2009.03.06 | POP MANIA LABEL
PRIMITIVE

Lyrics By ISSAY

Music by HIKARU

Japanese

 

残酷で優しい嘘に惑わされ
未来は皮肉な痛みを君に投げかける

  OH 胸の奥に這いずる AH 軋んだ声を
  そっと感じておくれ AH Love yourself

寂しくうつむく君にキスをしよう
正気と狂気が君の心を揺さぶっていた

  OH 君の中で僕は AH 叫び続ける
  耳を澄ましてみろ AH Love yourself

こんな夜には気をつけろ 絶望が忍び寄る
自分自身を愛すのさ 淫らに優しく
ビロードの暗闇達が 心の隙間狙う
  全てを忘れ愛すのさ
  干涸びる前に

希望とあきらめ手首から溢れ
意味のないコトバが音の翼を欲しがった

  OH ノイズにまみれてる AH この歌の中で
  君に語りかけよう  Love yourself

寒い夜には気をつけろ  孤独さえ凍りつく
せめて自分を愛さなきゃ 飲み込まれてしまう
  シルクに包まれた欲望 ため息を弄ぶ
  駄目な自分も愛すのさ
  干涸びる前に

 

Romaji

By: Andy

Zankoku de yasashii uso ni madowasare
Mirai wa hiniku na itami wo kimi ni nagekakeru

  OH Mune no oku ni haizuru AH Kishinda koe wo
  Sotto kanjite okure AH Love yourself

Samishiku utsumuku kimi ni kisu wo shiyou
Shouki to kyouki ga kimi no kokoro wo yusabutteita

  OH Kimi no naka de boku wa AH Sakebi tsudzukeru
  Mimi wo sumashite miro AH Love yourself

Konna yoru ni wa ki wo tsukero Zetsubou ga shinobi yoru
Jibunjishin wo aisu no sa Midara ni yasashiku
Biroodo no kurayami tachi ga Kokoro no sukima nerau
  Subete wo wasure aisu no sa
  Hikarabiru mae ni

Kibou to akirame tekubi kara afure
Imi no nai kotoba ga oto no tsubasa wo hoshigatta

  OH Noizu ni mamireteru AH Kono uta no naka de
  Kimi ni katari kakeyou  Love yourself

Samui yoru ni wa ki wo tsukero  Kodoku sae kooritsuku
Semete jibun wo aisa nakya Nomikomarete shimau
  Shiruku ni tsutsumareta yokubou Tameiki wo moteasobu
  Dame na jibun mo aisu no sa
  Hikarabiru mae ni

English

 

 

2009.03.06 | POP MANIA LABEL
PRIMITIVE

Lyrics By ISSAY

Music by HIKARU

Japanese

 

虚ろな空はサイケなネオン  七色の歌が
    俺をあざ笑っていたようだ、、、正気じゃない、、、
コンクリートの階段転げ
のたうちながら蛇のようにたぶらかそうとしてる
    「おまえはいらない」と、、、虫けらさ、、

誰かの頭に 迷い込んだみたいさ
誰も彼も主役狙うエキストラ

SO SAD 覚めない悪夢の中
     影絵だけ空しく踊り続ける
終わらないSO SAD 眩暈と空騒ぎのパーティー
      かすかに輝く君を探して
I’m looking for the lights

時代遅れのXTCのビート
優しいふりでそっと耳打ちしてくるディーラー
   Hey boy. It’s your turn、、、誰でもいいさ、、、

グロテスクな宴さ  ここから逃げたい
   シナリオのない 物欲しそうな悲劇さ

SO SAD 冷めない熱の中で
     俺も影法師達の一人さ
終わらないSO SAD 絶え間ないすれ違いの果てで
     かすかに輝く君を 抱きしめたい
I wanna be with you
SO SAD 覚めない悪夢の中
     影絵だけ空しく踊り続ける
終わらないSO SAD 眩暈と空騒ぎのパーティー
     かすかに輝く君を探して
I wanna be with you !
SO SAD 絶え間ないすれ違いの果てで
     かすかに輝く君を 抱きしめたい
I’m looking for the lights

Romaji

By: Andy

Utsuro na sora wa saike na neon  Nanairo no uta ga
    Ore wo azawaratteita you da,,, Shouki janai,,,
Konkuriito no kaidan koroge
Notauchi nagara hebi no you ni taburakasou toshiteru
    [Omae wa iranai] to,,, Mushikera sa,,

Dareka no atama ni Mayoikonda mitai sa
Daremo karemo shuyaku nerau ekisutora

SO SAD Samenai akumu no naka
     Kagee dake munashiku odori tsudzukeru
Owaranai SO SAD Memai to karasawagi no paatii
      Kasuka ni kagayaku kimi wo sagashite
I’m looking for the lights

Jidai okure no XTC no biito
Yasashii furi de sotto mimiuchi shite kuru diiraa
   Hey boy. It’s your turn,,, Dare demo ii sa,,,

