BABYMETAL Biography 2010 - 2015
On 2007 Suzuka Nakamoto ended 2nd on the 2nd Star Kids Audition held by the company in the future would open the doors of the world, Amuse Inc. Thanks of the 2nd place she signed for the company.
Thanks to her great performance, Amuse Inc. decided to add her to the group called "Karen Girl's". The result of the audition had three girls representing the group. Suzuka Nakamoto, Ayami Muto and Yuika Shima. The group was represented by Genenon Universal Entertainment Japan as record label. The group better known as "the little sisters" of Perfume sang several songs for the anime called "Zettai Karen Chirudoren", the anime series broadcasted 51 episodes including their music from April 6 of 2008 to March 29 of 2009. Karen Girl's released 2 Singles, "Over The Future" on June 25 and "My Wings" on November 26, both singles on 2008.
On 2009 Karen Girl’s released their debut and only album on February 25. The album has 7 songs, featuring: "Pikatto Kiratto! Dash Girl's", "Over The Future", "Top Secret", "Zetaii Love x Love Senzen!!", "Full Throttle", "My Wings" and "Bye! Bye! Bye!". The CD/DVD edition of this release has the same CD tracklist. The DVD tracklist has: "Over The Future" Music Video, "My Wings" Music Video, the dance edits of "Over The Future" and "My Wings" along with "Making of My Wings" and "Zettai Karen Dakara Makenai! in Okinawa". The album reached #19 on the weekly Oricon charts and charted for three weeks.
Karen Girl’s last performance live was at Shibuya Boxx for the "Karen Girl's Mission Completion" Special Event on March 14. Sadly and as was expected the group disbanded just two weeks later on March 31.
Before Moa, Suzuka and Yui joined Sakura Gakuin, Moa and Yui auditioned to join the Idol group singing and dancing the Karen Girl's (of Suzuka Nakamoto) "Over The Future".
In 2010, Amuse Inc created the Idol group "Sakura Gakuin" with Suzuka Nakamoto and Ayami Muto (ex Karen Girl's) and also Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno along with 6 more girls. The group created to enhance the talent for singing, dance and acting was based on a special system where the girls who graduate from Junior High also graduate from Sakura Gakuin group.
In the same year, one of the producers of Amuse Inc. called as "Kobametal" created a sub-group inside Sakura Gakuin called "BABYMETAL" based (according to some rumors) on an idea of Suzuka Nakamoto to have a group with different music. For that reason BABYMETAL was created with a mix of genres between J-Pop and Heavy Metal. The first idea of Kobametal was having Suzuka as lead singer with two other girls at her side. "Koba" selected Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno to represent the sub-group alongside Suzuka Nakamoto. The three girls started the project without knowing even what the meaning of Heavy Metal was.
On June 28 Sakura Gakuin sub-unit Twinklestars with Yui Mizuno and Moa Kikuchi, their first sub-unit on Sakura Gakuin introduced their Single "Please, Please, Please" on Kawaii Girl Japan showing their dancing skills with the baton! (Read more here)
After months of rehearsing the sub-group of Sakura Gakuin debuted live with "Doki Doki Morning" at Yokohama Red Brick in the Sakura Gakuin Festival 2010 on November 28 of 2010.
For 2010, BABYMETAL played 2 times live.
Sakura Gakuin released their first Album called "Message" on April 27 of 2011 with Doki Doki Morning as song 9 in the track list. The album reached #54 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for one week. The album was originally scheduled to be released on March 23, but it was postponed until April 27 due earthquake and tsunami happened in Japan that year.
Also on 2011 BABYMETAL released another song called "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" only as a live song which debuted on July 23 of 2011 for the Sakura Gakuin Nendo New Departure at Shibuya Music Exchange (the song was released as Single on 2013).
Almost a year after the live debut on October 24 of 2011 was released the first Single ever of BABYMETAL "Doki Doki Morning" with a music video directed by Shimon Tanaka.
"Iine", another new song for the band also debuted live before an official release at Shibuya O-West in the Women Power 20th Anniversary event when BABYMETAL played their 3 official songs.
For 2011, BABYMETAL played 9 live shows.
On March 4 of 2012, BABYMETAL talks with Kawaii Girl Japan about their new CD Single in collaboration with Kiba Of Akiba, their new song Iine and the meaning of Metal music for them. (Read more here)
Thanks to the great success the Sakura Gakuin's sub-group released on March 7 of 2012 their second Single "BABYMETAL x Kiba Of Akiba" premiering their second tune called "Iine" and their third song a cover of Kiba Of Akiba called "Kimi To Anime Ga Mitai".
Also, in the same month, Sakura Gakuin released on March 21 their second album called "Friends" with "Iine Vega Mix" as part of the album, song number 9 on the track list. The album reached #56 on the Oricon weekly charts, where it stayed for two weeks. The "remix" version of Iine debuted live only 4 days after the release at the Nihonbashi Mitsui Hall in the Sakura Gakuin Graduation 2011. In this event the Sakura Gakuin members Ayami Muto (The first president), Airi Matsui and Ayaka Miyoshi graduated and Suzuka Nakamoto took the place of President of Sakura Gakuin.
By June 4 of 2012 BABYMETAL released their third Single called "Head Bangya!!" with another new song called "Uki Uki Midnight". Head Bangya debuted live days before of the release in the Tower Records Presents "Pop'n Idol 02" at Zepp Tokyo on June 23.
On July 1, Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal recorded a video for the entertainment site Natalie.mu to promote the upcoming BABYMETAL events in 2012, "Legend Corest Festival", "Head Bangya Journey" and Head Bangya Single. (Read more here)
While Uki Uki Midnight debuted live at the famous "Legend Corset Festival" on July 21 at Super Live Space Rokumeikan, also in this Show a new song debuted live, a demo version of "Babymetal Death" in a short version.
On July 30, Suzuka Nakamoto Students Council President of Sakura Gakuin 2012 Nendo along with Marina Horiuchi attended to bayfm78 Keiyoginko Power Countdown Japan Hot 30 to promote their new Single "Wonderful Journey" and talk a lot during the 20 minutes interview, BABYMETAL, Sakura Gakuin, activities, dreams, and more! (Read more here)
On July also the BABYMETAL track "Iine" was part of the album "Local Idol Best!" as song 9 on the track list.
On August 19, BABYMETAL played for the first time in the Summer Sonic Festival as Side Show.
By October 6 BABYMETAL played their first show of a 3 shows series of "Legend I, D, Z". The first show "Legend I" took place at Shibuya O-East, the sold out show had the live debut of the songs: Death, Akatsuki and Onedari Daisakusen. Also BABYMETAL played for the first time with a Live band called "Kami Band", plus this, was the first show for the current member of Kami Band "Leda Cygnus".
On October 22 BABYMETAL talk with Kawaii Girl Japan about their first show of their "Live Legend I, D, Z", "Legend I", announced their "Legend D" and their interest about learning English. (Read more here)
On November 10, BABYMETAL played their first overseas show. The event took place in Singapore as part of the Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2012 at Singapore EXPO (Backstage experience here).
On Nonvember 26 BABYMETAL was interviewed by Kawaii Girl Japan to talk about the experience of its first live overseas at AFA Singapore 2012. (Read more here)
On December 11 just a few days before the official release of their Major Single "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", BABYMETAL was interviewed on Marquee Magazine Volume 94. The release featured a very interesting photoshoot with the girls. (Read more here)
The second show of "Legend I, D, Z" series took place at Akasaka Blitz on December 20 to celebrate the "Su-Metal Seitansai" called "Legend D". The sold out show has the live debut of the songs "White Love" (Cover), "Over The Future" (Cover) "Headbanger!! Night Of 15 Mix" and "Tsubasa Wo Kudasai" (Cover). Over The Future song was originally sang by Karen Girl’s ex group of Suzuka Nakamoto, and also one of the favourite songs of Yui Mizuno.
For 2012 BABYMETAL played 19 live shows.
2013 arrived with a major release for BABYMETAL, on January 9, "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" was the first major Single for the band, with also a CD/DVD version, the Single had a new song by the band called "Catch Me If You Can" and also had the first studio collaboration, the limited edition song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai Nemesis Version" with guitarist Chistopher Amott from Arch Enemy.
