L'Arc~en~Ciel
Encyclopedia
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band formed in 1991 in Osaka
Osaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
. The group has sold over 13 million albums, 16 million singles, and millions of other units, including videos. They were ranked at number 58 on a list of the top 100 Japanese pop musicians by HMV Japan in 2003.
1991–1996: Early career
In February 1991, bassist tetsuya (then known as TETSU), later bandleader, recruited vocalist hyde (then known as HIDE), guitarist HIRO and drummer PERO, and formed a band under the name of L'Arc-en-Ciel. After a year of gaining notoriety in their hometown of OsakaOsaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, HIRO left the band on June 12, 1992. tetsuya convinced his friend ken to quit his university studies (he was an architecture major at The Nagoya Institute of Technology
Nagoya Institute of Technology
The , or less commonly Nitech, is a public highest-level educational institution of science and technology located in Nagoya, Japan.Nagoya Institute of Technology was founded on 1905 as Nagoya Higher Technical School, renamed Nagoya College of Technology in 1944 then merged under the new...
) and join them as guitarist, but on December 30, 1992 PERO left the group. In 1993, new drummer sakura joined L'Arc-en-Ciel.
On April 1, 1993, the band released their debut album Dune under the indie label Danger Crue
Danger Crue Records
Danger Crue Records is a Japanese independent record label located in Tokyo, Japan...
. The album was a success and rose to number one on the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
indies charts, catching the attention of some major labels. In 1994, L'Arc-en-Ciel signed on with Sony
Sony Music Entertainment Japan
is Sony's music arm in Japan. SMEJ is directly owned by Sony Corporation and independent from the United States-based Sony Music Entertainment due to its strength in the Japanese music industry....
's Ki/oon
Ki/oon Records
is a Japanese record label, a subsidiary of Sony Music Japan.-Artists:Their artists include L'Arc-en-Ciel, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, FLOW, Home Made Kazoku, Puffy AmiYumi, Polysics, Pushim, chatmonchy, Denki Groove, The Babystars, DOES, Guitar Wolf, Miki Furukawa, Nico Touches the Walls, plingmin,...
division, releasing their second album, Tierra
Tierra (album)
Tierra is the second album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on July 14, 1994.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals* ken – guitar* tetsu – bass* sakura – drums, percussion* Haruo Togashi – keyboards* Kuni Tanaka – saxophone...
that same year. Heavenly
Heavenly (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
Heavenly is the third album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on September 1, 1995.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals* ken – guitar* tetsu – bass* sakura – drums, percussion* Takeshi Hadano – keyboards* Akira Nishidaira – keyboards on track 2...
followed in 1995. True
True (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
True is the fourth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on December 12, 1996. It would be the band's last record to feature sakura on drums.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals, backing vocals, harmonica on track 4, handclaps on track 9...
, released in 1996, became their first number one, million selling album.
1997: sakura's departure
In February 1997, drummer sakura was arrested for heroin possession. He officially quit the band on October 4, 1997. This proved to be the lowest point in the band's history. When news of sakura's arrest became public, there was an immediate official response and CDs were removed from the shelves. "The Fourth Avenue CafeThe Fourth Avenue Cafe
"The Fourth Avenue Café" is the thirtieth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Originally expected on March 21, 1997, but due to drug charges against drummer Sakura it was only finally released on August 30, 2006. The single reached number 5 on the Oricon chart. Back in 1997, it was used as the 4th ending...
", the fourth ending theme for the Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin
, also known as Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai X, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The fictional setting takes place during the early Meiji period in Japan. The story is about a fictional assassin named Himura Kenshin, from the Bakumatsu who becomes a wanderer to...
anime, was immediately replaced with its former theme "Heart of Sword" after only six episodes. In addition, the release of the "The Fourth Avenue Cafe
The Fourth Avenue Cafe
"The Fourth Avenue Café" is the thirtieth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Originally expected on March 21, 1997, but due to drug charges against drummer Sakura it was only finally released on August 30, 2006. The single reached number 5 on the Oricon chart. Back in 1997, it was used as the 4th ending...
" single was postponed. It was eventually released in 2006.
Marilyn Manson (band)
Marilyn Manson is an American metal band from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Formed in 1989 by Brian Warner and Scott Putesky, the group was originally named Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids with their uniquely theatrical performances gathering a local cult following in the early '90s. This attention...
's "Irresponsible Hate Anthem". The return from the break was marked by the appropriately named "Reincarnation 97 Live in Tokyo Dome", with their new drummer yukihiro
Yukihiro (musician)
yukihiro is a Japanese musician, best known as drummer of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. He also sings for his solo project, Acid Android. Before joining L'Arc he was in several other popular bands, such as Zi:Kill and Die in Cries.- Early life :yukihiro was born on November 24, 1968 in Ichikawa,...