Gurotesuku na utage sa  Koko kara nigetai
   Shinario no nai Monohoshisou na higeki sa

SO SAD Samenai netsu no naka de
     Ore mo kageboushi tachi no hitori sa
Owaranai SO SAD Taemanai surechigai no hate de
     Kasuka ni kagayaku kimi wo Dakishimetai
I wanna be with you
SO SAD Samenai akumu no naka
     Kagee dake munashiku odori tsudzukeru
Owaranai SO SAD Memai to karasawagi no paatii
     Kasuka ni kagayaku kimi wo sagashite
I wanna be with you !
SO SAD Taemanai surechigai no hate de
     Kasuka ni kagayaku kimi wo Dakishimetai
I’m looking for the lights

English

 

 

BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023- Concert Report

JVC Music
5 January 2024

Text = Okubo Yuka
Photos = Seitaro Tanaka

 

【LIVE REPORT】
BUCK-TICK “BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023-” (BUCK-TICK Phenomenon 2023 / バクチク現象-2023-)
2023.12.29 at the Nippon Budokan

 

 

Come, let’s get started──

When 29 December’s BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023- at the Nippon Budokan was announced with those words, it felt as if they lifted our gaze which had been downcast for so long. This was three weeks after the news came on 24 October that their vocalist, Sakurai Atsushi had passed on.

This was a period when everyone quietly watched and waited to see what BUCK-TICK would do going forward after being hit by the greatest sadness in their history. Honestly speaking, that announcement was such a bright light that I subconsciously wanted to look away. Given that no details were announced about the show itself, I believe there were many who felt worried too about how it would turn out.

But it’s easy for us to imagine the extraordinary determination the band members had put into this show title. BUCK-TICK Genshou (BUCK-TICK Phenomenon / バクチク現象) is a title that they also used in 1987 for gigs they played around the time of their major debut, and for the first show they played after a six-month hiatus on 29 December 1989 at the Tokyo Dome. In other words, this term represents turning points for them.

Imai Hisashi (guitarist) appeared on the BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023- stage with the same bright red hair he had 34 years ago at their show in Tokyo Dome. The moment I saw him, my anxieties were blown away despite tears welling up in my eyes.

As the hall turned dark, powerful clapping sounded in time to the SE which played; THEME OF B-T. Higuchi Yutaka (bassist), Yagami Toll (drummer), Hoshino Hidehiko (gutarist), and Imai Hisashi came on stage in that order. After the words reading “バクチク現象 (BUCK-TICK Genshou)” came up on the crimson red screen, Sakurai’s silhouette appeared on the centre platform where he always stood.

“Come let’s get started, we’re BUCK-TICK!” With Imai’s shout, the first song started; Shippuu no Blade Runner. Instead of a mic stand in the centre of the stage, a few spotlights came together to shine down. Perhaps it’s because there’s no mic there, but it felt as if Sakurai’s singing came down upon us from the skies above.

Like a ray of light in the midst of despair, the glittering rock melody sings, “Tonight  (I) bring to you  a treasure  a promise (今夜 お前に届けよう 宝物だ 約束だ)”; a perfect description of this show. It felt as if they handed “hope” to us in the palm of their hands. A string of up-beat songs were played Dokudanjo Beauty-R.I.P.-, Go-Go B-T TRAIN, GUSTAVE, telling the audience to raise their heads and look up even if they are tearful.

Both Imai and Hoshino fired up the stage with more aggressive performances than usual. The energy in the hall went up every time Imai said a few words, like “Don’t miss the ride!” during Go-Go B-T TRAIN, and “Miaows. Hope you all have a good time today.” during GUSTAVE. During FUTURE SONG -Mirai ga Tooru- which features Sakurai and Imai’s duet, Higuchi tried imitating Sakurai’s movements, and Hoshino also sang, overlapping with Sakurai’s voice.

Most unexpected of all was when I realised during Boogie Woogie and Yagami’s powerful up-beat drumming that at some point my tears had rescinded and I was genuinely enjoying the show. I have nothing but admiration for the band and their ability to fire up the audience like this even though they all must have been in deep sadness at the beginning of the show.

The atmosphere took a turn in the mid-section of the show, reflecting vividly and sadly Sakurai’s absence by beginning with Itoshi no Rock Star where he sang alongside ISSAY (DER ZIBET) who passed away last August. During Itoshi no Rock Star, unbearable sobbing in the audience grew louder as we watched concert footage of the two of them on that day on screen.

Next was Sakura which started with an oriental-sounding instrumental by Imai. In this song, the screen and even the ceiling of the Budokan was filled with cherry blossoms dancing in the air; a sight so beautiful yet it added to the sadness. Adding on, Lullaby-Ⅲ and ROMANCE came after that like a sort of funeral march, letting us listen to the songs which strongly accentuated Sakurai’s aesthetic perspective one after another.