On January 9, also in order to promote BABYMETAL's Major Single "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", Su-Metal representing BABYMETAL and Takeru Uwakimono representing SuG were interviewed together on Natalie Power Push to talk about the impressions of each other and possible collaboration. Since they played together in August of 2012 at Shibuya WWW, remained a nice friendship between the two. (Read more here)
The release of the Single had a double show at Shinsaibashi Fanj were the band played 2 "rounds" of 5 songs the same date on January 14.
"Legend Z" the last show of the "Legend I, D, Z" series took place at Zepp Tokyo on February 1. The sold out show had the live debut of a new BABYMETAL song called "Catch Me If You Can". Also Legend Z had the debut of the current Kami Band members Takayoshi Ohmura on the lead guitar and Hideki Aoyama on the drums. "Legend I, D, Z" shows were recorded to be released later this year.
After their great performance at Zepp Tokyo for "Legend Z", BABYMETAL talk "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", Kitsune Sign, personal activities on HOTWAVE. (Read more here)
February 19, Interesting, fun and also deep interview with Sakura Gakuin 2012 Nendo members featuring comments by Suzuka Nakamoto as Students President, also Moa Kikuchi, Yui Mizuno and the rest of the 2012 Nendo students. (Read more here)
Sakura Gakuin released their third album called "My Generation" with the BABYMETAL song "Head Bangya", song number 3 of the track list. Also the album had the solo song by Sukuka Nakamoto called "Sakurairo No Avenue" and the song "My Graduation Toss" had a solo version by her in a Limited Edition Single of the song. My Generation was released on March 13. The album reached #39 on the Oricon weekly charts.
On March 20, Tower Records President Ikuo Minewaki interviewed Suzuka a few days before of her Graduation. Very deep interview with Suzuka Nakamoto (Red more here).
On March 31, Suzuka Nakamoto graduated from Sakura Gakuin in the Sakura Gakuin Graduation Event 2012 at the Tokyo International Forum. In the last performance of her as Sakura Gakuin Member BABYMETAL played "Head Bangya". In the same day, Suzuka wrote her las diary as Sakura Gakuin member, diary called: “With a heartful gratitude” (Read here) Nakamoto also was no longer the Sakura Gakuin President, took her place Marina Horiuchi. After some rumors of the band could be disbanded after Suzuka's graduation from Sakura Gakuin, the producer Kobametal and Amuse Inc. decided to keep supporting the project.
On April 15 was released the Suzuka Nakamoto Graduation Photobook made by Sakura Gakuin in honor of her graduation. The book contains exclusive photos of Suzuka in Hiroshima, an intimate interview with her, messages from Sakura Gakuin students and a Tourji Letter by her to the Sakura Gakuin students (Read here)
By May, BABYMETAL did their first Tour ever called: "Babymetal Death Match Tour 'May Revolution'" considered as a "Training Tour" by the band. Were the first full shows with Kami Band. The Kami Band members were: Hideki Aoyama on the drums, Boh (debut with BABYMETAL) on the bass guitar, Takayoshi Ohmura and Leda Cygnus on the guitars. BABYMETAL played on May 10 on Osaka Big Cat, May 17 on Zepp Diver City and 2 shows on May 18 also at Zepp Diver City.
On May 26 BABYMETAL played for the first time live their new Single called "Megitsune" at NTV Music Dragon, three days after played at NHK Music Japan Annex. Both shows had the "Kitsune Band" as support band (The members did mimic like the Babybones).
Megitsune Single was released on June 19 with 3 Limited Editions "Ki", "Tsu", "Ne" as CD/DVD where also "Onedari Daisakusen" studio version was released.
BABYMETAL was interviewed on BIG ONE GIRLS Magazine Nº16 released on May 27, talk about their new Single to be released in June 19, "Megitsune". In addition Suzuka Nakamoto's Graduation Memorial was published (Read more here and here)
Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal was interviewed on June 18, just hours before the release of their new Single "Megitsune" on Kayou Guest Plus. She talked about the new costume to represent Megitsune, her role as Su-Metal and as Suzuka Nakamoto, Yuimetal scared about "Catch Me If You Can". (Read more here)
In the same day, BABYMETAL visited once again HOTWAVE presented by Yamamoto. This time the girls promote their new Single released this day, Megitsune! They talk about the songs of the Single, the Death Match Tour, Kami Band, key words of the group and more! (Read more here)
By the end of the month, June 30; BABYMETAL played their first "Seitansai" for Moametal and Yuimetal called "Legend 1999" and took place at NHK Hall. In this show debuted live the songs "No Rain, No Rainbow" an original and unreleased BABYMETAL song, also the songs "Love Machine" (Cover) and "Chokotto Love" (Cover) were played live as solo songs by Moa and Yui respectively. The Kami Band formation was Hideki Ayama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On July 7 BABYMETAL played at the Rock Beats Cancer FES Vol. 2 with Jam Project as support band. With that Show the band started their Summer Fes Tour 2013 including shows at Summer Camp 2013 on Club Citta in Kanagawa on July 15, Join Alive at Iwamizawa Park in Hoakkaido on July 21.
On July 31, Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno were interviewed on Big One Girls Magazine Nº17. (Read more here)
On August 5, Sakura Gakuin 2013 Nendo student Moa Kikuchi was featured in the cover with Yuriya Suzuki from Cheeky Parade and Aika Hirota from Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku, also the trio was interviewed by Big Comic Spirits Magazine. (Read more here)
Continuing with the Tour, followed Summer Sonic Shows on August 10 and 11 where BABYMETAL played in the Summer Sonic Festival for second time in a row this time with Kami Band, the Tokyo performance was recorded by Wowow and acquired by Amuse for a future release. The Summer Fes continued in the next month on September 7 the band played for second time outside Japan at the Jakarta Convention Center for the Anime Festival Asia Indonesia 2013. Closing the Summer Fes on September 22 BABYMETAL played for the first time in the Inazuma Rock Festival were the current Kami Band member in guitars Mikio Fujioka debuted live with the band.
Also on September 22, before their performance BABYMETAL was interviewed by Nami Iwasaki and Reo Tsuchiya at the Inazuma Rock Festival 2013 in Shiga Prefecture. (Read more here)
On October 20 the band played in the Loud Park Festival 2013 for the first time also with Kami Band featuring Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On November 4 Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal played live with Jam Project at the Matsudo Mori No Hall 21 in the Japan Pop Culture Carnival 2013; she sang 3 songs with them. In the same month BABYMETAL played for second time in Singapore at the Suntec Singapore for the Anime Festival Asia Singapore 2013 on November 9..
"Legend I, D, Z" DVD and Bluray and "Legend I, D, Z Limited Edition" was released on November 20 with 2 different editions. The regular one on DVD and Bluray came with a Booklet (only for the first press release) and the Limited Edition with a Hoodie and Monolith Card, only 1500 copies were available.
On December 18, Asian Beat published an interview with Suzuka she talk about "JAM METAL Project with SU-METAL". (Read here)
The second "Su-Metal Seitansai" took place at Makuhari Messe on December 21; the show was called "Legend 1997" and was recorded live for a future release. The song "Tamashii No Rufuran" (Cover) debuted live, also Gimme Chocolate debuted live and was recorded for a future release as well, an acoustic version (Piano and vocals by Su-Metal) of "Akatsuki" was played live, the song was called "Akatsuki Unfinished Version", on a side note "Doki Doki Morning" reached the milestone of 40 times played live in this show. In the same show were announced the album release for BABYMETAL and the 2 shows at Nippon Budokan called "Tenkaichi Metaru Budokan Final"and "Legend Doomsday". Also was announced “BAW” (BABYMETAL Apocalypse Web) releasing the first Binder and Photo Set called “BABYMETAL Apocalypse ‘Genesis’”, was sold at the venue and then released in the BABYMETAL Online Store on Asmart.jp The content of the book is an introductory review of the early BABYMETAL. The Kami Band formation for this show was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Leda Cygnus.
A week after "Legend 1997" BABYMETAL played their third show in Singapore, their first solo Show with a full set at the Scape The Ground Theatre.
For 2013, BABYMETAL played 33 live shows.
2014, on February 2 BABYMETAL played their first Show in Taipei, Taiwan at the ATT Shout Box. They collaborated with the Taiwanese band Chthonic in the last song of the Show "Megitsune".
On February 6, BABYMETAL performed for first time on the popular Japanese Show “Music Station” of TV Asahi. They performed with Babybones and Kami Band together the song “Ijime, Dame, Zettai” at Makuhari Messe Event Hall. The Kami Band members were Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
In the same month on February 25 was released the most popular music video by the band to date "Gimme Chocolate" to support the album release a day after.
