Southern All Stars vocalist Kuwata Keisuke (54, profile) delighted fans with a surprise live performance yesterday. The hugely popular singer, who spent much of last year battling esophageal cancer, appeared at an event for 800 fans at the Zepp Fukuoka live house to promote his upcoming album “Musicman.” The audience had been expecting just a “shichokai” (listening party), a sneak preview of the new album, but as the intro played to the single “Ashita Harerukana” a spotlight revealed Kuwata walking on stage. He went on to do a powerful 30-minute set that convinced the audience that he has made a full recovery. Though he performed by satellite on the NHK “Kohaku Uta Gassen” concert on New Year’s Eve, this was his first time to sing in front of fans since he made a guest appearance at a solo show by his wife, Hara Yuko (54), last July.
In addition to the live performance, fans got to hear the the whole 70-minute, 17-track album. They also got the first look at videos for the songs “Soreike Baby!” and “Gekko no Seijatachi (Mister Moonlight).” Promoters Amuse said that there would be a total of seven similar events across the country, but refused to say whether Kuwata would be appearing again. “Musicman” is his first solo album in nine years and is sure to be one of the year’s biggest hits. It was originally scheduled for an October 2010 release, but now goes on sale February 23.
Talking about his hospitalization and surgery last year, Kuwata told fans, “Your origami cranes and lucky talismans gave me a real boost. I’m here today thanks to your prayers and warm words of support. Thank you so much!”