Dancers ATSUSHI and DRI-V to Leave Dragon Ash

Rap-rock band Dragon Ash recently announced that their two dancers ATSUSHI and DRI-V have decided to withdraw from the group.

ATSUSHI and DRI-V first began appearing in Dragon Ash's music videos and performing live with them in 2000. They became official members in 2003.

In a message on the band's official website, it was stated that the two dancers discussed their future with the other members and the band's staff numerous times and eventually came to this decision because they wish to pursue their own individual goals. ATSUSHI will continue his career as a solo dancer, while DRI-V will be working on a project called "ENLIGHTENS PJT" that is said to combine dance and exercise lessons for children, sports, music, fashion and various other elements.

Both men thanked the band's fans for their many years of support and stated that they will treasure their years with Dragon Ash and use the experience they gained to help push them forwards in their future activities.

Due to the effects of COVID-19, the members of Dragon Ash were not able to give the dancers the send-off they wished to, but they are said to be planning a last live for their seven-member line-up for some time in the future. More information regarding the shape it will take and the specific date it will be held on will be announced later. Following this show, they will carry on as a quintet consisting of the band's four remaining official members and The BONEZ and Pay money To my Pain's T$UYO$HI, who is serving as their support bassist.

The video for Curtain Call from Dragon Ash's 2014 album THE FACES can be viewed below.