Interview with VAMPS

VAMPS members HYDE and K.A.Z talked with JaME before embarking on their European tour.


This autumn you will be touring Europe again. How do you feel about the upcoming tour, and what are you looking forward to the most?

HYDE: It’s a desirable tour for our first album’s release, so I’m happy to do this the same way as in Japan. I’m glad that VAMPS can tour in the best condition.

K.A.Z: I’m very excited to tour Europe! We want the fans to enjoy the grown-up VAMPS, and also there are countries that we will visit for the first time, so we are excited.

You have performed and toured overseas quite a few times now. Any interesting or remarkable experiences from your overseas adventures?

HYDE: The show in Chile was crazy and filled with excitement. We even needed the riot squad!

K.A.Z: The last show in Spain was on my birthday, and the fans sang to celebrate, so I got to spend some quality memorable time there. Thank you.

What do you miss the most when you are away on tour?

HYDE: When the tour is too long I may become homesick.

The PV of your newest song, REPLAY, takes place in a fantasy world and HYDE fights a dragon. What is the meaning of this song and music video?

HYDE: There is no deep meaning for the fantasy world. It’s a theme song for a game so it eventually became like this.

The lyrics to another recent song, AHEAD, say, "At world’s end hold to no regrets". What would both of you do when the world was to end tomorrow?

HYDE: I won’t do a thing.

You will soon release your best-of album, SEX BLOOD ROCK'N ROLL around the world. How did you choose the songs for the album?

HYDE: We chose it because it’s a song that we can use for the show, and the level of the song is high worldwide.

Why did you decide to re-record all the songs for this album? How do they differ from the original recordings?

HYDE: I sang it first in English, but progressed on my pronunciation during re-recording. We also took a copy of what VAMPS wants to do today.

Vampire movies and stories have always been popular―for example, the “Interview with a Vampire” movie, or the more recent “Twilight” books and series. What are some of your own favorite vampire stories in either books, film or television?

HYDE: I’ve read a few books written by Anne Rice. They have realistic descriptions and are very beautiful. Since I’ve read her work, I have become a fan of cold white wine.

Now that you’re performing and releasing material overseas, how has your band’s concept and strategy changed to appeal to an international audience instead of just a Japanese audience?

HYDE: An album release like this is a first, so I’m excited to know how it goes. Like in Japan, it’s a tour for our album release, so I think it will be crazier than last time.

K.A.Z: I would love it if more people can feel our music. Since I started creating music, I have been hoping that people can enjoy and connect through music by touring in Japan and overseas, worldwide.

Can you please give a message for your international fans?

HYDE: Please listen to us if you’re bored (laughs).

K.A.Z: I’m excited to meet the fans through music. I hope we can share the good space.


JaME would like to thank VAMPS for this interview.