This show did not feature Sakurai’s footage throughout. Rather, there were a few songs where we could only feel Sakurai’s presence with his voice. Especially towards the end when they put together songs during which you could almost see him singing right in front of you.

Like the Latin-style dance track Django!!! -Genwaku no Django-, Taiyou to Icarus where he flies freely through the sky with arms spread wide, and during Memento mori where the audience actually had lights shining on them as if in sync with Sakurai’s movements in the video footage.

Smoke carpeted the stage floor in Muma -The Nightmare and the audience raised their arms into the air as if he reigned before our eyes, while during DIABOLO, the four members of the band looked like a circus troupe elevating Sakurai as the ringmaster. It was a moment when they distinctly carved out his profile as a vocalist precisely because he’s not around.

The encore started with Yagami’s drum solo and after the first song, STEPPERS -PARADE- was played, the band members who have yet to make any public statement thus far began to talk about their present feelings one by one.

Choking on his tears, Higuchi said, “BUCK-TICK is a live band so I believe we grew through our live shows. And it’s also something that’s created together with everyone. Although Acchan has gone to heaven, BUCK-TICK will always be five. I don’t know what kind of future it will be, but one thing I know for sure is that we’ll continue as BUCK-TICK with everyone.”

Yagami eased the air when he commented, “I never thought my delinquent younger brother would say such admirable things.” Then, he added, “You could say it’s unprecedented, the situation it’s turned out to be. Should we continue, or is it better to stop? We gave it a lot of thought. But given that we have all of you fans like this… we would like to keep going as BUCK-TICK.”

“We managed to take a new step forward today. My sincere thanks to all of you for making your way to the Budokan despite the uncertainty. You were worried, weren’t you? Everyone was worried. But the Parade will still continue from here on out. I’ll say again:

The Parade goes on,” said Hoshino.

After him was Imai. “Life sure is unforgiving, huh? So dramatic it’s almost hilarious. But it isn’t funny. Hell, you really died. Huh? It’s okay, because we can go on. We’ll go together,” he said to a loud round of applause. “Acchan’s died but there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just a fact of life. So we may be sad, we may cry, but don’t agonise over it. Rather than focus on his death, that he’s not here anymore, instead cherish the fact that he lived, that he existed with us in the same space,” he went on. “Next year, BUCK-TICK will make new music, and a new album. It’ll be the newest, bestest BUCK-TICK so please look forward to it. But please be prepared. Next, we’ll be three. But even then, the Parade continues. Then it’ll be two, then one, I think I’ll probably be the last one standing. And even then, we can keep going, so I want to take everyone along,” finished Imai with this powerful statement.

After that, they moved on to flying the words “LOVE” and “PEACE” high in Eureka before going into LOVE ME which began with Sakurai’s MC where he said, “Everyone, let’s love ourselves.” It was here when a hiccup happened for the first time where Sakurai’s singing and the video footage differed from the four members’ live playing. The band looked determined to find some way to turn this around. It was the most human expression I had ever seen on them.

Coincidentally, Sakurai in the video also seemed to have a bit of a bitter smile on his face. Even though anxious, the audience also tried their best to help by singing the chorus with all their strength. When the singing ended, the playing did too in perfect timing, and we saw Sakurai off the stage as he waved, saying, “See you soon. We’ll meet again. For sure.”

The last two songs were COSMOS and Na mo Naki Watashi; what seemed to be a deliberate choice of two songs which massively filled the hall with messages from Sakurai. And the second encore, started with Sakurai’s words of “Let’s go! Into the future!” as the band leapt into New World. The light from countless mirror balls spread throughout the venue and the powerful light of the five’s performance brightly illuminated a future yet to be seen.

After the show, past music videos were shown on the screen, followed by an announcement that they will be holding a concert at the Nippon Budokan on Sunday, 29 December 2024. I believe every single promise like this one would become the hope which leads into the future going forward. BUCK-TICK has walked into unprecedented territory. I hope to continue enjoying the Parade led by this band who has decided to continue forward as five. Because it’s always BUCK-TICK who stirs our hearts with surprise and emotion.

Although we can wipe away the tears
we will never be able to wipe away the loneliness, so
let’s go and see BUCK-TICK again
in a place where we can share our sorrows and joys
let’s go and see BUCK-TICK again

 

BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023-
Date/Time: Friday, 29 December 2023  Doors open 17:30, show starts 18:30
Venue: Nippon Budokan

【SET LIST】

SE. THEME OF B-T

1. Shippuu no Blade Runner
2. Dokudanjou Beauty-R.I.P.-
3. Go-Go B-T TRAIN
4. GUSTAVE
5. FUTURE SONG – Mirai ga tooru
6. Boogie Woogie
7. Itoshi no Rock Star
8. Sakura
9. Lullaby-III
10. ROMANCE
11. Django!!! – Genwaku no Django
12. Taiyou to Icarus
13. Memento mori
14. Muma -The Nightmare
15. DIABOLO

<EN1>

1. STEPPERS -PARADE-
2. Eureka
3. LOVE ME
4. COSMOS
5. Na mo Naki Watashi

<EN2>

1. New World

 

 

 

 

Translation: Yoshiyuki
Source: JVC Music

 

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

 “BUCK-TICK will always be we five.”
A Declaration of the Parade’s Continuance

Ongaku to Hito
5 January 2024

Text = Ishii Eriko
Photos = Seitaro Tanaka

 

【LIVE REPORT】
BUCK-TICK “BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023-” (BUCK-TICK Phenomenon 2023 / バクチク現象-2023-)
2023.12.29 at the Nippon Budokan

 

 

“My sincere thanks to all of you for making your way to the Budokan despite the uncertainty. …… You were worried, weren’t you?”

