It’s a sad week for Japanese music fans. Yesterday (Monday, 20th May), rock band NEE shared the tragic news about the death of their lead singer Qoo (くぅ). According to the band’s official website, the vocalist passed away earlier this month on 12th May, however, the cause of his death was not disclosed. He was 25 years old.
A funeral was recently held and was attended by close friends and relatives, in accordance with the wishes of the late singer’s family. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your kindness towards Qoo during his life, and we would like to sincerely ask that all members of the press please be considerate of the deep sorrow of the family, relatives, and members and refrain from interviewing those affected,” the statement reads.
Along with the statement, each member wrote a heartfelt letter to their dear friend. Guitarist Yuuhi (夕日) started his message by first apologising to fans that they could no longer proceed as a 4-member band. “Despite the fact that we’re the same age, you were always like a cute little brother who was so carefree. I never thought you would leave us with a permanent heartache. Rest in peace. May we play together as a band again someday,” he wrote.
In his (more light-hearted) letter, Drummer Daiki (大樹) expressed his gratitude towards Qoo for always looking out for his bandmates, especially during their live performances. “Alas, my beauty can never surpass yours. Thank you for being in the band with us. It’s been an amazing 7 years. May you rest in peace. Also, please return the clothes you borrowed (lol)”.
Bass player Kaho (かほ) described what Qoo was like during the times they spent together saying, “To him, living and dying were the same. Your legacy will carry on even after you die. 25 years old, Kurama Murakami. He will always be a cool rock star.”
Scrolling through NEE and Qoo’s official Instagram, fans all mourned for the singer and offered their condolences to his family and band members. Many are still in disbelief that the vocalist is no longer here while others shared how much his and the band’s music changed their lives for the better.
According to a previous statement from the band’s label on 12th May, Nee was scheduled to perform at the METROCK 2024 festival, however, they had to cancel the performance at the last minute due to the late member expressing bodily discomfort. On 14th May, it was announced that the band had cancelled future activities due to “various circumstances”.
Until the label or band members speak up about his death, we may never know what happened to the singer. We would like to offer our deepest condolences to NEE members and Qoo’s family for their loss.
