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KyoVocalist of the Japanese rock band 'Dir En Grey'
Date of Birth: 16.02.1976
Country:  Japan |
Content:
Biography of Kyo
Kyo, whose real name is unknown, is the creative pseudonym of the vocalist of the Japanese rock group 'Dir En Grey'. He is also a poet, composer, and producer, and has been performing with the band since its formation in 1997. Prior to joining 'Dir En Grey', Kyo was a member of the rock group 'La:Sadies'.
Stage Name and Personal Life
Like many Japanese artists, Kyo has made his stage name known while keeping his birth name a secret. He refers to himself as Tooru Nishimura. Although his true identity remains undisclosed, it is known that Nishimura was born on February 16, 1976. Kyo considers his birth name private information and chooses to only use his stage name.
Songwriting and Themes
While Kyo has written only a small portion of 'Dir En Grey's' songs, including 'The Domestic Fucker Family' and 'Hades', he is responsible for all the lyrics. These lyrics often carry a negative undertone and explore dark and taboo themes, both in Eastern and Western culture. Some of the themes include sexual obsession ('Zomboid'), violence ('Berry'), and a unique critique of the media ('Mr. Newsman'). Some songs also touch upon purely Japanese societal issues such as the country's casual attitude towards abortion ('Mazohyst of Decadence' and 'Obscure') and a society built on submission ('Children'). Other songs delve into more traditional subjects such as personal emotions, feelings, and lost love ('Undecided', 'Taiyou no Ao', and 'Mushi'). Kyo's song lyrics range from vulgar to sublime, often playing with words and providing double meanings.
Stage Performances
Kyo's stage performances have gained a reputation for their intense energy and emotion. They are accompanied by numerous shocking aspects, such as makeup resembling severe burns, simulated vomiting of different colors and consistencies, and acts of self-harm. The authenticity of these acts is often debated, considering the frequency with which certain actions occur during tours, as it is suggested that an artist should not be physically able to continue performing. Kyo tears his skin, repeatedly hits himself with the microphone until he becomes frenzied, and strikes his face, causing profuse bleeding. It is unknown whether these injuries are real or not. During the performance of 'Kodoku ni Shisu, Yueni Kodoku,' Kyo inflicted wounds on himself with a fishing hook during the 'It Withers and Withers and Inward Scream' tour. He has been hospitalized multiple times: in 2000 due to hearing problems that left him partially deaf in his left ear, and in 2006 and 2009 with throat swelling caused by vocal cord inflammation. The latter was a result of Kyo's lack of restraint during concerts, where he emits astonishing screams, moans, and rasps. Despite possessing a magnificent crystal-clear voice, he often performs with a strained voice in recent years.
Published Works
Kyo has also published two poetry collections, accompanied by bonus CDs featuring his solo musical projects.
