Last night, just as I was getting ready to fall asleep, I was scrolling mindlessly through social media. (Yes, I know you’re not supposed to do that right before bed. I’m unhealthy, what can I say?) I saw a post from a group that I follow stating that Reita, the bassist from the Japanese metal band The GazettE, had passed away very suddenly that day. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. I wanted so badly for it to be nothing more than a hoax – simply someone playing a prank.
But to my complete devastation, it was confirmed to be true by The GazettE’s official site, and I’m feeling a complete mixture of emotions right now.
Devastation. Shock. Sadness. Still a bit of denial.
I’m old enough to have seen more than my fair share of celebrity deaths, including some that were really difficult for me. (Heath Ledger, for starters.) But this? I can’t even begin to process it.
I first started listening to them when I was barely out of high school. I was working my first “real” job at a local community library, and The GazettE and Nightwish were my first introductions to the world of metal, though I really give The GazettE a little more credit because I did technically listen to them first. Both bands had a completely unique sound, which just fueled my desire to hear more.
However, both bands were also incredibly talented in so many ways, and it was a long time before I found any others that could even remotely compare to them.
I think that’s why this particular celebrity death hit me so damn hard. The GazettE’s music has been a part of my life for the last 21 years, and to imagine a part of it suddenly gone…it’s beyond heartbreaking. I’ve listened to and followed these beautiful souls since I was basically a child myself – have grown up beside them. Their music carried me through dark times and lifted my spirits when I was battling severe depression. I adore these members. I love their music and their passion for what they do. I’ve long felt they were so underrated and underappreciated, because their talent is absolutely spectacular. I simply can’t quite picture what this world is like without one of them in it.
Perhaps it seems silly to cry so hard for someone that I’ve never even met. But when you’ve had that presence in your life – even just a virtual one – it’s so very, very difficult to accept when it’s no longer there.
I truly send all the good vibes and love in this world for the rest of the members and for Reita’s family and friends. May his spirit be at peace now.
Know that you will be greatly, greatly missed, dear friend.