Versailles (Japanese band)
Encyclopedia
Versailles is a Japanese visual kei
metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo
-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements.
), Hizaki
(ex-Sulfuric Acid), and Jasmine You
(ex-Jakura). Later, Teru (ex-Aikaryu) and Yuki (ex-Sugar Trip), who were recommended by the Rock May Kan venue in Tokyo, joined the band. Hizaki, Jasmine You and Teru previously played together as part of Hizaki Grace Project
.
Kamijo and Hizaki created the concept of Versailles in the autumn of 2006 and spent six months gathering members to express it. Their band concept is "the absolute youshikibi (beauty of form) sound and extremes of aestheticism". On March 30, 2007 the details of the band were announced. They released promotional material through the internet, set up an English language page on MySpace
, and had several interviews with foreign press.
Versailles made their first appearance with a showcase on June 23, followed by their first performance on June 24. On these dates they also distributed their first single and DVD single
, "The Revenant Choir
".
The band signed with the German CLJ Records
label and released their first album, Lyrical Sympathy
on October 31, both in Japan and Europe. Their song "The Love From A Dead Orchestra" also appeared on a compilation album released by Sony BMG in Germany on November 9, called Tokyo Rock City
.
across Europe. Versailles was later invited by Tainted Reality
to perform shows on May 30 at Project A-Kon
in Dallas, Texas and on June 3 at the Knitting Factory
in Los Angeles, California as their American debut.
On July 9, 2008, Versailles digitally released their first full album, Noble
, exclusively on international iTunes Music Stores. This was followed by its general Japanese CD release on July 16 and its international CD release on July 30.
Versailles' Japanese record label announced on August 19, 2008 that they received notice of a musician in the United States already using the name "Versailles". The Japanese band was compelled to create a new promotional name in order to proceed with their plans to tour in the United States again, so they called upon their fans to send in ideas. On September 14, 2008 the band announced on their website that their new name for the US was to be "Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-", whilst keeping their original name in countries other than United States. "Prince
" was the first song released under the new name and was available as a free digital download.
one-man that Versailles would be going major in June 2009, both in Japan and internationally on Warner Music Japan. Their major debut single, "Ascendead Master
", was released on June 24, 2009.
Versailles played their last nationwide tour as an independent band through March 26 to May 9, entitled "The Fragment Collectors". Further events such as the "Anthology of Revolution" marked their final concerts, finishing with five consecutive nights at Meguro Rock May Kan. Their final independent live took place on June 21, 2009.
Versailles announced that they would not be performing any more lives until they release their next album.
would temporarily suspend all musical activities due to unknown circumstances regarding his health and to recover. It had been announced that Versailles' new album was in the final stages of production and the bass tracks were being recorded. In the early hours of August 9, 2009, it was reported on the official site that Jasmine You had died. The translated announcement reads as follows:
2009.8.9 「Versailles」 Urgent Announcement: Though Jasmine You had taken time off in order to rest because of poor physical condition, we received a report that early in the morning on August 9, he died. Because of the extreme abruptness of this news, the members and staff are all dumbfounded and trying hard to accept this it. As soon as his family has been notified and updated as to the details and we receive their permission, we will further report to all of the fans. Moreover, with the current announcement, in regards to activity, please allow us to postpone it. http://community.livejournal.com/versaillesfans/172053.html
played as their support bassist. On January 4, 2010, Versailles held the "Jasmine You -Memorial Ceremony-" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Kaya
and Matenrou Opera performed. Their major label debut album entitled, Jubilee
, was released on January 20, 2010.
They also announced a world tour entitled "Methods of Inheritance", which started on February 28, 2010 in Yokohama. Their support bassist for the tour was Masashi, a member of Cosmo and Közi
's live band. The Japanese leg of the tour ended with two final gigs, titled "-Jubilee-", one in Osaka at Midou Kaikan on April 18 and one in Tokyo at JCB Hall
on April 30, 2010, these concerts were performed with a live choir.
Versailles then traveled to Latin America with shows in Brazil
, Chile
, Argentina
, Peru
and Mexico
, and then to Europe with shows in Norway
, Russia
, Finland
, England
, Spain
, France
, the Netherlands
, Germany
and Hungary
, before returning to Japan. The "-Grand Final-" of the tour was performed on September 4, 2010, at C.C. Lemon Hall, some of the concert was later broadcast on WOWOW
. There they announced that Masashi officially joined the band as their new bassist, with Jasmine You
being cited as an "eternal member". They also announced that live versions of their two indie albums, Lyrical Sympathy
and Noble
, would be released on September 1, 2010. The songs were recorded on December 23, 2008, at their "Chateau de Versailles" tour final at C.C. Lemon Hall, the same concert that appears on the Chateau de Versailles DVD. Lyrical Sympathy -Live-
contains the bonus track "Sforzando -Original Version-" and Noble -Live-
does not include "To The Chaos Inside" or "Episode".