On February 26 BABYMETAL released their debut album. The self-titled album with 13 tracks was released under Toy's Factory label in Japan. The CD/DVD edition comes with special footage including the Summer Sonic 2013 Show in Tokyo, the music videos and the music videos with Moametal, Su-Metal and Yuimetal comments. The BABYMETAL Limited Edition for BAW members premiered with two songs with different versions. “Akatsuki Unfinished Version ” with piano and the vocals by Suzuka Nakamoto, while the other song was "444" a very similar version of “Yon No Uta” but with a fun addition by Su-Metal.
The Album reached the #1 in the Metal chart on iTunes US and European countries like Germany and United Kingdom, also reached #1 in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore. The album also reached Top Charts on Amazon, Billoard and several times in Oricon and Tower Records in Japan.
In addition on February 26 was released the second volume of the BABYMETAL booklet for “BABYMETAL Apocalypse Web” members called “BABYMETAL Apocalypse Limited Edition”. The content of the book is a review of the lyrics of the album with a funny edition BABYMETAL made by Su-metal, Yuimetal and Moametal.
On March 1 and March 2, BABYMETAL played the "Budokan 2 Days" "Red Night - Tenkaichi Metaru Budokan Final" and "Black Night - Legend Doomsday" shows at the Nippon Budokan. The sold out shows started and officialized the Kami Band era, since then BABYMETAL ceased playing shows with Babybones. At Budokan BABYMETAL played new songs from the new album, Akumu No Rondo and Yon No Uta were played live for the first time. The Budokan shows reached more than 20.000 fans in the audience. By the end of the second show BABYMETAL announced the first European Tour. At the venue was sold the “Nippon Budokan Limited Edition Special Set” which included the disc with the “History of BABYMETAL” (30 minutes of documentary with the girls talking about the experience since day one, also with a Ijime, Dame, Zettai footage through the years) and the “Tenkaichi Metaru Budokan battle kit”. The Kami Band formation for the shows were: Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura. In addition to Kami Band, on March 1 was performed for first time the instrumental called "Mischiefs Of The Metal Gods".
On March 4, BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate Live Music Video reached 1.000.000 views on Youtube.
Days after, on March 12 Sakura Gakuin released their fourth album called "Kizuna". This album was the first since the inception of Sakura Gakuin without a BABYMETAL song. Also Sakura Gakuin held the Graduation Event for Hinata Sato, Marina Horiuchi, Nene Sugisaki and Raura Iida on March 30 at the Shibuya Public Hall, the first graduation event without a BABYMETAL performance. In the event Marina Horiuchi ceased to be the President and Moa Kikuchi took her place until March of 2015.
On June 23 and 24 BABYMETAL played their first "Apocrypha" shows, both shows at Tsutasya O-East the Apocrypha II on June 24 had the debut of Yuya Maeta on the drums for Kami Band. Meanwhile Apocrypha I on June 23 had Hideki Aoyama on the drums. The shows served as presentation of the new Kami Band member and also as warm up shows for the European leg.
On June 25, BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate Live Music Video reached 10.000.000 views on Youtube.
On June 26 was released the third volume of the BABYMETAL Apocalypse Web booklets for fan club members, the release was called “BABYMETAL Legends Of The Trinity”. The content of the book is a review of the BABYMETAL shows "Legend 1999", "1997 Legend" and "Budokan 2 Days" with photos from backstage included.
After the Apocrypha Shows the band landed in France on July 1. The first time in their career playing in Europe and in France. La Cigale in Paris where Yuimetal sang the second part of "Head Bangya", the show was called "Legend Y". On July 3 happened "Legend M" in Germany at Live Music Hall in Koln, this time Moametal sang the second half of "Head Bangya", this show was the first appearance of BABYMETAL in Germany.
On July 5, BABYMETAL played in the iconic Sonisphere Festival sharing stage with bands like Metallica, Carcass, Deftones and Iron Maiden and other great artists. The show held at Knobworth Park had the presence of almost 50.000 metalheads in the audience while BABYMETAL was playing, that was a record for an opener band in the Sonisphere Festival. According to music journalist from UK, the opener bands play for 5.000 to 15.000 people. This one was the first show of BABYMETAL in United Kingdom. At The Forum in London BABYMETAL played their last show in Europe on July 7 in their third sold out show in the continent, the show was live streamed in several theaters in Japan by Amuse Inc The Kami Band formation for the first part of the World Tour in Europe was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Mikio Fujioka. .
Just 20 days after the incredible European Tour BABYMETAL landed in United States for their first show ever. The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, California was the place where the band played another sold out show. After the show and because of air conditioning problems in the venue, Moametal needed some medical attention, thankfully nothing bad happened and the band was ready to play the mini tour shows to support the Art Rave Tour of Lady Gaga. The Lady Gaga Art Rave Tour brings BABYMETAL to play in Phoenix, Las Vegas, Stateline, Utah and Colorado in United States doing a 4 songs Setlist playing before DJ Starlight. Lady Gaga was watching the performance of the band in some of those shows.
After hitting the road with Gaga, BABYMETAL played their last show in North America in the huge Heavy Montreal Festival in Canada at the Parc Jean-Drapeau on August 9. The Kami Band formation featured Yuya Maeta, BOH, Leda Cygnus, Takayoshi Ohmura and Yasutaka Nomura (guitars).
On August 16 and 17 BABYMETAL played for third time in a row in the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo and Osaka. The show was once again recorded by Wowow Company. At the Tokyo show they announced the "BABYMETAL Back To USA/UK Tour 2014" to be held at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York and O2 Brixton Academy in London later this year. The Kami Band formation was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On August 18, Twitter Music Japan announced the most mentioned artists during Summer Sonic 2014. BABYMETAL was ranked #3 behind Summer Sonic Tokyo and CNBLUE.
By September BABYMETAL finished the World Tour with 2 sold out shows at the Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan on September 13 and September 14. At the encore of the first show they announced the "Legend 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" show at the Saitama Super Arena to be held on January 10. The Kami Band formation in both shows featured Yuya Maeta and Hideki Aoyama on drums, BOH on Bass and Leda Cygnus, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura on Guitars.
On October 22 Sakura Gakuin released their new DVD Single called "Haato No Hoshi", song and music video lead in vocals by Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno.
On October 27, was re-released the Suzuka Nakamto Graduation Photobook called "Perfect Edition" with exclusive photos. The book content was the
same as the one Sakura Gakuin released on April 15 of 2013 in addition of some exclusive photos.
On October 28 in Japan and October 29 in online Stores the "Live Legend 1999/1997 Apocalypse" DVD/Bluray was released officially. The Shows at the NHK Hall and Makurahi Messe recorded in 2013 were released in DVD, Bluray and a Limited Edition with the commemorative t-shirts for BAW members on Asmart, the official BABYMETAL store.
By the end of October, BABYMETAL announced "THE ONE", the new name of the Fan Club. The One means a mix between the 7 members band (Girls + Kami Band) plus the fans, because the fans are "the chosen one". Also on the last day of October, BABYMETAL released the last volume of the BABYMETAL Apocalypse booklets called “BABYMETAL Apocalyse Last Judgment”. The content of the book is a review of the BABYMETAL shows "Legend 1999", "Legend 1997", "Budokan 2 Days" and photos from the "artrave Tour" with Lady Gaga and a pop item with a review of Metal Resistance 2 and exclusive photos of World Tour 2014.
On November 4, BABYMETAL played for the first time in New York city as part of the “Back To The US/UK Tour”, the almost sold out show held at Hammerstein Ballroom was the end of the “Metal Resistance Episode II”. The last overseas show of the year was on November 8 at the O2 Brixton Academy in London, England. The third show in England had the release of the new song called “Road Of Resistance” with the studio collaboration of the guitarists of Dragonforce Sam Totman and Herman Li, the live version of the song was played by the Kami Band members as usual.. The sold out show in London was the introduction of the “Metal Resistance Episode III” with the promise to return to the UK in 2015. In London, at O2 Britxton Academy, Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal reached 100 live performances. The Kami Band formation for these shows were: Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On November 10, BABYMETAL released officialy the “Live At Budokan” DVD, Bluray and Limited Edition Package “Budo-Can” for Fan Club members. The very anticipated 2 nights Shows at Budokan was officially announced for January 7 of 2015, 3 days before of the “Legend 2015” at the Saitama Super Arena.
