Japanese music production company WACK will hold its fifth overseas concert, “WACK in the UK vol.5,” at The Underworld in London on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 (UK local time).

WACK has previously hosted “WACK in the UK” at The Underworld on November 16, 2023, March 27, 2024, August 28, 2024, and November 27, 2024.

WACK has built its status as a punk presence within Japan’s idol scene by centering on rock and alternative rock while employing shocking RP strategies reminiscent of Malcolm McLaren. Since BiSH disbanded in June 2023, WACK’s groups have expanded their musical range beyond rock, showcasing even greater diversity in their sounds and identities.

For this fifth installment, three groups—GANG PARADE, ASP, and KiSS KiSS—will take the stage. The lineup is the same as Vol.2, which was held a year ago, but what kind of performance will they deliver this time? Experience the heat of the moment live in London!

■ASP

ASP is the only group that has performed at every edition of “WACK in the UK” since its inception. Their name stands for “ANTi SOCiETY PUNKS,” and their fans are collectively referred to as “Narazumono” (Rogue). In 2024, they successfully held a solo concert at Nippon Budokan, the legendary venue where The Beatles performed during their Japan tour.

Their music spans a wide range of styles, from punk to hyperpop and hip-hop, blending alternative rock and electronic music. ASP continues to push the boundaries of the idol genre, having worked with London-based rock unit WARGASM (who produced their song “MAKE A MOVE”) and Maxim of The Prodigy (who created “TOXiC iNVASiON”).

■GANG PARADE

GANG PARADE is an 11-member idol group with the concept of “Everyone’s Playground.” Their fans are known as “Asobinin” (players). The group was originally formed in 2014 under a different name and has undergone two name changes, multiple lineup shifts, and dramatic challenges—including a period where the group split into two and a grueling 200km relay race among the members. Despite these hardships, they have always delivered bright and energetic performances.

Their debut song, “Plastic 2 Mercy,” is an EDM-inspired track reminiscent of Twenty One Pilots’ “Car Radio,” but their discography of over 150 songs also includes emotional rock, dance music, and alternative rock. Their dynamic performances as a large 11-member unit are a key highlight of their shows.

■KiSS KiSS

KiSS KiSS is a five-member orthodox idol group with the concept of “Delivering a KiSS to You! Chu!♡” The group consists of five members who are also part of GANG PARADE, and they celebrated their 2nd anniversary in March 2025. Their fans are called “KiSSERS.”

While WACK has been known for producing alternative idols, KiSS KiSS deliberately embraces a traditional idol style. Their cute and frilly outfits and catchy pop songs represent the most mainstream style of modern Japanese idols. Songs like their latest “Kawaii Nante Iwanaide” (“Don’t Call Me Cute”) offer a perfect opportunity to experience the essence of contemporary Japanese idol culture.