Articles by "Vamps"
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X Japan leader YOSHIKI reunited with VAMPS frontman Hyde on the final day of Halloween Party 2017 for a powerful collaboration performance.

YOSHIKI flew directly from France to make the October 29th concert at Makuhari Messe after completing an exhausting promotional tour of Europe for the award-winning documentary film We Are X. YOSHIKI and Hyde first teamed up at VISUAL JAPAN SUMMIT 2016, and performed together again at Halloween Party 2016.

For their third collaboration, the stage curtains drew back to the sound of X JAPAN’s “Kurenai” on piano as YOSHIKI appeared on the stage as the female character Pris from the film Blade Runner. Next, Hyde appeared on stage in a “Yuki-onna” (“snow woman”) costume to the intro from “Jojoushi” by L’Arc～en～Ciel, making the crowd go wild with applause.

The two artists spoke to each other about their friendship, with Hyde repeating how glad he was that YOSHIKI could come, and Yoshiki replying, “I’d do anything for Hyde!”. They performed a piano and voice duet of “Endless Rain” by X Japan, bringing the whole arena together in song. Both Hyde and YOSHIKI said it was their favorite performance together, saying “it felt like a dream to be singing”, and “it felt like a dream to be playing”.

Appearing after the concert on the “Yoshiki Channel” broadcast, YOSHIKI explained his Halloween costume choice — Blade Runner 2049 had just opened in Japan days before, and YOSHIKI felt a connection to the iconic Pris character from the original film. Pris struggled to come to terms with her fate, and rebelled against mankind. “She has the spirit of rock in her,” he explained, and added that he was looking forward to the new movie. “I can’t wait to see how the story has developed since the last film."
9:20 AM
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This year marks the first Blackest Of The Black Destination Festival. The brainchild of Glenn Danzig, the event not only serves as a music festival, but as a cultural experience: an escape. Coming to Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, CA in Orange County on Memorial Day Weekend, Friday, May 26th and Saturday, May 27th, Blackest Of The Black will host two music stages, curated by Danzig, with performances by some of the heaviest acts around including Danzig, Ministry, Suicidal Tendencies, Atreyu, Vamps, and many more. The festival will be hosted by Full Metal Jackie and will feature camping, along with a number of sinister attractions including Castle Danzig -- a fully immersive walkthrough experience of agony, ecstasy and more, all based on the music and graphic novels of Glenn Danzig.

Glenn Danzig says, “I first started Blackest in the early 2000s and finally my full vision is being realized. Get ready for sensory overload, from films to comics to Castle Danzig. This is going to be the real Blackest Of The Black."

The music lineup for Blackest Of The Black is as follows:

Friday, May 26: Suicidal Tendencies, Corrosion of Conformity, Suicide Silence, Discharge, Belphegor, Butcher Babies, 3 Teeth, and more to be announced!

Saturday, May 27: Danzig, Ministry, Vamps, Atreyu, Venom Inc, DevilDriver, Fear Factory, Marduk, Combichrist, Ghoul, Ritual, and more to be announced!

In addition to the outstanding musical lineup, Blackest Of The Black will feature a slew of attractions including a Verotik/Comic Con area, a roaming freak show filled with contortionists, demons, and more, thrill rides, and a Sugar Skull Contest. The main attraction, Castle Danzig, is an interactive walk through with a number of activations. Within the vicinity of the eerie castle and courtyard, attendees will find a sacrifice altar, bondage stage, suspension stage, electro stage, blood bath, a padded cell, stocks, cage dancers, and more!

Information on tickets, VIP packages, camping and more can be found at www.BlackestFest.com. Discounted 2-day Early Bird Tickets start at $66.66 plus parking and fees, while supplies last. Early Bird Single-day Friday tickets start at $39.00, and single-day Saturday tickets start at $49.00. Tent, Tent and Car, and RV camping spaces are available.

Camping is the easiest and most relaxing way for fans to immerse themselves at the Blackest Of The Black Festival. They can wake up just a short distance from the festival gates and stumble “home” after the show.

The campground check-in will begin at 2:00 pm on Friday, May 26. The proximity of the campground to the venue  will allow campers to walk to and from the festival grounds freely while event doors are open.