December of 2014 probably for BABYMETAL was the month where the band received more honors throughout their career. BABYMETAL was highlighted around the world thanks to their debut album, their live acts and their high level of sales in Japan. On December 1, Tower Records released the list of the best sellers of 2014, BABYMETAL reached the position number 7, on December 2 the music site Metal Sucks analyst Vince Neilstein announced his 2014 Top 15 of metal albums, BABYMETAL was considered the album of the year. On December 9 was announced the year end charts on Billboard, BABYMETAL reached #5 on World Album Artists chart and #7 on World Albums Chart. On December 10 HMV Japan announced their best sellers with BABYMETAL #11 on their list. On December 17 the music site Complete Music Update announced BABYMETAL as one of their best artists of 2014 (read the review here), the same day CD Japan announced BABYMETAL’s debut album was the Best Seller item in all departments. Also on December 17 Billboard Japan announced the spot 57 for the BABYMETAL album on the year end chart. For December 20 the music site Gigwise announced the best live acts of 2014, BABYMETAL reached the #12. On December 24 BABYMETAL won the "Best Worldwide Act" Award on the "Land Of The Rising Sound, Japanese Music Awards 2014". For December 28 Oricon announced the year end chart with BABYMETAL album in position 52 of the rank over artists like Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park or Lady Gaga, the same day the japanese music site AMP Music announced their best albums of the year, BABYMETAL reached the position number 22 over Slipknot's "5: The Gray Chapter".
Meanwhile on December 7 Sakura Gakuin performed their last show of the year "Celebration In December" event at the Kanagawa Arts Theatre in Yokohama. Was produced by Yui Mizuno and had Shuffle Club Units once again, this time with the great surprise of Aiko and Megumi performing the BABYMETAL song "Onedari Daisakusen" of the sub-unit Black Babymetal. Also in this event Suzuka Nakamoto did a video message for Sakura Gakuin fans and members "Sakura Gakuin is an important alma mater for me."
On December 20 at Toyosu PIT in Tokyo was the third Su-Metal Seitansai this time part of the Fan Club shows "Apocrypha-S". The sold out show had the premiere of a new song and the great surprise of the night having Suzuka in the stage during the performance of "Onedari Daisakusen". This was the first time of Onedari Daisakusen played with the 3 girls in the stage. In this show, Moa Kikuchi as Moametal and Yui Mizuno as Yuimetal reached 100 live performances. The Kami Band formation for the performance was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura. In addition BABYMETAL played for first time "Awadama Fever".
December 21 was one of the best tv apprearances, with a special TV show held by Music Japan on NHK. The 40 minutes TV special showed the activities of BABYMETAL in London for the "Back To The US/UK Tour 2014". The Show was also broadcasted all over the world through NHK World Premium.
December 26 of 2014 was probably the greatest day for BABYMETAL to date, when the band performed live on Music Station of TV Asahi. BABYMETAL performed the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai", at the moment of their performance approximately a 15% of the Japanese population was watching the event, and that means, millions of people. Excluding those outside Japan watching the event through livestreams. The Kami Band formation for the performance was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On the last day of 2014, Sakura Gakuin announced "The Road To Graduation 2014 Final" to take place at the NHK Hall on March 29. The same place were BABYMETAL held the first Seitansai show for Moametal and Yuimetal.
Also on December 31, BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate Live Music Video reached 20.000.000 views on Youtube.
On the first day of 2015, January 1 BABYMETAL won the "Best Band" and "Best Album" awards on The Arcade Awards 2014 from Ireland. In the same day Heavy Metal Japan announced that Suzuka Nakamoto and Takayoshi Ohmura were featured as best artists of 2014 in their categories, Best Singer and Best Guitarist.
On January 7, BABYMETAL released their third Live DVD and their first Live CD. Their first Live CD "Live At Budokan Red Night" was mixed by the Grammy winner Ted Jensen. Live At Budokan features the 2 Days performances at Nippon Budokan "Red Night" and "Black Night" shows. In the same day of the release, Live At Budokan reached the #1 on several iTunes Stores around the world, Austria, Canada, Germany, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States. In Japan Live At Budokan reached #1 on Bluray charts, #2 on CD charts and #3 on DVD charts.
With Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD, the new BABYMETAL song in collaboration with DragonForce "Road Of Resistance" was the track number 14 as Bonus Track. With this release media from around the world shared information about the collaboration with DragonForce. Several sites, radio programs and TV programs from Japan talked about Road Of Resistance but most important from different countries in the world like, Indonesia, Philippines, France, Italy, England, Ireland, Canada, United States, Mexico, Brazil, Uruguay, and Australia. Also popular music sites and magazines like Hit The Floor, Ultimate Guitar, Metal Sucks, Rock Sound, Kerrang, Loudwire, Revolver Magazine, and more.
On January 10, BABYMETAL played their biggest show until then at Saitama Super Arena in front of 20.000 fans playing all their official songs plus their new songs "Road Of Resistance" and "Awadama Fever". This show had a grat repercussion by several media sites around the world featuring reports by FUSE TV and Metal Hammer who were present in the venue. At Saitama Super Arena, BABYMETAL announced their second World Tour to take place on May and June of 2015. The show was recorded for future releases "Legend 2015, New Year Fox Festival" Bluray and Live CD for THE ONE members later this year. The Kami Band formation for the show was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Leda Cygnus and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On January 14, BABYMETAL became in the youngest female artist to top Oricon Bluray Ranking thanks to their third Live release, Live At Budokan. Also on January 14, BABYMETAL debut album was certified as GOLD Record by the RIAJ (Recording Industry Association Of Japan).
For January 15, BABYMETAL for the first time ever reached with 2 different releases the Top 10 of the Billboard World Albums chart. Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD reached #3, while the self-titled album reached #7
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Sakura Gakuin on January 19 did their first appearance on the online program #LoGiRL which features important artists from Japan with a weekly online show.
On January 20, BABYMETAL announced their biggest "Mosh'sh Pit" at the Makuhari Messe Event Hall to take place on June 21 after their World Tour. In the same week for January 23 BABYMETAL was featured on MTV Japan on the "MTV Virtual Rock Festival", getting exposure on the screen along with My Chemical Romance, Rob Zombie, Dir En Grey, Tool, Ozzy Osbourne Slipknot and Marilyn Manson.
BABYMETAL won the NEO Awards for Best Musical Act of 2014 on the british NEO Magazine onJanuary 28.
January 31, BABYMETAL announced the release of "Road Of Resistance" Digital Single. The same day also, BABYMETAL added to their Spotify account Live At Budokan Red Night Live CD for free listen.
February started with great news, BABYMETAL announced their collaboration with CAPCOM for the game "Cross x Beats" which includes the song "Ijime, Dame, Zettai" as part of the game. The same day on February 2 announced their show at the METROCK Festival 2015, including a video message by the girls.
For February 3, BABYMETAL was announced as the winner of the "Best New Act Of 2014" on the 4th Annual Loudwire Music Awards.
On February 9 BABYMETAL announced the very expected "BABYMETAL World Tour 2015". The band announced shows in Mexico at Circo Volador, United States at the recognized House Of Bluse in Chicago and at the Crew Stadium for Rock On The Range, Canada at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Germany at DER RING – Grüne Hölle Rock and ROCKAVARIA Festivals and Austria at ROCK IN VIENNA Festival, all the shows to take place in May and June of 2015.
On February 14 the music site from Japan "Heavy Metal Japan" did a list of the 10 Best Metal Live Performance in the last 10 yars and BABYMETAL at Loud Park was featured in the spot number 3. According to the site, after the Loud Park performance on October 20 of 2013, the band was taken seriously as a metal band in Japan.
On February 15, Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno performed their last "Happy Valentine" show with Sakura Gakuin. A 2 rounds event featuring the new Sakura Gakuin songs "Heart No Hoshi" and "Aogeba Toutoshi".
On February 25, BABYMETAL announced a second list of shows of their BABYMETAL World Tour 2015, including on France at La Laiterie in Strasbourg, Switzerland at X-TRA in Zurich and Italy at Estragon in Bologna.
On February 27 BABYMETAL did a huge announcement, the band announced via Website and Email to The One members the "BABYMETAL World Tour 2014 Apocalypse" for THE ONE Members only, "BABYMETAL Live In London" with several editions and the re-release of the BABYMETAL album as 12-inch Vinyl Edition.
