Atsushi Sakurai passed away at 57

25 Oct - Japanese rocker Atsushi Sakurai has recently passed away.

The Buck-Tick vocalist was revealed to have fallen ill following the band's concert at KT Zepp Yokohama on 19 October, and was taken to the hospital before succumbing to brainstem haemorrhage.

Atsushi's team had since released a statement on 24 October, saying that a funeral has been held in private, in accordance to the wishes of his family.

"We apologise for the delay in announcing this. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Sakurai. Please be advised that condolence calls and telegrams, incense and other expressions of sympathy will be strictly declined. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time," the statement read.

They also admitted that they too are in a state of confusion and disbelief over the sudden occurrence, and said that they will be holding a memorial service for his fans at a later date.

Atsushi joined Buck-Tick, credited as one of the founders of the visual kei movement, originally as a drummer in 1983 before becoming their frontman for 38 years.

He was 57.

 Atsushi was the vocalist of Buck-Tick
Atsushi was the vocalist of Buck-Tick

(Photo Source: Atsushi Sakurai Fanpage IG)