Camping spots are very limited, offering Tent only, Tent and Car, and dry RV camping spaces. Campground amenities include complimentary showers and restrooms, general store, food and beverage for sale, as well as games and activities.

Prices are $125 for Tent camping and $199 for Tent and Car camping.  Up to four festivalgoers can stay in one camping spot. Prices for dry hook up RV are $249 and up to six festivalgoers can stay in one RV.

*Festival admission is not included with camping spots.

A limited number of Friday/Saturday VIP packages will also be available for purchase for those over 21 years of age.

VIP Lounge packages for each day are $129 for Friday and $149 for Saturday, plus parking and fees. This includes admission for 1 to the selected day of the festival; a commemorative laminate; and access to the VIP Lounge, which will feature a VIP cash bar, access to a VIP viewing area near the front of the stage, VIP restrooms, cash food trucks, and comfortable areas to sit and relax.

Friday Meet & Greet VIP packages are $199 for Friday only and include admission for 1 to the Friday date of the festival; a meet & greet with the Friday artists; a commemorative laminate; access to a VIP viewing area near the main stage; and access to the VIP Lounge, which will feature a VIP cash bar, VIP restrooms, cash food trucks, and comfortable areas to sit and relax.

Saturday “Not Of This World” Ultimate VIP packages are available for Saturday only for $399. This includes admission for 1 to the Saturday date of the festival; an exclusive meet & greet with Glenn Danzig; a limited edition Blackest Of The Black poster; a commemorative laminate; a merchandise voucher good for one Blackest Of The Black festival t-shirt; access to a VIP viewing area near the main stage; and access to the VIP Lounge, which will feature a VIP cash bar, VIP restrooms, cash food trucks, and comfortable areas to sit and relax.

Sponsors for Blackest Of The Black include Modelo, Rockstar Energy Drink, Cosmic Fog, Musicians Institute, Blackcraft Whiskey, and SlideBar, with more to be announced.

For more information on Blackest Of The Black, visit:

http://www.BlackestFest.com
http://www.facebook.com/BlackestFest
http://www.twitter.com/BlackestFest
http://www.instagram.com/BlackestFest
12:15 PM
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VAMPS, the visually-arresting Japanese rock band featuring HYDE (L’Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust) announced today that they will be returning to the U.S. this spring to join I PREVAIL and STARSET on their upcoming May U.S. tour (see dates below). U.K. newcomers AS LIONS will also join select dates with opener COVER YOUR TRACKS rounding out the tour lineup.

VAMPS vocalist HYDE states: "Playing with some of the most exciting rock bands out there, I Prevail and Starset, is an honor and we’re very much looking forward to this tour. We had a great North American tour last Fall but time was limited so we’re thrilled to come back this spring and hit more cities.”

Adds VAMPS guitarist K.A.Z.: “We can’t wait to see all of our loyal U.S. fans and make new ones. Every time we’ve come to the United States we’ve received a tremendously warm welcome so we’re stoked to play some brand new songs from our forthcoming album to all of you for the first time. See you at the shows!"

TOUR DATES:

04/28 Mobile, AL – Midnight Rodeo
04/29 Jacksonville, FL – Welcome To Rockville (I Prevail only)
04/30 Ft. Myers, FL – Fort Rock (I Prevail only)
05/02 Birmingham, AL – Workplay Soundstage
05/03 Knoxville, TN – The Concourse
05/04 Richmond, VA – Canal Club
05/06 Concord, NC – Carolina Rebellion (I Prevail only)
05/08 Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
05/09 Portland, ME – Aura
05/10 Montreal, QC – Corona Theatre (no Vamps)
05/11 Toronto, ON – Opera House (no Vamps)
05/13 Somerset, WI – Northern Invasion (I Prevail only)
05/14 Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom (no Starset/As Lions)
05/15 Omaha, NE – Sokol Auditorium
05/16 Traverse City, MI – Ground Zero
05/18 Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub Concert Hall (no Starset)
05/19 Columbus, OH – Rock On The Range (I Prevail only)
11:58 AM
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While touring together in the U.S. earlier this year, VAMPS and Apocalyptica discussed the idea of doing more together! The musicians have joined forces for a fresh piece of music: the single "Sin in Justice."

