Tag: MORRIE

DER ZIBET | [20 Jan 2024] DER ZIBET Tribute Album Production Project

Posted on by Yoshiyuki

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.

DER ZIBET：Left to right – MAHITO(Key.) HAL(B.) ISSAY(Vo.) HIKARU (G.) MAYUMI(Dr.)

【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 thing

It 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

 

Crowdfunding page: https://motion-gallery.net/projects/DERZIBET

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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

The Count  Black 3-Piece Suit (Cesare) ⑦

Material: Wool satin

Shirt collar: Wing collar

Detail: Long jacket, waistcoat and slacks combination with satin on part of the collar, original ascot tie and pin.

Date of production: Early 2000s

Worn at gigs, artist and magazine photoshoots, and also worn as a costume for Cesare Ito (チェザーレ伊東), ISSAY’s character in the movie, The Brand New Legend of the Stardust Brothers. References the costume Gary Oldman wore in Coppola’s adaptation of Dracula (Bram Stoker’s Dracula). Made during a period when a lot of outfits were made and inspired by movies. At the time, I watched the video over and over again and faithfully recreated every detail, including the shape and size of the jacket collar and the way the satin was combined.

— ISSAY’s Costume Designer

Tiers:

Basic tier (6000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet as special thanks credit ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1

 

DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary Tier (11,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1

 

FOR OVERSEAS【CD + shipping】(11,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet as special thanks credit ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter (in Japanese) ×1

 

DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary + ISSAY T-shirt Tier (16,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1

 

FOR OVERSEAS【CD + DER ZIBET Tee + shipping】(16,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet as special thanks credit ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter (in Japanese) ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1

 

FOR OVERSEAS【CD + DER ZIBET Tee + ISSAY Tee + shipping】(21,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter (in Japanese) ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1

 

Silver Cross Tier (36,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

Silver Cross & 2 T-Shirts Tier (46,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

Cross w/ Diamond Tier (46,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Diamond (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

Cross w/ Diamond & 2 T-Shirts Tier (56,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Diamond (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

Cross w/ Ruby Tier (56,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

Cross w/ Ruby & 2 T-Shirts Tier (66,000 yen) — Same price for overseas

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ① Black Glitter  Long Coat Ultimate Tier (350,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY himself, the custom-made Black Glitter Long Coat ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ② Black Velvet Long Coat Ultimate Tier (350,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY himself, the custom-made Black Velvet Long Coat ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ③ Purple Velvet Long Coat Ultimate Tier (350,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY himself, the custom-made Purple Velvet Long Coat ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ④ Black Tuxedo with Wide Trousers (3-piece) Ultimate Tier (700,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY himself, the custom-made 3-piece (wide trousers, tuxedo jacket, vest) ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ⑤ Legendary Niji Kaworu White Leather Jacket Ultimate Tier (700,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY, the Niji Kaworu White Leather Jacket (brand: NORIKO KAZUKI) ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ⑥ The Count  Red 3-Piece Suit [7 items] Ultimate Tier (900,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY, The Count  Red 3-Piece Suit [ + boots, shirt, ascot tie, tiepin) 7-item set ×1

 

☆Limited to 1☆ ISSAY’s Custom-made Outfit ⑦ The Count  Black 3-Piece Suit  Cesare [7 items] Ultimate Tier (1,200,000 yen)

  • Tribute album CD (releasing 6 July, pre-order price of 3,850 yen w/tax) ×1
  • Name printed in the tribute album CD booklet ×1 name
  • Production diary e-newsletter ×1
  • DER ZIBET 40th Anniversary T-Shirt (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • ISSAY T-Shirt designed by JUN MISAKI (Black / S～３XL) ×1
  • DER ZIBET Silver Cross w/ Big Ruby, ISSAY’s birth stone (with 50cm chain and name engraving on ISSAY lizard) ×1
  • Worn by ISSAY, The Count  Black 3-Piece Suit [ + boots, shirt, ascot tie, tiepin) 7-item set ×1

 

All items are expected to be dispatched in June 2024.

＊To all overseas supporters: A flat rate of 5,000 yen for airfreight (EMS) is set for overseas shipment of rewards from tiers priced less than 36,000 yen (i.e. 6,000 yen, 11,000 yen and 16,000 yen tiers). For tiers priced at 36,000 yen and above, shipping costs will be covered.

