The official website of the visual kei band the Gazette (stylized as the GazettE) has announced the passing of their bassist, Reita, on April 15. He was 42 years old. The announcement did not provide further details about his death. The statement expressed gratitude to fans for their support and love for Reita, as well as to partners who had supported him throughout his career as the GazettE’s bassist. A memorial service will be held exclusively for close relatives, according to the website.
- Just yesterday, a tweet from Reita’s X Account expressed his hope for the GazettE to last forever. Born on May 27, 1981, Reita (stylized as REITA) was a founding member of the group alongside Ruki (vocals) and Uruha (lead guitar). The trio, who had been part of other visual kei bands previously, decided to make this group, formed in Yokohama in 2002, their final endeavor. They later added Aoi on rhythm guitar and Yune on drums. In 2003, Yune departed and was replaced by Kai from Mareydi Creia.
- The Gazette debuted their album “Disorder” in 2004, reaching number 19 on the Oricon Charts. Since then, they’ve released nine studio albums, all of which have made it to the top 10. They’ve performed at Japan’s major stadiums, including the Budokan and Tokyo Dome. In 2013, they completed their inaugural world tour. Notable hits by the group include “Leech,” “Distress and Coma,” and “Shiver,” the opening theme song for the popular anime “Kuroshitsuji II” (Black Butler II).
- On December 21, 2022, the band released a 20th-anniversary compilation album titled “Heterodoxy -Divided 3 Concepts-.” Just a week later, Yune, the group’s former drummer, passed away after a sudden illness, also at the age of 42.