For VAMPS, this is the first time they've collaborated with classically trained player and it's an experience they found inspiring."The creative process was pretty hectic," reflects Hyde of VAMPS. "I worked on the song during our South American tour, writing the lyrics and running through the vocal lines, and the Apocalyptica camp spent time with the music between their various other commitments. Actually, it all started pretty organically, out of a growing friendship; we listened to each other's demos, exchanged ideas, and things just grew from there. I think what we've ended up with is very fresh and certainly new for us. If our respective schedules allow, I'd love to work with Apocalyptica again..."

"Yes, we had a great time being on the road together," continues Apocalyptica's Eicca Toppinen. "We loved the idea and the experience of working together in this way. We're really proud of the song, and we hope fans of both bands will enjoy it."

Listen to the song HERE.
4:20 PM
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VAMPS, the Japanese rock band formed by HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust), kicked off their latest U.S. tour on April 8th to promote the international edition of their latest release, BLOODSUCKERS.

Touring the U.S. a year and a half after the international edition of SEX BLOOD ROCK N ROLL, this tour has personal meaning for HYDE as he gets the chance to hit the road with SIXX:A.M., the band formed by one of his most-respected artists, Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue.

VAMPS has been focusing on overseas activities since 2013, and they invited SIXX:A.M. to their own festival “VAMPARK FEST” on Feb 18 and 19th this year for a dream opportunity – a joint live show. “VAMPS gave us a chance to perform in front of many rock fans in Japan. We’d like to show our appreciation by inviting them to join us on our U.S. tour,” said band leader Nikki Sixx.

After SIXX:A.M. returned to America, they started spreading the word to all their fans about VAMPS as a must-see band.

Their U.S. tour kicked off this month at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco.  VAMPS opened the night with their song “EVIL”. Many fans unfamiliar with VAMPS were curious to see a Japanese rock band for the first time, while longtime VAMPS fans were excited for their return.

“Hello! San Francisco! We’ve been looking forward to this tour and now here we are! Thank you, SIXX:A.M. Thanks so much, guys!” HYDE shouted to the American audience as they responded with loud, enthusiastic screams.

VAMPS performed “WORLD’S END”, the new song getting attention from American rock media, and continued the set with a cover of Motley Crue’s “Live Wire”, which got the whole crowd singing aloud. Their final song of the night was the VAMPS rock anthem “SEX BLOOD ROCK N ROLL”. VAMPS left the stage to loud after a 30-minute set of 7 songs.

“I overdid it just a little today,” HYDE said with a big smile. “The tour is just starting, so I’ve got to keep it up and give it all each time. This reaction, it’s great. We’re going to keep rocking and build more fans.”

VAMPS will continue their tour with SIXX:A.M. through April, capping off the tour with an extended headlining show at New York City’s Best Buy Theater on May 1.

Tickets for the New York show are on sale now at AXS.com.
http://hyperurl.co/VAMPS_LIVE_NY2015

2015 U.S. Tour Dates
APRIL
WED 8 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 10 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 13 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 14 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
THU 16 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 17 Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SUN 19 Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 20 Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 21 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 25 Ft. Myers, FL @ Ft. Rock Festival
SUN 26 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
TUE 28 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
WED 29 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica

MAY
Fri 1 NY, NY @ Best Buy Theater (Headline show)
Fri 15/Sat 16/Sun 17 Rock On The Range @Columbus, OH

SIXX:A.M. The Modern Vintage Tour
w/ special guests Apocalyptica and VAMPS
http://www.axs.com/artists/211925/sixx-a-m-tickets

VAMPS released the international edition of their new studio album, BLOODSUCKERS, through Spinefarm Records in March in Europe and the United States.

This 13 track release – produced by VAMPS and Josh Wilbur (whose previous credits include Gojira and Lamb Of God) and housed in the artwork of mysterious Japanese artist Rockin' Jelly Bean – is the follow-up to SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL, also issued via Spinefarm in 2013.

