the GazettE

the GazettE are a Japanese visual kei rock band formed on March 10th 2002. Originally known as ガゼット (Gazetto), the group was founded by vocalist RUKI, guitarists URUHA and AOI, bassist REITA and drummer YUNE, who was replaced by KAI in 2003.

They built a following through Tokyo’s live-house circuit and a series of independent releases before issuing their debut album ‘DISORDER’ in 2004, and making their major-label debut with single ‘Cassis’ in 2005. The band’s 2010 single ‘SHIVER’ served as the opening theme for anime Black Butler II.

the GazettE made their Nippon Budokan headline debut in 2006 and performed at Tokyo Dome in 2010. Their first world tour followed in 2013, with further international tours in 2016 and 2019 taking them across the Americas, Europe and Asia.

REITA passed away on April 15th 2024. The band held a memorial concert on May 27th and returned to touring in 2025 with a 23rd-anniversary tour and a series of concerts produced by individual members. In March 2026, the GazettE announced AOI’s removal from the line-up. RUKI, URUHA and KAI remain the active members, although RUKI has described the band as four members including REITA.