Complex (band)
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Defunct | 1991 (initial disbandment) |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Key people | Tomoyasu Hotei, Kōji Kikkawa |
| Products | Albums, singles, live recordings |
Complex was a Japanese rock pair formed by guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei and vocalist Kōji Kikkawa. Their debut came in 1989 with the release of a self-titled album and the single "Be My Baby". After completing a promotional tour, they followed up with the album Romantic 1990 and a live recording titled 19901108 in 1991.
The live album documented their final performance prior to disbanding. Hotei later referred to their split as a "mistake" that resulted in the end of his friendship with Kikkawa, although the exact reasons remain undisclosed. Both musicians pursued prosperous solo careers subsequently.
In 1998, Toshiba EMI released a greatest hits collection called Complex Best, alongside DVD reissues of their video works, which are currently out of circulation.
On April 28, 2011, Complex reunited for two concerts at Tokyo Dome on July 30 and 31, aiming to support those affected by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. These performances were subsequently made available on CD, DVD, and Blu-ray in 2012. The duo returned once more to Tokyo Dome on May 15, 2024, to raise funds for victims of the 2024 Noto earthquake.
Albums
- Complex (April 26, 1989)
- Romantic 1990 (April 18, 1990)
- 19901108 (January 23, 1991; live album)
- Complex Best (February 6, 1998; compilation)
Singles
- "Be My Baby" (April 8, 1989)
- "1990" (March 14, 1990)
Videos
- Be My Baby
- Complex Tour '89
- Romantic
- Romantic Extra
- 19901108
In popular culture
- "Be My Baby" was covered by Koda Kumi on her 2010 album Eternity: Love & Songs.
- The group was referenced through a pun in episode 24 of Mr. Osomatsu.
- In Japan during 2016, "Be My Baby" gained viral popularity through an edit featuring Abe Nana and Sato Shin from Bandai Namco Entertainment's The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls series.