These words which came from Hoshino Hidehiko during the encore resonated tremendously with me. Ah, I see. We’ve all been worried up until this day.

The annual year-end Nippon Budokan show THE DAY IN QUESTION 2023 was suspended and in its place, the concert BUCK-TICK Genshou -2023- was announced. The strong words “Come, let’s get started一一 (さあ、始めよう一一)” danced on the event’s dedicated website but it wasn’t clear exactly what on earth was starting. Do we really want to see a BUCK-TICK with no Sakurai Atsushi? Is it better for things to end like this? Or would someone stand on stage as another vocalist? Questions which no one can say a definitive “yes” to constitute this worry.

An unprecedented concert. At first, everything felt rigid. Cheers didn’t sound when the lights turned down. Instead, breathless voices could be heard all throughout the venue. Even when Imai Hisashi hollered, “Come let’s get started, we’re BUCK-TICK!”, it was clear to me that he was tense and a little over-anxious. Sakurai’s singing echoed in synchrony with the live music. Much of it was live singing including MCs and hyping the audience up. The screen showed footage of only Sakurai in past concerts in colour, and at the same time, the current stage was shown in monochrome; a contrast between the flamboyant demon king and reality in mourning. In all honesty, I don’t know whether I should be enjoying myself. Was that the purpose of this day?

It was in the fifth song, FUTURE SONG -未来が通る- when I noticed something different. It starts with Imai’s part, then during Sakurai’s part, Hoshino joins in too. Sakurai’s footage doesn’t appear in this song where the two guitarists sing, “Don’t be hold back, do not fear Forward! It’s the future (hiku na hirumu na susume mirai da / 引くな怯むな 進め 未来だ)”. For a moment, I thought they might be headed in a direction similar to how the remaining members of Joy Division regrouped as New Order following the death of Ian Curtis. But again, that doesn’t seem to be the main subject of the day.

Suddenly, an old music video from the time when they styled their hair standing up came up towards the middle of the show. It was Itoshi on Rockstar. It’s hard to imagine why the band selected this 1995 song which was sung alongside DER ZIBET’s ISSAY. Just before Sakurai left us, almost as if to follow ISSAY who also suddenly passed last summer, I wanted to ask him if he looked back fondly on this song which he once sang so self-deprecatingly. Of course, that is now a question we’ll never get the answer to.

Instead, what we have is an extensive record. Just what we needed was footage from Yagami Toll’s 60th birthday celebration event. I couldn’t help but laugh dryly at how in love they were as I watched Sakurai exchange mushy gazes with ISSAY while they performed that song together for the first time in 27 years. Everyone loved the way their two souls resonated with each other. Even if the both of them have coincidentally gone to heaven together, it’s oddly touching. As those thoughts crossed my mind, I suddenly caught on that we should hold a proper farewell. There was a memorial event for Sakurai himself, but I wondered how many times could we hold appreciation events for our favourite “beloved rockstar (Itoshi no Rockstar)” with all the videos and lights and music? I suppose the very first of these is happening right here, now.

The lead into the next song, Sakura was perfect too. The song which Sakurai dedicated to his dearest mother is now being dedicated to Sakurai by the band. The performance was as elegant as it could’ve been. The light cherry blossoms framing the monochrome screen, the pale pink colour of the Budokan’s white ceiling, and the image of the moon slowly filling up as the song progressed to become a gentle full moon at the end; all of it illustrated the depth of love in the production. Adding on, during Imai’s improv, Sakurai’s often-used candelabra was lit before they continued into Lullaby-III, followed by an exquisite transition into ROMANCE.

ROMANCE; a popular song which BUCK-TICK had often performed since it’s release in 2005, is one of the songs in their discography which BUCK-TICK most strongly demonstrates “the alluring colours of Sakurai”. The perfection in this song lies in the blend of goth and romance. Holding a candelabra in one hand while dancing with flickering flames in the tantalising dream that is performance footage from over a decade ago. Watching it again in the Budokan gives me the feeling that his existence is probably not the be-all and end-all. Because we have something so beautiful that has been left behind for us [to enjoy] even now. Isn’t this miracle alone sufficient?

