Passing Stories to the Next Generation~
In Memory of Illustrious Rock Poet ISSAY
DER ZIBET Tribute Album Production Project
Motion Gallery
Presented by
DER ZIBET Tribute Project
From 20 January 2024 to 29 February 2024
Funding goal: 5,000,000 yen
Pledged amount: 11,248,218 yen
No. of backers: 870
Crowdfunding page: https://motion-gallery.net/projects/DERZIBET
Related posts:
※DER ZIBET Tribute Update Vol. 7: ISSAY—A Brother & A Kindred Soul by Chu-ya
The Project
This is a tribute album dedicated to ISSAY, vocalist of DER ZIBET who suddenly passed away last August. Funds are being raised for the production of a CD featuring many artists covering a collection of works which embody ISSAY’s soul, which the late Sakurai Atsushi is known to have adored.
To prevent proof that phenomenal artist ISSAY existed from fading away.
【A message from DER ZIBET Tribute Project】
We are made up of volunteers from the music industry who have been involved with DER ZIBET, and we have unequivocal reasons for forming this committee; because we feel strongly that ISSAY, the charismatic figure in the rock scene who died suddenly in an accident, and DER ZIBET, a band that continued to produce classic albums that inspired a wide range of musicians “cannot fade away just like that”, “needs a tangible memorial”, and that “there must be other musicians who share these feelings too”. Even if the life is scattered, the music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who listen to it, and will continue to radiate an eternal luster. With mixed feelings of loss and determination, we set about planning this tribute album.
【The revolutionary vocalist, ISSAY】
Respected by scores of musicians including BUCK-TICK‘s late Sakurai Atsushi, the well-loved ISSAY made his debut as DER ZIBET’s vocalist in 1985. Despite being described by the media as “a rock band ahead of their time”, the band was a significant influence on numerous of bands, including those which were later known as Visual Kei.
Penning beautiful lyrics which echo the perspectives of Mishima Yukio and The Doors’ Jim Morrison, he was aptly nicknamed the “rock poet”, bringing affirmation to those living with loneliness and alienation. Incorporating pantomime (which he studied under Mochizuki Akira since his teens) in his performances, it could be said that ISSAY was a “revolutionary” of the music scene.
Before he debuted with DER ZIBET, he starred in director Macoto Tezuka’s first theatrical film “The Legend of the Stardust Brothers” as an actor. Even on screen, his strong personality came through, and in recent years, he also acted in “Tezuka’s Barbara” which starred Inagaki Goro and Nikaido Fumi. The late director Obayashi Nobuhiko also recognised his talent, describing him as a “phenomenal artist”.
【Okano Hajime; the producer of the tribute album】
Producing this album is Okano Hajime, who worked on the past two DER ZIBET releases and has worked with many other artists like L’Arc~en~Ciel. Alongside him is Koni-young (one of Japan’s top sound engineers who worked with the late Imawano Kiyoshiro, BUCK-TICK, LUNA SEA and many more) who will take on the role of main sound engineer.
Numerous musicians have come forward with love and expressed their interest in participating. Now, we are working on the living testimony of the legend ISSAY and the multifaceted and original songs of DER ZIBET, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, to ensure that they all carry on into the future.
What kind of chemical reactions will be born from this unprecedented combination of musicians? (List will be updated as and when on this website and on the official X account @DZ__TP)
The tribute album, ISSAY gave life to FLOWERS – TRIBUTE to DER ZIBET – (working title) is slated for release on the 6th of July, ISSAY’s birthday. Our goal is to create a tribute album beyond anyone’s expectations. (※To be released under the POP MANIA label presided by DER ZIBET)
We would like to bring this album to fruition together with those who are interested in this project, and everyone who has been supporting [the band] throughout all this time. Everyone’s help will be greatly appreciated. We thank you in advance.
※FOOL’S MATE channel archive series: From the premium one-man live show A day before 35th trip, organised by DER ZIBET in collaboration with FOOL’S MATE channel, timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of their debut.
I first got to know ISSAY when he acted in the movie The Legend of the Stardust Brothers as NIji Kaworu. Later on, he let me listen to the music he made with his own band, DER ZIBET and I was blown away by their musicality and execution. Even now, I can’t forget how I tried all ways and means wanting to help them make their major debut. This all happened before the genre that is Visual Kei came about. It’s clichéd, but he was a man ahead of his time. As an old friend of his, I am indeed glad that so many musicians have voiced their support for this project to produce the tribute album.