On March 4, Sakura Gakuin released their new DVD Single "Aogeba Toutoshi from Sakura Gakuin 2014". The graduation song includes 2 different DVD versions. Type A with "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" The Song + Music video Making. While Type B content is "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" Music Video Making. The DVD single reached 2th position on Oricon Weekly Chart and stayed 4th for two weeks.
The same day, March 4, were announced the winners for Metal Storm Awards 2014 held by Metal Storm Net (Details). BABYMETAL won the category "The Biggest Surprise" Award reaching 26 votes over a total of 425 votes. BABYMETAL overpassed bands like: "Benemoth", "Arch Enemy" or "DragonForce". Also was highlighted in the category "The Best Debut Album" reaching the position #11.
BABYMETAL was announced as the winner of the Grand Prize of the 7th CD Shop Awards on March 9. BABYMETAL is at the moment the youngest artist or band to receive the award. Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-metal was in the ceremony representing BABYMETAL. (More details)
By March 12, was announced the Sakura Gakuin "Mini Patissier" x Tower Records Cafe collaboration. Promoting the new Sakura Gakuin album to be released in March 25 "Kimi Ni Todoke".
The Sakura Gakuin sub-unit "Minipati" with Yui Mizuno, Moa Kikuchi and Hana Taguchi released a special menu for Tower Records Cafe called "Sparkling Cook Minipati Sakura Chiffon, Mochi Berry Cheerful Bright Servings with Bubbly Sakura Yogurth".
On March 14 Sakura Gakuin held their last open classes event on Nendo 2014, "Archaeology Of The Song". This open class consist on singing a cappela a selected song for each member and talk about the reasons why the song was selected. Yui Mizuno performed "True Colors" from Cyndi Lauper. Meanwhile the Student Council President Moa Kikuchi performed "Miraie" from Kikoro. (Details)
On March 15, the Japanese company Wowow broadcasted the BABYMETAL performance at Saitama Super Arena for "Legend 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" to celebrate the BABYMETAL return to the "Land Of The Rising Sun". As part of the broadcast BABYMETAL was interviewed, the girls shared their thoughts about the BABYMETAL World Tour 2014.
On March 18 Sakura Gakuin announced through Overture Magazine their collaboration for "The Road To Graduation Final 2014" with New Era, a special cap designed by the Sakura Gakuin girls and a special bag was included in the package.
The same day, March 18, was published the Sakura Gakuin Graduation Interview on HOTWAVE with Moa Kikuchi and others "SG" members.
BABYMETAL announced on March 19 two new shows for THE ONE members to take place at Tsutaya O-East on April 23 called "The Black Mass" "Metalheads Only" for male THE ONE members only. And on April 24 "The Red Mass" "Megitsune Only" for women THE ONE members and one guest only.
On March 23, happened the last Sakura Gakuin program on #LoGiRL before the Graduation Event for Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno but
also for the other two Third Graders Hana and Yunano. A very special program featuring all the Sakura Gakuin students and Mori-Sensei full of fun moments, but
also full of emotions.
Sakura Gakuin released their 5th Studio Album on March 25. "Kimi Ni Todoke". The Album was released in four different versions, the Standard CD,
“Sa”, “Ku” and “Ra” editions.
The "Kimi Ni Todoke" "Sa" CD/DVD with "Heart No Hoshi" Music Video and Sakura Gakuin Nendo Test 2014, "Ku" CD/DVD with "Animarhythm" Music Video and "What Happened This Year?" footage and "Ra" CD/Bluray version with "Heart No Hoshi" Dance Video, "Animalrhythm" Music Video and "Aogeba Toutoshi" Alternative Video. Moa Kikuchi andYui Mizuno participated on 10 of the 12 songs of the album. "Kimi Ni Todoke" debuted #18 on the Oricon Album Chart
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On March 26, was announced by an official press release and published in several Music Sites like Metal Injection that earMUSIC label partners with eOne Distribution in the U.S. earMUSIC's roster features names such as Chickenfoot, Deep Purple, Status Quo, Foreigner, Nazareth, Christoher Cross, Europe, BABYMETAL and many more. (More details)
On March 27 and March 28, Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno along with the others Sakura Gakuin Third Graders were interviewed by media sites like Oricon, Natalie, and HMV Online to talk about the graduation events and their stay on Sakura Gakuin.
On March 29, after a long year of activities Sakura Gakuin Nendo 2014 ended and with this a new generation of members graduated, this time the BABYMETAL members Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno, along with Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. The Sakura Gakuin "The Road To Graduation 2014 Final" took place at NHK Hall in Tokyo. In the Graduation Ceremony were present all the Sakura Gakuin graduates: Airi Matsui, Ayaka Miyoshi and Ayami Muto from Nendo 2011, Suzuka Nakamoto and Mariri Sugimoto from Nendo 2012, Marina Horiuchi, Iida Raura, Hinata Sato and Nene Sugisaki from Nendo 2013. Since then, Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno are no longer Sakura Gakuin members. (Report)
On March 30 happened the first Sakura Gakuin program on LoGiRL without the presence of the Nendo 2014 third graders. The current members, Rinon, Shirai, Ooga, Sara, Megumi and Aiko dedicated messages to third graders including Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno.
Five days later, on April 4 Yui wrote her last diary (read here). Yui mentioned the beginnings of Sakura Gakuin before Yumeni Mukatte to her Graduation in 2015.
The same day, the 5th Sakura Gakuin's studio Album "Kimi Ni Todoke" reached the position number #18 in the Oricon Style Album Chart. The last album with Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno as "SG" members.
A day later, Moa Kikuchi the Student Council President wrote her last diary, about the Graduation Ceremony held on March 29, also made mention to Sakura Gakuin Senpais and also asked Fukei-Sans support for the next 2015 Nendo. (Read here)
The same day, on April 5, took place the Graduation Photobook 2014 launch event at the Shosen Book Tower including the Sakura Gakuin Student Council President, Moa Kikuchi, Yui Mizuno, Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. The event took place at the 9th Floor of the Shosen Book Tower held in 4 parts system meet with autograph signings. Yunano Notsu at 12:00, Hana Taguchi at 13:30, Yui Mizuno at 15:30 and Moa Kikuchi at 17:30 Japanese Time.
On April 9 was officially announced by BABYMETAL the release of the debut album in North America and Europe through RAL/Sony Music in North America and earMusic in Europe. BABYMETAL's CD feature two bonus tracks to be available digitally on May 12, and physically on June 16. In Europe BABYMETAL's Album to be released via earMusic in Germany, Sweden, Finland and Spain on May 29, in the United Kingdom, Belgium, Holland, Poland, Switzerland, Norway and Denmark on June 1, and in Italy on June 2. Bonus Tracks include "Road of Resistance" (feat. Herman Li & Sam Totman of Dragonforce) and "Gimme Chocolate" (Live at O2 Academy Brixton, London). The CD/DVD available for Europe includes the BABYMETAL music videos releasted to date.
The same day, BABYMETAL announced the World Tour 2014 Apocalypse Bluray Limited Edition bundle via email to THE ONE members. The bundle contains 2 discs with the BABYMETAL performances in London at The Forum and Brixton Academy along with a summary with the best of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2014 in France, Germany, England (Sonisphere) United States, Canada and the Makuhari Messe shows in Japan. Also a 4 CD Live bundle with the BABYMETAL shows in London at The Forum on July 7 and Brixton Academy on November 8. In addition a World Tour 2014 Photobook and a "Logo Tattoo Sticker" everything inside of a hard cover art case.
By April 19 BABYMETAL was announced to play at Reading Festival and Leeds Festival onAugust 29 at Reading Festival and on August 30 at Leeds Festival in the Main Stage.
On April 22, Yuyoyuppe one of the producers of the BABYMETAL album announced his debut album, called "KAWA-EDM" including the BABYMETAL song "Head Bangya".
On April 23 BABYMETAL performed live at Tsutaya O-East for "Apocrypha, The Black Mass, Metalhead Only". Their first show only for male fans. Sold out show.
On April 24 BABYMETAL performed live at Tsutaya O-East for "Apocrypha, The Red Mass, Megitsune Only". Their first show only for female fans. Sold out show.
Throughout the month of April, BABYMETAL released video messages to promote the “BABYMETAL World Tour 2015” shows. Videos released for Mexico, United States (Chicago and Rock On The Range), Canada, Germany (Rock Im Revier and Rockavaria), France, Switzerland, Italy and Austria (Rock In Vienna).
Starting May of 2015, BABYMETAL was "May 2015 Release Of The Month" on Loudwire winning the poll by a wide margin.
