Vocal : Kirito
Guitar : Jun
Guitar : Aiji
Bass : Kohta
Drums : Takeo
PROFILE
Pierrot was, at its core, a rock band. However, most of their material broke free of the boundaries that define “rock”. Thanks to their diverse and meaningful lyrics, their bizarre yet powerful melodies and every member’s devotion to the band, this once small and independent act had evolved into one of Japan’s most talked about outfits at the time of their break-up in 2006.
BIOGRAPHY
The band started off in 1994 under the name Crash & Noise, with Hidelow on vocals, Kirito and Jun on guitars and Luka on drums. A bassist was needed, so Kirito asked his brother Kohta to help fill the position on a temporary basis, while they searched for a permanent member. Eventually, they all agreed that he filled the shoes just fine, so Kohta became the official bassist.
Before releasing their first two demos, the boys changed their name to Pierrot. Afterwards, they recorded their first album, Kikurui Piero. However, by the time of its release, Luka had left the band and had been replaced by Takeo (ex-Superstar).
Hidelow left the band one year later, in 1995, creating a vacancy where the vocalist should’ve been. Being the go-getter that he is, Kirito volunteered for the job. Soon afterwards, Aiji (ex-Kalen) was hired to be at Jun’s side as lead guitarist so that Kirito could fully concentrate on his new duties.
The definitive Pierrot lineup (as we still know it today) was born.
After releasing a third demo, the band focused on their next album. Entitled Pandora no hako, it was released in July of 1996 to the sound of rave reviews. Relishing in their new found glory, the boys immediately signed up with Sweet Child Records, who released the Celluloid mini-album in 1997. That same year, they performed at the Sweet Trance festival (organized by the label), as they did every year until 2002.
Their first show at Nihon Budokan took place in 1999, in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,000 screaming fans. As years went by, this venue became their preference for tour finals.
Soon afterwards, Pierrot inked a deal with Toshiba/EMI and released Finale, their first major album. Their singles Mad Sky, Clear Sky and Last Letter were played by radio stations across the country. Fans screamed for more, and it came a year later when Private Enemy, the next major album, was released.
By the time everyone had purchased the new album, another was already in the works. However, problems with the label forced Pierrot to leave and join another instead: Universal, who has released all albums since then.
Of special note is the Dictator’s Circus album (released in 2003), which was basically a “greatest Indies hits” album. Each song had been re-recorded to offer a fresh perspective on things.
Shortly after celebrating their 10th Anniversary (10 years with the same line-up), releasing photo shoot books for collectors, two greatest hits albums and a DVD, the band announced their disbandment. The news shocked fans, especially after Kirito had recently insisted that the band would continue onward after his succesful solo debut.
Jun is currently following Kirito’s footsteps and is embarking on a solo project with help from guitarist Koji (ex- La’cryma Christi) and vocalist Shouta. It is known as Alvino. LM.C (Lovely Mocochang) is Aiji's current project.
One thing is for certain: Pierrot will be sorely missed.