— Chikada Haruo
Celebrated musicians across generations are participating!
【The tribute album to commemorate ISSAY will involve over 40 musicians】
To start, we have ZIGGY’s Morishige Juichi (vocalist), RED WARRIORS’ DIAMOND☆YUKAI (vocalist), Kogure “SHAKE” Takehiko (guitarist), and PERSONZ’s Honda Takeshi (guitarist) who are all contemporaries of DER ZIBET.
Also participating are AUTO-MOD’s GENET and now FAR-EAST PHALLUS KICKER’s Chu-ya, both of which are close friends with whom he had regularly held events with in recent years, as well as Chiwaki Mayumi (vocalist) who ISSAY had been friends with since pre-debut, and Fukuhara Mari (pianist) who worked with him in the unit, ISSAY meets DOLLY.
Adding on is a strong group of musicians led by michiaki (Ra:iN/bassist) who are part of the sessions which ISSAY regularly holds at live house Club Sensation in Yokohama.
We also have his juniors, D’ERLANGER’s kyo (vocalist), SOPHIA’s Matsuoka Mitsuru (vocalist)who had been inspired by him since he was in his hometown of Osaka pre-debut, and ZEPPET STORE’s Kimura Seizi (vocalist & guitarist) who first came to Tokyo with a DER ZIBET single.
The list grows with cali≠gari‘s Sakurai Ao (guitarist) and Ishii Shuji (vocalist), Matarow (drummer) & Yonezawa Seiichirou (guitarist) who were members of Lynx which ISSAY formed with the late HEATH (bassist) of X JAPAN during DER ZIBET’s hiatus, and Kaya (vocalist) who has left a comment below. Updates on participating artists will be provided as and when going forward.
Too soon has ISSAY left for heaven. I hope that everyone will support this new interpretation of ISSAY’s world from musicians who adore him. I sincerely hope for the successful completion of this tribute and that the original work will be released in the near future.
— Chiwaki Mayumi
【Participating Musicians ※in no particular order】
Shimoyama Jun (ROCK’N’ROLL GYPSIES, ex. THE ROOSTERZ/Guitarist)
“CRAZY” COOL-JOE (ex. DEAD END/Bassist)
Kamiryo Wataru (NeoBallad/Drummer)
Sumida Takeshi (VooDoo Hawaiians/Guitarist)
Louie (Rose Noire/Violinist)
Tsuchiya Masami (Guitarist)
MORRIE (Vocalist)
Hirose Satoshi (44MAGNUM, ex. Φ/Guitarist)
PATA (X JAPAN, Ra:IN/Guitarist)
SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN, THE LAST ROCKSTARS, SHAG/Violinist)
Ken-ichi (Valentine D.C., VERTUEUX/Vocalist)
Yukino (krishnablue, ex. AUTO-MOD/Guitarist)
Umeda Kazuya (BEAST, nüe, fromDER ZIBET/Drummer)
Keith Yokohama (Demi Semi Quaver, Rock’n roll Big Band The Thrill, エロヒム, Devil Dalipop/Bassist)
Hoppy Kamiyama (“GOD MOUNTAIN” label, arranger, producer/Keyboardist)
Morishige Juichi (ZIGGY/Vocalist)
DIAMOND☆YUKAI (Diamond Shake, RED WARRIORS/Vocalist)
Kogure “SHAKE” Takehiko (Diamond Shake, RED WARRIORS/Guitarist)
GENET (AUTO-MOD/Vocalist)
Chu-ya (ALLERGY, De-LAX, LOOPUS, FAR-EAST PHALLUS KICKER /Vocalist)
Chiwaki Mayumi (Vocalist)
Honda Takeshi (PERSONZ , Effectric Guitar/Guitarist)
Okano Hajime (Bassist)
michiaki (Ra:iN/Bassist)
Mikuni Yoshitaka (GENSHI-SHINBO 〜 PINK FLOYD TRIPS 〜/Keyboardist)
Kashiwabara Katsumi (GENSHI-SHINBO 〜 PINK FLOYD TRIPS 〜/Drummer)
SATOU MINORU (MINORUMOKY, ex. φ, ex. Fliction/Drummer)
Emi Eleonola (Epf. & Ac.)