VAMPS BLOODSUCKERS - International Edition is available on iTunes and Amazon.
iTunes: http://po.st/itvampsinterblood
1:02 PM
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To celebrate the release of VAMPS' album “BLOODSUCKERS” International Edition on March 23, 2015, VAMPS is holding a “BLOODSUCKERS PHOTO CONTEST” on Instagram. The prize will be an exclusive PC/SmartPhone wallpaper. Show VAMPS your expression of “VAMPS LOVE” by posting a photo themed around any song from “BLOODSUCKERS”.

[Submission Rules]

- Submit your photo to Instagram with hashtag #VAMPS_BLOODSUCKERS by Wednesday, April 22, 2015 12:00pm (UTC).

- Make sure you're following @vamps_insta on Instagram before you post.

- There is no limit to how many entries you can submit.

- The winners will be notified via direct post.

- HYDE and K.A.Z will be selecting the winners!

[PRIZE]

PC/SmartPhone Wallpaper

VAMPS performs live in New York City on May 1 at Best Buy Theater. Tickets are on sale now at AXS.com.

http://hyperurl.co/VAMPS_LIVE_NY2015

VAMPS Official Instagram: https://instagram.com/vamps_insta/

VAMPS Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VAMPS.UniversalInternational.DeliciousDeliRecords

VAMPS USA 2015 Tour Street Team: http://resonance-mms.com/promo-works/street-teams/
12:17 PM
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VAMPS, the Japanese rock band formed by HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust), is recruiting Official Street Team Members to support the rock band’s headlining show at New York City’s Best Buy Theater on May 1. Volunteers are also needed in cities across America as VAMPS tours with SIXX:AM this spring.

Tickets for the New York show are on sale now at AXS.com.
http://hyperurl.co/VAMPS_LIVE_NY2015

Street Team Volunteers will help distribute official VAMPS promotion materials to raise awareness for VAMPS TOUR 2015 and earn special prizes. Deadline for street team applications is March 29, 2015.

Street Team Information:
http://resonance-mms.com/promo-works/street-teams/

VAMPS returns to New York City after previous appearances in 2009 (at the Fillmore), 2010 and 2013 (at Roseland Ballroom) and HYDE’s concert with L’Arc~en~Ciel as the first headlining Japanese band at Madison Square Garden in 2012.

TOUR DATES:

APRIL:
WED 8 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 10 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 13 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 14 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
THU 16 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 17 Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SUN 19 Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 20 Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 21 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 25 Ft. Myers, FL @ Ft. Rock Festival
SUN 26 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
TUE 28 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
WED 29 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica

MAY:
Fri 1 NY, NY @ Best Buy Theater (Headline show)
Fri 15/Sat 16/Sun 17 Rock On The Range @Columbus, OH

SIXX:A.M. The Modern Vintage Tour
w/ special guests Apocalyptica and VAMPS
http://www.axs.com/artists/211925/sixx-a-m-tickets

VAMPS will release the international edition of their new studio album, BLOODSUCKERS, through Spinefarm Records on March 23rd in the UK/EU and March 24th in the U.S.

This 13 track release – produced by VAMPS and Josh Wilbur (whose previous credits include Gojira and Lamb Of God) and housed in the artwork of mysterious Japanese artist Rockin' Jelly Bean – is the follow-up to SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL, also issued via Spinefarm in 2013.

Says HYDE, who launched VAMPS with K.A.Z in 2008: “BLOODSUCKERS is a record that we spent almost one year putting together. For me, this is the best work we’ve done so far, and we would love to tour around the world with these songs…”

VAMPS BLOODSUCKERS - International Edition is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.
iTunes: http://po.st/itvampsinterblood
11:56 AM
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VAMPS, the Japanese rock band formed by HYDE (L’Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust), will perform a headlining show at New York City’s Best Buy Theater on May 1st.

Tickets are on sale now at AXS.com.
http://hyperurl.co/VAMPS_LIVE_NY2015

VAMPS returns to New York City after previous appearances in 2009 (at the Fillmore), 2010 and 2013 (at Roseland Ballroom) and HYDE’s concert with L’Arc~en~Ciel as the first headlining Japanese band at Madison Square Garden in 2012.

VAMPS will release the international edition of their new studio album, BLOODSUCKERS, through Spinefarm Records on March 23rd in the UK/EU and March 24th in the U.S.

