MIYAVI steps down from THE LAST ROCKSTARS: “I wish we could have clashed more”

MIYAVI has formally exited the J-rock supergroup THE LAST ROCKSTARS, a band he co-founded in 2022 alongside YOSHIKI (X JAPAN), HYDE (L’Arc-en-Ciel, VAMPS), and SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN).

The departure, announced on November 11th at 11:11 PM JST, coincided with the release of the full music video for ‘Psycho Love’, the group’s second single released in August 2023, which features MIYAVI in his final appearance as part of the band outside of live performances.

THE LAST ROCKSTARS, whose formation drew significant attention in both Japan and abroad, first made waves with their debut single ‘THE LAST ROCKSTARS (Paris Mix)’ and a high-profile performance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen. They later embarked on a successful debut tour across Japan and the United States, cementing their reputation with fans worldwide.

In a statement on social media, MIYAVI reflected on his time with the group, expressing deep appreciation for the journey and the camaraderie he shared with his bandmates. He reassured fans that they remain on good terms, emphasizing the respect and bond that still connect them:

“I’m sorry to surprise everyone with the band’s announcement. Some of you may have sensed this coming since last year. I truly loved the time I spent with these four.

I learned so much from them, and of course, my respect for them remains unchanged.

Just to be clear, we didn’t have any big falling out, so don’t worry. If anything, I wish we could have clashed more, had more disagreements, and pushed each other harder.

“To rock the world.”

I took on this project with everything I had.

Competing on a global stage is no easy feat, and it’s not something you can do halfheartedly or on the side.

Honestly, it was challenging to keep pushing forward when each of us had things we needed to protect.

As I told the other members, if only we had met as kids… I wish we could have started a band together then.

I wish we could have fought it out more.

They’re still my beloved, respected older brothers, and that won’t change.

I might not be in a position to say this, but I hope they’ll keep moving forward with this incredible project made up of such amazing artists. And I’ll keep cheering them on, always.

Thank you for all the unforgettable moments.

YOSHIKI, HYDE, SUGIZO—I’m honored to have rocked with you all.”

MIYAVI’s exit from the group comes after his recent appearance on the popular Chinese streaming show Call Me by Fire. The show, broadcasted on China’s leading video streaming platform Mango TV, features 34 artists from various countries, including China, Japan, the UK, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, the US, and Hong Kong, competing in singing, dancing, and acting battles, with winners decided by audience votes.

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Despite MIYAVI’s departure, he will remain connected to the group through an ongoing collaborative project with YOSHIKI. Although details are limited, the partnership signals MIYAVI’s continued creative relationship with one of his former bandmates.

As the group adjusts to its new lineup, YOSHIKI faces uncertainty about his future as a drummer following his recent third cervical spine surgery. The operation has temporarily sidelined him from drumming as he focuses on recovery in Los Angeles, under medical supervision.

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