VenusMonkey]

Especially when you consider the other 3 band members worked for years together afterwards

[scodellina]

I read that because of David's shyness they decided that Mick would be the one moving around and doing crazy things on stage so people wouldn't focus on David so much. Anyway I think that both have giant egos :D

[VientaRockera]

David looks like he's going to cry...

[Doriana58]

Oh, he always looks like that. (;

[00retro]

A beautiful version of a beautiful song.

[mintwithahole]

Japan are the only band I've ever known that could play their songs better live than the recorded versions. If they hadn't split up when they had I don't think anyone would have heard of Duran Duran or Spandau Ballet. The only band that comes near them is Depeche Mode.

[stuanhay]

Sorry to detract friend, but you obviously never used to see the 'Right Bands' live! Beautiful version of this classic song though.

[soyas100]

I totally agree with you, I used to dance to suzy qauttro or whatever bashing with the guitar when I was four, does'nt say I am a bender like. Life is wonderful and I think you listen to music to where you are at the moment in time. life is a journey not a destination. I used think when I get there, what if I dont!! like many others. hope you are well, in a none religious way.

[lucasbaba1]

I don't get this Duran Vs Japan thing! It's not a football match. Taste in all art forms is entirely subjective(thankfully). Most of our first musical experiences are nursery rhymes, but our preferences develop, usually in line with our life experiences. i always loved music, but my greatest epiphany was this realisation, and when I realised I could open my ears and my heart to "new" sounds it was life-changing. I now listen to anything including opera,jazz,pop,rock reggae,folk,blues,et al. X.

[atrios28]

several of Duran Duran's members cited Japan and David Sylvian specificially as their major influence - they took what was pure and commercialized it. happens all the time

[gregingram1970]

@atrios28 I thnk it has been established duran durans influences are - bowie, roxy music, krakftwerk, jonii mitchel, velvet underground, chic (espically bernard edwards on bass), punk, the doors. Japans ambient synth pop was of 1980 - which of course would be chronologically too short a period to have had a formative effect on the commercial releases of duran durans first ablum at least. in addition, Rio is nothing like japan.

[gregingram1970]

@lucasbaba1 Duran duran are much more diverse in style and of course success than japan. lets not get caught up in music snobbery. nick rhodes didnt rob japan of anything. john taylor didt want to be mick karn and le bon is certainly not davy sylvian. duran duran are one of the most commerically successful bands in popular music history. japan were a fleeting fashionalbe sound nearly thirty years ago./

[mashamorgan]

I still have this on VHS after video taping it off the Old Grey test on BBC TV many years ago, the show ended with The art of Parties if I remember rightly

[quanti88]

This song send shivers down my spine, I just love Japan and David Sylvian voice is so unique. One of the greatest band of the 80's, never in the limelight, overexposed or pretentious (Duran Duran & Spandau ballet). Japan's music was a great part of my life in my teens. I love Japan & David Sylvian forever man!

[eve2958809]

I agree.........I never liked Duran Duran.........although all my peer group were massive fans..........I think it was because Simon loved himself and his "music" too music...............sorry to offend any fans ;)

[dustinzk]

I like a few of Duran Duran's songs ... and I love Japan. Don't really like the comparison though, since Japan's Music so much more fragile and beautiful!

[gregingram1970]

@quanti88 Japan are full of pretense. In fact, out of the 2 albums that were any good, and considering the rest of their material was shite, I cant think why they took themselvfes so seriously.

[quanti88]

@gregingram1970 Obviously you're a diehard, overzealous Duran Duran fan and yes Duran Duran were more commercially successful, more manufactured and profoundly PRETENSE than any other band of the 80's. They hog the limelight, the papparazi & media's favourite, gorgeous model girlfriends, sex/drugs & rock n roll stories & etc which contributed to making them so famous, mainstream & successful. Yes Duran Duran took themselves seriously and so did "Take That" !

[gregingram1970]

@quanti88 I think duran duran and take that in the same sententence naturally doesnt really sit easy. I would say U2 had massive commerical success, bruce springsteen, the beatles, rolling stones, coldplay, simple minds etc I know japan fans credit their 'band' with 'not appearing' to be mainstream. I, of course, llike many others would say a record company has an agenda to sell their product (japan) to consumers...

[gregingram1970]

@quanti88 ...I would add that Japan were massivley pretentious. Lots of youtube clips for evidence but I reckon it was the 'norm' of the 80s pop culture however you would be correct in saying duran duran were the 'worst' of self important snobbery but then again they were probably the most idolised band of their generation and consequently egos inflate...

[thesandband]

@quanti88 I absolutely agree. I spent, like you probably, most of my teen age with Japan, it was so wonderful, and it is still now.

[snowpea33]

This takes me back to when I first discovered Sylvian in 84 and I fell instantly! His music helped me through so many tough and lonely times. I still get teary when I listen to this song! Shit he's talented.

[Doriana58]

@gregingram: Have you ever heard of such a thing as influence?

The early Japan were of course influenced by Roxy etc. but with the later albums they found their own style. And btw, almost every band that came out of the New Romantic/ New Wave movement was influenced by Bowie and/ or Roxy Music. That doesn't mean they were all rip-offs.

I personaly don't think that Duran were inferior to Japan, I'd just say they had a completely different style of music, with Duran being a lot more mainstream.

[gregingram1970]

So many comments on Duran Duran being inferior or ripping of Japan. What piffle. They both ripped off roxy music, david bowie and new york dolls...kreftwork and some others...only Duran Duran were, obviously, much, much better.

