Rock band GLAY released their 62nd single on May 29th.
Part of the band's 30th anniversary celebrations, whodunit sees the members push themselves creatively with a collaboration with JAY, a member of the K-pop group ENHYPEN. For the song’s vocal recording, GLAY vocalist
TERU and guitarist TAKURO traveled to South Korea to work directly with JAY. At TAKURO's request, JAY also penned the lyrics for his vocal section.
JAY also appears in the music video for whodunit, which is now available on YouTube. Filmed entirely in South Korea, it captures a "vocalist clash" between TERU and JAY, as imagined by TAKURO. It also includes CG scenes inspired by the 30th anniversary
key visuals created by Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the popular anime series "ONE PIECE."
whodunit is available digitally worldwide, as well as in three physical editions. It contains six tracks: the title song, the B-side Share, and live audio of four songs recorded earlier this year when GLAY appeared as special
guests of British rock band QUEEN during their QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT concert in Sapporo. The CD+DVD edition adds a bonus disc with a documentary video titled Road to "GLAY 30th Anniversary GLAY EXPO 2024-2025" that has interviews with the ban members
and touches on topics like the QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT concert and the recording process for the new songs. The regular edition will be CD-only, while the GLAY EXPO limited edition will feature the aforementioned documentary video on a Blu-ray disc instead and a GLAY
EXPO-themed knapsack.
Links to download and stream whodunit on various music platforms are available here.
GLAY's 30th anniversary celebrations will continue with two back-to-back shows at Belluna Dome in Saitama on June 8th and 9th.
GLAY guitarist TAKURO commented:
"GLAY's 30th anniversary commemorative single whodunit was produced with the participation of JAY, a member of the global Korean group ENHYPEN. The music video is adorned with visuals inspired by the world of Eiichiro Oda, who served as the
key visual creator this time. Throughout the video, the members of GLAY and JAY deliver intense performances, capturing the viewers' attention. In particular, the scenes where vocalist TERU and JAY confront each other are remarkable moments that will
go down in GLAY's history as one of our greatest collaborations.
Lastly, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to Eiichiro Oda, JAY, and everyone involved with HYBE for accepting our collaboration proposal, as well as the filming team led by Director Bae Myung-Hyun. This collaboration has been an
amazing reward for GLAY's sincere dedication to music over the past 30 years. On behalf of all GLAY members, we would like to express our gratitude once again."
Director Bae Myung-Hyun commented:
"It was a great honor to direct this music video, having previously worked as the assistant director on Into the Wild in 2020. Seeing the members of GLAY again after four years, I was struck by how their acting skills and charisma had become
even more impressive.
The shoot included many challenging scenes, but I was deeply moved by the members' passion, with comments like, 'Let's do it again because it looks cool,' and 'As the director wishes!' Their enthusiasm inspired the entire staff to match their
energy and dedication.
Despite the song's length and the demanding filming process, it was clear how much they love their music and their commitment to creating an outstanding piece of work. This time, we were also joined by ENHYPEN’s JAY. Initially, I was concerned
about the dynamic, given GLAY's greater experience, but it quickly became clear that my worries were unfounded. The interaction between the two artists was harmonious and supportive.
On set, the GLAY members frequently engaged with JAY, easing the atmosphere with conversation. The performance where TERU and JAY competed for the microphone on the table was particularly impressive, showcasing a wonderful synergy that left a
lasting impression.
I am deeply grateful to GLAY, JAY, and all the staff for their hard work, especially for traveling to Korea and enduring early morning shoots. Thank you for allowing me to capture the essence of these legendary artists."
BAND-MAID recently unveiled the music video for their collaboration with INCUBUS guitarist Mike Einziger, "Bestie", which is their first to not feature the members wearing their usual maid costumes.
