News

BABYMETAL’s Kami Band Member Mikio Fujioka Has Died Aged 36

The guitarist fell off an observation tower while star watching and died five days later.

BABYMETAL’s Kami Band Member Mikio Fujioka Has Died Aged 36

Mikio Fujioka, guitarist in the Kami Band, the backing group for the Japanese pop-metal outfit BABYMETAL, has died at the age of 36. 

"The 'Little' Guitar Kami of #BABYMETAL's #Kamiband has passed away in the METAL GALAXIES," Babymetal tweeted earlier today. "We hope that he is now with his GUITAR MASTER A.Holdsworth and enjoying an epic guitar session with him. We are the one, Together, We’re the only one, You are the one, Forever, #RIP #THEONE."

Mikio was best known to BABYMETAL fans as Ko-Gami, The Little God. His wife announced his death through his official Twitter account. According to her, he fell from an observation deck while stargazing on December 30 and died on January 5. 

Fujioka graduated from the Musicians Institute of Osaka in 2000 and had been a member of Japanese band Trickbox. He had toured with BABYMETAL since 2013. Mikio is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Check out more:

Now read these

The best of Kerrang! delivered straight to your inbox three times a week. What are you waiting for?