After multiple lineup changes and a disbandment in 2000, the legendary rock band WANDS reformed in 2019, kicking off their fifth era. Now, the band announced on their official website on the 22nd that the current 5th-era lineup will officially conclude its activities in March 2027. A final tour is planned for March of next year to mark the end of this chapter.
In a statement titled "An Important Announcement Regarding WANDS' 5th Era," the band officially declared: "The 5th era of WANDS will conclude all activities under the current lineup in March 2027."
The statement explained that since the 5th era began on November 17, 2019, the members and staff have been dedicated to forging a new identity for WANDS. However, during this time, vocalist Daishi Uehara expressed a strong desire to pursue new artistic expressions and develop his solo career. After careful and repeated discussions with all parties involved, the decision was made to bring the 5th era of WANDS to a close in March 2027.
The band apologized to fans for the sudden news: "We sincerely apologize for this sudden announcement."
They also expressed their gratitude to their supporters: "That WANDS has been able to come this far is entirely thanks to the warm support we have always received from everyone. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the fans who have supported us and to all the staff involved." In line with the members' wishes, a final tour is planned for March 2027 to serve as the 5th era's final stage.
The three members of the current lineup also released individual statements.
Statement from Daishi Uehara:
Thank you so much for your warm support and encouragement. I have decided to end my activities as a member of WANDS and will continue on my own musical path as a solo artist. Looking back on these nearly seven years, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have been the vocalist of WANDS and for every person I met on this journey. It has been a path filled with many emotions and challenges, but it was because of your support that I was able to make it this far.
Now, I can say from the bottom of my heart: "I'm so glad I joined WANDS; I'm so glad I met all of you." Every moment spent with you still shines brightly in my heart and is my most cherished treasure. These are my truest feelings. On the other hand, as I continued my activities as the vocalist of WANDS, a band with such a long history, I always felt there was a shackle I couldn't overcome.
I constantly worried, "Am I destroying the important history and image that WANDS has built?" and "Am I just messing up the brand?" Even after seven years, this lingering conflict and anxiety never truly disappeared. And now, I believe I have done everything I can as "Daishi Uehara of WANDS."
Honestly, making this decision was terrifying. When I let go of the prominent name "WANDS," how much of my own value will be left? That anxiety hasn't lessened even now. Still, I can't let fear keep me standing still. However, I am deeply aware that this decision has let down Shibasaki-san, who wished to continue the 5th era of WANDS, and has disappointed all the fans who were looking forward to our future. I will carry this with me always.
For the final tour in March 2027, I will perform one last time as the vocalist of WANDS with all my might, filled with immense gratitude for everyone. To everyone who has supported the 5th era of WANDS, thank you so much. I still love my fellow members deeply. And most of all, I love all the fans who have supported me. I hope you will continue to watch over me on my new journey. I look forward to your continued support.
Statement from Hiroshi Shibasaki:
To everyone who has supported WANDS: It is with great regret that I must share this news with you today. The 5th era of WANDS is coming to an end. I always believed that WANDS had much more of a future ahead, so when Uehara told me his decision, it was a huge shock. I admire his talent, and it was because our ideals aligned that we were able to build what we have today. Now, all of that is coming to an end.
My feelings can be summed up in one sentence: "I really wanted to keep going." I wanted to show everyone where WANDS could go next. But without a vocalist, we cannot continue, so we had to make the decision to end the 5th era. Looking back, the restart of WANDS was the result of many factors coming together.
It was a combination of my belief in continuing WANDS, Uehara's decision to join, Kimura's willingness to help with the restart, the producer's hard work, the classic songs left behind by previous generations, and many fortunate connections that finally made the 5th era a reality. I am grateful to Uehara for joining and for all his hard work and amazing performances. Likewise, I am incredibly thankful to Kimura for participating in the restart and for his efforts until now. Most importantly, I thank all the fans who have supported us. Without any one of these pieces, I would not have had this precious life experience.
The road has never been easy. And a restart isn't something you can do just because you want to. Although my desire to continue WANDS must now be put on hold, that belief has not changed. I will move forward with the hope of that day coming again. Thank you to everyone who accepted and supported the 5th era of WANDS. I am truly grateful. I am sorry that we couldn't show you what was next for the 5th era. Thank you for everything.
Statement from Shinya Kimura:
The day has finally come when we must announce the end of our activities, and I am truly saddened. When the 5th era of WANDS was confirmed, I looked at Uehara and Shibasaki and had only one thought: "If there's anything I can do to help, I must contribute." And so, I have walked this path with everyone until today.
However, since my health issues arose, I haven't been able to participate in activities as I used to, and I've had fewer opportunities to see everyone at concerts and events. I have always felt a sense of guilt towards everyone who has supported me. But even so, you all continued to send warm encouragement through social media and letters. Those words truly became my greatest source of strength.
To all the fans, members, staff, and everyone involved who has been with us on this journey, I am filled with nothing but gratitude. The days I spent as part of the 5th era of WANDS and the memories we created together are things I will cherish forever. Finally, I will quietly support Uehara in his new challenge. I sincerely wish him all the best for his future.
Since their reunion in 2019, WANDS has been prolific, releasing a steady stream of music. This fifth lineup proved to be their longest and most stable, with the younger Daishi Uehara becoming the longest-serving vocalist in the band's history. Despite the immense pressure of taking on the role, he won over fans and carved out a new future for the band.
However, once again, the band's chapter is closing due to the departure of its vocalist. Whether a sixth era is on the horizon will likely depend on if another artist is willing to step up to the mic.
via： X@WANDS WANDS 公式サイト