The Last Rockstars Explained

The Last Rockstars
Landscape:yes
Origin:Tokyo, Japan
Genre:Rock
Years Active:2022–present
Label:Melodee Music
Current Members:

The Last Rockstars is a Japanese rock supergroup formed in 2022 by Yoshiki (X Japan), Hyde (L'Arc-en-Ciel, Vamps), Sugizo (X Japan, Luna Sea), and Miyavi (ex-Dué le Quartz). The four members announced their collaboration in November 2022, and released their first self-titled single in December of the same year. In January 2023, the band performed their debut tour in Japan and the United States.

History

The group members Yoshiki, Sugizo and Miyavi were previously part of the short-lived rock supergroup Skin in 2007.[1] [2] The formation of The Last Rockstars was announced at a press conference in Tokyo on November 11, 2022,[3] when the three members with singer Hyde also announced a pair of upcoming single and several concerts scheduled for January and February 2023. Yoshiki stated that the mission of the group was to "aim at the international market beyond Japan" and to "preserve the spirit of rock music," which the musician claimed has been overtaken in the modern music scene by pop and hip-hop. The provocative name was chosen "to leave an impression".

On December 14, the band announced a second New York City show had been added to the tour schedule due to high demand,[4] followed by the announcement that the band would release their music through Melodee Music/Ingrooves, a sub-label of Universal Music and Virgin Music Group.[5] On December 23, The Last Rockstars released their debut single, "The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)".[6] On December 31, the members made their debut performance as a band on NHK's New Year's Eve music program 73rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, setting a record by performing on the nationwide program just eight days after the release of their first single.[7]

In January 2023, the group launched their first international tour with sold-out shows in Tokyo, New York, and Los Angeles, performing in addition to many new songs several self-covers by Skin, X Japan, Yoshiki, L'Arc-en-Ciel, Hyde and Miyavi.[2] [8] [9] [10] On August 4, the band released their second single, "Psycho Love".[11] On November 21, the band began their second international tour at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, though the Los Angeles date which had been announced for November 29 was postponed until August 2024,[12] and then later cancelled.[13] On the first day of the concert series, the band announced their song "Mastery" would be the theme song for the video game Tekken 8.[14]

Members

Discography

Singles

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeaksAlbum
JPN
Dig.
[15]
JPN
Down.
[16]
"The Last Rockstars (Paris Mix)"20224 4rowspan="2"
"Psycho Love"20238 8

Notes and References

  1. Fraser . Lewry . November 11, 2022 . Japanese rock legends Yoshiki, Hyde, Sugizo and Miyavi join forces to form The Last Rockstars . . December 2, 2023.
  2. Yokomizo . Joe . November 20, 2023 . YOSHIKIが語る、THE LAST ROCKSTARSに込めた「想い」と「願い」. December 3, 2023 . Rolling Stone Japan . ja.
  3. Web site: Kelsey . Chapstick . November 11, 2022 . The Last Rockstars: 4 of Japan's Most Famous Musicians Launch Supergroup . January 1, 2023 . Revolver.
  4. Web site: November 17, 2022 . The Last Rockstars – Due To Popular Demand Add Extra Date In New York . January 1, 2023 . Rock'n'Load.
  5. Patrick St. . Michel . December 19, 2022 . New Japanese Supergroup The Last Rockstars Sign With Ingrooves for Global Distribution . January 1, 2023 . Billboard.
  6. Web site: December 20, 2022 . Japanese Supergroup The Last Rockstars To Release Debut Single This Friday . January 1, 2023 . Blabbermouth.
  7. Web site: December 30, 2022 . 【紅白リハ&会見】紅白で"踊れる"デビュー曲お披露目!THE LAST ROCKSTARSはお笑いでも天下取りたい . January 1, 2023 . . ja.
  8. Web site: January 30, 2023 . これがTHE LAST ROCKSTARSの“世界をロックする”序章、東京で鮮烈ライブデビュー飾る . December 2, 2023 . . ja.
  9. Web site: February 11, 2023 . Watch: Japanese Supergroup THE LAST ROCKSTARS Plays Sold-Out Concert At Hollywood Palladium . February 17, 2023 . Blabbermouth.net.
  10. Web site: Cecee . February 22, 2023 . THE LAST ROCKSTARS Live Debut 2023 at Hollywood Palladium (Review) . December 2, 2023 . JaMe-World.
  11. Web site: August 11, 2023 . Japanese Supergroup THE LAST ROCKSTARS Releases Second Single, Announces November 2023 Los Angeles Concert . December 3, 2023 . Blabbermouth.net.
  12. Web site: Major . Michael . November 24, 2023 . The Last Rockstars Announce Rescheduled Los Angeles Show . December 2, 2023 . BroadwayWorld.
  13. Web site: 2024-05-17 . THE LAST ROCKSTARS、8月LA公演を“中止” 25年「世界ツアーに置き換えさせていただきます」 . 2024-05-31 . ORICON NEWS.
  14. Web site: November 22, 2023 . THE LAST ROCKSTARS announce new song "MASTERY" for Tekken 8 . December 2, 2023 . J-Generation.
  15. Peaks on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart:
  16. Peaks on the Billboard Japan Download Songs: