The Japanese visual kei band, The GazettE, has announced the passing of their founding member and long-time bassist, REITA. He passed away on April 15, 2024, at the age of 42
The band has issued a statement through their website which read, “We would like to inform this very important notice to everyone who have been supporting the GazettE. This is the saddest news we have to inform you that the GazettE’s bassist REITA passed away on April 15, 2024.”
“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all fans who supported and love him and all partners who supported and taken cared REITA in his career as the GazettE bassist,” they continued.
“We are in a great confusion and sadness of the loss of REITA but we believe that his passion for the band “the GazettE” will never change and will continue to shine even more brightly in the future.”
“We’re grateful for your respect and kind consideration to the privacies of the relatives and the people involved,” they ended their statement. Information about the cause of his death is yet to be revealed. A memorial service will only be exclusive to the bassist’s close relatives.
Before his untimely passing, he took to X (formerly Twitter) last April 14 and posted, “I hope the GazettE will last forever.”
Fans took to social media to express their sadness about REITA’s passing.
Saddened to hear about the sudden passing of REITA (bassist of The GazzetE).
My deepest condolences to his friends, family & bandmates. #theGazettE #reitathegazette #REITA pic.twitter.com/61YFH83kQ6
— JC (@JC_Mercer_25) April 16, 2024
Thank you so much for everything Reita…
You can't imagine how much we'll miss you, how much this hurts
We love you deeply #theGazettE pic.twitter.com/JKIxMdUPBc
— Kiryuu ✨ R.I.P. REITA 🕊️ (@madkiryuu) April 17, 2024
Thank you for everything, Reita.
We love you 🖤#theGazettE #REITA #REITAさん #reitathegazette pic.twitter.com/25YZgfd43g— Leilus (^•ﻌ•^) (@ArtLeilus) April 18, 2024
I still can’t believe this really happened. Words can’t describe how much i miss him and how important he was for me.
I want everyone to remember Reita for his kindness, his good sense of humour, his talent and his legacy! Thank you so much for everything, we’ll miss you! pic.twitter.com/HGwz3a74LJ— hel (@shikibetsu) April 16, 2024
Rest in peace #Reita 🥺
One of the most well loved and iconic bassist in #Visual Kei/rock.
You left too soon and unexpected. Still trying to wrap my head around this….
Thank you for being a part of “#TheGazettE” & for 14 years of my life.🕊️#RestInPeaceReita #れいた #RIPReita pic.twitter.com/NN5RTBm6gD— Akiza❤爱❤🐯 (@V_Akiza) April 16, 2024
i'm stuck on the fact he tweeted this at 3:50am the day he passed. his last public wish was for the band to continue…reita your love and devotion for the gazette will never be forgotten nor will your presence. https://t.co/vRd9cfya3r
— sab (@nakigaharamp3) April 17, 2024
Thank you Reita for everything. For your passion and inspiring many people around the world.
You will be missed and loved forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2sNQymIkOz
— Moon Child 🐣 (@lastheaven_x) April 16, 2024
Thank you for being born and making me fall in love with you
I can't even finish the picture or describe my feelings right now
Thank you and goodbye, my beloved Reita. pic.twitter.com/wjOlErIB2b
— 🌟 MissEiam 🌟 || I draw no context BT (@misseiam) April 16, 2024
REITA was born on May 27, 1982. He was one of the founding members of the band alongside their lead guitarist, Uruha, and their vocalist Ruki.
Playing for various visual kei bands before, they decided to form this group in Yokohama back in 2002. They tagged along their former drummer Yune, and Aoi who plays the rhythm guitar. Kai from Mareydi Creia then replaced Yune in 2003 after leaving the band.
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