(former drummer of Zi:Kill
Zi:Kill
Zi:Kill was an influential Japanese visual kei rock band active from 1987 to 1994 . The core members were vocalist Tusk, bassist Seiichi and guitarist Ken. They were featured in a chapter of Karl Taro Greenfeld's novel Speed Tribes...
and Die in Cries
Die in Cries
Die in Cries was a prominent visual kei rock band of the 90's, whose members have all played in other prominent Japanese bands.-History:...
). Their first concert at the Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
had an attendance of 56,000, which sold out in four minutes, a record at that time.
In 1997, "Niji", the first single after sakura's departure, was released with yukihiro listed as a supporting member. Not long after the release of the single, yukihiro was signed on as the official drummer for L'Arc-en-Ciel.
1998–2000: Blockbuster success
Their 1998 single "Winter FallWinter Fall
"Winter Fall" is the ninth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on January 28, 1998. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart, making it their first number-one single. The single was re-released on August 30, 2006.-Track listing:-Chart positions:...
", became their first number one single on the Oricon charts. They released the album Heart
Heart (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
Heart is the fifth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 25, 1998. It is the band's first album to feature yukihiro on drums, and marked the band's return to mainstream attention following the arrest of former drummer sakura...
on February 25, 1998. Ark and Ray were released simultaneously on July 1, 1999, and became the first Japanese albums to be released simultaneously in many other Asian countries. Both topped the Oricon music charts, with Ark occupying number one and Ray at number two. Their release marked the commercial high point of the band's career, with each selling over two million copies.
Their next album Real
Real (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
Real is the eighth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on August 30, 2000. It would be the band's last original studio album before a prolonged hiatus...
was released on August 30, 2000. However, it was their last studio album for some time. "Stay Away
Stay Away (song)
"Stay Away" is the 21st single by Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 19, 2000. In the same day, Japanese rock band Glay's single "Mermaid" was also released. Although "Stay Away" sold over 504,000 copies in the first week, "Mermaid" debuted at number 1 with the sales of over 525,000...
" from the album was featured in DrumMania 4th Mix, making the song playable on the machine.
2001–2003: Hiatus and solo projects
The compilation Clicked Singles Best 13Clicked Singles Best 13
Clicked Singles Best 13 is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 14, 2001. As the titles suggests, it collects previously released singles, with the addition of a new track, "Anemone"...
was released on March 14, 2001, and includes twelve songs chosen by fans online in Asia and an additional thirteenth song, "Anemone". Their album Real was re-released as a Super Audio CD
Super Audio CD
Super Audio CD is a high-resolution, read-only optical disc for audio storage. Sony and Philips Electronics jointly developed the technology, and publicized it in 1999. It is designated as the Scarlet Book standard. Sony and Philips previously collaborated to define the Compact Disc standard...
on July 4, 2001. L'Arc-en-Ciel's last new single before their hiatus, "Spirit Dreams Inside (Another Dream)", was released on September 5, 2001. Their English language version of the song, "Spirit Dreams Inside", was adopted for the closing theme song to the movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within is a 2001 Japanese-American computer animated science fiction film directed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of the Final Fantasy series of role-playing video games. It was the first photorealistic computer animated feature film and also holds the record for the most...
.
After "Spirit Dreams Inside (Another Dream)" was released, the band went on a hiatus. During this time, the members began working on solo projects. hyde released two solo albums (Roentgen
Roentgen (album)
Roentgen is the debut album by Hyde, released on March 27, 2002. It was released on his own label Haunted Records, a division of Sony's Ki/oon Records. The cover of the regular edition is an X-Ray of Hyde's own skull. "The Cape of Storms" was used as the theme song for the movie Kagen no Tsuki,...
and 666
666 (Hyde album)
666 is the second album by Hyde, released on December 3, 2003. The title is a play on words, the Japanese word for the number six is "roku" , which is similar to how the word "rock" is transliterated . Therefore, "666" is also interpreted as "rock rock rock". The hard rock music of 666 is the polar...
) and co-starred in the movie Moon Child with popular singer Gackt
Gackt
is a Japanese singer-songwriter, actor, voice actor and author. Usually referred to by his mononymous stage name, he is known for his career as a solo artist and as the former vocalist for the defunct visual kei rock band Malice Mizer....
. hyde also played the part of Adam in the movie Kagen no Tsuki
Kagen no Tsuki
is a three-volume shōjo manga series by Ai Yazawa. It was first published in Ribon, a manga magazine primarily read by teenaged girls.In 2004 it was adapted into a live-action movie...
(Last Quarter of the Moon), based on the manga of the same title. ken founded Sons of All Pussys
Sons of All Pussys
Sons of All Pussys is a Japanese rock band. Formed in 2002 by Ken, his former L'Arc-en-Ciel band mate Sakura, and Germany born model Ein .- Members :* Ken - vocals, guitar * Ein - bass* Sakura - drums Sons of All Pussys (typeset as SONS OF ALL PUSSYS, abbreviated as S.O.A.P.) is a Japanese rock...
with L'Arc-en-Ciel's former drummer, sakura. tetsuya started Tetsu69 and yukihiro formed Acid Android
Acid Android
Acid Android is the solo project of yukihiro, drummer of the popular Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. They are signed to yukihiro's Tracks on Drugs label, a division of Ki/oon Records. Acid Android releases, as with the other L'Arc-en-Ciel members' solo projects, take place when they are on hiatus...
