the GazettE Bassist REITA Has Passed Away

It was announced today that REITA, the bassist of visual kei band the GazettE, passed away on April 15th.

The band announced the news via a message shared in both Japanese and English on their official website, which thanks all the people who supported and loved him. It states that the members and their staff are still shocked and confused by the sudden loss but that they believe the passion and energy he put into the GazettE will never change and will continue to shine on even more brightly in the future.

A memorial service will be held for only his close relatives, and the band members ask that fans respect his family's privacy.

REITA formed the GazettE with vocalist RUKI and guitarist URUHA in 2002. He remained active with the group for 22 years.