A very special edition of WACK in the UK finds the festivities spread over two days for double the fun and double the trouble. With no announcement made about a seventh edition, the future of the event looks uncertain and if this does indeed prove to be the final instalment then the organisers have served up a veritable fest with the cream of the alternative idol scene.
However, one thing that always remain constant is the rabid fandom surrounding Wack and the festivities start early in the day, not only for the VIP ticket holders, but also from those who’ve arrived early with the hope of securing a coveted place in front of the stage. It all conspires to create an excitable atmosphere meaning that when we descend the steps into the cavernous Underworld, we’re all juiced up and ready to roll.
WACK in the UK Vol. 6, Day 1: ExWHYZ + ASP + MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN
The Underworld, London on 5th June 2025
Here we are at WACK in the UK volume 6, for WACK’s first two-day event for the United Kingdom, and day one matched the summer weather by bringing the heat and the returning members. Junnosuke Watanabe, the founder of the company, opened the day welcoming all and gave the audience a minor panic, jokingly stating that no photography was allowed during the event.
MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
Starting day one’s event was the group MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN whose line-up was now back up to full power with returning member Hanaemonster making her debut in the United Kingdom. With their more light-hearted idol music style, they are always a great opener for WACK. Beginning with fan favourites Flash and TONAi GiRL’S, they then treated us to an MC section and introduced their full line-up: Leonaeempire welcomed everyone and mentioned she had been to Tesco. Aika The Spy mentioned her favourite foods are cookies, chocolate and cabbage. Nao Of Nao advised that when she gets excited her ponytail spins. Momoti Ngale stated that she is here to spread positive motivation, and finally, Hanaemonster greeted the crowd and that she was happy to be here performing for the first time in the United Kingdom and really enjoyed visiting the Camden market.
MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
The group stated that they want to dance for everyone with the help for choreography from Aina the End (of former WACK group BiSH). For the second part of their set, they performed some of their best work with MUST GO being a definite highlight. For the second MC, they talked about filming the music video for Walk in London during their last visit to the capital for Wack and asked if we all enjoyed it, I think this is already the case as it’s become a bit of a pilgrimage for fans. For the final part of the show, they performed Walk and finished up with 豆柴の大群-お送りするのは人生劇場- (MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN -Ookurisuruno Ha Zinseigekijou-).
ASP at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
ASP are a cornerstone of the WACK in the UK event, having performed at every volume (with a few tweaks) and tonight they made another welcome appearance. Front and centre was their newest member, who was announced through an egg that was seen shortly after volume 5, and that egg became iKO MUGENNOKANATA, a former member of the last iteration of BiS, who performed at WACK in the UK vol.4.
ASP were rocking new outfits and came out swinging with a tight set. Being in the United Kingdom is second nature for them at this point. Starting with Tokyo Sky Blues, their performance was fast and heavy, perfectly matching their new style. The first MC introduced their new member, iKO MUGENNOKANATA, and acknowledged that Nameless was in Japan resting and that they will keep trying their hardest. With only the one MC, there was a more straight-to-business feel to this performance as the stalwarts of the WACK in the UK lore. The remaining set covered fan favourites like PLEASE!!!, MAKE A MOVE, Get New MIRAI, TOXiC iNVASiON and finishing with Hyper Cracker. This was a tight performance; straight-to-business, no messing.
ASP at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
The last time ExWHYZ were at WACK in the UK, it ended with their fourth member Mayu returning at the end of the event, now they are back at full strength and ready to end day one of this two-day extravaganza. Starting with Dresscode, SHOWTIME, NOT SORRY and ANSWER, the group did not let up with their fast pace and kinetic moves.
ExWHYZ at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
During the first MC the group thanked everyone for being here, and each member introduced themselves, with Mayu stating it’s the first time she has been back since her debut at volume 4. The group members asked if they are having fun, and that they are happy to hear everyone’s voice. Mikina said it was too hot and how exciting it was to be back but she struggled with English. Luckily she was given another chance by Maho to feel everyone’s energy. Yuki got a football chant from the fans (“YUKI, YUKI, YUKI”) and asked everyone to enjoy tonight and have fun.
The second part of their performance were filled with fan favourites, such as Sweet & Sour and Fleeting, before we get to the second MC where the group announced they were going to perform a brand-new song and asked if we could please refrain from photographing or filming the song (which was respected), with the announcement that it would be released later that month. The new track iD was performed and then they wrapped things up by finishing with Obsession and STAY WITH Me.
ExWHYZ at WACK in the UK vol.6 (Day 1) | Photography by JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
Junnosuke Watanabe opened the evening and he closed it by congratulating the audience for being the loudest and that audiences are starting to understand what WACK is all about. All the members of all three units were brought out and MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN and ExWHYZ each introduced their returning members and those returning members announced they are happy to be back and see all of us. Mayu advised she would study, study, study and happy they could connect through music with us. iKO was then introduced as the newest member of ASP and was very happy to be here and thanked everyone for there support. Watanabe ended up announcing the ASP tour in the United Kingdom, which was probably the best way to conclude this evening. It was a gig that set the bar impossibly high for part two.
Photography by: JJ Grant (wonderlens)
