Bars that Rock
Lately, rock has been enjoying
a second coming. Last year, The Darkness strode manfully up the
British charts while Ozzy charmed the MTV nation with his bumbling
performances. Meanwhile, in Kansai, two bastions of the rock community
have been rocking like they always have done, cranking the volume
up to 11 along the way. Kyoto’s Bar Ing and Rock Rock in Shinsaibashi
are by no means new bars, but, like all good rock bands, they deserve
a tribute.
Bar Ing, Kyoto
Ing has been on the go for 5 years, inspired by
The Rolling Stones’ 1998 tour to Japan.
Owner Hako (Box to his foreign friends), how-ever,
seems like he’s been on the go for many a year before that,
and is central to the bars character and friendly atmosphere. A
Japanese Keith Richards, Box moved from another Kyoto institution,
A-bar, to start his own bar, with resounding success. He’s
there every night and will always accept a drink. His love for the
Stones doesn’t get in the way of the atmosphere — while
the music is a little predictable, it’s one of the reasons
many people go there. Ing lacks any kind of pretensions, and since
its humble beginnings has been the scene of many drunken rock-and-roll
nights, with Hako always in the thick of things.
The staff break open the beers (about ¥400)
with chopsticks, with wanton disregard for where the flying bottle
caps go. The food is, as you might expect, basic, designed to keep
you going through to morning. As ominous as it sounds, try the roast
garlic — a whole bulb for only ¥400. The spicy chicken,
for ¥550, will also line your stomach enough for the night.
 Bar
Ing
Kyoto Royal Bldg 2F, Takoyakushi,
Nishikiyamachi, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto
Nearest stations: Hankyu Kawaramachi station, Keihan Shijo Station
Open: 7 days a week, 6pm ‘til late
Tel: 075-255-5087
Rock Rock, Shinsaibashi
The Mecca of all things rock in Osaka, this is
the place to come if you want to meet legends. Metallica stopped
by after their seminal show in November last year, and owner/manager
Seiji Okada lost count when he was telling me who else has stopped
by. A short run-down includes Marilyn Manson and Kiss, along with
(bizarrely enough) Keanu Reeves, and the signed memorabilia that
you can see everywhere is testament to this. I met the guitarist
from the Foo Fighters there one day last February. Rock Rock celebrated
their 8th birthday last month, and during that time they have cemented
their position as arguably the most famous rock bar in Kansai. Okada’s
connections ensure that there is a steady stream of both regulars
and honoured guests.
Located, suitably enough, above a goth clothing
store called Garden for a Zealot, Rock Rock has the advantage of
being in the thick of things. Although the Amerika-mura mood may
have changed since Okada opened in ’95, Rock Rock remains a
cornerstone of the area. Bartender Noxl Rose is also a Shinsaibashi
celebrity.
Although there is currently no live space, Okada
is considering a move to larger digs to accommodate the obvious
demand for live music. Sundays are Hell’s Bells nights, with
the finest of rock spun by their resident DJ, Mike. Drinks are averagely
priced, and there is also a fairly extensive menu.
 Rock
Rock
Shinsaibashi Atrium Bldg 3F,
1-8-1 Nishishinsaibashi
Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi (Midosuji Line)
Open: 7 days a week, 7pm ‘til late.
http://rockrock.co.jp
Tel:/fax: 06-6244-6969
Text & Photos: Euan Mckirdy
|
