QUAFF disbandingLast year, this band made the list with the news of all the members leaving, excluding leader Makito, and a new set of members joined shortly after. Without any new releases, the band dissolved once again. Perhaps Makito is in a bit of bad luck, but I hope things turn around for him and the other former members as well. On the other hand, congratulations to Shingo on his marriage and Makito on his engagement!
Aoi and Ryouhei ReuniteIt was announced at the end of 2010 that these former Ayabie members would be reuniting for a little side project. I was looking forward to this collaboration considering I was fan of Ayabie from the beginning when Ryouhei was leader and Aoi's voice wasn't quite up to par as it is now. They made their first single and PV release this year, then started doing a few lives together. I hope both Aoi and Ryouhei continue to work together more, but I want them to continue focusing on their main projects as well.
D's Double American AppearanceIt started in Texas where Babel Entertainment announced that they were bringing D, along with Blood Stain Child, to the oldest anime convention in North America called A-Kon. Fans were super excited, especially southern jrock fans. What was more surprising was when the band was returning in the same year for California's PMX. I hope D isn't sick of the U.S. and that they return in the future for another amazing show.
DOREMIdan disbandingI haven't been following this band very closely, but when I did pay attention, I was not disappointed, especially their last album. It was recently announced that the band will be breaking up on their 10th anniversary. I hope everyone makes the best out of this celebration and departure and I wish the members luck in the future.
chariots RebootThis was announced recently on the LiveJournal community under_code. It's a bit of "controversial" topic it seems, but it looks like the disbandment of chariots has been put off and the revival is starting in 2012. Some fans are worried that Rin will suffer from this revival and they are also concerned about Riku's well being with the whole situation. I suppose we'll wait and see what comes of this restart.
Kibum and Alexander's DismissalU-KISS was having a little trouble making a name for themselves, but they finally stuck out with "Man Man Ha Hi". They continued to get better and better and they were loved internationally. Unfortunately, the company didn't believe Kibum and Alexander were putting enough talent into the U-KISS pot, so they made an excuse for their departure which was clearly a lie. Kibum and Alexander spoke out about the situation. I'm not completely sure what Kibum is up to nowadays, but Alexander is returning to the music scene with a collaborative and solo work.
Jui Going SoloAfter the disbandment of Vidoll, it was announced that their precious vocalist would "be the next Gackt". I thought the comment was laughable, but overall I was concerned for Jui's well being since Hizumi left/took a break from the music scene due to similar reasons Vidoll was on hiatus...vocal issues. When Jui debuted, I was disappointed with the results. I still remain a Jui fan, but I'm hoping that he rests his voice for bigger and better things in his solo endeavors.
Big Bang ScandalsAll eyes were on this kpop group and their anticipated comeback. Too bad the mini-album fell short of talent, in my opinion. Somehow fans ate it up and even welcomed the new version of the release that included two new songs and a solo track from Daesung. If you're like me and consider their latest release a start of their downfall, then we can proceed to Daesung's car accident. Fortunately, he wasn't arrested for the incident, but all activities for him were put on hold for him to reflect. As the year went on, the group continued to be involved in advertisement activities and the like as a foursome, but G-Dragon got caught in some drug trouble. This little situation postponed the debut of G-Dragon and T.O.P's duo promotions in Japan. Nonetheless, the group moved on and they have recently announced that they would be making a comeback as five in 2012.
D'espairsRay disbandingThere was so much sorrow hovering over the band between their tour getting cut short and the announcement that Hizumi's voice was in danger. The band made a safe move by taking a hiatus. I believe Hizumi underwent surgery while the other members busied themselves with various projects. It was saddening when they decided to disband completely as opposed to waiting around until Hizumi recovered. Nonetheless, Hizumi opened an online design shop by the name of umbrella, Zero and Tsukasa became part of THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S, and Karyu joined Angelo (along with ex-Vidoll guitarist Giru).
Ayumi Hamasaki's marriageI'm not really a fan of Ayumi, but she is a big icon in Japanese pop music. When the news came out earlier this year about her marriage to Austrian actor Manuel Schwarz, fans were surprised. Perhaps non-fans who know about her were surprised like I was. I wish their marriage all the best and that their love lasts forever.