The split second in the brilliantly-lit Taiyou to Icarus video which showed Sakurai’s silhouette with his arms spread wide was as vibrant as the 異空-IZORA- tour; so dazzling that you could’ve thought it was a “festival”. In addition, Memento Mori with flames bursting out always sounds like blood-pumping festival music. The screen is divided into three sections, with past footage of Sakurai in the centre and real-time footage of the four members of the band on either side. But the difference between presence and absence, which was initially divided between monochrome and colour, is no longer there at this point. The refrain of “Life is love and death (jinsei wa ai to shi / 人生は愛と死)” strikes our hearts deep now. If these are our only options, we’ll take them both. Before I knew it, I even started to feel a desire to laugh out loud in defiance.

The band spoke about how they currently felt during the encore. While each of their words were different, the summary of it was that BUCK-TICK will always be five people even if Sakurai is no longer physically around, that they wanted to keep going as long as there are fans around, and that although they don’t know how it’ll turn out, next year, they will start recording something new as the second phase of B-T. Hoshino even twice declared, “The Parade goes on.” And even as Imai bit back curses with words like, he said, “We may be sad, we may cry, but don’t agonise over it.” I hadn’t thought about it, but maybe that’s what I wanted to hear the most. He’s always been the person who throws one-liners like these out of nowhere. On a whim, I recalled something Sakurai once said with a straight face: “It’s possible because Imai’s like that.”

If Imai-san says so, then it will go on. BUCK-TICK will go on with Sakurai’s afterimage. This was a night that convinced me that’s fine and good. The announcement that came at the very end was good tidings for the future. On 29 December 2024, a BUCK-TICK concert at the Nippon Budokan will happen一一

【SET LIST】

SE. THEME OF B-T

1. Shippuu no Blade Runner
2. Dokudanjou Beauty-R.I.P.-
3. Go-Go B-T TRAIN
4. GUSTAVE
5. FUTURE SONG – Mirai ga tooru
6. Boogie Woogie
7. Itoshi no Rock Star
8. Sakura
9. Lullaby-III
10. ROMANCE
11. Django!!! – Genwaku no Django
12. Taiyou to Icarus
13. Memento mori
14. Muma -The Nightmare
15. DIABOLO

ENCORE01

1. STEPPERS -PARADE-
2. Eureka
3. LOVE ME
4. COSMOS
5. Na mo Naki Watashi

ENCORE02

1. New World

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LIVE INFORMATION
Sunday, 29 December 2024 Nippon Budokan
Doors open 17:00 / Show starts18:00
Designated seating: ¥11,000 (w/ tax)
(Inquiries) SOGO TOKYO 03-3405-9999

〈Advance Ticketing Information〉
■W-members advance ticketing applications
Application period: 22:00, Friday, 29 December 2023 ~ 14:00, Monday, 22 January 2024
※Applicants must be registered as a member of both the official fan club [FISH TANK] and the official mobile website [LOVE & MEDIA PORTABLE].
※Registering companions must also be W-members

■Fan club members advance ticketing applications
Application period: 12:00, Monday, 29 January 2024 ~ 14:00, Tuesday, 13 February 2024
※Registering companions do not need to be members

■Mobile members advance ticketing applications
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Event Website
BUCK-TICK Official Website

 

 

Translation: Yoshiyuki
Source: Ongaku to Hito Online

 

BUCK-TICK “will always be five”

Sports Hochi
29 December 2023

text by Kamo Shintaro

first live show since Sakurai Atsushi’s sudden death
10,000 people crying at the annual Budokan show

 

Rock band BUCK-TICK whose vocalist, Sakurai Atsushi (aged 57) passed away from a brainstem haemorrhage on 19 October held their first show, also their annual year-end solo concert at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on the 29th. They performed 21 songs “in memoriam” during the two and a half hour show.

71 days after his sudden passing, scenes from days when Sakurai was around were put up on the big screen. A spotlight lit up his “usual spot” in the centre of the stage as Imai Hisashi, Hoshino Hidehiko, Higuchi Yutaka, and Yagami Toll played the melodies while feeling the presence of their friend with each memory.

After the death of Sakurai-san, all their scheduled concerts were cancelled but after much consultation between the staff and the members of the band, it was decided in November that they will hold only one show at the Nippon Budokan. The concert name was changed from the traditional THE DAY IN QUESTION to BUCK-TICK Gensho (バクチク現象 / BUCK-TICK Phenomenon), a name which is usually used to mark a turning point for the band.

“Come, let’s get started. We’re BUCK-TICK!” The show kicked off with a declaration from Imai. They used live footage from past shows for the singing. A wide variety of 21 songs spanning tracks from their early days like LOVE ME and Sakura to tracks from their those album like Taiyou to Icarus and Na mo Naki Watashi was performed. All the tickets, including standing spaces, were completely sold out.

After the encore, the four members spoke about how they were feeling. Imai said, “Rather than focus on his death, that he’s not here anymore, instead cherish the fact that he lived, that he existed with us in the same space.” And Higuchi promised, “Although Acchan has gone to heaven, BUCK-TICK will always be five.”

When the concert ended, they announced that they would hold a show on 29 December next year at the Nippon Budokan. They will certainly continue in Sakurai-san’s spirit and keep moving forward. (Kamo Shintaro)

 

【Comments from the members after the encore】

Higuchi Yutaka, bassist:
Thank you for gathering here today in such large numbers. Thank you to all our fans from around the country who couldn’t make it today. Thank you to all the staff who made such a (wonderful) show possible despite the limited time. After making our debut, we managed to tour and enjoy concerts with many of you. BUCK-TICK is a live band so I believe we grew through our live shows. And it’s also something that’s created together with everyone of you. Although Acchan has gone to heave, BUCK-TICK will always be five. I don’t know what kind of future it will be, but one thing I know for sure is that we’ll continue as BUCK-TICK with everyone. Going forward, let’s continue to build upon the BUCK-TICK that everyone has always cherished throughout this time together… We’re counting on you.

Yagami Toll, drummer:
You could say it’s unprecedented, the situation it’s turned out to be. Should we continue, or is it better to stop? We gave it a lot of thought. Given that we have all of you fans like this… we would like to keep going. There’s no telling how things will turn out, but I believe we’ll start recording a new album next year. I think there are still thousands of melodies and ideas sleeping in the brains of Imai and Hoshino HIdehiko. Please look forward to it. From here on, we’ll continue to rely on your support for this second phase of BUCK-TICK.

Hoshino Hidehiko, guitarist:
We managed to take a new step forward today. My sincere thanks to all of you for making your way to the Budokan despite the uncertainty. You were worried, weren’t you? Everyone was worried. But I’ll say again: the Parade (i.e. concerts) will still continue from here on out. The Parade goes on.

Imai Hisashi, guitarist:
Life sure is unforgiving, huh? So dramatic it’s almost hilarious. But it isn’t funny. It’s death, after all. It’s okay. Because (the band) can go on, right? We’ll go together. Acchan’s died but there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s just a fact of life. So we may be sad, we may cry, but don’t agonise over it. Rather than focus on his death, that he’s not here anymore, instead cheris the fact that he lived, that he existed with us in the same space. Acchan hasn’t yet gone to heaven. He’s still here. I believe he’ll always be together with us. Next year, BUCK-TICK will make new music, and a new album. It’ll be the newest, bestest BUCK-TICK so please look forward to it. (In future, even if our numbers dwindle) the Parade can keep going. I’ll probably be the last one standing. And even then, we can keep going, so I want to take everyone along. The 29th of December is a special day for BUCK-TICK. It’s a day to toast to. Shall we have a toast? Cheers! Thank you. Everyone, have a toast on your way home too and talk about BUCK-TICK, about Acchan.

 

 

Translation: Yoshiyuki
Source: Sports Hochi

 

BUCK-TICK TOUR 2023 異空-IZORA-
2023.07.15 Takasaki City Theatre

Ongaku to Hito
September 2023

text by Kanemitsu Hirofumi
photographs by MASA

Your distortion; my love

Their national album tour has ended for now. In this tour, we got to see the band find themselves again and their revitalisation along with the perfection of their live concert. The final part examines what 異空-IZORA- was about from a live performance in their hometown, Takasaki.

 

 

On that stage was the immensity of Sakurai as a performer, the conviction of the true-to-life message
and a band who has recovered what’s precious to them

“My name is Hizumi
It’s Hizumi
All I do is wear my favourite clothes put on my favourite makeup
But everyone laughs at me Even though I’m just living my life
Father, mother I love you
Thank you I love you Goodbye”

Hizumi; you could say it’s the highlight of the concert. The excitement sparked by MISTY ZONE was cooled in an instant by Kogoeru before leading into this song. Then, the world was overcast by Izora (異空). 

Possessed by “Hizumi-chan”, Sakurai began his monologue which sounded like words from a suicide note. And after a moment of silence, the song would start but on this day, the silence went on for a particularly long time. A minute, or no, an even longer stretch of stillness dominated the hall. It was only later that I found out that the delay was caused by equipment issues, but for those few minutes of silence, the audience waited with bated breath, without even the slightest of stirrings. At the same time, the motionless, crouched over Hizumi and the four other members of the band waited statue-like for their chance to start the song.

Those few minutes felt like an eternity. Therein lay the immensity of Sakurai as a performer, and the conviction of the true-to-life message. And also, a band who has recovered what’s precious to them in this tour.

BUCK-TICK TOUR 2023 異空-IZORA- started on 19 April. Their first show at Hachioji was stunning. In an interview, Imai said, “I composed QUANTUM Ⅰ because I thought  it’d be a good idea to start the concert with it.” This alone told me that they already had a solid vision since the beginning of the album’s production, and that the concert was bound to be something highly conceptual. 