Also in May, BABYMETAL's Youtube Channel reached 75.000.000 views.
On May 8, BABYMETAL premiered "Gimme Chocolate" live at Britxon Academy in London on Billboard, exclusive audio to promote the release of the BABYMETAL Album in North America. In the same day was announced the BABYMETAL x Dragonforce live collaboration in the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards to take place a month after, on June 15.
On May 9, started officially a new BABYMETAL World Tour. The kick off was in Mexico, at the Circo Volador in front of almost 4000 fans (biggest overseas BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 show). This was the BABYMETAL's live debut in Mexico.
During May 10 and May 11 BABYMETAL traveled to New York City to do a press conference with several music sites and music magazines. The press conference was hosted by Red Associated Labels. That day, Suzuka Nakamoto did a special interview for Rolling Stone to talk about the meaning of "Road Of Resistance". (Read here)
May 12, second BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 show at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto, Canada. This was the first BABYMETAL show in Toronto and the second show in Canada.
On May 13, BABYMETAL Digital Album in North America debuted number 5 on Amazon's Hard Rock and Metal Albums chart.
For May 14 BABYMETAL played for first time in Chicago at House Of Blues. Sold out show.
The last show of the North American leg of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 took place in Columbus, Ohio in United States in the Rock On The Range Festival at Ernie Ball Stage. BABYMETAL performed under rain. In this event BABYMETAL met the "Metal God" Rob Halford from "Judas Priest" and other artists. The Kami Band formation for the World tour 2015 in North America was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On May 18 and thanks once again to the votes of their fans, BABYMETAL was "The Album Of The Week" on Revolver Magazine.
On May 19 was published by Rolling Stone a exclusive interview with BABYMETAL girls (Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal) about school, life, World Tours and Metallica. (Read here)
On May 20 was officially released the new Live DVD/Bluray "Live In London, BABYMETAL World Tour 2014" in both versions, DVD/Bluray and Limited Edition for Fan Club "THE ONE" members. "Live In London" debuted number 1 on Oricon Bluray Chart and number 1 on Tower Records DVD Chart.
BABYMETAL returned to Japan after almost 3 weeks in North America to play for second time at the Tokyo Metropolitan Rock Festival "METROCK" in The Windmill Stage on May 24. This show featured one of the biggest Wall Of Death during a BABYMETAL live performance. The Kami Band formation was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On May 29 the BABYMETAL self-titled debut album was released in United Kingdom. Also, the same date, BABYMETAL performed for very first time in a Festival in Germany at Rockavaria Festival 2015 in Munich.
A day after, on May 30 BABYMETAL performed in Gelsenkirchen, Germany at Rock Im Revier Festival, BABYMETAL performed once again under rain. In the backstage BABYMETAL met Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit and other several artists from rock and metal scene. On this show Kami Band God Of Bass BOH reached 50 performances with BABYMETAL.
On May 31 was released officially the new BABYMETAL Single, "Gimme Chocolate" as Digital Single for United Kingdom on iTunes Music Store featuring new art.
Starting June, BABYMETAL performed their second show in France at La Laiterie.
On June 3 traveled to Switzerland to play for first time in the country. The show took place at X-TRA in Zurich. According to Suzuka Nakamoto, one of the best shows of the World Tour.
On June 4 BABYMETAL was interviewed by one of the biggest newspapers in Italy and Europe "Repubblica" to talk about their music style, what they have learned from Metallica, Anthrax and Slayer. (Read here)
By June 5 BABYMETAL performed for first time in Italy. The show took place at Estragon Club in Bologne as opening act of NipPop, an event about Japanese Culture.
The last show of the European leg of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 took place in Vienna, Austria at Rock In Vienna Festival on June 6. The Kami Band formation for the World Tour 2015 in Europe was Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On June 7 Sakura Gakuin announced the official release of Sakura Gakuin Nendo 2014 Graduation Event live video in DVD/Bluray and Limited Editions. Graduation Event were Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno graduated from Sakura Gakuin.
On June 11 BABYMETAL was guest and also won one Award on the "Relentless Kerrang Awards 2015" in London at the London’s iconic Troxy. In this event BABYMETAL won an unexpected Award: "The Spirit Of Independence Award", during the speech, the girls thanked to the Metal Gods and Fox God and also did a greeting video for BBC Radio 1 followers.
The next day on June 12, BABYMETAL was the guest artist to play with Dragonforce on the Maverick Stage at the Download Festival 2015 in England. BABYMETAL x Dragonforce performed "Gimme Chocolate", they took photos with several artists like: Young Guns, Five Finger Death Punch, The One Hundred, Dragonforce and many more. (Read more here)
On June 13, Billboard Japan did a special report about BABYMETAL announcing and confirming that BABYMETAL's "The Spirit Of Independence Award" in the Kerrang Awards 2015 in England was the first Japanese artist to receive a Kerrang Award.
On June 15, BABYMETAL won their second international Award on the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015, the "Breakthrough Award" against bands like Halestorm, The Amity Affliction, Bury Tomorrow and In This Moment. Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal did a brief speech during the Award Ceremony and performed with Dragonforce "Road Of Resistance" and "Gimme Chocolate". Also the girls took photos with several artists like: Brian May from Queen, Dragonforce, Scott Ian from Anthrax, Suicidal Tendencies, Billy Morrison and many more. (Read more here)
BABYMETAL on June 17 released the debut album in a vinyl edition in physical stores in Japan but also hosted the "Laser Turntable Listening Party" event at HMV Shibuya including a special laminate for the winners of the tickets buying the new item.
On June 21 BABYMETAL performed the last show of the first part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015. They performed at the Makuhari Messe Exhibition Hall Nº1 to Nº3 in front of 25.000 fans. At this moment was their biggest show. The Kami Band formation for this show was Hideki Aoyama as God Of Drums, BOH as God Of Bass and Takayoshi Ohmura and Mikio Fujioka as Gods Of Guitars. In this show BABYMETAL performed 17 songs, debuted a new song and Kami Band's song "Mischiefs Of The Metal Gods" reached 20 live performances. The Kami Band formation featured Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
Also BABYMETAL after the incredible World Tour show at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan announced ten additional tour dates only in Japan. The World Tour dates in Japan were set to take place during September, October and December of 2015.
The same day, BABYMETAL announced via email to THE ONE members new Limited Edition Bluray "BABYMETAL Legend 2015, New Year Kitsune Festival" to be released on August 14.
On June 25 BABYMETAL's album reached the position number 1 on Billboard World Albums Chart and in the previous two weeks was also highlighted on Billboard World Albums Chart as "Greatest Gainer".
On June 27 was published a special report about Makuhari Messe Show on June 21 plus interview with BABYMETAL girls by one of the most popular Japanese Youtubers called "Hikakin". (Read more here)
July started with the release of "The Road To Graduation 2014 'Kimi Ni Todoke'" on July 7 in DVD, Bluray and Limited Edition called "Memorial". This was the last Sakura Gakuin release including BABYMETAL members. The release includes 19 songs tracklist with songs like "Mezase Superlady 2014 Nendo", "Aogeba Toutoshi", "Sleepwonder", "Heart No Hoshi" "My Graduation Toss", "Kimi Ni Todoke", "Yume Ni Todoke", "See You" and many more, with also the full Graduation Ceremony Nendo 2014 where Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno along with Hana Taguchi and Yunano Notsu. Bluray “Memorial Edition” includesan extra 24 pages booklet with photos. Sakura Gakuin's last release with Moa Kikuchi and Yui Mizuno debuted number 2 on Oricon Bluray Chart in the first week of sales. With this concluded a very successful Nendo 2014 for Sakura Gakuin and BABYMETAL girls era on Sakura Gakuin.
On July 9 and after some rumors finally Ozzfest Japan 2015 updated the Site with the new bands added to the lineup and BABYMETAL was finally confirmed along with the brother band from Amuse One Ok Rock. BABYMETAL was announced to play at Makuhari Messe on November 22, sharing stage with Ozzy Osbourne.