Their next single was released in three types: two different limited editions (type A and B) and a regular edition. The single, entitled "Destiny -The Lovers-
", was released on October 27, 2010.
In late November, Panasonic
broadcast a 15 minute digest of one of Versailles' concerts in 3D at more than 8,000 retail stores nationwide. The concert was the "World Tour 2010 "Method of Inheritance" -Jubilee-" gig recorded at JCB Hall in Tokyo on April 30, 2010. Some fans caught an early exclusive 3D screening of the concert at the Panasonic Center in Ariake, Japan from November 8th to 14th.
and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System
and TV Kanagawa until March. The theme song for the show was Versailles' single "Philia
", which was released on March 15. Furthermore Versailles went on to release their second major studio album, entitled Holy Grail
, in three editions on June 15, 2011. The album includes; "Masquerade", main theme of the film Vampire Stories: Brothers, and "Vampire", main theme for the film Vampire Stories: Chasers, which Kamijo produced the music for. The band then started their second world tour, also titled "Holy Grail", on July 31, 2011 in Kyoto. The tour took them to Asia (Hong Kong
, Taiwan
) in September, then to Europe (Russia, England, Spain, Italy
in October, Austria
, Poland
, Germany, France) in October and then to Latin America (Mexico, Colombia
, Venezuela
, Brazil, Uruguay
, Argentina, Chile) in November.
s.
Albums
Visual Kei
is a movement among Japanese musicians, that is characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hair styles and flamboyant costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that visual kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of Japanese rock, with its...
metal band formed in 2007. Their key characteristics are their rococo
Rococo
Rococo , also referred to as "Late Baroque", is an 18th-century style which developed as Baroque artists gave up their symmetry and became increasingly ornate, florid, and playful...
-esque costumes, dueling guitars and heavy but melodic arrangements.
2007: Formation
In March 2007, Versailles was formed by Kamijo (ex-LareineLareine
Lareine was a Japanese visual kei rock band formed in 1994. The bands name is reported to have come from the French Queen Marie Antoinette. In 1999 the group signed to Sony, later in 2000 when all other members left, Kamijo created Applause Records...
), Hizaki
Hizaki
Hizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
(ex-Sulfuric Acid), and Jasmine You
Jasmine You
Jasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
(ex-Jakura). Later, Teru (ex-Aikaryu) and Yuki (ex-Sugar Trip), who were recommended by the Rock May Kan venue in Tokyo, joined the band. Hizaki, Jasmine You and Teru previously played together as part of Hizaki Grace Project
Hizaki
Hizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
.
Kamijo and Hizaki created the concept of Versailles in the autumn of 2006 and spent six months gathering members to express it. Their band concept is "the absolute youshikibi (beauty of form) sound and extremes of aestheticism". On March 30, 2007 the details of the band were announced. They released promotional material through the internet, set up an English language page on MySpace
MySpace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
, and had several interviews with foreign press.
Versailles made their first appearance with a showcase on June 23, followed by their first performance on June 24. On these dates they also distributed their first single and DVD single
DVD single
A DVD single is a music single in the form of a DVD. The format was introduced in the late 1990s/early 2000s as a replacement for the VHS single...
, "The Revenant Choir
The Revenant Choir
"The Revenant Choir" is Versailles first single and was released in three different versions, each with a different cover. It was initially sold at their "boys only" concert on June 23, 2007, at Meguro Rokumeikan. It was sold again at a "female only" live on July 25, at Holiday Shinjuku. A third CD...
".
The band signed with the German CLJ Records
CLJ Records
CLJ Records is a German independent record label formed in 2006 specializing in Japanese visual kei style rock and metal bands. The label currently has 31 bands signed. CLJ is a sub division of Colusseum Music Entertainment and their head office is located in Nuremberg Germany...
label and released their first album, Lyrical Sympathy
Lyrical Sympathy
- Track listing :...
on October 31, both in Japan and Europe. Their song "The Love From A Dead Orchestra" also appeared on a compilation album released by Sony BMG in Germany on November 9, called Tokyo Rock City
Tokyo Rock City
Tokyo Rock City is a compilation album, issued by Sony BMG in cooperation with Kastella Media, featuring tracks by artists who mostly are from the Japanese visual kei scene.- Track listing :...
.
