BUCK-TICK comments for Forever Shinjuku Loft project
SHINJUKU LOFT
May 2020
As a brief introduction, Shinjuku Loft opened in Nishi-Shinjuku in October 1976, moved to Kabukicho in April 1999. It has a history of more than 40 years to date.
Since the end of February this year, many performances have been cancelled or postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and after the government declared a state of emergency, Shinjuku Loft has refrained from business activities. If the voluntary restraint on business continues, the survival and history of Shinjuku Loft, which has been in business for more than 40 years, will be in jeopardy.
“Forever Shinjuku Loft” was launched as a support project. The organising committee will be working on various support projects for the survival of the Shinjuku Loft, including the production and sale of distribution programs and donation goods.
More information can be found on their official website here: http://www.loft-prj.co.jp/LOFT/forever/
The members’ comments are as follows below:
The first time I went to Shinjuku Loft was for a BOΦWY show (30 Mar 1984). I remember going to a pub with the members after the live and getting to talk to them as if it was yesterday. BUCK-TICK’s first performance was at the “Taiyo Matsuri” [Sun Festival], an event held by Taiyo Records. I remember that it was a very happy occasion for us because this was the one live house that we wanted to perform at the most ever since we all moved to Tokyo. In recent years, they took care of us again when we shot a PV here. Personally, I come here every January for the annual drummers’ meet. I feel that Shinjuku Loft has been an asset to our musical cultural heritage ever since its founding in 1976. Right now, it’s facing a difficult situation but as a number one fan of Shinjuku Loft, I hope that it will be able to reopen again soon.
＜Yagami Toll＞
When I first moved from Gunma to Tokyo in 1985, Shinjuku Loft was already known as the source of rock music, and as the live house which has produced numerous wonderful artistes. And even now, I still remember that it was BUCK-TICK’s goal to perform on this stage and the excitement that I felt for our first stage performance. Now, because of global COVID-19 infections, we have entered tough times and Shinjuku Loft, too, is in crisis. Let us all cooperate and work together to overcome this crisis so that many more artistes may have the chance to perform on Loft’s stage in future.
＜Higuchi Yutaka＞
The checkerboard stage that is admired regardless of era! I hope that Shinjuku Loft will stay on forever! Let’s aim for it! I’m rooting for you!
＜Hoshino Hidehiko＞
✌️ PEACE! We are strong
＜Imai Hisashi＞
For now, let’s hold on together and endure through this. Spring will come. Stay strong until then.
＜Sakurai Atsushi＞