Lineup change Archives

X JAPAN opens up about bassist HEATH’s passing

15 November 2023

Heavy metal band X JAPAN released a public statement on November 10 regarding bassist HEATH’s sudden passing. The news of HEATH’s death became widespread throughout Japanese media on November 7. X JAPAN drummer...

X JAPAN bassist HEATH passes away at age 55

Nori

7 November 2023

Band status, Lineup change

HEATH, the soft-spoken bassist for the internationally renowned Jrock band X JAPAN, passed away at the end of October. He was 55 years old. According to those familiar with the matter, HEATH had struggled wi...

BUCK-TICK vocalist Atsushi Sakurai passes away at age 57

Erica and afaenia

24 October 2023

Lineup change

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Atsushi Sakurai, the cherished vocalist of the beloved rock band BUCK-TICK. At the age of 57, he left us tragically due to a brainstem hemorrhage on October 19, 202...

Versailles’ drummer YUKI retires later this year

Astrid and Kay

19 September 2023

Lineup change

On September 10, 2023, Versailles released an official statement on YUKI's departure from the band. Versailles initially gave notice of the drummer's departure earlier in the year. However, YUKI recently decide...

BABYMETAL welcomes MOMOMETAL as third member!

NBT

3 April 2023

Lineup change

BABYMETAL gains its third member, MOMOMETAL, who officially joined the group on April 1, also known as the "Fox Day". As part of BABYMETAL's comeback roadmap, the unit scheduled the momentous concert "BABYME...

Band GYZE reincarnates as “RYUJIN”, signs to Napalm Records

Erica

11 February 2023

Lineup change

Formerly known as GYZE, Japanese "samurai metal" band RYUJIN has been reborn, signing a worldwide contract with Napalm Records, one of the world's biggest metal labels. Not only that, but Matthew Kiichi Heafy o...

Arlequin lets go of drummer Tamon

Sizergyia and Nori

4 February 2023

Lineup change

Arlequin announces that they are letting go of drummer Tamon after losing contact with him. After being told by Tamon that he was going to see a doctor due to a fever on January 20, the band hasn't been able to...

DEXCORE joined by former bassist TO-RU, support drummer MAKI

Sizergyia and Dorian

22 January 2023

Lineup change, New Look

In December 2022, DEXCORE abruptly announced that bassist kai and drummer reizi would leave the band back with less than two weeks' notice. However, fast-forward to January 2023, and the band has already overco...

DEXCORE bassist kai and drummer reizi depart band

Sizergyia and Dorian

26 December 2022

Lineup change, Releases

DEXCORE abruptly announced that bassist Kai and drummer Reizi will both leave the band after their performance at the fiveStars presents 'CONFESSION OF PHILOSOPHY-40min×4MAN-' event on December 27. Thereafter, ...

SUGAR IN THE CLOSET’s vocalist Kai. leaves due to differences in goals

Sizergyia and Dorian

29 October 2022

Lineup change

The band SUGAR IN THE CLOSET has announced that vocalist "Kai." has left the band due to differences in goals. It has only been around six months since the formation of the band in May, and they're already losi...

Crystal Lake vocalist Ryo departs after 10 years of activity

NBT

1 October 2022

Lineup change

It wasn't too long ago when Crystal Lake solidified its new five-man lineup, but unfortunately, on September 28, Crystal Lake's vocalist Ryo announced that he would be leaving the band after having been a part ...

Guitarist MISAKI on hiatus as BRIDEAR prepares for Japan tour

G Andrew White

20 June 2022

Lineup change, Releases, Tour and event

BRIDEAR announces support guitarist EITA joins the band due to a leave of absence for MISAKI. According to the news from their official website, the guitarist's doctor recommends she take time off to rest. ...

UNiTE. dismisses vocalist Yui due to “significant issue”

Sizergyia, Dorian and afaenia

21 April 2022

Lineup change

"UNiTE." has dismissed their vocalist Yui as of the official announcement on April 8. The announcement states that there was a "significant issue regarding vocalist Yui that remained unsolved", hence why they c...

nurié’s bassist Takanashi Yahiro passes away in tragic accident

Erica and afaenia

15 December 2021

Lineup change

On December 6, visual kei band nurié was en route to Tokyo for their sold-out headlining live concert, "Guide Book". Unfortunately, their vehicle was rear-ended in a traffic jam, injuring all members. Bassist T...