Tragic News Hits Japanese Rock Scene: THE MODS' Hiroyuki Chisaki Passes Away Before 45th Anniversary Tour

In a shocking turn of events, Hiroyuki Chisaki, the guitarist and vocalist of the legendary Japanese rock band THE MODS, has died at 66. The news has sent ripples through the music industry.

Local media outlets, including TV Asahi, reported on November 10 that Chisaki had passed away two days earlier. The band's official website confirmed the news, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.

An official statement from THE MODS read, "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of our guitarist, Hiroyuki Chisaki, on November 8, 2026, at the age of 66."

The statement continued, "The abruptness of this loss has left the band members and staff in a state of disbelief and profound grief."

Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support Chisaki received throughout his career, the band announced that the funeral will be a private affair, attended only by close family members.

In line with the family's wishes, the band respectfully declined condolences, monetary gifts, floral tributes, and sympathy messages.

This unexpected loss has led to the cancellation of THE MODS' nationwide tour celebrating their 45th anniversary.

The band officially announced the termination of all remaining dates for "THE MODS 45TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE REVOLVER 45" tour.

Ironically, the tour had just overcome another setback. It had been previously postponed due to health issues affecting lead vocalist Tatsuya Moriyama, with a resumption announced on November 4.

THE MODS were set to kick off the tour's restart on November 14 in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. However, Chisaki's sudden passing just four days after the rescheduling announcement has forced the cancellation of all planned events.

Born in 1960, Chisaki was a cornerstone of Japan's rock scene, primarily based in Fukuoka. After a stint with the rock outfit MODERN DOLLZ, he co-founded THE MODS in 1979 alongside Tatsuya Moriyama, launching a career that would span over four decades.

THE MODS burst onto the major label scene in 1981 with their single "Before It Collapses" and the album "FIGHT OR FLIGHT." They soon became the face of "Mentaiko Rock," a distinctive rock movement that originated in Fukuoka during the 1980s.

Adding a poignant note to this tragedy, Chisaki had recently reached out to fans via the band's official account on October 21, asking for patience regarding the tour's resumption.