This 13 track release – produced by VAMPS and Josh Wilbur (whose previous credits include Gojira and Lamb Of God) and housed in the artwork of mysterious Japanese artist Rockin' Jelly Bean – is the follow-up to SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL, also issued via Spinefarm in 2013.

Says HYDE, who launched VAMPS with K.A.Z in 2008: “BLOODSUCKERS is a record that we spent almost one year putting together. For me, this is the best work we’ve done so far, and we would love to tour around the world with these songs…”

VAMPS BLOODSUCKERS - International Edition is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon.
iTunes: http://po.st/itvampsinterblood

TOUR DATES:

APRIL:
WED 8 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 10 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 13 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 14 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
THU 16 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
FRI 17 Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SUN 19 Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
MON 20 Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
TUE 21 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
SAT 25 Ft. Myers, FL @ Ft. Rock Festival
SUN 26 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
TUE 28 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica
WED 29 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore w/SIXX:A.M. and Apocalyptica

MAY:
Fri 1 NY, NY @ Best Buy Theater (Headline show)
Fri 15/Sat 16/Sun 17 Rock On The Range @Columbus, OH

SIXX:A.M. The Modern Vintage Tour
w/ special guests Apocalyptica and VAMPS
http://www.axs.com/artists/211925/sixx-a-m-tickets
11:48 AM
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VAMPS, the Japanese rock band formed by and featuring HYDE (L'Arc~en~Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust), will release a new studio album, Bloodsuckers, through Spinefarm Records on March 24. The pre-order is HERE.

This 13 track release-produced by VAMPS and Josh Wilbur (whose previous credits include Gojira and Lamb of God) and housed in the artwork of mysterious Japanese artist Rockin' Jelly Bean-is the follow-up to Sex Blood Rock N' Roll, released in 2013.

Songs on Bloodsuckers include "World's End," a UK single in 2014, and used in the Sony campaign for the Xperia UK mobile), "Get Away," "Replay," "The Jolly Roger," and "Vampire's Love," which is not just a Top 3 single in Japan but also the song selected to launch Hollywood blockbuster, Dracula Untold, in that market.

In addition, "Replay" was the theme song of Dark Labyrinth, one in a series of a world-famous smartphone apps from Dark Summoner; the app has been downloaded over six million times. "The Jolly Roger" features in the TV commercial for Nissan's X-Trail SUV. It's no surprise then that the album has already been a Top 5 success in Japan.

Says Hyde, who launched VAMPS with K.A.Z in 2008, "Bloodsuckers is a record that we spent almost one year putting together. For me, this is the best work we've done so far, and we would love to tour around the world with these songs."

Bloodsuckers sees VAMPS pushing their take on contemporary hard rock to exotic new heights, blending melody and message over 50 minutes of dramatic, impassioned music.

"Our aim was to build on the excitement of our headline show at Koko in London last year, and of course our appearance at the Download Festival in the UK," explained Hyde.

On the live front, VAMPS have played over 300 dates around the world in the past five years, including shows in North America; they have also visited the South American continent, where their second album, Beast (2010), charted in the Top 4 - a unique achievement for a Japanese act.

Most recently, they completed a run of dates in Japan (33 shows to 65,000 people), climaxing with a worldwide webcast of their Zepp Tokyo show on January 25.

Next, on February 18 + 19, VAMPS will be hosting and headlining their own festival, VAMPARK FEST, set to take place at the legendary Nippon Budokan in Tokyo; the bill will be completed by special guests Sixx:A.M., plus Buckcherry, Gerard Way and Nothing More.

Outside of Japan, VAMPS will tour the US with Sixx:AM in April; this major run of dates - which also features Finland's Apocalyptica - kicks off in in San Francisco on April 8 at The Regency Ballroom.

Says Nikki Sixx of Sixx:A.M, "Sixx:A.M. just played our first Japanese show ever with VAMPS in Tokyo at Budokan. They really gave us our first opportunity to play in front of so many rock fans in Japan. We now want to extend the same for them by bringing them out on tour with us. We can't wait for our fans to discover them all across the U.S."