Fukuhara Mari (ISSAY meets DOLLY/Pianist)
DIE (Ra:iN, hide with Spread Beaver/Keyboardist & Programming)
kyo (D’ERLANGER/Vocalist)
Matsuoka Mitsuru (SOPHIA/Vocalist)
Kimura Seizi (ZEPPET STORE/Vocalist & Guitarist)
NARASAKI (COALTAR OF THE DEEPERS/Guitarist & Track)
Ishii Shuji (GOATBED, cali≠gari/Vocalist)
Sakurai Ao (cali≠gari, L.TB, hector/Guitarist)
Yamahana Asaki (AGE of PUNK/Guitarist)
Hashizume Akito (the superlative degree, HUSH, ex. ALL I NEED/Vocalist)
tezya (tezya & the sightz, Euphoria, ex. FiX/Vocalist)
michi. (MASCHERA, S.Q.F, ALICE IN MENSWEAR/Vocalist)
Kaya (Vocalist)
Arase Dai (dieS/Vocalist)
Yonezawa Seiichirou (W.A.R.P., the superlative degree, HUSH, ex. Lynx /Guitarist)
JUN (Valentine D.C./Bassist)
RIKIJI (OBLIVION DUST/MOCD!/Bassist)
Nakanishi Tomoko (Ulful Keisuke Band, SION’S SQUAD/Bassist)
Minato Masafumi (ex. DEAD END/Drummer)
Koseki Sumitada (MATILDA RODRIGUEZ/Drummer)
Matarow (ex. Lynx/Drummer)
Jill (Rose Noire, Unlucky Morpheus/Violinist)
Dantoudai no MELODY(participating as a band)
・Vocalist YUTAKA (Kneuklid Romance)
・Guitarist Ogasawara Kenichi (Kneuklid Romance)
・Bassist Ryo-Ta
・Drummer HIME
MAHITO (DER ZIBET/Programming)
Far away, Have your way, the wind sings
The stars, the clouds, and the woods watched you
When you were at your most beautiful, you wounded little thingIt was 1994. I was all about LUNA SEA and BUCK-TICK when a friend introduced Der Zibet to me, saying, “There’s this amazing band”. The cover of HOMO DEMENS left a strong impression on me, and knowing that ISSAY-san was featured in the aesthetic magazine JUNE which I secretly loved reading as an influence by my older sister, I was bursting with interest when I excitedly purchased “Nire no Ki no Ue”. Delicately beautiful lyrics and music, and that voice unlike any other. Addicted in a moment, I’ve been infatuated ever since. Later, I came to know lots of Der Zibet’s wonderful music, but ultimately, the best one of all to me has to be “Nire no Ki no Ue”. The melody, the music, the lyrics, the voice. It is a lovely piece of music filled with strong emotions. And it will definitely continue to be, forever.
— Kaya
Backer Rewards
【Basic tier】(common to all tiers)
1. Everyone’s names will be credited in the DER ZIBET tribute album which is slated to be released on 6 July, and will be dispatched for delivery about 2 weeks ahead of that.
2. Production diary e-newsletter distribution 〜 In order allow all backers to follow the progress of the production closely, Itoharu or “the middle man”, who is in charge of production and was a member of the initial DER ZIBET staff, will provide detailed reports in the newsletter.
DER ZIBET T-shirt
Album covers of all 19 (+1) of their original works including the 12-inch release “Girls” from their first album, “Violetter Ball” arranged in a lizard-shaped collage.
On the back is the tribute album title and all of the participating musicians along with the five members of DER ZIBET in alphabetical order.
Sizes up to 3XL are availble. Measurements are as follows:
(length, width, shoulder width, sleeve length)
S 66cm 49cm 44cm 19cm
M 70cm 52cm 47cm 20cm
L 74cm 55cm 50cm 22cm
XL 78cm 58cm 53cm 24cm
2XL 82cm 61cm 56cm 26cm
3XL 84cm 64cm 59cm 26cm
ISSAY T-shirt
Photo of ISSAY by Masaaki Otake in 1985 at debut.
