Cherished scenes from the video games will be intertwined with live orchestral, rock, and pop performances in "More Friends—Music from Final Fantasy —With Special Guests."
"I couldn't be more pleased with the popularity of the FINAL FANTASY music in America, and I can't wait for the fans' reaction to this new show," said series composer Nobuo Uematsu. "I am especially delighted that my wish to perform in America with my band, The Black Mages, has come true."
"In appreciation of the great success of the 'Dear Friends' concerts, I'm thrilled to bring another performance to America during E3," said Ichiro Otobe, president and COO of Square Enix, Inc. "'More Friends' will add further depth and variety to the FINAL FANTASY music experience."
"More Friends" will be presented just one year after the first stateside performance of composer Nobuo Uematsu's award-winning music in "Dear Friends—Music from FINAL FANTASY." The positive reaction to the show set off a nationwide tour of "Dear Friends," and now fans can expect a new and memorable performance with "More Friends." The addition of special guest performers including Uematsu's own band, The Black Mages, will offer a brand-new experience to the "More Friends" audience.
The Black Mages made their debut in February 2003 with a self-titled album comprised of FINAL FANTASY battle music arranged in a rock style. Uematsu leads the band, performing as organist. Joining Uematsu are Tsuyoshi Sekito (guitar), Michio Okamiya (guitar), Kenichiro Fukui (keyboards), Keiji Kawamori (bass), and Arata Hanyuda (drums). More information about The Black Mages can be found at www.square-enix.com/uematsu/black_mages/index.html.
The program is produced by Uematsu and brings back conductor Arnie Roth from the "Dear Friends" concerts in Chicago and San Francisco. The concert is presented by Jason Michael Paul Productions. Tickets will be on sale on March 21, 2005 at all Ticketmaster outlets, at Universal Amphitheatre Main & Citywalk Box offices, charged by phone at 213.252.8497, or online through Ticketmaster.
For more information on FINAL FANTASY music, please visit the official website.