 

Crowdfunding page: https://motion-gallery.net/projects/DERZIBET

 

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Risks & Challenges

【Use of funds raised】

The money raised through your support will be used to fund the production of the tribute album. The money will be used in the following ways:

◎Covering recording costs which include music production, rehearsal, studio and mastering costs for over 40 participating musicians.

◎Covering project-related expenses of the musicians and staff

◎Artwork production and pressing costs for the album

◎Covering costs of producing flyers announcing crowdfunding and album release announcements

◎Production and shipping of backer rewards

◎MOTION GALLERY fees

All backers of this project will receive an income and expenditure report via e-mail at a later date.

【Schedule from production to dispatch】

◆End February ～ Early April　Recording

◆Early April ～ End April　Mixing

◆Early May　Mastering

◆Mid May　Completion of album artwork, placement of pressing order

◆Early June　Receipt of CDs and other backer rewards

◆Mid June　Dispatch of backer rewards to all supporters

◆6 July　Album will be released and available for purchase at CD shops nationwide, and online stores like Amazon

【Potential Risks】

The challenge will be production funding (all in), so even if the target amount is not reached, we will make up the shortfall with our own funds to implement the project and deliver the merchandise. Please do not worry; we promise that the precious money you send us with your thoughts and wishes to produce a tribute album will be used as such.

 

 

 

 

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Afterword

Thank you for taking the time to read through this long presentation.

With the funds raised, we hope to create an opportunity to commemorate ISSAY by producing a highly polished album, and to pass DER ZIBET down to the next century as artists who left a noteworthy mark on the Japanese rock scene.

Please do support us in this endeavour. Thank you.

DER ZIBET Tribute Project  Itoh Haruhisa (ITOHARU)

 

 

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Translation: Yoshiyuki
Source: https://motion-gallery.net/projects/DERZIBET

MORRIE x Sakurai Atsushi | [Sep 2006] Decadence and Its Immortality

Posted on by Yoshiyuki

Decadence and Its Immortality

Morrie (Creature Creature) X Sakurai Atsushi (BUCK-TICK)

 

Ongaku to Hito
September 2006

Text by Ishii Eriko
Photographs by Kasai Chikashi
Hair & Make-up by Araki Hisako (Octbre), Okazai Kaori (Fat’s Berry)
Styling by Kobayashi Junko

 

 

I think my desire to immortalise myself is very strong（Morrie）
My fascination for it gets turned into song. I can sing about it numerous times, over and over（Sakurai）

Well, I don’t suppose you need any explanation. I hope you’d read each and every word of this interview carefully and thoroughly. Transitioning from DEAD END to a solo artist, the claws of solitude have left scars on Morrie and after 11 years, he has returned to the scene with Creature Creature. Today, it’s him and Sakurai Atsushi of BUCK-TICK; a band who has just embarked on its 21st year of activity. The God of Gothic and the Demon King of Decadence. This is where they meet.

 

 

 

 

―― What was it like when the both of you first met?

Morrie (M): Well, we debuted in the same period, and we were signed with the same record company, weren’t we? But if we’re talking about when we properly met, [it was that] one time when he asked us onto a radio show. That was the very first time, wasn’t it?

Sakurai Atsushi (S): You’re right. Because early on, we 5 in BUCK-TICK hosted a radio show and we were told that we could ask anyone we liked to be our guest on the show. But in fact, when Morrie-san and JOE-san came I got soooo excited that I ended up saying something rude.

M: Really?   What did you say?

S: Oh, no, no, if you’ve forgotten then it’s perfectly fine (smiles). It didn’t [come out] right. On the inside, I was thinking, “That wasn’t what I meant at all, but for some reason, what I said came out different.”

M: Hahaha. But I don’t have any bad memories [of that occasion] at all. I remember that scenario well. Sakurai-kun, and also Yuta was speaking too, right? The other three didn’t say a word.

S: Because we were about to end it, that program (smiles).

M: And when I went solo and released my second album, I was once again asked to appear on a radio show as a guest.

S: Yes, yes, I remember that. We were asked to be guests on NACK-5’s radio show and spoke about it together.

M: And we started meeting after that?   I think.