.
Three compilation albums The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998, The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W
The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel c/w
The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W is a compilation album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on March 19, 2003, simultaneously alongside The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000...
were released on March 19, 2003. The album series included almost all their singles at that time except "Spirit Dreams Inside (Another Dream)".
2004: Comeback and U.S. concert debut
In June 2003, L'Arc-en-Ciel performed a series of seven concerts in TokyoTokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
called "Shibuya Seven Days", during which they announced a new album for release the following year. The band released "Ready Steady Go
Ready Steady Go (song)
"Ready Steady Go" is the twenty-third single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on February 4, 2004 it reached number 1 on the Oricon chart. The four alternate versions on the single omit each titular band member's contributions; for instance, the "Hydeless Version" features none of hyde's vocals , while...
" in February 2004, their first single in more than three years. The song was used as an opening for the popular anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
adaption of Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist
, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist is styled after the European Industrial Revolution...
. It topped the Oricon weekly singles charts. A cover of the song is used in a video game for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
called Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan
Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan
, sometimes referred to as simply Ouendan, is a rhythm video game developed by iNiS and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console in 2005, for release only in Japan...
. The single was followed by "Hitomi no Juunin
Hitomi no Juunin
is the twenty-fourth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on March 3, 2004. It reached the number-one position and charted for 10 weeks on the Oricon chart. The single was certified Gold by RIAJ for shipment of 100,000 copies.- Track listing :...
", in early March. The album Smile, was released on March 31. Shortly after, on June 2, 2004, the single "Jiyuu e no Shoutai
Jiyuu e no Shoutai
is the twenty-fifth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on June 2, 2004. Its B-side "Milky Way" is the first song that was performed by their alter ego, P'unk-en-Ciel. The single debuted at the number one position on the Oricon chart, and was certified Platinum by RIAJ for shipment of 250,000...
" introduced P'unk-en-Ciel for the first time on CD with "Milky Way".
On July 31, 2004, L'Arc-en-Ciel made their North American debut at the anime convention Otakon
Otakon
Otakon is a fan convention in the United States focusing on East Asian popular culture and its fandom. The name is a portmanteau derived from convention and the Japanese word otaku...
, held annually in Baltimore, Maryland. Approximately 12,000 people attended the concert, which was held at the 1st Mariner Arena
1st Mariner Arena
1st Mariner Arena is an arena located in Baltimore, Maryland. In 2003, it was renamed by 1st Mariner Bank, which purchased naming rights to the arena for 10 years. It was reported that 1st Mariner Bank will need to pay the city $75,000 for the next ten years to keep the naming rights to the complex...
. They were also the first Japanese act (and until JAM Project
JAM Project
JAM Project is an anime music genre "supergroup" based in Japan, originally founded on July 19, 2000 by famous 1970s theme song artist Ichirou Mizuki...
in 2008, the only) to perform at the arena. On May 31, 2005, Tofu Records
Tofu Records
was a US record label of Sony Music Entertainment Japan that was launched in 2003 to distribute Japanese Sony artists in the United States, and that closed in 2007. Their first signed artist was T.M.Revolution, and they used the anime fandom community to spread the word. T.M.Revolution's U.S...
, Sony Music Japan's U.S. label, released the much-anticipated DVD, of the Otakon 2004 concert, Live in U.S.A. On June 25, 2007, L'Arc-en-Ciel signed a deal with HMV
HMV
His Master's Voice is a trademark in the music business, and for many years was the name of a large record label. The name was coined in 1899 as the title of a painting of the dog Nipper listening to a wind-up gramophone...
America.
2005–2006: Asian tour and solo projects
In 2005, the band released various singles, including "Killing MeKilling Me
"Killing Me" is the twenty-sixth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on January 13, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart, and was certified Gold by RIAJ for shipment of 100,000 copies...
", "New World
New World (L'Arc-en-Ciel song)
"New World" is the twenty-seventh single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on April 6, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :...
", and "Jojoushi
Jojoushi
is the twenty-eighth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on May 18, 2005. It debuted at number one on the Oricon chart. The music video for "Jojoushi" was nominated for the 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival.- Track listing :...
". These were later featured on their album, Awake, which was released on June 22 with twelve tracks, including "Lost Heaven", the closing theme of Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa
is a 2005 Japanese animated film directed by Seiji Mizushima and written by Sho Aikawa, and acts as a continuation of the first Fullmetal Alchemist television series...
. The band's single, "Link
Link (song)
"Link" is the twenty-ninth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 20, 2005. It is the second track by the band to be used in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime franchise, following "Ready Steady Go", used as the opening theme to the feature-length film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of...
