Hysteric Blue
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Defunct | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Osaka , Japan |
| Products | Music albums, singles, video collections, DVDs |
Hysteric Blue was a rock group originating from Osaka, Japan, established in 1997 and active until their disbandment in 2004. Throughout their active years, they released a total of 14 singles, five full-length studio albums, one greatest hits compilation, three collections of music videos, a DVD release, and produced sixteen promotional videos.
The band gained recognition for performing the opening track of the anime Ghost Stories, alongside contributing songs for Vampiyan Kids and the closing theme of Spiral ~Suiri no Kizuna~.
History
The band came together in July 1997 when childhood companions Tama and Takuya began playing locally as a quartet. Their lineup expanded with the addition of guitarist Naoki, who discovered them early on. Soon after, they recorded a demo tape that led to a contract with Sony Records by June 1998.
In 2000, their track "Grow Up" was selected as the theme song for the anime Ghost Stories, which later attracted global attention due to its English-language adaptation notable for dark humor and numerous pop culture nods.
During a live performance on June 17, 2003, the group declared an indefinite pause. Takuya commented, "Since our debut, we've absorbed much and developed our unique voices. We've chosen to take time off to explore individual pursuits with the intention to reunite afterward."
Disbandment
Following guitarist Naoki Akamatsu’s conviction on nine charges of rape and subsequent sentencing to 14 years in prison, the band officially ended in 2004. This decision was publicly announced through their official website. Subsequently, vocalist Tama and drummer Takuya formed The Screaming Frogs, while Takuya also pursued composing for theater productions.
Legacy
After The Screaming Frogs dissolved in 2011, Tama and Takuya established Sabão, which remained active until its disbandment in 2018.
Akamatsu was released from incarceration in 2016 but faced arrest again in 2020 related to attempted obscenity charges. He received a prison sentence of one year and two months following his conviction in 2021.
Due to mental health challenges, Tama stepped back from music activities in 2018 but made a comeback in 2023 by collaborating as a vocalist with milktub on one of their video game projects.
Singles
- RUSH! (1998-10-31)
- Haru ~spring~ (春～spring～) (1999-1-21)
- Little Trip (1999-5-8)
- Naze... (なぜ...) (1999-7-28)
- Futari Bocchi (ふたりぼっち) (1999-10-22)
- Chokkan Paradise (直感パラダイス) (2000-1-26)
- Dear (2000-3-29)
- Grow Up (グロウアップ) (2000-10-25)
- Daisuki (だいすき) (2000-11-22)
- Reset me (2001-8-22)
- Frustration Music (フラストレーション ミュージック) (2001-10-24)
- Bayside Baby (ベイサイドベイビー) (2002-1-23)
- Home Town (2002-11-7)
- DOLCE ~Natsuiro Renbo~ (DOLCE～夏色恋慕～) (2003-6-18)
Albums
- Baby Blue (1999-4-1)
- WALLABY (2000-2-23)
- Bleu-Bleu-Bleu (2001-1-24)
- MILESTONE (2002-2-20)
- JUNCTION (2003-8-6)
Compilations
- Historic Blue (2002-11-20)
Video Collections
- Baby Clips 1
- Baby Clips 2
- Baby Clips 3
DVD Releases
- Historic Blue Films