TRACKLISTING:

1. Reincarnation
2. Zero
3. Lips
4. World's End
5. Evil
6. Ghost
7. Vampire's Love
8. Damned
9. Get Away
10. Replay

TOUR DATES:

APRIL:

WED 8 San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom w/SIXX:A.M.
FRI 10 Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint w/SIXX:A.M.
SAT 11 Los Angeles, CA Club Nokia w/SIXX:A.M.
MON 13 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre w/SIXX:A.M.
TUE 14 Kansas City, MO @ Midland Theatre w/SIXX:A.M.
THU 16 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live w/SIXX:A.M.
FRI 17 Dallas, TX @ Bomb Factory w/SIXX:A.M.
SUN 19 Minneapolis, MN @ Mill City Nights w/SIXX:A.M.
MON 20 Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theater w/SIXX:A.M.
TUE 21 Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Music Theatre w/SIXX:A.M.
SAT 25 Ft. Myers, FL @ Ft. Rock Festival
SUN 26 Jacksonville, FL @ Welcome to Rockville
TUE 28 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory w/SIXX:A.M.
WED 29 Silver Springs, MD @ The Fillmore w/SIXX:A.M.

MAY:

Fri 1 NY, NY @ Best Buy Theatre (Headline Show)
Fri 15/Sat 16/Sun 17 Rock On The Range @Columbus, OH
11:18 AM
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Japanese act VAMPS are Hyde (L'Arc-en-Ciel) and K.A.Z (Oblivion Dust). These two musicians have been working closely producing Hyde's solo work since 2003. Just after the release of their first single, "Love Addict", on July 2, 2008, VAMPS launched an impressive Japan countrywide tour, "Vamps Live 2008". The tour consisted of an unprecedented 46 live performances in Japan's six largest cities, all at the prestigious Zepp concert venues. The tour was a tremendous success, and VAMPS haven't stopped since. From 2008 to 2010, they performed about 200 concerts not only in Japan, but also all over the world (North America, South America, Hawaii, Europe and Asia). Currently, VAMPS have released two full albums — "Vamps" and "Beast" — along with seven singles and five live DVDs. VAMP's Hyde discusses the tour and some historic info on the band itself.



1. Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Vamps, and tell me what's it been like being a band for 5 years?

Hyde: My name is HYDE and I’m the vocalist. The main members of VAMPS are just K.A.Z and myself. I think that considering we both work with other bands, we've’ve progressed pretty quickly as a band. But there’s still a way to go until we reach our ultimate goal.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Hyde: It all began when K.A.Z started helping me out on my solo material, and after releasing 2 albums, we officially formed VAMPS to share the responsibilities. Including the time that he worked with me during my solo career, we've worked together for around 8 years.

3. Do you think not being from a big city like LA or NY influences your sound?

Hyde: I guess so, although I've never really considered that when I listen to music so I can't really tell. We both grew up listening to a lot of American and British music, but I guess we are indeed influenced by Japan and it’s music because that’s where we’re based. I hope that appears as a strength in our material.

4. Why did you want to go and call yourselves Vamps? Are you Vampires?

Hyde: Yes, we're vampires. That’s why we called ourselves VAMPS!

5. How would you describe your style? Which bands influenced your music?

Hyde: Our style would be American hard rock and British new wave, perhaps because we listen to those genres a lot. I listen to a lot of American bands like Mötley Crüe and Metallica.

6. What lyrical theme do you guys use in your music? What message do you want to send?

Hyde: The anguishes and pleasures of being a vampire. ‘Though it’s not true!

7. You decide to form this band as a duo act why just the two instead of a full band? What do you think it is about this project being a duo that sets it apart from other acts?

Hyde: Because we both have different bands we work with, just being the two of us makes us freer to do what we want. It also saves us a lot of time. The more members there are, the longer it takes to make decisions and put things into action. Especially when we have to be democratic!

8. Do you see this duo act swapping over to become a full band or do you prefer being a duo act?

Hyde: We never set a rule against it as such, so maybe? As long as we don’t have to be too democratic!

9. Since forming you went from the record label Vamprose to Universal Music Group's Delicious Deli Records - why the switch and do you see this new label to be more to your liking? How has the relationship been with them since signing on?