BABYMETAL was in the studios of Team Rock Radio in United Kingdom during the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Europe. On July 11 was published the radio program featuring Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal introducing their favorite Hard Rock, Metal and Pop tunes and also talking about Slayer, Lady Gaga, Dragonforce and Slipknot. (Read more here)
On July 19 was published on the British channel Sky TV an exclusive interview with BABYMETAL at Download Festival about the performance with Dragonforce on Scuzz TV. (Read here)
On July 21 was published the very expected Metal Hammer Magazine, Issue 273 with BABYMETAL on the Front Page. The issue features BABYMETAL on the Front Cover but also an incredible 72 hours report while the band was in United Kingdom for Download Festival and Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. The report goes through the meetings with Dragonforce, backstage at Download, rehearsals before Golden Gods performance including interviews with Kobametal, Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal. In addition this issue includes a Kitsune-Mask (FOX GOD Mask) and an online Edition available on iTunes Store for iOS Devices and Google Play for Android Devices. The online Edition includes a special interview with the girls in Japan. (Scans here).
The same day, BABYMETAL Gimme Chocolate Live Music Video reached 30.000.000 views on Youtube.
The same day on Youtube was released a promotional ad of Chromecast featuring "Gimme Chocolate!!".
On July 23 was the release day of the new CAPCOM's game "Crossbeats REV.". The game includes music of several Japanese acts featuring BABYMETAL's first Major Single "Ijime Dame Zettai" and "Road Of Resistance" in the tracklist.
On July 24 Actors School Of Hiroshima published a commercial for Summer Open School featuring Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal.
By July 25 was published another Scuzz TV exclusive on Sky TV from United Kingdom. Scuzz TV broadcasted the full Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards 2015 ceremony featuring BABYMETAL in several parts including a special interview with Herman Li from Dragonforce, the Breakthrough Award Speech and the Pro Shots of Gimme Chocolate and Road Of Resistance. (Read more here)
The first "Apocrypha - Only The FOX GOD Knows" show took place at Tsutaya O-East on July 28. "Apocrypha - Only The FOX GOD Knows" second show was on July 29. Both sold out shows were for THE ONE members only. For those shows, fans that attended got access to a secret poll to select their favorite song to be played in both shows. The Kami Band formation featured Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
July 31, Tsutaya Staff Awards announced the winners of the 1st Half Of The Year 2015. BABYMETAL won the "Tsutaya Staff Award" for 1st Half Of The Year 2015 in the Idol Department. The sticker featuring the Award appeared in Stores over the "Live At Budokan - Red Night" CD jacket/cover.
Also on July 31 Oricon Style published a very interesting report about BABYMETAL Kami Band (the metal band behind BABYMETAL girls). The report highlights BOH (God Of Bass), Hideki Aoyama (God Of Drums) and Takayoshi Ohmura, Leda and Mikio Fujioka (Gods Of Guitar). (Read here)
The month of August was very active for BABYMETAL but since August 14 in Spain when was released a new issue of the Newspaper "El Mundo" including a report about BABYMETAL making mention of Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal, their music, album Kami Band members Takayoshi Ohmura and Mikio Fujioka, Key Kobayashi (Kobametal), Live At Budokan and also Sakura Gakuin. "El Mundo" is the second biggest Newspaper in Spain. (Read more here)
On August 15, BABYMETAL played for 4th consecutive time at Summer Sonic Tokyo, and for 2nd consecutive time at Mountain Stage at the Makuhari Messe. The Kami Band formation for this show was: Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On August 16 was announced by Tsutaya Rental Corner "Introducing BABYMETAL". A CD/DVD for rental on Tsutaya Store with a summary of the BABYMETAL Album and Live DVD's featuring "Live At Budokan" and "Live In London". (Read more here)
The same day, BABYMETAL performed in the Day 2 of Summer Sonic, this time in Osaka at Maishima, Mountain Stage. Same Kami Band formation as Summer Sonic Tokyo. In the backstage BABYMETAL met several artists featuring: Echosmith, Marmozets, All Time Low, Marilyn Manson or Ariana Grande.
Two days later, Twitter Music Japan announced that BABYMETAL was the most mentioned artist on Twitter during Summer Sonic Festival 2015. In 2014 during Summer Sonic Festival 2014 BABYMETAL reached the Top 3. (Read more here)
On August 19 BABYMETAL appeared on Japanese National TV on TBS "NEWS 23" and then on August 23 appeared on TBS "The News Bird". The girls talk about speaking in english, the inpiration coming from Kerry King of Slayer and Limp Bizkit, in addition the report showed how international Heavy Metal music increased the level of sales thanks to the exposure of BABYMETAL meeting international Metal acts.. (Read more here)
On August 20 BABYMETAL performed at Tsutaya O-East for THE ONE members. "Apocrypha - The Red Mass II", was the second BABYMETAL show only for women, "Megitsune Only". Also was the debut of the new Kami Band 8 String God Of Guitar Isao Fujita, the rest of the Kami Band members were Hideki Aoyama, BOH and Mikio Fujioka.
On August 21 took place "Apocrypha, The Black Mass II" for THE ONE members at Studio Coast. Was also the second show only for men, "Metalhead Only". This time the Kami Band formation featured Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On August 24 BABYMETAL was featured on the GQ Japan Magazine Women Special 2015. The October's issue with the famous actor Colin Firth in the front page highlights the most most important women in Japan in the Year 2015. Also as digital content GQ Japan release an interview with the girls about the photoshoot. (Scans here)
On August 25 BABYMETAL THE ONE announced the release of "Legend 2015, New Year Fox Festival" Live CD Limited Edition for THE ONE members to be released on October 21.
During the last week of August, a massive report for Hispanic countries was released by Agencia EFE from Spain which reached Central Americal and South America: "BABYMETAL: Japanese scoolgirls sweeping between darkness and testosterone". (Read more here)
On August 26 and before the start of the last part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 overseas, was released a new issue of Kerrang! Magazine where BABYMETAL announced the first headline show of the 2016 to take place in United Kingdom at SSE Arena Wembley on April 2. The announcement was included as part of a brief interview with Suzuka Nakamoto - Su-Metal. (Read more here)
The same day, started the last part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Europe. BABYMETAL performed at Batschkapp in Frankfurt, Germany. This day Kami Band God Of Guitar Takayoshi Ohmura reached 50 shows with BABYMETAL.
On August 27 BABYMETAL played at Huxleys in Berlin, Germany. With this show reached 4 shows in Germany in 2015.
On August 29 BABYMETAL played for first time at Reading Festival in England as part of the World Tour 2015, BABYMETAL was the opening act in the Main Stage in front of approximately 10.000 to 15.000 people in the audience, another great record for an opening act at Reading Festival according to UK media. This day Kami Band God Of Drums Hideki Aoyama reached 50 shows with BABYMETAL. The same day, BABYMETAL was interviewed in the backstage of Reading Festival at Richfield Avenue by several UK media in the backstage like NME, Kerrang!, Ticketmaster UK and SubTV, on SubTV was officially their first full interview in english! The girls needed a little help from Norah (their translator) but they were able to answer the questions in english.
In addition on August 29, BBC Newsbeat wrote a report from Reading Festival about BABYMETAL and "The anti-bullying message" (Read more here)
On August 30 BABYMETAL performed the last show of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 outsideJapan, was at Bramham Park for Leeds Festival 2015, once again BABYMETAL was the opening act performing in front of approximately 5000 people in the audience. In the backstage BABYMETAL met artists like Royal Blood, Bring Me The Horizon, and watched Metallica closing the Festival. The Kami Band formation for the last part of BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Germany and United Kingdom featured Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
After the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 ended outside Japan some important music sites started to publish interviews with BABYMETAL at the backstage of Reading Festival and Leeds Festival on August 29 and Augusto 30.
On September 1, BABYMETAL appeared on NME talking in English and Japanese about their wishes to teach Metallica their dance moves. (Read more here)
On September 3, BABYMETAL was featured on Gigwise, this time interviewed at Reading Festival. (Read more here)
On September 5, BABYMETAL was featured once again in the GQ Japan Women Special 2015 highlighting the most successful women in Japan in the Year 2015. BABYMETAL was interviewed after the photoshoot and Su-Metal gave a brief comments of what they think about it. (Read more here)
Then on September 8 BABYMETAL was officially nominated for "Best Japanese Act" on MTV European Music Awards 2015 to take place this year in Milan, Italy on October 25.
On September 13, was published the HOTWAVE interview with Sakura Gakuin to promote the new Single "Mathematica" and the upcoming live at Tsutaya O-East on September 27. This was the first HOTWAVE interview with Sakura Gakuin after all BABYMETAL members are graduated from the school.