", released on July 20, 2005, was also featured in the movie as the opening theme, which was included on their next album Kiss
Kiss (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
Kiss is the eleventh album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on November 21, 2007. Its first-press edition comes with a 23 page photobook and had sold out in less than a week of its official release...
.
In August 2005, the band went on their tour for Awake, which was limited to Japan. The tour featured displays of anti-war sentiment, reflecting similar lyrics of the songs on the album. It was followed by the "Asia Live 2005" tour, with performances in Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, closing with concerts st Japan's Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome
Tokyo Dome is a 55,000-seat baseball stadium located in Bunkyo Ward of Tokyo, Japan.The stadium opened for business on March 17, 1988. It was built on the site of the Velodrome which was next door to the site of the predecessor ballpark, Kōrakuen Stadium...
.
Following the two tours, L'Arc-en-Ciel's members turned their attention back to their solo projects. tetsuya began recording with, veteran metal vocalist of Dead End
Dead End (band)
is an influential Japanese metal/rock band formed in Tokyo in 1984. They were one of few Japanese metal bands who had international exposure in the United States during the eighties...
, Morrie's solo project Creature Creature. yukihiro regrouped Acid Android and released the single "Let's Dance" on April 5, 2006. Acid Android joined Mucc
Mucc
is a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1997. Named after a character from the Japanese children's TV show Hirake! Ponkikki, the band is also known by the nickname 69 since "six nine" can be pronounced "muku" in Japanese...
to perform two concerts in Shanghai, China in April 2006.
hyde composed "Glamorous Sky
Glamorous Sky
"Glamorous Sky" is Mika Nakashima's 16th single overall, her 1st under the name Nana starring Mika Nakashima, and the second most successful single in her career after "Stars". It is her first rock song and it was used as one of the image songs for the film Nana . Hyde of L'Arc-en-Ciel composed...
", the theme song to the film adaption of the manga
Manga
Manga is the Japanese word for "comics" and consists of comics and print cartoons . In the West, the term "manga" has been appropriated to refer specifically to comics created in Japan, or by Japanese authors, in the Japanese language and conforming to the style developed in Japan in the late 19th...
Nana
Nana (manga)
is a Japanese shōjo manga series written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa, serialized in Cookie published by Shueisha. The manga derives its title from the name of the two main characters, both of whom are called Nana. Nana Komatsu is a small town girl who goes to Tokyo to follow her boyfriend and...
starring pop singer Mika Nakashima
Mika Nakashima
is a Japanese singer, model, and actress. She has achieved five number-one albums in Japan and also embarked on an acting career, most notably in the live-action movie Nana, based on the manga of the same name.- Early life and debut :...
. It was the first time hyde composed music for another vocalist. hyde's latest solo album, Faith, was released in on April 26, 2006, accompanied by a five month tour throughout Japan between April and August 2006. After signing on with Tofu Records
Tofu Records
was a US record label of Sony Music Entertainment Japan that was launched in 2003 to distribute Japanese Sony artists in the United States, and that closed in 2007. Their first signed artist was T.M.Revolution, and they used the anime fandom community to spread the word. T.M.Revolution's U.S...
, four small concerts were scheduled in San Francisco and Anaheim, California in the United States. hyde made his U.S. debut in July 2006, the first of L'Arc-en-Ciel's solo projects to extend internationally. On August 23, ken released a solo single entitled "Speed".
2006–2008: 15th Anniversary and Europe concert debut
On November 25 and 26, 2006, L'Arc-en-Ciel played two shows at the Tokyo Dome to celebrate their 15th anniversary, entitled "L'Anniversary". It sold out in two minutes, breaking their former record. A poll was created on the official website, during the weeks before the concert, which allowed fans to pick the songs they would like to hear at the event. The concert was later shown on the WOWOWWOWOW
WOWOW was the first private satellite broadcasting and pay TV station in Japan. It has its headquarters on the 21st floor of the Akasaka Park Building in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo...
channel on December 23, 2006. It was also broadcast on February 8, 2007 on Korea MTV.
L'Arc-en-Ciel later recorded the song "Shine" to be used as the opening song for the NHK anime Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. In the spring of 2007, they kicked-off their "Mata Heart ni hi wo Tsukero 2007" tour in Japan. L'Arc-en-Ciel released the single "Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven (song)
"Seventh Heaven" is the thirty-first single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on May 30, 2007. It reached number 1 on the Oricon chart. The b-side "Honey 2007" is a rewritten version of their eleventh single "Honey", and is the sixth appearance of their alter ego, P'unk-en-Ciel.- Track listing :...
" on May 30, 2007, which topped the Oricon
Oricon
, established in 1999, is the holding company at the head of a Japanese corporate group that supplies statistics and information on music and the music industry in Japan. It started as , which was founded by Sōkō Koike in November 1967 and became known for its music charts. Oricon Inc...
charts. The song "My Heart Draws a Dream
My Heart Draws a Dream
"My Heart Draws a Dream" is the thirty-second single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on August 29, 2007. It reached number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :-Oricon sales chart :...
