BABYMETAL have confirmed that Yuimetal has left the band, following a prolonged absence from their current world tour.
The Japanese kawaii metal band also surprised fans today (October 19) with a new track ‘Starlight’.
BABYMETAL have been performing without Yuimetal – real name Yui Mizuno – since the first show on their world tour in Kansas City.
In May, the band addressed her absence, saying that Yuimetal “remains a member of the band, but is not on this current US tour”.
However, remaining members Su-metal and Moametal released a statement confirming Yuimetal’s departure.
The statement read: “During her absence, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire staff team had been preparing for her awaited return. 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.”
The pair also thanked Yuimetal for her contribution to the band, saying: “We thank her for all of her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors”.
BABYMETAL新体制についてのお知らせ
Important Announcement from BABYMETALhttps://t.co/ZVwYvwvBzf pic.twitter.com/gZ2C6Rbtld— BABYMETAL (@BABYMETAL_JAPAN) October 19, 2018
In April, BABYMETAL released a conceptual trailer announcing the arrival of a new “metal resistance” that some believed was a covert announcement of new music.
Watch the video for new track ‘Starlight’ below.
Yuimetal has posted her own statement regarding her departure. After apologising for any “inconvenience” caused to fans and band members, she hinted at a possible solo career.
“As BABYMETAL, I am thankful for having a lot of valuable experience,” she said. “It was days I feel blessed. It was a live, fun and happy time that everyone laughed and became one. I will also strive hard to see you again someday as Mizuno Yuji. Thank you very much for 8 years.”
Read the full statement from BABYMETAL below.
“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 endeavors.
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.”