| The Dead Pop Stars | |
| Background: | group_or_band |
| Alias: | D.P.S, d.p.s |
| Origin: | Japan |
| Years Active: | 1992–present |
| Current Members: | Kenzi Aki Hideto Ruiji Kentarou |
| Past Members: | Hiromi Seigo Taiji |
The Dead Pop Stars (stylized as THE DEAD P☆P STARS) is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1992 by ex-Kamaitachi drummer Kenzi. Its current line-up consists of original members Aki and Kenzi on vocals and drums respectively, Hideto and Kentarou on guitar, and Ruiji on bass.
The Dead Pop Stars was started in 1992. At the beginning of their career numerous appearances at various small clubs was marked by persistent displays of violent behavior. This contributed to the formation of a menacing charisma, making them legendary within the independent visual kei scene. In 1997 they made a deal with major label VAP and released the album D.P.S, but the next year they returned to the independent music scene again. In 2000 they released 2 singles and an album, but when they released those three CDs original guitarist Hiromi and original bassist Seigo left the band. When they left guitarist Taiji joined as support guitarist and next year Seigo returned. Taiji and Hideto became official members in 2003, and the band became a five-member band. In 2005 Seigo left the band yet again. Support bassist Ruiji became an official member on September 6, 2007, at the band's 15th anniversary gig. On May 14, 2010, it was announced on the band's official mobile website that Taiji would be leaving the group.[1] He was replaced by Kentarou, who joined on September 6. Despite the frequent, difficult-to-keep-track-of line-up changes The Dead Pop Stars remain a prolific touring act, continuing to be as antisocial as ever.