Zeppet Store

Zeppet Store (stylized as ZEPPET STORE) is a Japanese alternative rock band, who became known after X Japan guitarist hide signed them to his label LEMONed in 1996.

History

Formed in 1989 as a three piece by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Seizi Kimura, lead guitarist Makoto Gomi and bassist Yuichi Nakamura, soon after drummer Eiki Yanagita joined. Makoto Gomi left in 1997 as he did not like being signed to a major label. Guitarist Kenji Akabane didn't join until 1998. Zeppet Store disbanded on August 14, 2005.

On June 2, 2007, the band reunited with Gomi for a one-night only performance at the 15th anniversary event of the Under Flower Record label. In 2011 Zeppet Store reunited, with both Akabane and Gomi, to record a new single with the proceeds going to aid the victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.^[1] The song, called "Smile", was completed on July 16 and released on iTunes on August 13. While a physical CD single of the song, coupled with the B-side "If You Want Me", was given a limited release on September 3.

The quintet performed at hide Film Alive ~hide Memorial Day 2012~ on May 2, 2012.^[2] They released their tenth studio album Shape 5 on December 13, hide's birthday, and went on the Zeppet Store Tour "Come and Go" in January 2013. Zeppet Store contributed a cover of hide's song "Good Bye" to December 2013's Tribute VII -Rock Spirits-.^[3] The band released their eleventh album, Spice, on January 15, 2014 and began a live tour in March.^[4][5]

Members

• Seizi Kimura (木村世治) – lead vocals, guitar (1989–2005, 2007, 2011–present)
• Yuichi Nakamura (中村雄一) – bass (1989–2005 2007, 2011–present)
• Eiki "Yana" Yanagita (柳田英輝) – drums (1989–2005, 2007, 2011–present)
• Kenji Akabane (赤羽根謙二) – guitar (1998–2005, 2011–present)
• Makoto Gomi (五味 誠) – guitar (1989–1997, 2007, 2011–present)

Discography

Singles

• "Koe" (September 4, 1996), Oricon Singles Chart Peak Position: No. 86^[6]
• "To Be Free" (November 21, 1996)
• "Superstition" (February 21, 1997)
• "Don't Ask Me Why" (November 5, 1997)
• "Loop" (June 24, 1998) No. 46^[6]
• "Rose" (November 21, 1998) No. 32^[6]
• "Motto Motto" (May 19, 1999) No. 30^[6]
• "Toku Made" (July 28, 1999) No. 32^[6]
• "Emotion" (April 12, 2000) No. 28^[6]
• "Distance" (April 26, 2000) No. 35^[6]
• "Presence" (July 26, 2000) No. 48^[6]
• "Tightrope" (June 27, 2001) No. 60^[6]
• "Seek Out" (October 6, 2001) No. 92^[6]
• "Smile" (August 13, 2011, digital download)
• "Smile" (September 3, 2011)
• "Spy" (October 6, 2013)

Albums

• Swing, Slide, Sandpit (June 21, 1994)
• 716 (May 7, 1996)
• Cue (April 23, 1997), Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: No. 67^[7]
• Bridge (February 24, 1999) No. 16^[7]
• Clutch (October 8, 1999) No. 8^[7]
• Gooseflesh (September 6, 2000) No. 22^[7]
• Dino (November 7, 2001) No. 70^[7]
• Singles and Rare 1994-2001 (March 27, 2002, compilation album)
• Slick (June 11, 2003) No. 85^[7]
• Black Berry Bed (September 22, 2004) No. 219^[7]
• 4 (October 26, 2005, live album)
• Shape 5 (December 13, 2012) No. 151^[7]
• Spice (January 15, 2014) No. 181^[7]
• Come and Go -Live 2013- (November 5, 2014, live CD & DVD)

DVD

• hide presents MIX LEMONed JELLY (VHS: 1997, DVD: July 20, 2003)
  • Zeppet Store performs "Flake", Seizi later performs "Angel Will Come" with D.I.E. from hide with Spread Beaver, recorded on August 26, 1997)
• Slice -Official Bootleg- (December 10, 2003)
• 4
• Come and Go -Live 2013- (July 17, 2013, live DVD & CD)

Compilations

• LEMONed (May 22, 1996)
• Tribute Spirits (May 1, 1999, cover of hide's "Flame")
• Cafe Le PSYENCE -hide LEMONed Compilation- (May 16, 2002)
• Tribute VII -Rock Spirits- (December 18, 2013, cover of hide's "Good Bye")

References

External links

• Official website
• Seizi Kimura Official site
• Yuichi Nakamura blog
• Eika Yanagita Official site
• Kenji Akabane Official site
• Makoto Gomi Official site