The set up which spearheaded this did indeed begin with the curtains raising to QUANTUM Ⅰ and after the encore, the curtains were drawn to QUANTUM Ⅱ. And although there was a simple member introduction segment, there was as good as no MC. There wasn’t even a drum solo by Yagami on this day. This is a band I have watched live for many years, but this is the very first time they’re putting on a show in this style.

In an interview, Sakurai also revealed the existence of the protagonist known as “Hizumi-chan”, but whether it’s because it was the first day of the tour or because his intention was not quite clearly conveyed, there were members of the audience who even laughed. However, this conversely amplifies the loneliness of Hizumi, who has nowhere to belong, and comes across as a more realistic expression. It was a masterpiece. And since the whole thing is still disjointed, the impression each song leaves is even stronger.

Among those was die. Released 30 years ago, the inclusion of this track in the Izora tour as the last song of the main show connects it to all that BUCK-TICK has done thus far. It is proof that they have always been true to themselves on stage. I had nothing but great anticipation for how Izora would be performed and how it would grow in this tour.

So, the first half of the tour. They appeared to try out a format which had the drum solo followed by member introductions in their second show at Utsunomiya, but the show I caught in Kyoto only had a drum solo. Member introductions had been removed. The MC was also kept to a minimum. I suppose they took the approach of removing even the parts of the show that were typical of a concert in order to delve deep into the world of Izora.

Neither the setlist nor the pace changed. The only change which occurred was MISTY ZONE being replaced by ONCE UPON A TIME in the encore of the shows they played during their two days in Osaka, one day in Tokyo, and at Nagano and Hiroshima.

The choice of songs around Icarus was a stroke of genius. Also, the words, “I wonder what it was we were looking for/at the end of it all,” really hit home; they felt like an answer from Imai to the song Boogie Woogie, which looks back at the days when they used to tour from  one unfamiliar city to the next in a broken down vehicle. No matter how old they turn, or how much fewer words they exchange, their collective direction remains the same.

It’s obvious that a major theme of this tour was for the young girl living in a war from Sayonara Shelter and the despair that the LGBT community experiences à la Hizumi to overlap with Sakurai’s own inescapable emotional torment, and for it all to be presented on the stage that is Izora

Yet, at the same time, I got the feeling that with how the COVID-19 pandemic halted tours and even after tours came back, activities could not resume as smoothly as they should have due to restricted vocalisation, and also how the five members of the band couldn’t spend as much time together and were unable to do things the way they usual would during that period, it was important for the band to get back into their usual daily routine. It was a despair akin to that of the resignation in SCARECROW which sings about having nowhere to run; similar to how they were all stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Making us, as those living in the present, look to the future
By connecting this era of deprivation with the darkness in Sakurai’s heart
That’s the kind of album 異空 -IZORA- was

Perhaps it was this distant feeling that gave the Izora album its tension and fresh presentation. But also, perhaps, somewhere in there, they were looking for hope, for the band to come back together.

That’s exactly what defined the song Boogie Woogie, and I believe that Yagami’s decision to decorate his concert outfit with old, personal photos of the band members and their carefree smiles was also a sign of these feelings.

When Yagami stepped on stage for the encore on this day, he turned around and struck a pose with his back to the audience to show them the back of his shirt. As if to say that he carried the band’s feelings on his back. Just the five of them spending time together while touring around the country like they used to probably got him feeling that way.

Also, playing a show in their hometown of Takasaki might’ve also brought up all kinds of memories for them. After their Tokyo shows, they announced that they will be playing two shows at Gunma Music Centre to close off their 35th debut anniversary year. But although the audience capacity isn’t all that large, they probably chose this not-very-well-equipped-venue to close off their anniversary year, which started at Yokohama Arena last year, because it brings up memories of the band’s beginnings and their bond. That’s what I think.

And the inescapable despair of Hizumi versus the hope of Na mo Naki Watashi. A hope, no, perhaps a future. That’s right. Once again, like I wrote earlier, it made me feel that this Izora album makes us, as those living in the present, look to the future through connecting and channelling this era’s reality of deprivation with the darkness in Sakurai’s heart which was represented by Sayonara Shelter and Hizumi, as well as SCARECROW in this album.

By being in this band, he could find light in the darkness. That is exactly what he showed us in Taiyou to Icarus and CLIMAX TOGETHER. And this is a sight that we could’ve never seen if they didn’t go on tour. I believe the ones who probably feel this most strongly are the members of the band. Without a doubt.

 

I saw the band’s future. That’s the kind of show it was.

 

 

Translation: Yoshiyuki
Images: Yoshiyuki

 

1993.02.14 | After Zero
SAINT

Lyrics By Ken-ichi

Music by Valentine D.C.

Japanese

 

『嘆きの天使』から翼のプレゼント
夢を叶えた Blond Haired Lady
’60Sの歴史になる程に
誰もが彼女を愛した

まわりのConnection, とりまくScandal
彼女は常にあどけなく
一人歩きを始めた体には
涙のにじむひまもない

  She Was Dead by Hollywood!

