Japan | The Art of Parties | “Live” at the Hammersmith Odeon | November 1982

40 years ago this month, 17 - 22 November 1982, Japan were playing a 6-night residency at the Hammersmith Odeon, their final UK shows. Here is re-edited and restored footage and audio from the Japan Oil On Canvas video and album, recorded “live” during those shows. • On 1 October 1982, Japan commenced their final series of live concerts, the “Sons of Pioneers” tour. The band were at the peak of their commercial and critical success, and the tour was the most extensive they had undertaken, with shows in Europe, the UK - including the 6 consecutive nights at London’s Hammersmith Odeon - and the Far East. Prior to the tour, the band had already decided to split up, and the last ever concert by Japan was in Nagoya, Japan on 16 December 1982. The Sons of Pioneers shows featured a well balanced setlist, that included most of the latest album Tin Drum, 4 tracks from the previous album Gentlemen Take Polaroids, and 4 “oldies” from the Quiet life era. The final song in the set was The Art o