Why Do So Many Fans, Especially Malice Mizer Fans, Hate Gackt?
The Case of Gackt and Malice Mizer
I am a fan of Gackt, Mana, and the band Moi Dix Mois. I had the unique opportunity to meet Gackt once in Toronto at the Toronto International Film Festival for the film Bunraku. Additionally, I have seen him perform live several times in Japan. My admiration for Gackt goes beyond just appreciation; I own a few of Mana’s guitars, and even my wallet cries with a longing to own more.
I spent seven years living in Japan, piecing together the narratives of various band members through interviews and personal experiences. My then-girlfriend was a fan of Malice Mizer and Gackt, and our conversations on this topic with friends were frequent. Gackt’s entry into Malice Mizer marked a significant shift in the band’s dynamic.
The Band’s Creative Dynamics
When Gackt joined Malice Mizer, he brought his creative ideas to the table. However, these ideas were always a part of a give-and-take relationship. Mana and Kozi had the final say in the band’s creative direction, which didn’t sit well with Gackt. Furthermore, Gackt was not paid equally, as he was not one of the founding members. This led to a feeling that his contributions and creative input were not sufficiently recognized.
Gackt's Pursuit of Independent Success
Gackt sought more creative freedom and believed that he could achieve greater success independently. Consequently, he wanted to embark on his own commercial projects. Despite these aspirations, he played a significant role in the band's rise to prominence during their commercial peak. The breakup with Mana and Moi Dix Mois was supposed to be "mutual," but it left a bitter taste for Gackt and Mana. Neither musician formally acknowledged the other’s post-MM success, which only added to the tension between them.
Personal Devastation and Grief
A particularly poignant issue arose when Gackt was not informed of the death of Kami, a member of Malice Mizer, and was not invited to Kami’s funeral. This event is believed to be the inspiration for Gackt’s song "Emu ~ for my Dear," which is seen as a tribute to the band member he was closest to.
Managing a project with many alpha types involved can be challenging. For many, Gackt’s departure from the band was inevitable. We’ve seen similar situations in other music industries. While I appreciate the contributions each member made, I do not take sides; it is what it is. Many Malice Mizer fans in Japan still hold a place in their hearts for Gackt and wish they could have been together at the last reunion tour, Deep Sanctuary VI, in 2018. While this hope seems distant, it remains a possibility, just like the dream of Dave Mustaine returning to perform with Metallica.
Final Reflections
At the reunion tour, when "Au Revoir" was played without a vocalist, it was a heartfelt nod to Gackt. Many fans appreciated this gesture, as it allowed them to sing in his place. This moment was beautiful and brought back cherished memories. The legacy of Gackt within the Malice Mizer narrative is complex, yet undeniably significant.