Enrique leaves the group

[Andrenekoi]

^Nope, that's what he said.

Dancers retire early, because human body stop bearing so much physical effort after some times... They usually stop performing at 35~40.

And her band has people who let their own artistic interests aside so they could fullfill Ayu's. None of them actually had as a life goal to be part of the suport band for a popstar. It's just natural they leave to work on their own projects. Even because Ayu's schedule is crazy and people from her team mostly likely have no time to really work on anything that isn't related to her.

[Chibi-Chan]

Aww, that's sad! I always really liked him! I wish him good luck for his own projects. =)

[dreamlover13]

This is not okay. I am not okay.

[ExodusUK]

This could be a good thing...new and possibly better talent.

[panda♥]

NOOOO.

[LONJJONG]

That's so sad because they have been together for so long. Y_Y
Besides supporting Ayu herself, I truly appreciate the existence of the dancers and bandmates...

[maxikot]

I do adore her band as well. They seem like really getting on well with each other, kind of family-like feeling i get while watching her shows. It is sad that one of the most distinctive faces will disappear, he really seems as an adorable person if i can say that but I wish him all the best and to live a happy life.

[Tom Punks]

Originally Posted by ExodusUK

This could be a good thing...new and possibly better talent.

Eh... in a bassist tho? They're so background it really doesn't matter who plays it as long as they're skilled at it.

[waterballoon]

we shall see in the new arena tour how it holds up... interested to see who the new bassist is

[tsumekaze_]

this can't be happening, COME ON

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by Andrenekoi

Dancers retire early, because human body stop bearing so much physical effort after some times... They usually stop performing at 35~40.

And her band has people who let their own artistic interests aside so they could fullfill Ayu's. None of them actually had as a life goal to be part of the suport band for a popstar. It's just natural they leave to work on their own projects. Even because Ayu's schedule is crazy and people from her team mostly likely have no time to really work on anything that isn't related to her.

I agree on this, however... After people from her staff, her "stage family" started to leave, I still thought that Enrique and Yochan would stick with Ayu. They've been with her for 17 years now, if they would have wanted to make their own debut... I just assumed they would have left by now. Like... looooong ago. My feeling is that Enrique is not getting any younger and finally realised (?) that he can't/doesn't want to/is too tired to keep up with Ayu (someone here did mention that already). But I don't know anything, but I'm not that heartbroken.

Enrique was never my favorite, and maybe now it's time to make the show more "Ayumi Hamasaki" and less "Ayu feat. friends". You know what I mean?
But yeah, my first reaction after the news was a scream and then tears.

But I like how Ayu changes and goes with her feelings. However, I wouldn't expect everyone to put her (Ayu) first and ignore their own feelings and desires. And Ayu would never take someone's dream from them. Even if that dream includes leaving Ayu's Team.

Hope Enrique's well and following his dreams. All the luck to him, I say.

[Bigtop]

I'm quite said that Enrique is leaving Ayu's stage family. But it's time to move on. 17 years is quite long. Wish him well in the future. (By the ways, where is he going? And does he use Twitter or some kind of social media?)

[mimika]

Should this be in the news section?

[kendelle]

Dang that's really sad to see! I was finally going to see her this year and for me Enrique and Yocchan make or break the live performance! This makes me really really sad....

I wish he stuck around to see one final year out but I wish him the best. It feels like he's either doing major soul-searching about his own wishes or things in general aren't going well

[Delirium-Zer0]

He just doesn't fit into the "company culture" of Ayu's troupe anymore - it changed, he didn't. It has nothing to do with talent or being challenged or personal growth, it's just a change in priorities for Ayu but not for him.

I'll be honest, this is the first change in Ayu's group that's really made me feel like I may not be a fan for much longer. She'd make leaps toward a show that's very polished, but then she'd scale that perfectionism back a step and let it be about the feeling & just enjoying her time on stage... and then she'd leap more towards the perfectionism again.

The foundational spirit of her shows has transformed gradually over the years, and Enrique leaving means it really is an irrevocable change and there's no point in me being optimistic anymore.

If I do indeed get to see Ayu live this year I feel like it'll be just in time for the death rattle.... my hope is that (like most concerts I go to) it'll revitalize my love for her instead, but if the show is really an overly polished one where ayu's presence on stage feels as cold as I fear, it may have the opposite effect.

[kendelle]

^ You were going to the May 16 or 17 concert right? Worst case we can go together then go eat some food and either celebrate or mourn depending on the outcome haha

[Deep snow]

So sad. I always like Enrique's awkward, but funny, stage persona. This must be such a loss for her and her team. I hope she finds someone who is up for it in the long run.

[waterballoon]

Originally Posted by kendelle

^ You were going to the May 16 or 17 concert right? Worst case we can go together then go eat some food and either celebrate or mourn depending on the outcome haha

shit now you make me wanna buy tickets to Japan and the concert so we can all hang

[maxikot]

It just hit me slightly that many people say that now that Enrique is gone they lose respect to Ayu, that it shows clearly that she is going the wrong way etc. Somehow whenever here on forum i read reports of people attending her shows in vast majority of reviews i can find phrases like "she owns the stage/her personality is overwhelming/it's her spirit that's felt" etc. With all respect but even if at some point Yochan goes away it's still Ayumi Hamasaki that we buy and attend concerts. Of course i know that her name is not just the name of her but also name of brand she and her team developed but one can't cross the artist cause a member of band leaves :/ People come and go, Enrique stayed with her how long? 17 years? As for solo artist he stayed with her really long, no? I don't deny that i loved his presence and i will miss him and maybe the fact of him going away is a sign that deeper he disapproves of the path Ayu has taken, but still it's just peoples assumptions. Aside from that he expressed his respect and feelings towards her. Judging Ayu and deciding that her future will be filled with bad songs cause band members are leaving is wrong. And honestly, let's take Shuya as an example, I didn't notice him not being present during Premium Showcase until i bumped into the topic about him on forum. Obviously Enrique is much more visible personality, I really will miss him.

[Coelacanth]

I've always found Enrique incredibly distracting because he's really funny-looking and frog-like.

He always seemed really cold/expressionless on stage and Ayu never seemed to ever want to get near him. Competent bassist for sure, but won't be missed.