", used in a Subaru
Subaru
; is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Fuji Heavy Industries .Subaru is internationally known for their use of the boxer engine layout popularized in cars by the Volkswagen Beetle and Porsche 911, in most of their vehicles above 1500 cc as well as...
commercial, was released as a single on August 29, 2007, and reached the number one spot on the Oricon charts. The song "Daybreak's Bell
Daybreak's Bell
"Daybreak's Bell" is the thirty-third single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on October 10, 2007. It also has a P'unk-en-Ciel track, "Natsu no Yuutsu [Sea in Blood 2007]", a remake of their fourth single "Natsu no Yuutsu [Time to say Good-bye]"...
" was used as the first opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00
Mobile Suit Gundam 00
is an anime TV series, the eleventh incarnation of Sunrise's long-running Gundam franchise consisting of two seasons. It is directed by Seiji Mizushima and written by Yōsuke Kuroda, and features character designs by Yun Kōga. The twenty-five episode season was officially announced by Sunrise...
. It was released as a single on October 10, 2007, topping the Oricon weekly charts as well. From November 14 to December 25, 2007, they released a limited edition single titled "Hurry Xmas
Hurry Xmas
"Hurry Xmas" is the thirty-fourth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on November 14, 2007. There are two editions of the original single, a regular and s special edition...
", along with two new DVDs, titled 15th L'Anniversary Live and Chronicle 3. Their new studio album Kiss
Kiss (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
Kiss is the eleventh album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on November 21, 2007. Its first-press edition comes with a 23 page photobook and had sold out in less than a week of its official release...
, was released on November 21, 2007, and debuted at the number one position on the Oricon charts.
L'Arc-en-Ciel performed the "Theater of Kiss" tour, which was held from December 22, 2007 to February 17, 2008. The song "Drink It Down
Drink It Down
"Drink it Down" is the thirty-fifth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on April 2, 2008. The single debuted at number one on the Oricon chart. It was the theme song of Devil May Cry 4 video game.-Track listing:...
", used as the Japanese opening song for the PS3/Xbox360 game Devil May Cry 4
Devil May Cry 4
Devil May Cry 4 is an action game that was published and developed by Capcom in 2008 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows platforms. The game is the fourth installment to the Devil May Cry series....
, was released as a single on April 2, 2008, and topped the Oricon weekly charts. The band went on the "Tour 2008 L'7: Trans Asia via Paris" which covered several major Asian cities, as well as Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. On this tour a definite live show hiatus until 2011 was announced, while new material would still continue to be released. Both a double A-side single, "Nexus 4/Shine" and a DVD, Tour 2007-2008 Theater of Kiss were released on August 27, 2008.
2009–2010: Live show hiatus
On May 20, 2009, L'Arc-en-Ciel released the DVD of their live concert in Paris, Live in Paris. hyde and K.A.ZK.A.Z
, better known by his stage name K.A.Z, is a Japanese musician and songwriter. He is known for his work with Oblivion Dust, hide with Spread Beaver and Vamps.- Career :...
formed the hard rock group Vamps
Vamps
Vamps is a Japanese rock band formed in 2008 by Hyde and K.A.Z, and signed to Hyde's record label Vamprose.- History :...
and released their self-titled first album, Vamps
Vamps (album)
Vamps is the debut album by Vamps, released on June 10, 2009. The limited edition includes a DVD with the music videos for the album's three singles: "Love Addict", "I Gotta Kick Start Now", and "Evanescent", as well as the video for "Trouble" , which features Anza.The album reached number on 3...
, on June 10, 2009.
On December 1, 2009, L'Arc-en-Ciel announced the release of a new single, "Bless", on January 27, 2010. It was used as the theme song for NHK
NHK
NHK is Japan's national public broadcasting organization. NHK, which has always identified itself to its audiences by the English pronunciation of its initials, is a publicly owned corporation funded by viewers' payments of a television license fee....
's broadcast of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Also, tetsu announced that he changed his stage name
Stage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
to "tetsuya" and released his first artist book, which ranked number six among the Talent Book Charts, while featuring early live pictures and a 30,000 character interview with the bassist.
On March 10, L'Arc-en-Ciel released their fifth "best of" album, entitled Quadrinity: Member's Best Selections
Quadrinity: Member's Best Selections
Quadrinity: Member's Best Selections is a compilation album by L'Arc-en-Ciel. It released on March 10, 2010. There are four discs. Each disc has seven songs written by one of the members of the band. There is a CD version and a CD/DVD version...
. It is collected on 4 CDs with 7 tracks per band member, chosen and re-mastered by each of them. The first press edition also comes with a DVD which includes a variety quiz show with the band titled The L'Arquiz.
2011: 20th Anniversary
On January 1, 2011, L'Arc-en-Ciel celebrated their 20th anniversary and the New Year with the midnight show "L'A Happy New Year!" at Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex. On February 16, 2011, they released their next compilation albums named Twenity, which consists of three parts, Twenity 1991-1996Twenity 1991-1996
Twenity 1991-1996 is a compilation album to be released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 16, 2011, simultaneously alongside Twenity 1997-1999 and Twenity 2000-2010. It collects previously released A-sides and B-sides.-Track listing:...
