I picked up my first Gackt CD, Moon, out of curiosity spawned from the amazing box art. I was basically expecting an album where everything revolved around the, albeit incredible, vocals of this ex-Malice Mizer member and didn't think Gackt's composing skills could come remotely close to that of his former band's leader, Mana. I even went as far as to think he might turn out to be an imperfect clone of his former band.

I was wrong, very wrong. Not only did he produce a sound completely different than that of his previous group, but it turns out Gackt has his priorities straight and is a fantastic composer and musician himself. Do not worry about the visuals, though; he is still the perfect entertainer on stage, in videos and during photo shoots. It is hard not to be... with a mug like that.

Having alleged to still be good friends with every member of his past band, his exceptional and multiple talents may help explain his unexpected departure from Malice Mizer. His musical genius was most likely put to waste in Mana's shadow and he wanted to soar using his own wings. 

Very competitive in nature, Gackt goes all out when he starts something. Throughout his life, this approach allowed him to master several instruments: Trumpet, tuba, horn, trombone, piano, guitar, drums, bass; he is a one-man orchestra. Even with this array of competences, he decided to concentrate on composing and writing during his solo career. He recruited a score of talented musicians who lend him a hand during shows and recordings. However, his talents as a pianist could not be surpassed as he often takes care of the ivories himself.

Perhaps his most appreciated attribute is his dedication to his fans and music as this anecdote authenticates: Gackt once performed a concert in which the ending demanded that he be lifted off the stage with wires. However, the room was so small, he could not detach himself without being spotted by the crowd below. He suggested that he stay up there until everyone left. Forty minutes after the concert, technicians told him he could get down since there only was one couple left in the audience. Gackt preferred to wait some more.

Gackt's parents were extremely strict. As a child, he was forced to practice piano two hours every day, watching and listening to pre-selected television shows and music. "It sure paid off," you say? Perhaps. But he hated it. Slowly breaking free from his parents' grasp, he started discovering new sounds and aspirations. He joined his friend's band in high school as a drummer. The band's vocalist left and Gackt jumped on the occasion to try something new. Discovering a new talent and passion in singing, he joined an emerging band in 1995, Malice Mizer, which also recently lost its vocalist. Gackt seemed to have breathed new life into the band with his suiting voice and optimism.

On January 19, 1999, Japan was shocked to hear Gackt was going solo. Worries were appeased after the release of his first Maxi-single, Mizerable and appeasement set place to jubilation when Mars hit the shelves. The diversity and quality of this first album confirmed his independence all the while showing a side of him barely foretasted in his Mizer period. His two next albums, Rebirth and Moon were like throwing oil on a fire.

After two full-length album in 2006, Gackt will be back in full force in 2007 with a new single, No ni Saku Hana no Yo Ni. Yoshiki of X Japan has declared he will be forming a band with Gackt in 2007. Nothing more official has been heard since, but given both of these multi-talented geniuses never sleep, it should be interesting to see/hear. 

Favourite Album:

Mars

Most of his fans (including myself) agree: this album has not yet been matched by Camui Gackt and very few other artists for that matter. It is a bit more mellow than his latest album, Moon, but this style suits him with aplomb. Besides, some more upbeat songs are sprinkled here and there diversifying and flavouring this already magnificent compilation. 

Favourite Songs:

1. Emu For My Dear

2. Mizerable

3. Cube

4. Kono Daremo inai heya de

5.Oasis

6. Lu:na

7. Dears

8. Story

9. Lapis

10. Wasurenai kara

Why Emu For My Dear?

Gackt's magnum opus in a sense. This song goes through different phases but the transitions are so smooth it is hard to notice how it gets from one point to another. The few times the pace suddenly fluctuates are intense in their own way, too.

Official Site: http://www.dears.ne.jp/

(Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)

English Fan Sites:

Story: http://www.mahamari.com/story/