Hyde: We formed VAMPS with the global market already in perspective, but we soon reached the limit to where our indie label could get us. Universal was the only label that showed some understanding in what we wanted to pursue, so that’s why we signed with them.

10. Do you guys have any new music in the works?

Hyde: We’re writing some new stuff at the moment… but we’re busy… and we need some more blood…!

11. Would you consider releasing an all acoustic release?

Hyde: Not as VAMPS. But we have played lives like that in Japan.

12. You've obviously released live DVDs but when will we be seeing a LIVE CD or a LIVE CD/DVD compilation from you guys?

Hyde: If we think that people will buy them, it’s a possibility.

13. Over the years you guys have played in the U.S. two times this upcoming short run being your third appearance - what is it about the U.S. that keeps you coming back again and again?

Hyde: We want to hear our music being played in the cities where the music we ourselves listened to came from. Especially the U.S., which we imagine to be like the big boss at the end of a video game!

14. Why did you want to just do the two U.S. shows for this touring run?

Hyde: These two shows are an introduction to our more full on activities coming up.

15. What can the fans expect to hear in this set list new material or old material or a mix and match of the two of them?

Hyde: This time we’ll be playing tracks from “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL”, which is our first international album.

16. This band is made up of a member of L'Arc~en~Ciel and a member of Oblivion Dust - would you ever consider bringing those acts and Vamps on tour together?

Hyde: If we ever did that, we’d be so busy we’d collapse!

17. What plans do you have for the near future as a band?

Hyde: After the U.S. shows, we plan to write some new material whilst making plans for next year.

18. If I were to introduce someone to your music, what would be the song that you think really shows your band sound the best?

Hyde: I think maybe “DEVIL SIDE”? It represents VAMPS well.

19.  Any last words you want to say to your fans?

Hyde: Wait up for us coz we’ll be coming to show you humans just how enchanting rock music can be!

20. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

Hyde: VAMPS will be playing at the House of Blues, Los Angeles on Dec 4th (Wed) and at the Roseland Ballroom, New York on Dec 8th (Sun). Their first international album SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL is available from Spinefarm Records and is available for download now!
11:05 AM
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VAMPS are on their way. The dynamic duo of the Japanese rock scene will grace US soil for only two shows this year, taking the stage at the iconic House of Blues in Los Angeles on December 4th and at the soon-to-be-closed Roseland in New York City on December 8th.

Living Dead Lights will serve as the special guest for the Los Angeles show at the iconic House of Blues on December 4, while Killcode have come aboard for the NYC show at the soon-to-be-closed Roseland on December 8. Sid from Slipknot will be the guest DJ at both the L.A. and NYC shows.

These VAMPS gigs are shaping up to be "can't miss" and "must see" events -- these are no mere concerts! The band, which is pretty much bigger than God in its native Japan, camping out at several-thousand seat venues for week-long residencies, has the U.S. squarely in its sights, promising a night to remember on each coast.

These Vamps gigs are shaping up to be "can't miss" and "must see" events - these are no mere concerts! The band, which is pretty much bigger than God in its native Japan, camping out at several-thousand seat venues for week-long residencies, has the US squarely in its sights, promising a night to remember on each coast. Vamps plan to leave a mark.

The duo last crashed American shores over three years ago. They are back supporting Sex Blood Rock N' Roll, a collection of hard-charging, addictively catchy rock anthems available now via Spinefarm Records in the US. Since these two shows mark the band's sole US appearances, fans are traveling far and wide to catch the band, coming from as far away as Michigan and Florida!

The band is beyond excited to make a return to the US. Commenting on the adrenaline rush and the excitement they feel as performers taking the stage and seeing their overseas fans, the duo said, "A concert is like a living, breathing thing. You never know what's going to happen. We can't wait have that experience with our fans on both coasts again! Our American fans and American audiences are always so good at expressing themselves with us during the show, making it fun to perform in front of them."

Showing their humorous side, Hyde joked, "Can't wait to see you and bite your neck," nodding to the Vamps aesthetic, while K.A.Z. summed things up succinctly, saying "Let's have a party!"
11:14 AM

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