Visual kei band the GazettE announced today on the group’s official website that founding member and long-time bassist REITA passed away on April 15, 2024. The statement, available in both Japanese and English, doesn’t announce the cause of death. A memorial service with close relatives is scheduled for a later time.
The statement from the GazettE and management company HERESY:
“We would like to inform this very important notice to everyone who have been supporting the GazettE.This is the saddest news we have to inform that the GazettE’s bassist REITA passed away on April 15, 2024.We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all fans who supported and love him and all partners who supported and taken cared REITA in his career as the GazettE bassist.We are in a great confusion and sadness of the loss of REITA but we believe that his passion for the band “the GazettE” will never change and will continue to shine even more brightly in the future.The memorial service is plan to be held with only close relative.We’re grateful for your respect and kind consideration to privacies of the relatives and the people involved.”
REITA’s birthday is May 27. The GazettE officially formed in 2002, with REITA, Ruki and Uruha as founding members alongside Aoi and Yune, and later Kai. The GazettE is best known for the single “Filth in the Beauty,” as well as performing the Black Butler II opening theme song, titled “SHIVER,” in 2010.Our thoughts go out to REITA’s family and friends, and the members of the GazettE at this time.
Sources: the GazettE on Twitter, the GazettE official website
