DER ZIBET Tribute Update Vol. 7
20 February 2024

ISSAY—A Brother & A Kindred Soul
A Gentle, Dignified, & Beautiful Bosom Friend for Eternity

by Chu-ya

Having been born and lived in the same era together, DER ZIBET is a rival and brethren (to me). I also admired them as icons glittering in darkness and decadence. ISSAY can only be described as my brother and kindred soul. Gentle, dignified, and beautiful; my bosom friend for eternity.
—Chu-ya

This update talks about the story and history behind a lavish event which was held jointly by ISSAY (DER ZIBET), and Chu-ya (LOOPUS〜FAR EAST PHALLUS KICKER) and Genet (AUTO-MOD), both of whom are participating in the tribute album. This event occurred regularly in recent years. It is a pity that we will no longer be able to see these three unorthodox and charming artists in performance, but we on the project team hope that activities by these legends will continue in the future. Also included are comments from Chu-ya, a sworn brother and most frequent co-performer to ISSAY.

BUCK-TICK’s Anii (Toll)’s birthday event leads to the birth of the Dark Triad of ISSAY, Genet, and Chu-ya.

Joint performances by ISSAY, Genet, and Chu-ya date back to the late 1980s. The three of them came together again for the first time in a long while in 2012 at BUCK-TICK’s drummer Yagami’s 50th birthday concert celebration (DER ZIBET, AUTO-MOD, and LOOPUS were guest performers). Afterwards, these three bands began to hold events together regularly. The momentous first was in 2014 at FREAKS OF LEGEND Vol.6, hosted by Genet.

Perhaps as a result of their overly potent presences, these three who tremendously influenced the new wave, goth, glam, and positive punk music scenes were known by monikers like  “The Dark Triad (闇御三家)“, “The Trio of Heinous Specters (三妖怪)“, and “The Decadent Three (デカダン三人男)“. Following the first, they made the agreement that each band would take turns hosting events. In 2017, it was DER ZIBET’s LIVE MANIA act.4, in 2018, it was Chu-ya’s Jashin no Kyouen 〜Better An Old Demon Than A New God (Feast of Fiends/邪神の狂宴), and in 2019, it was Genet’s FREAKS OF LEGEND 2019. All these were annual balls which were held at Koenji HIGH.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, a talk session hosted by FOOL’S MATE Channel was held instead of a live concert.

In 2023, Chu-ya got in contact with ISSAY and Genet to plan their return after a four-year break, but with ISSAY’s passing, the two bands, LOOPUS and AUTO-MOD held the event titled, “Rebirth!! Jashin no Kyouen (-1)” on the 4th of November at Kichijoji ROCK JOINT GB. The special guest guitarist on this day was Yukino (krishnablue / ex. AUTO-MOD), who is also participating in the tribute album. Notably, Yukino was also the creator of the illustration of these three. It was sold as character merchandise during the 2019 event.

Translation: Yoshiyuki
Source: DER ZIBET Tribute Update Vol.7