Vocalist of one of the biggest rock bands in Asia, L’Arc~en~Ciel. With spiritual rock as the concept, on October 17, 2001, HYDE began his solo activities by releasing his first single, "evergreen" from his own label, Haunted Records. Following the debut single, he released his 2nd single, "Angel's tale" on December 12, 2001, a beautiful ballad which you may want to call "a Christmas song in HYDE's vision." Then, on February 27, 2002, he released his third single, "SHALLOW SLEEP" with a pop-beat tune, which has a different taste from the previous two singles. HYDE's long-awaited first solo album entitled "ROENTGEN"(Japanese Version) was then released in Japan, on March 27, 2002, and its INTERNATIONAL VERSION, which consists of all English-language recordings, was released in all of the Asian territories only. The second stage of HYDE's solo career started off with the "HELLO" single (released on June 4, 2003 ) becoming ..1 on the ORICON charts. A very rock sound, which was a complete contrast from his previous work. During the 2nd stage, 5th single "HORIZON" is released on November 6, 2003 and 2nd album "6 6 6" is released on December 3, 2003. In the following year, as a solo act HYDE tours Japan for the first time (10 cities/ 20 shows). In 2004, HYDE appears in his 2nd movie "MOON CHILD" and simultaneously releases the INTL version of "ROENTGEN" (in October 14, 2004) and a music video collection DVD called "ROENTGEN STORIES" (in November 3, 2004) in Japan. Last year, HYDE wrote the theme song and the song which Nana in the movie "NANA" sings and creates a buzz as he delivered another artists' song for the first time. Then in October, the 3rd stage of the solo career, HYDE makes a come back with 6th single "COUNTDOWN" which again charts at ..1 in ORICON, followed by another ORICON ..1 charted 7th single "SEASON'S CALL" released in February. Presently, HYDE is recording the 3rd album and will start a Japan tour in April.
HYDE FACTS:
Hyde sings SEASON’S CALL, the second opening theme song for Blood+.
It's been rumored that his real name is Hideto Takarai.
He and the rest of L'Arc~en~Ciel sing Link and Lost Heaven, the opening and ending theme songs from the FullMetal Alchemist Movie: Conqueror of Shambala.
Hyde makes a rare visit to the United States as he performed at The Fillmore in San Francisco on July 6, 2006.
Shallow Sleep released before Hyde's first solo album, Roentgen.
Angel's Tale was released after Evergreen came out.
Hyde released Evergreen, some of his solo work.
He wears barbwire necklaces, or accessories like small bat wings.
He is a big fashion icon in Japan.
He is an only child.
He composed Kewaishi.
Hyde composed the music, Glamorous Sky for NANA.
Hyde released several solo albums.
He is known as "Hyde P'unk" on "P'unk~en~Ciel".
He is known as "Hyde Dark" on "D'Ark~en~Ciel".
In 2002, Hyde accepted an offer from the musician Gackt to do a movie.
Hyde has his own record company, Haunted Records.
Hyde is color blind.
He and the rest of L'arc~en~Ciel sing the opening theme song, Ready, Steady, Go! for Fullmetal Alchemist.
Hyde's solo single "Countdown" was released on October 5th 2005.
He married Megumi Ooishi on December 25, 2000.
His height is 5'2.
He is in a band called L'arc~en~Ciel with Yukihiro, Tetsu and Ken.
