VAMPS

The vocalist HYDE and guitarist K.A.Z. stirred up the J-music world by creating VAMPS. The duo has combined their talents before to rather successful outcomes, leading the audience to expect nothing less from this project. With their energetic rock sound, the handsome duo has no problems winning the hearts of many fans.

Both members of VAMPS have an impressive history behind them: vocalist HYDE as a member of the chart-topping band L’arc~en~Ciel and a solo artist, and K.A.Z. for the many bands he has been a part of, such as hide with spread beaver, Spin Aqua and his current band, OBLIVION DUST. The two first met during an after party of a L’arc~en~Ciel concert and have been combining their talents since 2003. Their collaboration began when K.A.Z. worked as a songwriter and co-producer on HYDE’s third solo album FAITH, and he also performed at many of HYDE’s solo performances.

At the start of 2008, the two announced their plans to share the spotlight with the new band called VAMPS.

Both members have a tendency to juggle various projects, although L'Arc~en~Ciel let their fans know of an upcoming three-year pause right before the release of the first VAMPS single. Oblivion Dust, on the other hand, simple became active again at the end of 2007, after seven years of silence. The energetic guitarist isn't afraid of pressure and is planning to calmly schedule time for both interesting bands on his calendar.

VAMPS took their first steps into the public arena in March 2008, and right away they started an extensive promotional campaign for their first single, LOVE ADDICT, which was released in July. A lengthy, 46-date national tour started after that.

From August to October, the duo was continuously touring, playing at all the Zepp live houses across the country and selling out every shows. Of course, a DVD release of the tour was to be expected, and they did not disappoint as they released their first DVD, VAMPS LIVE 2008, in February 2009.

From November 2008 to May 2009, the band did not have any tours scheduled, so they used this period to its full extent by recording and releasing the singles I GOTTA KICK START NOW and EVANESCENT. At the same time, they worked on their first full-length album VAMPS, which came out in June.

When their first album was released, the band had already been back on the road for a good month. In May, they began their tour with a series of special, themed concerts, such as a couples-only concert, men-only concert and others.

In July, their Japanese tour will end. The duo will then head to the US for their very first overseas tour, which will undoubtedly include some very exciting shows for both the band and their fans. After their American performances, VAMPS will also play shows in Taiwan before heading back to Japan for another series of concerts - several of which will take place in the legendary Nippon Budokan venue.

Since beginning, VAMPS has been taking the J-music scene by storm. It seems that their schedule is so packed with performances, recordings and promotional activities that the two have barely any time to breathe. Their fans seem more than pleased with the continuous stream of offerings, so let’s hope they will be able to keep up the break neck pace!