2008: Noble
In 2008, Versailles made their first appearances in Europe and United States. In March and April, the band performed cooperatively with Matenrou OperaMatenrou Opera
is a Japanese visual kei metal band. The band was formed in 2007 by Sono and Yuu who were previously the vocalist and drummer of Jeniva. Their first maxi-single was on the Office A to Z label...
across Europe. Versailles was later invited by Tainted Reality
Tainted Reality
Tainted Reality is an organization run by Roger Schackelford to create "opportunities for people to experience J-Rock in the US." Tainted Reality began as a college radio show on the station WIXQ, but now the organization has an internet radio website and organizes tours for Japanese...
to perform shows on May 30 at Project A-Kon
Project A-Kon
A-Kon, formerly known as Project: A-Kon, is a three day anime convention held annually in Dallas, Texas usually on the last weekend of May. First held in 1990 with just 380 people in attendance, A-Kon is North America's longest running national anime convention.-Departments:A-Kon consists of...
in Dallas, Texas and on June 3 at the Knitting Factory
Knitting Factory
The Knitting Factory is a music venue and concert house with locations in Brooklyn, Boise, Reno, and Spokane. The club originally specialized in jazz and experimental music and has expanded to showcasing all genres of music, performing arts and comedy....
in Los Angeles, California as their American debut.
On July 9, 2008, Versailles digitally released their first full album, Noble
Noble (album)
Noble is the debut album from Versailles. It was first released digitally on July 9, 2008 exclusively on international iTunes music stores, and then in a standard CD release on July 16....
, exclusively on international iTunes Music Stores. This was followed by its general Japanese CD release on July 16 and its international CD release on July 30.
Versailles' Japanese record label announced on August 19, 2008 that they received notice of a musician in the United States already using the name "Versailles". The Japanese band was compelled to create a new promotional name in order to proceed with their plans to tour in the United States again, so they called upon their fans to send in ideas. On September 14, 2008 the band announced on their website that their new name for the US was to be "Versailles -Philharmonic Quintet-", whilst keeping their original name in countries other than United States. "Prince
Prince (song)
"Prince" is a song by Versailles released on September 13, 2008 as a free download on their website as "a gift to their fans for supporting them for so long". On the same day, this song was also featured on the sampler The Art of Propaganda, alongside Chariots' song "Shred". It was also added as a...
" was the first song released under the new name and was available as a free digital download.
2009: Going Major
Kamijo announced at the December 23rd C.C. Lemon HallShibuya Public Hall
or is a live theatre in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It was completed in 1964. In the 1964 Summer Olympics, the weightlifting events took place there.The theatre was sponsored by Dentsu and Suntory, which paid ¥80 million to have its name associated with the building from 2006 to 2011.-External links:*...
one-man that Versailles would be going major in June 2009, both in Japan and internationally on Warner Music Japan. Their major debut single, "Ascendead Master
Ascendead Master
"Ascendead Master" is the fourth single by Versailles and is also their first single on a major label. Released on June 24, 2009, this is also the band's last single to feature original bassist Jasmine You...
", was released on June 24, 2009.
Versailles played their last nationwide tour as an independent band through March 26 to May 9, entitled "The Fragment Collectors". Further events such as the "Anthology of Revolution" marked their final concerts, finishing with five consecutive nights at Meguro Rock May Kan. Their final independent live took place on June 21, 2009.
Versailles announced that they would not be performing any more lives until they release their next album.
The Passing of Jasmine You
On August 3, it was announced that Jasmine YouJasmine You
Jasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
would temporarily suspend all musical activities due to unknown circumstances regarding his health and to recover. It had been announced that Versailles' new album was in the final stages of production and the bass tracks were being recorded. In the early hours of August 9, 2009, it was reported on the official site that Jasmine You had died. The translated announcement reads as follows:
2009.8.9 「Versailles」 Urgent Announcement: Though Jasmine You had taken time off in order to rest because of poor physical condition, we received a report that early in the morning on August 9, he died. Because of the extreme abruptness of this news, the members and staff are all dumbfounded and trying hard to accept this it. As soon as his family has been notified and updated as to the details and we receive their permission, we will further report to all of the fans. Moreover, with the current announcement, in regards to activity, please allow us to postpone it. http://community.livejournal.com/versaillesfans/172053.html
2010: Jubilee
After a canceled performance, Versailles performed at "V-Rock Festival '09" on October 25, 2009. Yo of Matenrou OperaMatenrou Opera
is a Japanese visual kei metal band. The band was formed in 2007 by Sono and Yuu who were previously the vocalist and drummer of Jeniva. Their first maxi-single was on the Office A to Z label...
