Yui walks, Babymetal release new video

Today is a day of tears for many fans of Babymetal as Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno) has officially left the group. In her official statement, published through the Amuse agency, she states (translated by Thomas Malone): “A message to my fans, I am truly sorry for the inconvenience I have caused so many people due to being absent for an extended period of time. I have mulled over this over and over again but, I have decided to leave BABYMETAL at this time. I feel very sorry that my decision will disturb the other members and some many fans who have supported BABYMETAL. I am further terribly sorry to sadden the fans who have supported BABYMETAL. I had the strong desire to appear on stage again but my physical condition is not at its best even now, and further I feel that I would like to pursue my dream, one that I have had from a long time ago, of going on my own as Mizuno Yui. It is these factors that led to my decision. I am thankful for the numerous and precious experiences I was able to have being a part of BABYMETAL. I always felt day to day that I was truly blessed. The live shows where we all smiled together and became as One were truly happy and enjoyable times. I will do my utmost best to be able to again one day meet all of you as Mizuno Yui. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the last 8-years. Mizuno Yui”.

Babymetal has issued the following statement: “Thank you for continually supporting BABYMETAL. We would like to inform you of BABYMETAL’s new beginning which will be effective starting this month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN performances. YUIMETAL had expressed her desire to return performing with the group in the following months after last December’s performance due health concerns. During her absence, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire staff team had been preparing for her awaited return. However, YUIMETAL came to a decision that she will not be performing at BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN and that she will no longer be a part of BABYMETAL. We thank her for all of her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. This month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN will mark the rebirth in which SU-METAL and MOAMETAL form the core of BABYMETAL. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the fans for the continued support and look forward in what’s next for BABYMETAL”. 

In a strange twist of fate, today also saw the release of a new video for a song called “Starlight”. The video is obviously a “cousin” to the “Distortion” video that we saw back in May (over 5,000,000 hits as we speak), and again the girls in Babymetal is not to be seen (save for a few seconds at the very end and then it is eyes only. It is highly likely that Yui is singing on it though, if her decision to leave came up recently.

I feel sad for losing the original Babymetal (a wonderful chapter in music history), but it is what it is and I wish Yui and Babymetal all the best in their future endeavours.

(Image shows “Megitsune” Limited Edition Yuimetal release and “Starlight” image from official platforms)

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