Zeppet Store (stylized asZEPPET STORE) is a Japanesealternative rock band, formed in 1989. They became known afterhide signed them to his record labelLEMONed in 1996. The band disbanded in 2005, before reuniting in 2011.
Zeppet Store formed in 1989 as a three piece by vocalist and rhythm guitarist Seizi Kimura, lead guitarist Makoto Gomi, and bassist Yuichi Nakamura. Drummer Eiki "Yana" Yanagita joined soon after. In 1996, the band signed to the labelLEMONed owned byX Japan guitaristhide and released716.[1] The album received an American release and the group went on the USA Tour '96.[1][2] Gomi left in 1997 as he did not like being signed to a major label. Guitarist Kenji Akabane did not join until 1998. Zeppet Store disbanded on August 14, 2005.
On June 2, 2007, the band sans Akabane reunited with Gomi for a one-night only performance at the 15th anniversary event of the Under Flower Record label. In 2011, Zeppet Store fully restarted activities, with both Akabane and Gomi, to record a new single with the proceeds going to aid the victims of theTōhoku earthquake and tsunami.[3] The song, called "Smile", was completed on July 16 and released oniTunes on August 13. While a physical CD single of the song, coupled with the B-side "If You Want Me", was given a limited release on September 3.
The quintet performed at hide Film Alive ~hide Memorial Day 2012~ on May 2, 2012.[4] They released their tenth studio albumShape 5 on December 13, hide's birthday, and went on the Zeppet Store Tour "Come and Go" in January 2013. Zeppet Store contributed a cover of hide's song "Good Bye" to December 2013'sTribute VII -Rock Spirits-.[5] The band released their eleventh album,Spice, on January 15, 2014 and began a live tour in March.[6][7]
In 2019, Zeppet Store celebrated their 30th anniversary in several ways. Two albums containing new recordings of old songs were released on July 16, 2019. The songs onTransformed were recorded in different music genres, while those onRemoved feature acoustic arrangements.[8] Their nationwide 30th anniversary tour titled Transmoved took place from September 21 to November 1, with some of the dates being acoustic.[9]
Drummer Yanagita announced he would retire from live performances after their December 26, 2020 concert due to being diagnosed withfocal dystonia in the summer. He will however remain a member of Zeppet Store.[10]
