If you’ve been closely observing our articles, you might have noticed that we’re not just focused on games, but also on the larger acceptance of digital medium such as anime or even subcultures like cosplay or hot car models from Korea. Yes, we’re that awesome.

So, today we have an article about VAMPS LIVE 2009 U.S.A TOUR.

K.A.Z + HYDE = VAMPS!

To give you a quick reference, VAMPS is the name of the band formed by HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust). Even if you’ve never heard of them, there’s a good chance that you’ve already heard their voices somewhere. Let us give you a quick example.

No doubt there’s a close link between video games, anime and J-Rock. It’s so easy to find games based on anime, or vice-versa. And many anime series have opening and ending themes featuring popular J-Rock stars. So there’s a good chance that if you’re a fan of ”Full Metal Alchemist”, you’ve already heard HYDE’s voice from “READY STEADY GO”, an opening theme song from the original soundtrack. Or if you’re more into J-Rock, you’ve most likely heard of K.A.Z from Oblivion Dust, one of the most influencial guitarists in Japan. If you know either of them, you know they’re awesome to begin with.

And VAMPS is all about HYDE and K.A.Z. With two prolific J-Rock artists in one band, it’s not just a combination of two different sounds, but they compliment each other to amplify their own unique sounds to a whole new level. One of their songs “EVANESCENT”, with its soft melody, can easily make its way on anybody’s favorite list, whereas “LOVE ADDICT” shows a more powerful performance of VAMPS.

So there. Now you know them a bit better, and now let’s enjoy them a bit more.
They’re having a U.S.A tour in summer 2009, and we decided to ask them a few questions.

Fever Entertainment: Where does the band name VAMPS come from? Does it have any significant / personal meaning?

HYDE: The term VAMPS is from vampire. (referring to other meaning of term) I like mysterious women, too [laugh]. I love vampires. I’m intrigued by its never-ending life. I like horror.

FE: Where do you guys get your inspiration from?

K.A.Z: We both went through the golden age of Rock n’ Roll in the 80′s and 90′s, so we have absorbed various tastes. I think we created our own mixture by going though that era.

HYDE: I think I am making the music that I used to dream of making in my teens. When I started the band, I liked hard-core bands with some horror taste. I feel like I am expressing the stuff I felt back then—maybe not really hard core.

FE: What happens when there is a disagreement in how the music should be arranged? Who usually wins?

HYDE: Well, we compensate for what we lack each other. No argument or fight.

K.A.Z: We are adults, so we respect for each other.

FE: What would you say are the main differences between audience in the U.S and Japan?

HYDE: Perhaps there is a difference in national characters: Japanese people are not good at expressing their emotions, even though they are moved. American audiences are good at expressing themselves, so it’s fun to perform in front of them.

K.A.Z: American audiences are wilder than Japanese audience, so I can feel their cheers and excitements much more directly. I think American audiences are good at having fun. We get excited by that.

So, there you have it folks. Your questions answered.
We would personally like to thank HYDE and K.A.Z from VAMPS for answering our questions.