, Twenity 1997-1999
Twenity 1997-1999
Twenity 1997-1999 is a compilation album to be released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 16, 2011, simultaneously alongside Twenity 1991-1996 and Twenity 2000-2010. It collects previously released A-sides and B-sides.-Track listing:...
, and Twenity 2000-2010, followed by a box set, Twenity Box, on March 9, 2011. The albums are an all around "best of" collection for the band and cover everything from the formation of the group, including their hit singles up to their newest works. Twenity 1991-1996
Twenity 1991-1996
Twenity 1991-1996 is a compilation album to be released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 16, 2011, simultaneously alongside Twenity 1997-1999 and Twenity 2000-2010. It collects previously released A-sides and B-sides.-Track listing:...
will cover their work from their album Dune until their album True
True (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)
True is the fourth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on December 12, 1996. It would be the band's last record to feature sakura on drums.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals, backing vocals, harmonica on track 4, handclaps on track 9...
. Twenity 1997-1999
Twenity 1997-1999
Twenity 1997-1999 is a compilation album to be released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 16, 2011, simultaneously alongside Twenity 1991-1996 and Twenity 2000-2010. It collects previously released A-sides and B-sides.-Track listing:...
will cover the releases from their single "Niji" to the single "Love Flies
Love Flies
"Love Flies" is the nineteenth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on October 27, 1999. The b-side is Yukihiro's remix version of the song "Shinjitsu to Gensou to" from their 1999 album Ark. The single debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart, and charted for another 13 weeks.-Track listing:* Remix by...
". Twenity 2000-2010 will cover their releases from the double A-side "Neo Universe/Finale
Neo Universe/Finale
"Neo Universe/Finale" is the twentieth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on January 19, 2000. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart and sold over one million copies. "Finale" was used as the theme song of Ring 0: Birthday...
" up to their commercial only song from 2010, a cover of "I Love Rock 'n Roll". The Twenity Box released on March 9 contains all three of the albums in one release. It also comes with a special digest DVD that covers the 20 year history of the band, a deluxe booklet, and a special music box that contains either "Flower
Flower (L'Arc-en-Ciel song)
"Flower" is the sixth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on October 17, 1996 it reached number 5 on the Oricon chart. The single was re-released on August 30, 2006.-Track listing:-Chart positions:...
", "Anata", "New World
New World (L'Arc-en-Ciel song)
"New World" is the twenty-seventh single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on April 6, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :...
" or "My Heart Draws a Dream
My Heart Draws a Dream
"My Heart Draws a Dream" is the thirty-second single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on August 29, 2007. It reached number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :-Oricon sales chart :...
" at random.
It was announced that L'Arc-en-Ciel will provide the theme song for Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: The Sacred Star of Milos
Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: The Sacred Star of Milos
is a 2011 anime film based on the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. The film was first announced after the airing of the final episode of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood...
, entitled "Good Luck My Way
Good Luck My Way
"Good Luck My Way" is the thirty-eighth single, and first 20th L'Anniversary's single, by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on June 29, 2011. It was used as the closing theme song of Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: The Sacred Star of Milos...
", their fourth contribution to the franchise. The song was released as their first 20th L'Anniversary single on June 29, 2011.
To further celebrate their 20 years together, L'Arc-en-Ciel put on a "20th L'Anniversary Concert" at Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo on May 28–29, 2011, with each day dedicated to one half of their career. Though the concert was planned before the Great East Japan Earthquake
2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
The 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, also known as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, or the Great East Japan Earthquake, was a magnitude 9.0 undersea megathrust earthquake off the coast of Japan that occurred at 14:46 JST on Friday, 11 March 2011, with the epicenter approximately east...
, all proceeds from the concert were donated to its relief efforts. At the end of the concert, it was announced that there will be a "L'Anniversary Japan Tour" in 2011, as well as a world tour in 2012.
On September 10, the second 20th L'Anniversary single was announced, entitled "XXX" (Kiss Kiss Kiss), which is to be released on the 12th of October. The single would include a B-side, "I'm so happy -L'Accoustic version-".
On October 6th, L'Arc-en-Ciel was tapped by the producers of the Wild 7
Wild 7
is a Japanese manga series by creator Mikiya Mochizuki that debuted on 1969 on Weekly Shōnen King where it ran until 1979. The creation of the manga had been based on the condition that Japan and other non-communist countries were facing in the 1960s and 70s with the rise of militant student...
live action film to perform the movie's theme song. It is entitled "Chase" and will be released as their 3rd L'Anniversary single.
P'unk-en-Ciel
is an alter egoAlter ego
An alter ego is a second self, which is believe to be distinct from a person's normal or original personality. The term was coined in the early nineteenth century when dissociative identity disorder was first described by psychologists...
of L'Arc-en-Ciel. Introduced in 2004, hyde takes over guitar, ken the drums, yukihiro plays the bass, while tetsuya performs the vocals. P'unk-en-Ciel's songs have a more punk sound and their music is usually heavier and faster with a different tone due to tetsuya's vocals. hyde wears a pirate patch over his left eye in P'unk-en-Ciel performances. yukihiro is known to wear a gas mask; however, this has only been seen once at a live concert during their Smile tour in 2004.
Each member is called in capital letters; T.E.Z P'UNK (formerly TETSU P'UNK), KEN P'UNK, HYDE P'UNK and YUKI P'UNK. Each member produces one song of their choice, and they alternate their productions.
P'unk-en-Ciel is the re-visitation of D'ark-en-Ciel (stylized as D'ARK~EN~CIEL), a special event that took place during concerts in the years when sakura was their drummer. The only material released from D'ark-en-Ciel is the 18-minute B-side "D'ark-en-Ciel" found on the (then) unreleased "The Fourth Avenue Cafe
The Fourth Avenue Cafe
"The Fourth Avenue Café" is the thirtieth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel. Originally expected on March 21, 1997, but due to drug charges against drummer Sakura it was only finally released on August 30, 2006. The single reached number 5 on the Oricon chart. Back in 1997, it was used as the 4th ending...
" single. Each member was called; DARK TETSU, HYDE DARK, Suck·D'ark·La, and Kën D'Ark.
P'unk-en-Ciel songs have been recorded and used as B-sides on singles since 2004 and their performances can be found on live DVDs. They also featured television personality Sayaka Aoki
Sayaka Aoki (comedian)
is a Japanese TV star and comedienne from Owariasahi, Aichi Prefecture . Both of her parents are primary school teachers. After graduating from Nagoya Gakuin University, she began her comedienne career. One of her co-workers is Hidekazu Nagai.-Career:* Aoki is a daughter of two elementary school...
(called P'UNK 青木) in the song "Round and Round 2005".
P'unk-en-Ciel songs
Recorded versions released on singles:- "Milky Way", found on the "Jiyuu e no ShoutaiJiyuu e no Shoutaiis the twenty-fifth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on June 2, 2004. Its B-side "Milky Way" is the first song that was performed by their alter ego, P'unk-en-Ciel. The single debuted at the number one position on the Oricon chart, and was certified Platinum by RIAJ for shipment of 250,000...
" single (Produced by HYDE P'UNK). - "Round and Round 2005", found on the "Killing MeKilling Me"Killing Me" is the twenty-sixth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on January 13, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart, and was certified Gold by RIAJ for shipment of 100,000 copies...
" single (Produced by KEN P'UNK). - "Kasou Heisei 17 Nen", found on the "New WorldNew World (L'Arc-en-Ciel song)"New World" is the twenty-seventh single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on April 6, 2005. It debuted at number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :...
" single (Produced by HYDE P'UNK). - "Heaven's Drive 2005", found on the "JojoushiJojoushiis the twenty-eighth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on May 18, 2005. It debuted at number one on the Oricon chart. The music video for "Jojoushi" was nominated for the 2005 Japan Media Arts Festival.- Track listing :...
" single (Produced by YUKI P'UNK). - "Promised land 2005", found on the "LinkLink (song)"Link" is the twenty-ninth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on July 20, 2005. It is the second track by the band to be used in the Fullmetal Alchemist anime franchise, following "Ready Steady Go", used as the opening theme to the feature-length film Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of...
" single (Produced by TETSU P'UNK). - "Honey 2007", found on the "Seventh HeavenSeventh Heaven (song)"Seventh Heaven" is the thirty-first single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on May 30, 2007. It reached number 1 on the Oricon chart. The b-side "Honey 2007" is a rewritten version of their eleventh single "Honey", and is the sixth appearance of their alter ego, P'unk-en-Ciel.- Track listing :...
" single (Produced by KEN P'UNK). - "Feeling Fine 2007", found on the "My Heart Draws a DreamMy Heart Draws a Dream"My Heart Draws a Dream" is the thirty-second single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on August 29, 2007. It reached number 1 on the Oricon chart.- Track listing :-Oricon sales chart :...
" single (Produced by YUKI P'UNK). - "Natsu no Yuutsu [Sea in Blood 2007]", found on the "Daybreak's BellDaybreak's Bell"Daybreak's Bell" is the thirty-third single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on October 10, 2007. It also has a P'unk-en-Ciel track, "Natsu no Yuutsu [Sea in Blood 2007]", a remake of their fourth single "Natsu no Yuutsu [Time to say Good-bye]"...
" single (Produced by HYDE P'UNK). - "I Wish 2007", found on the "Hurry XmasHurry Xmas"Hurry Xmas" is the thirty-fourth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on November 14, 2007. There are two editions of the original single, a regular and s special edition...
" single (Produced by TETSU P'UNK - it also has a PV). - "Dune 2008", found on the "Drink It DownDrink It Down"Drink it Down" is the thirty-fifth single by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on April 2, 2008. The single debuted at number one on the Oricon chart. It was the theme song of Devil May Cry 4 video game.-Track listing:...
" single (Produced by KEN P'UNK). - "Route 666 -2010-", found on the "Bless" single (Produced by YUKI P'UNK).
- "Metropolis -2011-", found on the "Good Luck My WayGood Luck My Way"Good Luck My Way" is the thirty-eighth single, and first 20th L'Anniversary's single, by L'Arc-en-Ciel, released on June 29, 2011. It was used as the closing theme song of Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: The Sacred Star of Milos...
" single (Produced by T.E.Z P'UNK).
Commercially released live performances:
- Smile Tour 2004 ("Milky Way")
- Asia Live 2005 ("Round and Round 2005")
- Are You Ready? 2007 Mata Heart ni hi wo Tsukero! ("Honey 2007" and "Feeling Fine 2007")
- Tour 2007-2008 Theater of Kiss ("Natsu no Yuutsu [Sea in Blood 2007]" and "I Wish 2007")
- Tour 2008 L'7: Trans Asia via Paris ("Feeling Fine 2007" and "Milky Way 2004")
- Five Live Archives 2 (Are You Ready? 2007 Mata Heart ni hi wo Tsukero!) ("Feeling Fine 2007" and "Honey 2007")
Members
Current members- hyde – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(1991–present)- Originally used the name HIDE.
- tetsuya – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, backing vocals (1991–present)- Originally used the name TETSU, then tetsu.
- ken – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, backing vocals (1992–present) - yukihiroYukihiro (musician)yukihiro is a Japanese musician, best known as drummer of the rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. He also sings for his solo project, Acid Android. Before joining L'Arc he was in several other popular bands, such as Zi:Kill and Die in Cries.- Early life :yukihiro was born on November 24, 1968 in Ichikawa,...
– drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(1998–present)
Former members
- sakura – drums (1993–1997)
- PERO – drums (1991–1992)
- HIRO – guitar (1991–1992)
Discography
Studio albums- Dune (April 27, 1993)
- TierraTierra (album)Tierra is the second album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on July 14, 1994.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals* ken – guitar* tetsu – bass* sakura – drums, percussion* Haruo Togashi – keyboards* Kuni Tanaka – saxophone...
(July 14, 1994) - HeavenlyHeavenly (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)Heavenly is the third album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on September 1, 1995.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals* ken – guitar* tetsu – bass* sakura – drums, percussion* Takeshi Hadano – keyboards* Akira Nishidaira – keyboards on track 2...
(September 1, 1995) - TrueTrue (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)True is the fourth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on December 12, 1996. It would be the band's last record to feature sakura on drums.-Track listing:-Personnel:* hyde – vocals, backing vocals, harmonica on track 4, handclaps on track 9...
(December 12, 1996) - HeartHeart (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)Heart is the fifth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on February 25, 1998. It is the band's first album to feature yukihiro on drums, and marked the band's return to mainstream attention following the arrest of former drummer sakura...
(February 25, 1998) - Ark (July 1, 1999)
- Ray (July 1, 1999)
- RealReal (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)Real is the eighth album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on August 30, 2000. It would be the band's last original studio album before a prolonged hiatus...
(August 30, 2000) - Smile (March 31, 2004)
- Awake (June 22, 2005)
- KissKiss (L'Arc-en-Ciel album)Kiss is the eleventh album released by L'Arc-en-Ciel on November 21, 2007. Its first-press edition comes with a 23 page photobook and had sold out in less than a week of its official release...
(November 21, 2007)
See also
- List of 50 Best Selling Artists of All-Time in Japan
- Acid AndroidAcid AndroidAcid Android is the solo project of yukihiro, drummer of the popular Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. They are signed to yukihiro's Tracks on Drugs label, a division of Ki/oon Records. Acid Android releases, as with the other L'Arc-en-Ciel members' solo projects, take place when they are on hiatus...
- Sons of All PussysSons of All PussysSons of All Pussys is a Japanese rock band. Formed in 2002 by Ken, his former L'Arc-en-Ciel band mate Sakura, and Germany born model Ein .- Members :* Ken - vocals, guitar * Ein - bass* Sakura - drums Sons of All Pussys (typeset as SONS OF ALL PUSSYS, abbreviated as S.O.A.P.) is a Japanese rock...
- VampsVampsVamps is a Japanese rock band formed in 2008 by Hyde and K.A.Z, and signed to Hyde's record label Vamprose.- History :...
- ZigzoZigzoZigzo is a Japanese rock supergroup that originally started activities in 1999 and disbanded in 2002. Each member came from a prominent band and they became very popular in the indies scene...
- By-SexBy-SexualBy-Sexual was a Japanese visual kei punk band from Osaka. They were active from 1988 to 1995, when vocalist Sho left the band and they went on hiatus. In August 1996, the remaining members restarted the group under the name By-Sex with Ryo changing to vocals and guitar...