Hiro (L'Arc-en-Ciel / Independent Projects): Biography & Album Information
Biography
Hiro (born Hiroaki Rue) is a Japanese musician best known as the founding original guitarist of the iconic Japanese rock band L'Arc-en-Ciel. Formed in Osaka in 1991 alongside bassist tetsuya, Hiro was an integral part of the band's initial visual-kei and indie rock underground era, contributing to their early artistic foundation before departing the group in June 1992. Following his departure from L'Arc-en-Ciel, he continued his career in the Japanese underground and indie rock scene, playing in various rock projects and bands such as De-VELGUER, Ange∞Graie, and the melodic hard rock outfit Flame, leaving a cult legacy within the Kansai rock and indie circuit.
Key Albums & Discography Highlights
- L'Arc-en-Ciel – Early Indie Era Recordings (1991–1992): Rarity demos and live recordings from the band's inception featuring Hiro's melodic, soaring guitar work that established their early alternative visual-rock sound.
- Flame – Dive (Mini-Album, 1997): Released via EastWest Japan / Sol'Finsterre, showcasing his hard rock and heavy melodic guitar style.
- Flame – Face Of Nofake (Mini-Album, 1998): A prominent indie-major crossover release featuring heavy riffs and intricate guitar interplay.
- Various Artists – 鹿鳴館伝説 (Rokumeikan Densetsu) (2020): A historical 4-CD archival box set celebrating legendary Japanese indie and metal acts from the historic live house circuit, featuring tracks from Hiro's active projects.
HIRO - Spanish Heatwave [Official MV] From New Album "IMPERFECTLY FUSION" 【Music Video Note】 HIRO (HEAD PHONES PRESIDENT) We are pleased to announce the release of the music video for "Spanish Heatwave," a new song from his latest album "IMPERFECTLY FUSION," his first in five years. This music video is his first overseas shoot, filmed entirely in Spain at the end of June 2025! Please enjoy the magnificent visual beauty, where the beautiful, exotic locations and the passionate world of the song are perfectly fused, on the big screen. ---------------------------------------- HIRO's latest album "IMPERFECTLY FUSION" will be available for digital download worldwide starting August 24th (Monday)! 🎧 Spotify
HIRO - Spanish Heatwave [Official MV] (From New Album "IMPERFECTLY FUSION")