played as their support bassist. On January 4, 2010, Versailles held the "Jasmine You -Memorial Ceremony-" at Shibuya O-East, where themselves, Kaya
Kaya (Japanese musician)
is a Japanese visual kei musician, who was vocalist of the now defunct electro/darkwave duo Schwarz Stein , and also Meties and Isola under the alias of Hime. Originally on Mana's record label, Midi:Nette, Kaya recently signed to , and the label's name was changed to Kaya is also known for his...
and Matenrou Opera performed. Their major label debut album entitled, Jubilee
Jubilee (Versailles album)
Jubilee is the major label debut album by Versailles, but is actually their second full-length release. Released on January 20, 2010, it's their last to feature all five original members, due to Jasmine You's death while recording it, bass parts are provided by both Jasmine You and Hizaki...
, was released on January 20, 2010.
They also announced a world tour entitled "Methods of Inheritance", which started on February 28, 2010 in Yokohama. Their support bassist for the tour was Masashi, a member of Cosmo and Közi
Közi
Közi is a Japanese musician who plays guitar, piano, keyboard and synthesizer. Közi is best known as guitarist for the visual kei rock band Malice Mizer. After the band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2001, he joined the industrial rock act Eve of Destiny and also started a solo career...
's live band. The Japanese leg of the tour ended with two final gigs, titled "-Jubilee-", one in Osaka at Midou Kaikan on April 18 and one in Tokyo at JCB Hall
JCB Hall
Tokyo Dome City Hall is a sport, fashion show, circus, and live music hall located in Tokyo, inside of Tokyo Dome City. It is on the opposite corner of the Tokyo Dome, and has a variety of events at any given time, including Boxing and live concerts...
on April 30, 2010, these concerts were performed with a live choir.
Versailles then traveled to Latin America with shows in Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
, Chile
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
, Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
, Peru
Peru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
and Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, and then to Europe with shows in Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and Hungary
Hungary
Hungary , officially the Republic of Hungary , is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is situated in the Carpathian Basin and is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine and Romania to the east, Serbia and Croatia to the south, Slovenia to the southwest and Austria to the west. The...
, before returning to Japan. The "-Grand Final-" of the tour was performed on September 4, 2010, at C.C. Lemon Hall, some of the concert was later broadcast on WOWOW
WOWOW
WOWOW was the first private satellite broadcasting and pay TV station in Japan. It has its headquarters on the 21st floor of the Akasaka Park Building in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo...
. There they announced that Masashi officially joined the band as their new bassist, with Jasmine You
Jasmine You
Jasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
being cited as an "eternal member". They also announced that live versions of their two indie albums, Lyrical Sympathy
Lyrical Sympathy
- Track listing :...
and Noble
Noble (album)
Noble is the debut album from Versailles. It was first released digitally on July 9, 2008 exclusively on international iTunes music stores, and then in a standard CD release on July 16....
, would be released on September 1, 2010. The songs were recorded on December 23, 2008, at their "Chateau de Versailles" tour final at C.C. Lemon Hall, the same concert that appears on the Chateau de Versailles DVD. Lyrical Sympathy -Live-
Lyrical Sympathy -Live-
Lyrical Symphony -Live- is a live album by Versailes, released on September 1, 2010. It is the live version of their EP Lyrical Sympathy, but also contains the bonus studio track "Sforzando", which was previously only available on the omnibus album Cross Gate 2008 -Chaotic Sorrow-.- Track listing...
contains the bonus track "Sforzando -Original Version-" and Noble -Live-
Noble -Live-
Noble -Live- is a live album by Versailles, released on September 1, 2010. It is a live version of their debut album Noble , but also includes "Prince".-Track listing:...
does not include "To The Chaos Inside" or "Episode".
Their next single was released in three types: two different limited editions (type A and B) and a regular edition. The single, entitled "Destiny -The Lovers-
Destiny -The Lovers-
"Destiny -The Lovers-" is the fifth single by Versailles, released on October 27, 2010. This is the band's first single to feature new bassist Masashi. The single came in three editions: a regular with just the CD and two limited editions each with a different cover and DVD...
", was released on October 27, 2010.
In late November, Panasonic
Panasonic
Panasonic is an international brand name for Japanese electric products manufacturer Panasonic Corporation, which was formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd...
broadcast a 15 minute digest of one of Versailles' concerts in 3D at more than 8,000 retail stores nationwide. The concert was the "World Tour 2010 "Method of Inheritance" -Jubilee-" gig recorded at JCB Hall in Tokyo on April 30, 2010. Some fans caught an early exclusive 3D screening of the concert at the Panasonic Center in Ariake, Japan from November 8th to 14th.