  KISS OF HER——銀幕に魂奪われ
         カーテンコール終えたヒロイン

MediaのViolence, 夕べのLate Show
がんじがらめの Heavy Days
うわさの真相、事実を知る前に
問いかけたい “How Was Your Life?”

(Chap!!)

夢見る Medicine, いけない Addiction
もう瞳は開かない
BedでNo.5 数あるエピソード
伝説に相応わしい Suicide

Romaji

By: Andy

[Nageki no tenshi] Kara tsubasa no purezento
Yume wo kanaeta Blond Haired Lady
‘60S no rekishi ni naru hodo ni
Daremo ga kanojo wo aishita

Mawari no Connection, Torimaku Scandal
Kanojo wa tsuneni adokenaku
Hitori aruki wo hajimeta karada ni wa
Namida no nijimu hima mo nai

  She Was Dead by Hollywood!

  KISS OF HER——Ginmaku ni tamashii ubaware
         Kaaten Kooru oeta hiroin

Media no Violence, Yuube no Late Show
Ganjigarame no Heavy Days
Uwasa no shinsou, Jijitsu wo shiru mae ni
Toikaketai “How Was Your Life?”

(Chap!!)

Yume miru Medicine, Ikenai Addiction
Mou hitomi wa hirakanai
Bed de No.5 Kazuaru episoodo
Densetsu ni fusawashii Suicide

English

 

 

1993.02.14 | After Zero
SAINT

Lyrics By Ken-ichi

Music by Valentine D.C.

Japanese

 

   最後のSMILEはどうにか
   貼り付けた強がり
   こらえても耐えても吐息は
   唇に重く絡む

——お前でなきゃ何もかも無意味な物に見える——

   つかんだ指先すりぬける
   乾いた砂のよう
   あがいても抱いても無視して
   見知らぬ人のよう

お前からのSAY GOOD-BY 聞こえないフリして
BABY, MY BABY, STILL MY LOVE ここに居るのに…

   頭の中にはくり返す
   『この恋はもう終わり』
   愛シテ、愛シタ、愛シテル
   一人よがりの想い出

お前が笑うDAYS OF LOVE 握りつぶせないで
BABY, MY BABY, STILL MY LOVE ここに居るから…

——お前になら生命さえ捨てる事も出来る——

Romaji

By: Andy

   Saigo no SMILE wa dou ni ka
   Haritsuketa tsuyogari
   Koraete mo taete mo toiki wa
   Kuchibiru ni omoku karamu

——Omae de nakya nanimo kamo muimi na mono ni mieru——

   Tsukanda yubisaki surinukeru
   Kawaita suna no you
   Agaite mo daite mo mushi shite
   Mishiranu hito no you

Omae kara no SAY GOOD-BY Kikoenai furi shite
BABY, MY BABY, STILL MY LOVE Koko ni iru no ni…

   Atama no naka ni hakuri kaesu
   [Kono koi wa mou owari]
   Aishite, aishita, aishiteru
   Hitori yogari no omoide

Omae ga warau DAYS OF LOVE Nigiri tsubusenai de
BABY, MY BABY, STILL MY LOVE Koko ni iru kara…

——Omae ni nara inochi sae suteru koto mo dekiru ——

English

 

 

1993.02.14 | After Zero
SAINT

Lyrics By Ken-ichi

Music by Valentine D.C.

Japanese

 

光りの河 さえぎるシグナル
グリーンを待たずに
つまづいた恋は置き去りにするつもりで

人目をさけ 路上のパーキング・エリアで
今更ながらに大きな心のすき間

帰らぬ過ぎた言葉 歩き出した夜
ささやかな後悔連れて

破れた地図はり合わせて
お前への距離をたどり出したのさ
「明日」を手渡すために

朝焼けがにじんでく新しい街の中
花束も無しに Brand-New Night

Let me tell you ’bout my story
  はぐれた夜さ Brand-New Night
Let me tell you ’bout my story
  行く当てのない Brand-New Night

  昨日までのため———失う物と
  今日からのため———手に入れる物を
  忘れたくないよ———全ての事を

Romaji

By: Andy

Hikari no kawa Saegiru shigunaru
Guriin wo mata zuni
Tsumadzuita koi wa okizari ni suru tsumori de

Hitome wo sake Rojou no paakingu eria de
Imasara nagara ni ookina kokoro no sukima

Kaeranu sugita kotoba Arukidashita yoru
Sasayaka na koukai tsurete

Yabureta chizu hariawasete
Omae e no kyori wo tadori dashita no sa
[Ashita] wo tewatasu tame ni

Asayake ga nijindeku atarashii machi no naka
Hanataba mo nashi ni Brand-New Night

Let me tell you ’bout my story
  Hagureta yoru sa Brand-New Night
Let me tell you ’bout my story
  Yukuate no nai Brand-New Night

  Kinou made no tame———Ushinau mono to
  Kyou kara no tame———Te ni ireru mono wo
  Wasuretakunai yo———Subete no koto wo

English