The start of a new year brings a moment of reflection, a chance to look back at accomplishments and set sights on the future. For the L’Arc-en-Ciel and VAMPS’ vocalist, Japanese rock icon HYDE, 2024 was a remarkable year. From releasing his first solo album, “HYDE [INSIDE]”, in five years to completing a world tour, HYDE redefined his artistry and strengthened his connection with fans across the globe. Stepping into 2025, the Japanese vocalist continues on his creative journey with new projects and performances that promise to captivate audiences once again.
The Making of “HYDE [INSIDE]”
One of HYDE’s most significant achievements in 2024 was releasing his highly anticipated solo album, “HYDE [INSIDE].”He digitally launched the album on September 13, with physical copies available from October 16, marking his first solo project in five years. The collection features 13 tracks that blend emotional depth with explosive energy, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist and songwriter.
HYDE described the album as “the most aggressive album I’ve ever made. It is an interesting album as it also contains catchy aspects that are uniquely mine.” To bring his vision to life, he assembled an impressive roster of collaborators. The album includes contributions from renowned composers, such as members of SiM, MY FIRST STORY, and Crystal Lake, alongside international producers.
The artist created tracks like “PANDORA” as the theme song for Square Enix’s “Star Ocean 6 THE DIVINE FORCE,” and “DEFEAT” as an image song for “Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition,” highlighting his ability to craft music that resonates across different media.
The standout track of “HYDE [INSIDE],” the “LAST SONG,” is a poignant rock ballad with a cinematic music video filmed entirely in Austria. This visual storytelling added another layer to HYDE’s artistry, creating a fully immersive experience for fans.
Reflecting on the creation of “HYDE [INSIDE],” he shares, “I feel freer now than I did in the past. This album represents who I am today—an artist constantly evolving but deeply rooted in my passion for music.”
The Return on the World Stage with the “HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2024 WORLD TOUR”
Building on the momentum of his album release, HYDE unveiled his “HYDE [INSIDE] LIVE 2024 WORLD TOUR.” This marked his first world tour in approximately five years. The tour kicked off at the 2024 Dongguan Strawberry Music Festivalbefore making stops in major cities across Asia, such as Busan, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu, Beijing, and Seoul.. It culminated in highly anticipated performances in New York and Los Angeles.
HYDE’s U.S. shows at Brooklyn Steel on November 27, and The Novo on November 30 were particularly memorable. Performing in intimate venues allowed him to create a unique connection with his audience. He delivered electrifying renditions of tracks from HYDE [INSIDE] alongside fan favorites from his extensive catalog. He treated fans to a showcase of 18 songs with high-energy performances, dynamic stage production, and his signature charisma.
HYDE, known for his explosive grand stages, did not disappoint his fans. He appeared on top of the platform and performed his first song, “LET IT OUT.” This was followed by a series of aggressive songs, including THE ABYSS and Tokoshie, which began with a piano solo.
HYDE continued to send the audience into a frenzy with his magnificent performance of the album’s hardest song, “SOCIAL VIRUS” and “LAST SONG,” singing amid red confetti and blood stains. He shares, “When I shouted ‘I wanna see more chaos,’ the fans formed a circle on the floor, which was the wildest scene of the concert.”
The Japanese rock artist ended the tour with his “SEX BLOOD ROCK N’ ROLL,” where each band member showcased their talent and paraded around the stage from one end to the other.
Reflecting on the tour’s success, HYDE expressed gratitude for his fans’ warm response during the concert. “I am happy to meet my fans on this tour. The reactions from fans in different cities are always fascinating. Them singing to my songs and having a good time will always be my core memory.”
What’s Next for HYDE in 2025
As HYDE steps into 2025, his schedule is already packed with exciting projects and performances that promise to keep fans engaged throughout the year. One of the highlights is that HYDEIST presents SNOW MONSTER HOTEL 2025, an exclusive fan club event on March 1 and 2. This intimate gathering offers a rare opportunity for fans to connect with the artist in a more personal setting. HYDE will also join MY FIRST STORY as a guest vocalist for their FLEX TO THE MAX TOUR 2025 on March 15 and 16.
HYDE expressed his excitement about continuing to create new music and explore fresh artistic directions. He mentions, “It doesn’t end with ‘HYDE [INSIDE].’ I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself. Whether through collaborations or experimenting with new sounds, I want my music to keep evolving while staying true to my roots. I want my fans to always look forward to something new.”
Please visit HYDE’s website for more updates on his shows and performances.