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Q&A

Q&A with VAMPS' Hyde and K.A.Z.

By Kirsty Evans, Tuesday, Aug. 11 2009 @ 9:50AM
Comments (10)
Categories: Q&A

VAMPSsmall.jpg
​
VAMPS may well be the world's most unassuming supergroup. They consist of L'Arc En Ciel singer Hyde and guitarist K.A.Z, formerly of the (awesome, in my opinion) late 90s/early 2000s rockers Oblivion Dust. A superstar in Asia whose distinctive voice you'll certainly know if you're in the habit of watching anime or Japanese movies, Hyde is also an actor, having also starred in a pair of Japanese movies (as a slightly homoerotic vampire with yakuza buddies in "Moonchild" and a mysterious musician in "Kagen no tsuki" - noticing a theme here?). K.A.Z is less of a prominent personality in the Japanese entertainment industry, but there's no question the man is talented (did I mention how great Oblivion Dust were?). The band they've come together to form is both fun and deliciously campy, with the vampire theme being utilized in a way that's more comical than scary.

Hyde remains oddly elusive for someone who's been a star for years, so I was a little surprised to find him to be so open and willing to answer questions. K.A.Z was a little quieter, but charmingly appreciative of the reception that VAMPS have been getting in the US so far.

I sat down with the two of them backstage at the Regency Center on a recent Saturday afternoon, a few hours before their show, to ask them what the whole VAMPS project is about and how they feel about touring the US.

(Random side note - VAMPS should be congratulated for coming up with just about the best promotional idea ever for a fanbase full of women - VAMPS themed makeup. I've been presented with some interesting freebies over the years, but lip-gloss and a cute little tub of sparkly eyeshadow? Now that's a new one.)

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More About:

  • L'Arc En Ciel
  • Madison Square Garden
  • Asia (Band)
  • Regency Center
  • Concerts and Tour Dates

Comments (10)

LOBSTRA says:

Awesome interview. It's good to see Japanese bands getting real publicity stateside. Seems like they're getting a lot more attention in Europe than here, but hopefully that will change.

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 4:21AM
Teresa says:

This is a really great interview! I´m European and you asked just the right questions in that sense!

I also liked to read their talk about which is their goal as a band and how it relates to why they toured the states. Your later talk to the manager must have been very interesting!

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 5:33AM
Amber says:

I was the first person in line for the autograph session and I got to see the show. It was amazing. The band is really talented and nice.

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 6:31AM
tracycoder says:

I saw them in San Francisco, Las Vegas, San Diego and LA. They are such a wonderful band and love their fans so much. I can't wait for them to come back to the states.

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 8:41AM
Bebe says:

The San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles shows I went to were wonderful, and so were the SF and LA autograph sessions. I had the best experiences seeing this band. I appreciate them coming to the US so much and I would love it if they came back.

Thanks for interviewing them, I liked the questions and enjoyed their responses!!

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 11:17AM
Heather says:

Wow...this is such a great article! All of these questions were actually ones that I had wondered about myself. It provided a lot of clarification for me and I am much more determined to help promote VAMPS' music here in the U.S. They want to be on the same level as American bands...I want to help make that possible. Thanks for posting this interview!!

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 2:33PM
Hedelex says:

Great interview! :-D
I read it twice! liked it so much. The questions are very interesting... and the answers!
I went from Mexico to San Diego and LA to see them... not easy, but totally worth it!
I really hope Mr Manager works a lot on their promotion, because we want to see them go to Europe, USA and LatinAmerica! Their music is truly enjoyable, they got what they wanted with VAMPS.

Thanx to the band and to SFWeekly

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 2:55PM
julnyes says:

That was an interesting read. The questions were well thought out and showed respect for the band and their fans (something you don't always get when Japanese artists are interviewed)

I wish I was a fly on the wall for your talk with their manager!

I was at the New York show and they are amazing musicians who put on a fantastic live show.

note - it is L'Arc~en~Ciel (or L'Arc~en~Ciel)

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 4:42PM
Christina says:

Thank you for the awesome interview!

The questions were really great. I'm happy to hear that they had a good time and that they want to keep touring outside of Japan!

The Seattle and Portland shows were so amazing. I wish there was some way I could have gone to more... I would *love* to see them again.

Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 @ 7:16PM
Savannah says:

The interview was very interesting!!
The questions were very good and well thought out.
The New York City show was amazing...I wanted to go to more, but my family dosn't have much money at the moment...
Hopefully I will be able to see them again sometime in the future :D

Posted On: Thursday, Aug. 13 2009 @ 10:05AM

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