DELUHI disbandingThings were looking up and up for the j-indies band. They just released three consecutive singles and "The farthest" showed a great emotional strength within the band's music that no one has ever witnessed before. Unfortunately, Aggy was pulling out and the other members felt they couldn't continue without the original four, which I respect them for. In the end, Sujk closed out the year by releasing a solo album, Arkhelist, which the other members had a part of.
Koda Kumi & BACK-ON's KENJIO3 Tie the KnotThis month Koda Kumi and BACK-ON's guitarist and vocalist KENJIO3 announced that they would be getting married in the near future. Their message of love for each was posted online for the fans to admire and further support this union. Then the rumor came up that the pop goddess may be hiding a little secret. Unfortunately, a "friend" of Koda's discussed the situation on a tabloid pressuring her to release a confirmation that she is indeed pregnant. Honestly, this is the first marriage in the Asian music industry that I'm seriously approving of. I wish them all the best and that the pregnancy goes smoothly.
Taiji's PassingFormer X Japan bassist had a lot of things going on in the music industry. It was reported he was on a plane with his assistant or manager, but was arrested when a violent incident occurred on the plane. While being held, he passed on. It's still unclear whether his death was an accident or not, but nonetheless, my condolences go out to his family and friends.
Isshi Passes AwayLast year's list included the "demise" of PS Company's beloved Neo Japanesque band Kagrra,. Isshi later announced that he would be starting a solo project by the name of shiki∞project～志鬼陰謀～ and some time later Naoki and Shin formed PLAYERS under PSC. It was some time after the release of shiki∞project～志鬼陰謀～'s first release and the eve of the release of his first album that the vocalist passed on. Isshi's legacy and voice will continue to live on.
First example is Ayabie. Everything seemed fine and dandy. The band went major, released some tracks, toured,did some side projects, and even made an appearance in the U.S.. Kenzo joined Karasu, then participated with a little duo project with bandmate Yumehito. Aoi also announced a little solo project that no body really thought nothing of as a lot of jrockers take on a solo project while in a successful band. Out of no where, we hear that Takehito, Yumehito, Intetsu, and Kenzo decided to depart from Ayabie and form a new band DNL. Wtf, srsly!?
Next on the list is LIX.. They're not as well known as Ayabie, because they're fairly new and still catergorized as indies. They're part of the Darkest Labyrinth/Starwave family. It was put together by former guitarist of Suicide Ali, Yuu. I loved their sound and was hoping their careers would keep building up like their labelmates. They ventured off to Europe and soon announced that everyone was leaving except their leader Yuu after their live on September 25th.
Recently, Quaff has joined the list as a message was posted on their MySpace and Facebook. Everyone decided to part from the band except band leader Makito. In their announcement, they added that there were no musical differences or anything, so I'm curious what happened to make them all leave. Even more curious on how the band will turn out once Makito recuits new members.
The Nancy Silva Project is a San Antonia based band with a female lead that doubles as guitarist. Their music kinda falls under the lines of Paramore and VersaEmerge, but they have their own original sound that makes them stand apart from the others. They had great energy and Nancy talked a little to the audience between a couple songs. Strangely, I found Rai Rai and Diablo a little intimidating in appearance, but they are decent musicians for sure. They performed a familiar cover song, that I can't place my finger on to this day. I'm also not completely familiar with their music, but I enjoyed their set list and hope to see them again later. Here's the first music video for "Letting Go":
I was very pleased with their set list. They played some tracks from their Shake Your Booty! CD and their singles compilation for their tour, Unknown From Overseas. I was really happy they did a few of my favorites. They also did a new song about Osaka and Michael Jackson's "Beat It" with choreography. Ukisemi did a little storytelling in English because he is an alien and Seiya encouraged us to be happy and smile throughout the whole show. Guitar solos were awesome and poor Takuma almost hit his head with his spiky hair. SNG's flute sounded extra beautiful in person. There was also an introduction song to help us learn their names which was a lot of fun. Best part of the whole show for me was their performance of "Shake Your Booty!". It was high energy and I was one of the chosen ones to shake it with them on stage. So, here's a rough set list of the live which might have missing songs in no particular order:
