My heart has been disturbed by the sudden passing of BUCK-TICK vocalist Atsushi Sakurai. He was scheduled to see BUCK-TICK perform on stage the day after he collapsed on October 19th. The news of the cancellation of the concert and his passing was so sudden that I still can’t accept it. Thoughts from fans who are similarly upset and enduring grief continue to flood social media.
He is a rare vocalist who has a beautiful voice and good looks, and a slender height that makes him look great on stage.He writes aesthetic yet aggressive lyrics and sings with theatrical and dramatic performances. Her overwhelming presence on stage makes me feel like she is divine, and I find it difficult to approach her. I’m sure there were many people like that, but I felt the same way once again when I saw the “BUCK-TICK TOUR 2023 IZORA” final at Ariake Garden Theater on July 23rd of this year.
In the large hall with a capacity of 8,000 people, the songs were filled with detailed expressions that were felt in every corner, and the supple movements that expressed the songs with the whole body captivated the audience. Sakurai seemed to have reached a new level as a singing performer, and as his singing progressed, it seemed like the members’ performances were also scaling up. It felt like the things that BUCK-TICK had cultivated as they celebrated their 35th anniversary since their debut were now ripening, and all the elaborate CG images and lighting that adorned the stage were prepared for Sakurai’s song. It seemed like it was being done. After the performance, I told Sakurai what I thought and he was very happy. About two months later, I saw their additional performance (“BUCK-TICK TOUR 2023 IZORA-FINALO”) at the Gunma Music Center in their hometown of Gunma. It was a fun live performance, as they have performed in the uniquely designed hall many times since their debut. I wonder if Sakurai’s flapping arms repeatedly while singing was meant to represent Jomo Karuta’s “Gunma Prefecture in a Tsururu Dancing Form.” I was planning to ask him the next time I saw him, but that opportunity has disappeared.
Sakurai’s live performance was unique. She sings in a clear voice and uses various props to express the world of her singing. Ostrich stoles, thin shawls, elegant hats and walking sticks, masks like those used in Venetian festivals, antique-style candlesticks, etc. are used in conjunction with the song. For example, one stole can be worn over the shoulders or over the head. With a little ingenuity, you can create a completely different scene. She also attracted the attention of viewers by introducing various characters through her creative costumes. She is wearing knee-high stockings that show a glimpse of her leg line, and then she dances beautifully wearing a kimono with black crests. Her physical expression, with all her nerves up to her fingertips, brought out her songs more effectively than any stage set. ISSAY (Vo) of Der Zibet, who passed away suddenly in August, had a considerable influence on Sakurai’s performance. The two were not only vocalists, but also shared tastes in music and art, and were long-time friends who inspired each other. Since their interaction, Der Zibet and BUCK-TICK have participated in each other’s works and even appeared at live performances. Regarding their time together, ISSAY said, “Atsushi-kun is a person with a unique sense of excitement on stage, so it feels good to see each other’s tensions clash,” and Sakurai said, “We have to react in a serious manner at that moment.” I had a lot of fun,” he said (*1).
BUCK-TICK/YOW-ROW ver.(TOUR2020 ABRACADABRA ON SCREEN)
Sakurai is reserved and doesn’t speak much when he gets off stage, but he is always calm and kind to everyone, and he is naturally able to show great care. Many band members and friends gather for BUCK-TICK’s annual year-end performance at Budokan, and the show continues until the morning. Sakurai had said that he liked to drink quietly by himself, but Sakurai was sharing a glass of sake with each of them. Of course, not only Sakurai but all BUCK-TICK members value connections with people and maintain good relationships with many people. I think the abundance of condolences for Sakurai on SNS reflects the rich friendship that BUCK-TICK has built. It goes without saying that his kindness, breadth of heart, and richness have been conveyed to and charmed many fans through his songs and live performances.
BUCK-TICK began as a band formed by Hisashi Imai (Gt), Hidehiko Hoshino (Gt), and others who attended the same high school as Sakurai. Initially, Sakurai was a drummer, but when he said he wanted to sing, he switched to vocals. With the participation of Yutaka Higuchi’s (Ba) brother, Toru Yagami (Dr), they began their activities in earnest, and released their first single “TO-SEARCH” on the independent label “Taiyo Records” in 1986. After releasing their first indie album “HURRY UP MODE” the following year, they made their major debut with the live video “Bakuchiku Jhenen at LIVE INN” from Victor Entertainment. When I asked him why he decided to start with video work, which was unusual at the time, I still vividly remember Yagami’s reply, “Because we emphasize visuals.” This was before the term Visual Kei was coined. At that time, it was a common practice for bands to post “member recruitment” flyers on the walls of live houses, and to communicate their musical tastes by listing their favorite bands. The phrase “visual emphasis” has also become popular. This is because at the dawn of the band boom, visuals were considered important in order to be featured on TV or in magazines. At that time, I think BUCK-TICK was more focused on Sakurai’s punkish hairstyle and new wave-style clothes than on his handsome features, but Sakurai’s presence was enough to attract attention. Victor Hearing MAGUMI (Vo/Trumpet) of LÄ-PPISCH, who also debuted in 1987, say, “Acchan (Sakurai)’s beauty is almost divine,” Victor said, It is undeniable that my view of BUCK-TICK has changed.
BUCK-TICK / “JUST ONE MORE KISS” music video
