Drummer Ikemoto Yuki left melodic punk band SHANK after their performance at Studio Do! in their hometown of Nagasaki on December 25th, 2023.
In a statement on the band’s official website, it was explained that Ikemoto has chosen to withdraw from the band because he has begun to have trouble keeping up with their activities. In an individual comment, Ikemoto thanked
everyone for their support and stated that while he is quitting the band, he does not intend to stop drinking, so if they run into him in a bar somewhere one day they can say “Cheers!” together.
Ikemoto was one of SHANK's three founding members, and he was active with the band for over 19 years.
Starting in January 2024, SHANK's two remaining members, vocalist and bassist Iohara Shohei and guitarist Matsuzaki Hyota, will continue activities with support drummer Hayakawa Naoki.
SHANK's first new release since Ikemoto's departure, a single titled Midnight Grow, will be out on digital platforms on January 31st. It will contain two tracks: the title song and Sandpaper.
The music video for the title track from SHANK's 2022 album STEADY can be viewed below.
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