WonderUnderground

On 26 October 2023, a long piece by Imai Tomoko was published on Real Sound in Sakurai's memory.

Here's the translation of it in full:

Despite having had a difficult childhood and youth, he was resilient and found a way to cope with all the pain that marked his life, he made an art of his life.

At the same time, he marked a lot of people with his beautiful music and accompanied many people during difficult and happy times with his art. I was one of those people.

Thank you for everything Sakurai, you will be remembered as the legend that you are 🖤

Atsushi was a beautiful person in every way. Beyond his ethereal image, I want to remember him like this…

You'll never be forgotten, thanks for everything One more star in the sky, a very special one

Rest in peace

An Emotional Farewell to the Iconic Vocalist During a Fan Club-Exclusive Performance

The music world is in mourning as Atsushi Sakurai, the charismatic vocalist of the iconic Japanese rock band BUCK-TICK, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 57. The devastating news was officially confirmed, marking a sudden and shocking end to the artist's three-and-a-half-decade-long career.

On the fateful night of October 19th, Sakurai was performing at the fan-club exclusive event "BUCK-TICK FISH TANKer's ONLY 2023" at KT Zepp Yokohama in Kanagawa. Unfortunately, due to his deteriorating health, the performance had to be halted. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Sakurai could not be saved and passed away at 23:09 due to a brainstem hemorrhage. The family, respecting their privacy in this trying time, conducted a private funeral. However, according to the band's management, a memorial to honor Sakurai will be organized at a later date.

BUCK-TICK, composed of Atsushi Sakurai, Hisashi Imai (Guitar), Hidehiko Hoshino (Guitar), Yutaka Higuchi (Bass), and Toll Yagami (Drums), debuted in 1987. They rose to fame in 1988 with the hit single « JUST ONE MORE KISS », propelling them to national stardom. Celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, the band had just hosted a grand anniversary concert in their hometown of Gunma in September. They were just commencing their 36th year in the music industry when this tragic incident occurred.