S: After that…… No, we once bumped into each other at a bar¹ somewhere. But whatever it is, that was already ten plus years ago.

M: Yeah. Anyway, firstly, I actually didn’t say thank you to Sakurai-kun, did I? When I released my solo best of album² last year, Sakurai-kun sent me a piece of writing².

S: No, no, no, it’s ridiculous (smiles).

M: I was simply amazed by that. He wrote something along the lines of “Even now, I want you to sing” and that made me so happy. Hearing that Sakurai-kun listened to DEAD END and my solo work, it’s surprising, isn’t it?

S: Ah, really?   No, but I quite………… Well, I like [it] (smiles). I like [it] a lot!

M: Hahaha!   But speaking of BUCK-TICK, Sakurai-kun has Sakurai-kun’s own world, doesn’t he? There’s an unshakeable Sakurai World.

―― That’s just like Morrie-san too. I think that both of your lyrics are pioneers in Japan’s gothic rock music, which leads me to wonder how you established such a worldview around 20 years ago when there was no one who came before you.

M: Hmm…… What was it like back then? I read a lot of horror and sci-fi, and the images I got from those came out vividly, I think. Also, when I was young, how do I put this…… There are also times when my impulsiveness comes out in full force, like the desire to destroy everything. So, it’s an impulse, and it’s also all intuition, isn’t it?

S: It’s the same for me. It’s not as if I was influenced by someone with my lyrics. In the beginning, I had a look at all sorts of lyrics from different people, but in the end, it’s not something that is mine. So, I’m with Morrie-san; it’s intuition. Just, intuition.

―― Both of your lyrics have an especially significant “what happened” kind of unexplainable and fantastical aspect in them too.

M: In my case, at least, well, they’re abstract so it can’t be helped that people think like this, but my lyrics are all material.

―― Ah, really?

M: Yeah. Like having had a hell of an argument with my wife (all laughing). That’s what they start from. When I listen to the music over and over, keywords or words that will turn into lyrics will pop up in my head. During those moments, if I’m right in the middle of, say, a very heated argument with my wife, these [life] events would naturally come out through my own filter. That’s why, no matter how fantastical it may appear, the process of writing it is pretty close to everyday life. That’s the norm, isn’t it?   Then again…… I’ve never had such a conversation with other vocalists before, to begin with (smiles).

S: That’s true (smiles). But I’m like that too.

―― Do you consciously work on eliminating as many realistic³ words as possible during the songwriting process?

S: No, there’s none of that, is there? Besides, working in realistic³ words can make things interesting too. It’s not as if I’m looking to use words that no one knows.

M: For me, the ideal is have the song end in what sounds like meaningless chanting. Because even if lyrics do not exist, it’ll make the music sound good. But when it comes to Japanese music, I often get let down by the lyrics even though the melody is pretty good. That’s, well, probably because of preferences, though. But on the other hand, I do want to hear about the current trends in Japan.

―― Hmm, I guess these days, most of them are the types who vent about their worries and distress.

M: Vent their worries?   Huuh. And what do these people do after venting?

―― They vent, and then move forward; something like that, I suppose.

M: Aren’t they rather positive, then?

S: Nfufufufu. Yes.

M: Well, I guess I get it but…… I don’t know, isn’t that a happy ending after all (lol).

S: It seems that this is preferred, isn’t it? I suppose if [the message of] “but let’s do our best anyway” isn’t in there, no one will listen [to the songs] (smiles).

M: It’s always been that way, right? That’s how we all pandered [to people]. But personally, I prefer unhappy endings. Always have.

S: Ah, I’m with you on that. That’s true. 

M: Be it movies or novels, I love unhappy endings where there’s absolutely no way to turn things around in the end. That’s perfectly my type of thing. Because when things conclude with a happy ending, it’s so blindingly white that it feels like I’m being told a lie. This [perception] is like an instinct which has been cultivated in me ever since I was a child. A sensitivity. This is just how it is. And yet the world seeks happiness and salvation⁶ from someplace else, doesn’t it? Of course, I, too, have my own forms of relief⁶, but to close things off with a “let’s do our best”――

S: Makes you say, “I want a refund!,” doesn’t it?