[lilackitsune]

Duran was influenced by Kraftwerk and Bowie too, I love Duran I'm a duranie es the matter of fact, but you can not denied all influences that exist on New Wave/New Romantic movement. Japan was the first, Duran admired Japan that does not make them inferior!

[ajs41]

Pretty amazing stuff from David Sylvian and Japan - to improve on Eric Satie like this.

[Lebarondesamedi]

Sylvian looks like a version esistencialistè of Bowie , the music reminds slightly of " In every dream home a heartache " of Roxy Music, with a touch of Satie, it could be the perfect soundtrack for Liliana Cavani's Nightporter...excellent!

[petrusaloisius]

Is doesnt matter which artist or band starts a kind of music. Its important that they all make beautiful music. Ultr, John, Japan, Duran. all they did a good job with beautiful songs (of course not all but so what).

[despoolkop]

what have the kids today?shite.this is class.good music liveds in this guy.

[wardy638]

loved everything they done,including david sylvans solo work.got all there albums on lps,have just started collecting them on cds as the record player no longer works.

[mintwithahole]

In the early nineties my band used to cover this song. Although I was the drummer I used to play the glock as well when we did this song. This is by far the best version of Nightporter. Thanks for posting.

[newromanticgal]

WOW!, this is very rare, Thanks for uploading :D :D!!

[maddogj7]

David was without a doubt inspired by the French composer Eric Satie . listen for yourself

[bollockowithalob]

An excellent studio song.

But - is clearly influenced by Nico's Marble Index.

[yoshibax]

This was my 1st Japan album I've ever bought. From there I bought Quite Life and others. Still my favorite album but their live album is awesome. The originators of the new romantic movement in Europe.

[DerVampyrEngel]

So brilliant so sad reminds me when I was very young and a Futurist and in love well it was lets say unrequited love of a burgundy haired girl a fellow Numaniod at the time, teenage love eh? LOL still such a beautiful song

[lizzielh]

beautiful live version

[motellife]

beautiful. almost drove me to the edge of tears

japan was such an amazing band.

[weeshooie]

so glad to find all the Japan songs on here - takes me back to when I was a new romantic!! Still sound as good as ever

[dermotoblong]

yeah i know what you mean all of your comments! they'll never be anything like japan again.

[pmw12345]

wish i could build a time machine i'd stay in the 80's forever class

[Ripburns]

Takes me back Im 47 now and 25 odd year later I still play their music however I lost the hairstyle a while back. Great look

[dermotoblong]

yeah right mate! what a band though.

[Undercovermanage]

Nightporter is an absolute triumph of simplicity and atmosphere over virtuosity and extravagance. That's not to say that each member of the band is a poor player, but the chords are very basic. It's the minor embellishments that make this what it is - the delicate synths, that gorgeous clarinet. It's sparse and all the better for it.

[Maxiclaudi]

If you were there, if you met them in real live, you would know that they are all GRE

AT and WONDERFUL musicians. David's voice is the best, but both Steve and Mick can sing too! Sure, the chords might be basic, but check all of them out NOW, they have all progressed to be wonderful and great musicians, song writers and lyricists!

[madtyper]

EXCELLENT...

[chrisjpz]

Amazing - True visionaries, well ahead of their time. One of my favorite bands, thank you for posting this......

[savaoth69]

Gr8 music...

[AnthonyMoynihan]

This track is absolutely beautiful. The melody, the clarinet & electronics playing in harmony. Since Japan split I never found another group of musicians with such fragility or sensitivity. Thank you for posting this, it brings back a lot of special memories.

[nlprophet]

cult track and musicians, thnx!

[yoshibax]

Japan started the New Romantics movement. There would be no Duran Duran, Kajagoogoo etc. if not for them. Incredible musicians and great studio albums. My favotite is still "Gentlemen take Poloroids".

[nigelartist]

Excujse me. You are forgetting the great Gary Numan!

[maddogj7]

what about ultravox and john foxx

[maddogj7]

ultravox and john foxx must have been the ones to start it all

[therealazaro]

Clarinet in low register. I have to stop watching all these old clips from the 80's! I'm a huge D. Sylvian fan but this is destroying me.

[rustykenpo]

This is so cool. I prefer the live recording to studio version but it is not included on the "Oil on Canvas" video. This is the next best thing. Thanks for posting this clip.

[Manolo678]

no se puede tener mas clase!!! brillantes!!!

[bradder68]

This is brilliant

I used to have this on an old betamax tape but taped over it

Sylvian is a genius and under rated

What about a reunion for these instead of those old monsters Led Zep

[mannin666]

skinner andy d chance rat swimming baths trade winds mr sylivan oh happy days

[mannin666]

skinner andy chance rat  swimming baths trade winds mr sylivan oh happy days

[1989house]

Thank you for uploading. I remember seeing this when it was on OGWT.

[khyberkarn]

OMG - I recall my video wasn't recording at the time and I wanted to watch it again! Thank you - I dread to think how many years later I'm now sat watching it....

[Steerpikey]

Is that a clarinet ?? I thought the original had an oboe. wow this surely sounds as cool. wonder what mouthpiece he uses to get that tone

[adambeeby]

Brings back all the memories. Thank you!

[darts1964]

awsome what a time for music

[vonklinkeroffen]

I had this on video many moons ago and lost it. Thanks very much for showing it.

[Verfechter]

thank you