LUNA SEA's first show after drummer Yamada Shinya (真矢) passed away on February 17, 2026. This concert turned out to be a great celebration of his life/legacy; the show opened with a small part of his drum solo from what was his final appearance with the band back at their 2025 Millenium Eve show with GLAY at Tokyo Dome on February 23, 2025 along with montages of the five together at the end of that concert while part of the speech he gave at LUNATIC FEST (where he said that "LUNA SEA must not end"), played. In hindsight, while he had been very driven to return to playing at this show, it seems he also used this choice of words "just in case".
The drum kit that he had been working on for this XMAS show had also been setup on stage next to Jun-ji's kit (seeing this arrangement made me smile). For a few of the songs in the setlist, videos of Shinya playing were shown; it was never overdone (which IMHO, would've detracted from the actual performances of those carrying on the group as he had wished for during LUNATIC FEST and then by his wife Aya after he had passed). During the short MC's between songs, the band also made it clear they wanted this to be a fun show (and that it was). Ryuichi's vocals struggled at times (from his own past surgeries on his vocal chords to remove cancerous lesions) but he was also giving it his all.
Heading into the portion after a 30 minute intermission, a longer portion of Shinya's drum solo from that February 23, 2025 show was played; that was a great closing tribute. Plus even though he is physically gone, the memories that people have of moments like this from prior concerts, are what keeps him alive. In that regards, it was like he was there for many of the fans in attendance (or for those watching the live stream).
What was a really final nice touch was just before the 2nd encore when a video was played of Shinya trying out this new drum kit in a practice studio (tracking over the song HOLY KNIGHT) as the other members watched the video playback. It highlights just how much he was planning to resume playing with the band again. They closed out the show playing HOLY KNIGHT which at the ending, transitioned into an outro video of their 2026 national tour dates (signifying the band will continue their journey as per what Shinya had said/requested). This tour is being called LUNA SEA TOUR 2026 UNENDING JOURNEY -FOREVER- (kind of reminding me how BUCK-TICK has continued moving forward after "A-chan" passed away).
Shinya's disciple Jun-ji (whom Shinya handpicked to fill in for him for LUNATIC FEST) said on his YouTube livestream that he knows no one can ever replace Shinya or fully replicate his sound; but that he will continue filling in for his mentor (so long as asked) to make sure that LUNA SEA doesn't end. He's definitely going to have a packed schedule since TM Revolution (which he has also been a longtime support drummer for) will be touring during the same time frame.
As for this show, they really put together a quality production to honor his memory and to make a statement about moving forward.
昨年11月、（直前での決断で）LUNATIC FESTに参加できた。行って良かったし、特に初日に真矢がステージに現れた瞬間を体感できたことは本当に良かった。まさか2日目がバンド全員が揃って立つ姿を見る最後の機会になるとは、当時は知る由もなかった。安らかに眠れ、真矢。2025年11月のLUNATIC FESTで、彼がバンドメンバーと共にステージに立つ姿を見られたことに感謝している。ご家族、ご友人、そしてLUNA SEAの他のメンバーの皆様に心よりお悔やみ申し上げます。数えきれないほどの貴重な思い出をありがとう。
Back in November, I was able to attend LUNATIC FEST (last moment decision). I'm glad I decided to go and being able to experience that moment when Shinya walked out (especially on day 1). Little did we know day 2 would be the final time we'd see the entire band standing together. Rest in peace, Shinya. I am grateful we were able to see him on stage with his bandmates at LUNATIC FEST in November 2025. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the other members of LUNA SEA. Thank you for the countless precious memories.
Day 2: LUNA SEA Full Setlist
- Gekkou
- Storm
- TONIGHT
- END OF SORROW
- Shine
- gravity
- Sora no Uta ~Higher and Higher~
- I for You
- TIME IS DEAD
- ROSIER
- Up to You
- WISH (ENCORE with Kuroyume, MUCC, NEMOPHILA, ROTTENGRAFFTY, 9mm P.B., YELLOW MONKEY, BUCK-TICK, Shinya (LUNA SEA) watching while Jun-ji drummed)
Day 2: NEMOPHILA／ROTTENGRAFFTY／9mm Parabellum Bullet / MUCC / 黒夢／THE YELLOW MONKEY／BUCK∞TICK / LUNA SEA
Note: The entire setlist for each group and the performance by 凛として時雨 were not shown. Full Day 2 LUNA SEA set
Day 1: LUNA SEA Full Setlist
- Moonlight Sonata
- TONIGHT
- Déjàvu
- Desire
- TRUE BLUE
- Sora no Uta ~Higher and Higher~
- Inside You
- I for You
- BELIEVE
- ROSIER
- WISH
- Storm (ENCORE with Novelbright, lynch. GODLAND, SID, SIAM SOPHIA, TMR, DIR EN GREY, BRAHMAN & Shinya (LUNA SEA) watching while Jun-ji drummed)
Day 1: Novelbright／lynch. / GODLAND / シド / SIAM SOPHIA / T.M.Revolution / DIR EN GREY / BRAHMAN / LUNA SEA
Note: The entire setlist for each group and the performance by MY FIRST STORY were not shown. Full Day 1 LUNA SEA set
LUNATIC FEST 2025 Writeup (in progress)
LUNA SEA's drummer Shinya (Yamada) made a "surprise" appearance at LUNATIC FEST 2025 after deciding to sit out from performing due to the discovery of a brain tumor several months ago. He decided to turn over the drumming duties to a long trusted friend; his former student and drum technician, Jun-ji (Sakuma) who was the drummer for SIAM SHADE (and has been support drummer for many different acts).
Doctors originally informed him that he might require the use of crutches for 3 months while undergoing chemotherapy (which began in September 2025), but he has been able to stand and walk unassisted after just the first month (back in early September, he still attended a festival in his hometown albeit in a wheelchair, and required assistance to stand for a short time to perform the opening ceremony/make a short speech). Part of me believes this rapid recovery is due to the inherent stamina required to even play the drums the way he does.
He made this appearance on day 1 of the festival (walking on stage, giving a short speech of thanks/gratitude, and announcing the bands Xmas concert where he hopes to be able to play the drums at least in a limited capacity), and did the same on day 2 (though it didn't have the same surprising/emotional effect). It was incredibly inspirational to have been able to experience this moment in person.
NOTE: excuse the raw audio vocal quality; it's basically minimally processed soundboard where you can hear how rough the vocals are (can still hear how Ryuichi's singing voice still hasn't recovered after past vocal chord surgeries). Will be interesting to hear the broadcast version in December and the future Bluray DVD release once the audio goes through its usual post-production processing.
LUNA SEA I for You Cover (PRS Custom 24). Originally released 1998年7月1日, it was a tie-up track for the J-dorama, 神様、もう少しだけ
LUNA SEA ROSIER Cover (Fernandes STJ-75). Audio quality isn't that great though. Originally released 1994年7月21日, this is definitely one of my favorite LUNA SEA tunes (especially when played live and more specifically, the 2007 God Bless You -One Night Dejavu- concert performance which I attended).