M: Sure does. Sakurai-kun’s lyrics, too, can be said to be of both Eros and Thanatos⁴, but the Thanatos side is most certainly stronger. Because the deathwish⁵ dominates. I believe that it’s definitely right that these grotesque parts, and this cardinal lust for aggression comes out when you compose. Because it is Thanatos that is the root of humanity. But while it’s fine to turn your aggression towards the outside world, if you over do it and reach your limits, that energy will flip around and turn on you. And it’s rough when that desire for aggression comes back to you, isn’t it? You’ll become self-destructive and start attacking yourself. You’d lose the ability to say that the world is bad and start to believe that you’re the one to blame. When you wind up in that position, death is definitely the only thing that lies ahead of you, so there’s no other choice except to die. At such a moment, how do you survive without resorting to suicide―― Using this as an extreme case, that’s the problem here.

―― The word “死 (death)” often appears in both of your lyrics, but I don’t see it as a  simply affirmation of death. I get the feeling that that’s not all there is. That there’s something else.

M: …… That there’s something else behind death?

S: …… I think there’s nothing else (soft smile). But I think it’s still good to play with that as a word. It may be inappropriate to say we’re playing with it, but there’s a sweetness to it, isn’t there? A sweetness that the word itself possesses, or something.

M: Because words are just words, aren’t they? It’s not as if you’d die just by saying “death”.

S: But if you were to take it seriously, I guess it would be excessively dark and lurid. That’s why I sometimes want to give it a more romantic expression.

M: Sakurai-kun, you sometimes get your own form of relief⁶ too, don’t you? Especially in your solo work. Like Ai no Wakusei⁷ where the songs can come across as very positive depending on how you look at it.

S: That’s true. There’s a part of the salvation⁶ that I dare say was left behind. It got me thinking that you’d have to do something like this once to find your balance.

M: That’s what happens eventually, right? Like I’ve said earlier, if you keep going in the cycle of destroying those around you or yourself, all that awaits you is death. It’s easy to say, “I don’t care if I die,” but that’s too simplistic a thought. In the end, the things that will save you in each phase of your life are out there somewhere, aren’t they?

―― Even so, why is that salvation⁶ tied to the word “death”?

M: Probably, well, this goes back to what I’ve said about deathwish earlier, but I suppose there’s a part of me that wants to immortalise it after all. Even though [the base idea is] an everyday event, I make it more abstract, and try to immortalise myself by making it generic. I believe Sakurai-kun’s tendencies are of this type too.

S: Yeah (nods).

M: I definitely turn things abstract because I want to eliminate the stench of normalcy. Wanting to immortalise myself like this is a desire that I think is very strong in me.

―― Immortalise…… That’s a very fitting word. 

M: And that’s what deathwish is. This is what Thanatos is all about. The indifference towards ephemeral things and the desire to immortalise oneself as one is.

S: Ahh. I can’t say it as well as Morrie-san can, though. But I believe…… My fascination for it does get turned into song after all. I can sing about it numerous times, over and over. I suppose that’s what immortality is. It’s either wanting to die continuously, or just once is too good to be true (smiles).

M: It can be interpreted in a few different ways, right? I love Souseki’s Kokoro⁸ myself and I often read it, but everytime I read the line, “Why did Sensei kill himself?”, I’d find myself pondering it over. Then, I’d read it a few years later and again wonder, “Why did Sensei kill himself?” It’s as if I’ve made it my life’s work to figure it out each time I read it.

S: Ahahahaha!

M: Everyone is free to interpret it for themselves too. It’s not like I know what Souseki was thinking anyway. But I suppose it’s a compelling novel that makes the reader want to look deeper into it, isn’t it? That’s why I think it’s up to each person to interpret our expressions their own way as long as they enjoy it and feel that it makes their lives feel a little more meaningful.

―― Since you’ve mentioned the words life and lifework, I’ve got a mundane question, but what is Morrie-san’s daily routine living in New York?

M: My daily routine? It depends on the time of the year but…… Well, in these recent few months I’ve been busy recording. But if we’re excluding that and talking about my normal routine, then, well, I’d have breakfast with my wife. Together. I’d be the one preparing it, though.

S: Oh, wow. In a pretty methodical way?

