The Weeknd Performs "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" Live in Tokyo with Yoko Takahashi
On Saturday in Tokyo, Canadian artist The Weeknd debuted an unreleased song, featuring a sample from "A Cruel Angel's Thesis," the iconic 1995 opening theme of Neon Genesis Evangelion, performed alongside its original vocalist, Yoko Takahashi. This theme is the most sought-after song in Japanese karaoke, highlighting its deep cultural impact. Since 2018, it has led to various mashups, including a collaboration with LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem." Initially, creator Hideaki Anno considered Aleksandr Borodin's Polovtsian Dances, but ultimately his team chose to create an original theme. Composed by Toshiyuki Omori and Hidetoshi Sato, with production by Toshimichi Otsuki, the lyrics penned by Neko Oikawa earned over three million euros in royalties. Takahashi continues to attract large audiences at pop culture events.
Fatti principali
- The Weeknd performed an unreleased track sampling "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" live in Tokyo with Yoko Takahashi
- Yoko Takahashi recorded the original theme in 1995
- The song is by a wide margin the most requested at Japanese karaoke
- Hideaki Anno originally wanted to borrow from Aleksandr Borodin's Polovtsian Dances instead of an original theme
- Composers Toshiyuki Omori and Hidetoshi Sato wrote the theme, produced by Toshimichi Otsuki at King Records
- Lyricist Neko Oikawa wrote the text in just over two hours and earned over three million euros in royalties
- A 2018 mashup combined the song with LMFAO's "Party Rock Anthem"
- Takahashi has called it one of the most difficult performances of her career
Entità
Artisti
- The Weeknd
- Yoko Takahashi
- Hideaki Anno
- Aleksandr Borodin
- Toshiyuki Omori
- Hidetoshi Sato
- Toshimichi Otsuki
- Neko Oikawa
Istituzioni
- Gainax
- King Records
- Kōdansha
- LMFAO
Luoghi
- Tokyo
- Japan