Text on the back:
ISSAY
1962.7.6 – 2023.8.5
Sizes up to 3XL are availble. Measurements are as follows:
(length, width, shoulder width, sleeve length)
S 66cm 49cm 44cm 19cm
M 70cm 52cm 47cm 20cm
L 74cm 55cm 50cm 22cm
XL 78cm 58cm 53cm 24cm
2XL 82cm 61cm 56cm 26cm
3XL 84cm 64cm 59cm 26cm
DER ZIBET Silver Cross &ISSAY Lizard
A plate engraved with DER ZIBET sits behind the cross while the cross is engraved with ISSAY. Comes with a 50cm chain. Your name can be engraved on the back of the removable lizard (up to 6 English characters).
Made by Big Black Maria.
Dimensions:
Cross: Length 42mm / Width 22mm
Lizard: Length 30mm / Width 16mm
DER ZIBET Cross &Lizard w/ Diamond inlay
A diamond will be in-laid in the middle of the cross. Comes with a 50cm chain, name engraving on the lizard.
Made by Big Black Maria.
DER ZIBET Cross & Lizard w/ Big Ruby (ISSAY’s birthstone) inlay
A ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone will be in-laid in the middle of the cross. Comes with a 50cm chain, name engraving on the lizard.
Made by Big Black Maria.
【Outfits worn by ISSAY have been provided as backer rewards】
On this occasion, the person in charge of making and storing all of ISSAY’s outfits over these years have provided the following pieces which he used to wear with the words, “I hope they can contribute to the album production costs.” It is his hope that they will go to only those who will take good care of them. Please do not purchase them for the purpose of reselling. If anyone finds these pieces being put up for resale, please contact @DZ TP . With your help, we believe that we will be able to prevent such acts from happening.
Each outfit will go on a “first-come, first-served” basis. We hope for your understanding on this matter.
Black Glitter Long Coat ①
Material: Glittery fabric
Detail: Similar to a velvet coat, except that pleats are concentrated in three areas at the back. Made with a light-weight material.
“Often worn for gigs, shoots, and many occasions. Commonly paired with a feather boa. The long coat series is a favourite style and eight pieces had been made, including those for everyday wear. The material of this coat in particular is light and reflective, so it creates a cyber-like atmosphere on stage. ISSAY also particularly liked wearing a feather boa with it.”
— ISSAY’s Costume Designer
Velvet Long Coat (Black / Purple) ②③
Material: Crushed velvet
Detail: Deep breeches at the centre and sides of the back to create a fuller look when moving.
“Made around 2009 when ISSAY started keeping his hair long. Frequently worn at various gigs, in photographic collections, as a model for paintings, etc. Inspired by the coat Julia Roberts wore over her dress in the movie Mary Reilly (adaptation of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde). The way her coat spreads wide in the scene where she walks through the storm is breathtaking, and I made the coat wondering if it could be recreated on stage. Stretched out, the hems are almost five meters in length which creates a significant effect when the coat is lifted or fluttered during a performance.
— ISSAY’s Costume Designer
Black Tuxedo with Wide Trousers (3-piece) ④
Material: Shiny velvet
Detail: Satin material on the collar, cuff folds and buttons. Cuffs were made to make the sleeves look finer on the whole.
“Worn frequently at gigs since June 2019. The jacket of the wide trouser suit has been modified a little bit since 2017 and about 10 of them have been made for everyday wear. Unlike fitted trousers, ISSAY liked the way these swayed when he moved on stage. The jacket is a tuxedo jacket which makes it even more special as a costume.
— ISSAY’s Costume Designer
Niji Kaworu White Leather Jacket ⑤
The legendary white leather jacket which ISSAY wore when he played the character of Niji Kaworu in Macoto Tezka’s first theatrical film, The Legend of the Stardust Brothers which was 40 years ago shot in 1984 and released in 1985.
An item which was in the safekeeping of ISSAY’s Costume Designer (brand: NORIKO KAZUKI, has age-related wear and tear). Director Tezka even said in the video comment that he’s considering buying it. Will there be a battle to own this?!
The Count Red 3-Piece Suit ⑥
Material: Polyester satin
Shirt: Wing collar cotton shirt.
Boots included as a set
First worn during a one-man gig on 22 November 2022. It was later worn a number of times too. Made entirely in red to mark his 60th. The combination of different materials and colours, such as the satin collar of the jacket, the colour of the shirt and the colour of the ascot tie, are details of note.
— ISSAY’s Costume Designer