Yuimetal Quits Babymetal, Launches Solo Career

Yuimetal, one of three singers, dancers and performers to front Babymetal, has left the group.

Last December, Babymetal performed in Hiroshima without Yuimetal, who said that she was ill but wanted the show to go on anyway. Then, in May, the band launched their U.S. tour without her, leading the hashtag #WheresYuimetal to trend on Twitter. That forced the hand of the band’s management, who two days later issued a statement saying that Yuimetal was still a member of the band — she was just sitting out that tour — and that her absence was part of the ever-evolving storyline of the group.

Now Babymetal and Yui have both announced that the absence is permanent: she has left the group, citing ongoing health concerns, and will pursue a solo career under her birth name, Mizuno Yui.

Babymetal posted the following statement on their official website:

“Thank you for continually supporting BABYMETAL. We would like to inform you of BABYMETAL’s new beginning which will be effective starting this month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN performances.

“YUIMETAL had expressed her desire to return performing with the group in the following months after last December’s performance due health concerns. During her absence, both SU-METAL and MOAMETAL as well as the entire staff team had been preparing for her awaited return. However, YUIMETAL came to a decision that she will not be performing at BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN and that she will no longer be a part of BABYMETAL. We thank her for all of her contributions and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

“This month’s BABYMETAL WORLD TOUR 2018 in JAPAN will mark the rebirth in which SU-METAL and MOAMETAL form the core of BABYMETAL.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the fans for the continued support and look forward in what’s next for BABYMETAL.”

Yuimetal issued her own statement as well (translated from Japanese):

“I have been absent for a while and I am really sorry for the inconvenience caused to many people.
Although I thought over and over, I decided to leave BABYMETAL this time.

“I am sorry to cause inconveniences to those who support the members and BABYMETAL at this decision. And, for all the fans who are supporting BABYMETAL, I’m really sorry I made you sad. There was also a strong desire to stand on the stage once again but there is also a feeling that I am still not in my best condition now and my desire to advance towards my dream as a Mizuno Yui dream from the past, this time I made a decision.

“As BABYMETAL, I am thankful for having a lot of valuable experience. It was days I feel blessed. It was a live, fun and happy time that everyone laughed and became one. I will also strive hard to see you again someday as Mizuno Yui.

“Thank you very much for 8 years.”

There’s been speculation since Babymetal first broke onto the scene that the band’s membership would be fluid, Menudo style, with the girls aging out and being replaced as time goes on. That remains to be seen, as Babymetal have been performing with two unnamed backup dancers in Yui’s place alongside Moametal and Su-Metal. But for the time being we get a new song called “Starlight,” which officially comes out today but was available yesterday due to the magic of time zones. Give it a spin below.