The Music of Fire Bomber: A Love That Transcends Time, Space, and Personal Circumstances

Today is the day! 29 years, booomba! Let’s get this straight: Fire Bomber is not just a band. It’s a phenomenon, a force of nature that shook the very foundations of the Macross universe. The music of Fire Bomber is the lifeblood of Macross 7, a series that dared to be different, that dared to defy the norms set by its predecessor, SDF Macross. Songs like Planet Dance and Totsugeki Love Heart are not just tracks; they’re anthems, declarations of war against the mundane, against the ordinary. But it’s their live sets that carry you to heaven.

From Florida to the Macross Universe

I was in Florida, fresh off a stint with the U.S. Army that didn’t pan out as I’d hoped. I was navigating the local Workforce program, a young man grappling with the complexities of adulthood. It was during this time that I stumbled upon Macross 7 and Macross Plus. While the mecha designs of Plus were captivating, it was the story and music of Macross 7 that truly resonated with me. Perhaps it was the length of the series that allowed for a deeper narrative, but let’s be honest: it was all about Fire Bomber.

The Voices That Brought Macross 7 to Life

The magic of Fire Bomber can be attributed to the incredible talents of Chie Kajiura, the singing voice of Mylene, and Yoshiki Fukuyama, the voice behind Basara. Together with their band, they create a soundscape that transcends the realm of anisong and transports you to a demi-dimension where Macross might just be a reality. Even in 2023, the passion in their voices remains undiminished, a testament to the timeless appeal of Macross 7’s music.

Macross 7 vs. SDF Macross: A Tale of Two Universes

SDF Macross was groundbreaking, no doubt. But Macross 7? It was revolutionary. While SDF Macross gave us a space opera replete with military and romantic elements, Macross 7 turned the tables and gave us a rock opera. It was a shift not just in the narrative but in the very ethos of the Macross universe. The ship’s aesthetics, the character designs, the music, the tone, everything was a departure, and what a gloriously absurd departure it was.

The Little Things That Make Macross 7 Special

1. Spiritia: This was not just a plot device; it was a philosophical concept that added layers of complexity to the series. This would later be expanded in both Macross Frontier and even more so in Macross Delta.
2. Variable Fighters: The VF-17 Nightmare and VF-19 Excalibur are not just mechs; they’re works of art, meticulously designed and engineered to perfection. Well, they are in Macross Plus!
3. Crossovers: The influence of Macross 7 is so pervasive that elements from the series have found their way into other Macross series and even video games. My favorites are Ozama Lee yelling Planet Dance in Episode #7 and May’n singing with Yoshiki Fukuyama

A Love That Will Never Die

As we celebrate the 29th anniversary of Macross 7, let’s not forget what makes this series truly special: its audacity to be different, its courage to break the mold, and above all, its undying love for music. Fire Bomber’s music is not just a collection of songs; it’s a manifesto, a declaration of love for the Macross universe, a love that will never die.