M: Mm… Well, there are things that are done methodically and those that aren’t, though. But Japanese are more particular, after all. Compared to them; they’re more crude (smiles). For example, we’d prepare tea for breakfast and I’m the sort of person who would do it properly, like measuring how long the tea should be steeped and so on. Adjust the time depending on the tea leaves. But Americans don’t do such things. They don’t even time it.

S: Your precious tea leaves! (Smiles)

M: Exactly (smiles). Wouldn’t you want to enjoy it at its best flavour? So that’s why I have to do it.

―― May I just ask, well, earlier, you said that you can’t bring yourself to like happy endings, right? While I do understand that, personally, I want to think of marriage itself as something that is happy in the end.

M: Mm, that’s true.

S: Yeah. I understand.

―― So, at that, it gets me wondering, how do you manage those sensibilities of yours while actually living married lives in real life?

M: Balance, I guess?…… Hmm, well, simply put, I guess it’s something like staying together even while [we’re] going back and forth through unhappy warzones⁹.

S: I believe it’s expected that anyone would hope for their family’s happiness, right? But my personal sensibilities, whether we’re talking about movies or novels or even music, they’re basically dark and revolve around sadness and pain, so even if I leave it alone, I’d end up going in that direction anyway. I think it’s alright for your personal life to be completely separate from the things you like, like, I’ve always liked DEAD END and liked Morrie-san, that has never changed and has nothing at all to do with being married or not.

M: In the end, every person definitely has something that is irreplaceable to them, right? As you gain [life] experience, you’d come to know what suits you and they will naturally become a part of you too. I suppose that’s why our expression styles turned out like this. The world of BUCK-TICK has grown richer and richer because they have consistently been putting out new works, and while that is only of course, I think it’s something that deserves a lot of admiration too.

S: …… Thank you (soft smile).

 

 

 

 

Notes:

¹ The word used here was 飲み屋 (nomiya) instead of バー (baa) which is the standard word used to specifically indicate a bar. On the other hand, 飲み屋 is used to refer to an establishment which mainly serves alcoholic beverages. In other words, they may not have necessarily met in a bar but I translated it as “bar” for flow and easy understanding.

² Morrie released his solo best of album, Ectoplasm in 2005 which contained a comment from Sakurai Atsushi in the album’s booklet. A translation of the comment can be read here.

³ Note that realistic words refer to vocabulary that reminds one of reality.

⁴ I believe the reference here is in relation to Sigmund Freud’s psychological theory that a person’s instincts fall into one of two categories: the Eros category or the Thanatos category. In Greek mythology, Eros is the god of love, and Thanatos is the god of death, making them opposite of one another which thus, according to Freud, represent the polar opposite instincts that lie within each of us. In his theory, people will instinctively choose life or death when making decisions.
Decisions based on life instincts represent Eros. These are decisions driven by pleasure, sexuality, love, procreation, and the need to get along with others. People with life instincts emit positive energy into the world and often display emotions of love, happiness, and affection.
On the other hand, the death instinct is represented by Thanatos, the god of death. Death instincts include aggression, anger, and violence. Death instincts can be related to both homicide and suicide. Someone driven by death instincts may cause self-harm, engage in risky behavior, or become violent with someone.

⁵ Also part of Freudian psychoanalytic theory, the deathwish is the drive towards death and destruction, often expressed through behaviors such as aggression, repetition compulsion, and self-destructiveness.

⁶ Here, relief or salvation both refer to the same word “救い (sukui)”, which, as a noun, refers to things that give people a sense of relief or reassurance.

⁷ The only solo album released by Sakurai Atsushi on 23 June 2004. 

⁸ Kokoro (こゝろ) is a novel by the Japanese author Natsume Sōseki. It was first published in 1914 in serial form in the Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun. While the title literally means “heart”, the word contains shades of meaning, and can be translated as “the heart of things” or “feeling”.

⁹ 修羅場 (shuraba) has a variety of meanings depending on the context. The word originates from Hindu mythology as the place where two Gods – Asura and Indra – fought, and hence caused carnage and bloodshed. The word has since been used to describe battlefields and other dreadful scenes of the like. Possible translations of the word can go from “bloodbath” to “battlefield”, from “scene of carnage” to “shambles” to “sheer hell”, or even simply “drama”.

 

 

 

Translation: Yoshiyuki