The same day, BABYMETAL's Youtube Channel lead by "Gimme Chocolate!!" Music Video, "Megitsune" and the new addition "Road Of Resistance" reached 100.000.000 views on Youtube. (Read more here)
On September 15, BABYMETAL Kami Band members Takayoshi Ohmura, Mikio Fujioka, BOH and Hideki Aoyama attended to the first Kami Band Seminar for Musicians Institute of Japan in Osaka. (Read more here)
On September 16 BABYMETAL started the World Tour 2015 in Japan at Zepp Namba in Osaka, on this show BABYMETAL opened with "Iine" after 3 years, last time was in the Sakura Gakuin Transfer Students Welcoming Ceremony 2012 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse on May 06 of 2015. Also in this show Kami Band played a new instrumental.
On September 17 BABYMETAL played the second show at Zepp Namba in Osaka as part of the World Tour in Japan.
On September 20 BABYMETAL was guest during Skrillex's set at Ultra Japan Festival 2015 at Tokyo Odaiba Ultra Park in Japan. BABYMETAL performed the 1st Verse and Chorus of "Gimme Chocolate".
On September 21 BABYMETAL played the Round 3 of the World Tour 2015 in Japan at Zepp Sapporo in Hokkaido. Was the first BABYMETAL performance in Hokkaido.
On September 22 BABYMETAL's most popular song "Gimme Chocolate" was added to Rock Band 4 DLC for the game along with other 11 artists. (Read more here)
On September 26, was published an exclusive interview of Ichioshi Morning with BABYMETAL while they were in Hokkaido as part of the Zepp Concerts Tour in Zepp Sapporo. (Read more here)
October started with World Tour 2015 activity. On October 2 BABYMETAL visited Fukuoka to perform at Zepp Fukuoka.
On October 5 "Tiin Magazine" from Mexico published an exclusive interview with the girls at Circo Volador. (Read here)
On October 6 started to appear a series of interviews with BABYMETAL to promote their World Tour 2015 in Japan. The first appearance was in Asadesu KBC from Fukuoka. (Read more here)
During October 7 and October 8 BABYMETAL played at Zepp Nagoya in Aichi, homeland of Moa Kikuchi as part of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan.
On October 14 was published the interview with BABYMETAL on "Ohayo Asahi Desu" where the girls taught the interviewed how to dance Head Bangya. (Read more here)
On October 15 WOWOW released an exclusive interview with BABYMETAL to promote the exclusive broadcast of "Kyodai Tenkaichi Metaru Budokai". (Read more here)
The Zepp Concert series of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan finished on October 15 and October 16 at Zepp DiverCity in Tokyo. The BABYMETAL Kami Band lineup for the whole Zepp Concerts Tour was with Hideki Aoyama, BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura.
On October 20 was published another interview to promote the Japan Tour, this time on WorlDodesuka. (Read more here)
On October 21 was released "New Heritage Of Real Heavy Metal", he album includes tracks from bands like Pantera, Rainbow, Megadeth, Iron Maiden and BABYMETAL featuring the song sang by Suzuka Nakamoto "Akumu No Rondo". (Read more here)
The same day Funko announced the collaboration with BABYMETAL to release the figures of Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal of "Pop! Rocks" series in December. (Read more here)
On October 22 was released another interview to promote the Zepp Concerts Tour in Japan, this time on BOMBER-E. (Read more here)
Also to promote the Japan Tour, Kami Band members BOH, Mikio Fujioka and Takayoshi Ohmura were interviewed at Zepp DiverCity. The interview was published on October 24. (Read more here)
On October 27 the Music Site from United States Loudwire announced that BABYMETAL was nominated in 3 categories of the "5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards". BABYMETAL was nominated in the categories "Best Metal Song of 2015", "Best Live Act of 2015" and "More Devoted Fans of 2015".
On October 30 BABYMETAL re-released "Live In London" DVD/Bluray and "Live At Budokan" CD/DVD, DVD and Bluray in Europe through their label in Europe earMusic.
November for BABYMETAL started with great news coming from United Kingdom. On November 2 was released that BABYMETAL Live In London & Live At Budokan debuted #9 & #14 in Official Charts UK.
On November 9 MTV Japan announced the winners of the MTV VMA Japan 2015, BABYMETAL was the winner of "Best Metal Artist 2015" category. (Read more here)
Konami announced a new update for its arcade music game "Jubeat" on November 12 featuring 10 new songs added to the playlist, BABYMETAL's song "Megitsune" was part of the new update of the video game.
On November 19 BABYMETAL won the "Discovery Of The Year Award" in the GQ Japan "Men Of The Year 2015" event. The girls featuring changes in the outfit attended to the ceremony in Tokyo. (Read more here)
Google announced on November 20 the distribution of BABYMETAL's music on Google Play Music for streaming and downloads.
On November 22 BABYMETAL played for the first time at Ozzfest Japan 2015, the Festival lead by Ozzy Osbourne landed in Japan on November 21 and November 22 at Makuhari Messe. BABYMETAL played on November 22 in the Stage A after Hatebreed and before Jane's Addiction.
BABYMETAL was once again featured on GQ Japan Magazine, after winning the "Discovery Of The Year Award 2015" in the "Men Of The Year 2015" the new issue of January 2016 released on November 24. (Read more here)
On November 26 BABYMETAL was selected along with other important women of 2015 in Japan as "Women Of The Year 2015" by the worldwide famous VOGUE Japan Magazine! Su-Metal, Yuimetal and Moametal attended to the ceremony in Tokyo to receive the award. (Read more here)
The same day, BABYMETAL announced THE ONE 2016 featuring a new exclusive item, the Hood Towel. (Read more here)
On November 28 was released VOGUE Japan Magazine January 2016 including exclusive content with "Women Of The Year 2015" winnners including BABYMETAL. Was the first appearance in the Magazine for BABYMETAL. (More details here)
December of 2015 started with BABYMETAL winning three Honors in the 5th Annual Loudwire Music Awards. BABYMETAL was the winner of "Best Metal Song", "Best Live Act" and "Most Devote Fans".
On December 2 took place the Sakura Gakuin 5th Anniversary Museum opening ceremony with Students Council President Rinon Isono with the third graders Ooga Saki and Shirai Saki represented Sakura Gakuin. This 5th Anniversary Museum displayed Sakura Gakuin items during the 5 years of the group featuring BABYMETAL "Doki Doki Morning" outfit. (Read more here)
On December 4 Amazon Japan released the Best Sellers results for 2015, BABYMETAL Digital Album reached the spot number 3 while the Analog Album reached the spot number 5.
On December 7 Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal was interviewed in the new issue of Metal Hammer Magazine January 2016 to talk about her experience at Reading and Leeds Festival. (Read more here)
On December 9 Billboard released the Year End 2015 rankings for World Albums Chart and World Album Artists Chart featuring BABYMETAL ranked #5 in both Charts.
On December 12 took place the first BABYMETAL World Tour 2015 in Japan "The Final Chapter Of Trilogy" show where BABYMETAL debuted a new outfit, played 2 new songs and featured a stage honoring Iron Maiden.
On December 13 took place the Day 2 at Yokohama Arema "The Final Chapter Of Trilogy" closing the World Tour 2015. At the end of the show BABYMETAL announced the release of its second album, Tokyo Dome performance, World Tour 2016, and FOX DAY to take place on April 1 of 2016. (Read more here)
On December 14 BABYMETAL announced the first dates of the BABYMETAL World Tour 2016 in United States to take place in May featuring 2 Festivals and 5 headline shows. (Read more here)
On December 16 Suzuka Nakamoto as Su-Metal was featured and interviewed by Kerrang Magazine issue "Kerristmas Khaos All Star Issue" featuring special interviews with highlighted artists of 2015. (Read more here)
On December 25 BABYMETAL performed once again on Music Station of TV Asahi. After their 2 consecutive performances in 2014 the band returned to Music Station Super Live 2015 this time to play "Gimme Chocolate".
On December 28 BABYMETAL played its last show of the Year 2015 at Countdown Japan 15/16 at the Earth Stage of the Makuhari Messe in Chiba, Japan. BABYMETAL played for second time in the Festival (Read more here)
This way ends the most successful year of the group, 2015.
Biography will continue in the new section "2016 - 2017" in this LINK.
Biography wrote by: Maik Gianino.
Sources: Karen Girl's Amuse, Zettai Karen Children, Amuse, Sakura Gakuin, BABYMETAL's Wikipedia, BABYMETAL., Youtube Videos (linked above), Shuki Maeta, Personal notes by the autor, and BABYMETAL Newswire.