2011: Present
In January 2011, Versailles started starring in their own TV mini drama called . The show also starred Rina KoikeRina Koike
is a Japanese actress and idol affiliated with Very Berry Production.Koike started a junior Idol career with the DVD Big Brother at age 10, when she was in 4th grade. Koike also works for Very Berry Production as a model. Koike Rina had a role on the live-action version of Sailor Moon, Pretty...
and aired on Mainichi Broadcasting System
Mainichi Broadcasting System
is a broadcasting station in Osaka, Japan, affiliated with Japan Radio Network , National Radio Network , Japan News Network and TBS Network, serving in the Kansai region. MBS is also one of the major stockholders of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, Inc...
and TV Kanagawa until March. The theme song for the show was Versailles' single "Philia
Philia (song)
"Philia" is the sixth single by Versailles, released on March 16, 2011. The title track was used as the theme song to the TV show Onegai Kanaete Versailles, which starred the band themselves. The single came in three editions, each with a different cover: a regular with just the CD, and two limited...
", which was released on March 15. Furthermore Versailles went on to release their second major studio album, entitled Holy Grail
Holy Grail (album)
Holy Grail is the third album by Versailles, released on June 15, 2011 it is their first to feature new bassist Masashi. The album includes "Philia", theme song of their TV program Onegai Kanaete Versailles, and "Vampire", main theme of the feature length movie Vampire Stories.The limited edition...
, in three editions on June 15, 2011. The album includes; "Masquerade", main theme of the film Vampire Stories: Brothers, and "Vampire", main theme for the film Vampire Stories: Chasers, which Kamijo produced the music for. The band then started their second world tour, also titled "Holy Grail", on July 31, 2011 in Kyoto. The tour took them to Asia (Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
, Taiwan
Taiwan
Taiwan , also known, especially in the past, as Formosa , is the largest island of the same-named island group of East Asia in the western Pacific Ocean and located off the southeastern coast of mainland China. The island forms over 99% of the current territory of the Republic of China following...
) in September, then to Europe (Russia, England, Spain, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
in October, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, Germany, France) in October and then to Latin America (Mexico, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
, Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, Brazil, Uruguay
Uruguay
Uruguay ,officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay,sometimes the Eastern Republic of Uruguay; ) is a country in the southeastern part of South America. It is home to some 3.5 million people, of whom 1.8 million live in the capital Montevideo and its metropolitan area...
, Argentina, Chile) in November.
Members
The members of Versailles are credited exclusively by their stage nameStage name
A stage name, also called a showbiz name or screen name, is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers such as actors, wrestlers, comedians, and musicians.-Motivation to use a stage name:...
s.
- Kamijo – vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
(2007–present) - HizakiHizakiHizaki is a Japanese visual kei musician, best known as guitarist for the symphonic metal band Versailles. Before forming Versailles he was in several independent bands and had a solo career.- Biography :...
– guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, backing vocals (2007–present) - Teru – guitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, backing vocals (2007–present) - Yuki – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
(2007–present) - Masashi – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2010–present)
Former member
- Jasmine YouJasmine YouJasmine You was a Japanese musician, best known as original bassist of the symphonic metal band Versailles. In 1998 Jasmine You entered the visual kei music scene after joining Jakura, who managed to become pretty successful before disbanding in 2003. In 2006 he was invited by his long-time...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2007–2009)†- Although deceased, the band considers Jasmine You an "eternal member".
Live support
- Yo – bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
for "V-Rock Festival '09" on October 25, 2009 (Matenrou OperaMatenrou Operais a Japanese visual kei metal band. The band was formed in 2007 by Sono and Yuu who were previously the vocalist and drummer of Jeniva. Their first maxi-single was on the Office A to Z label...
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Discography
EP- Lyrical SympathyLyrical Sympathy- Track listing :...
(October 31, 2007)
Albums
- NobleNoble (album)Noble is the debut album from Versailles. It was first released digitally on July 9, 2008 exclusively on international iTunes music stores, and then in a standard CD release on July 16....
(July 9, 2008) - JubileeJubilee (Versailles album)Jubilee is the major label debut album by Versailles, but is actually their second full-length release. Released on January 20, 2010, it's their last to feature all five original members, due to Jasmine You's death while recording it, bass parts are provided by both Jasmine You and Hizaki...
(January 20, 2010) - Holy GrailHoly Grail (album)Holy Grail is the third album by Versailles, released on June 15, 2011 it is their first to feature new bassist Masashi. The album includes "Philia", theme song of their TV program Onegai Kanaete Versailles, and "Vampire", main theme of the feature length movie Vampire Stories.The limited edition...
(June 15, 2011)