Photos by Kazuko Tanaka

To the rock community, HYDE is a force of untamed energy, a legendary frontman who has spent over three decades commanding chaotic stages. But inside the grand, historic halls of Vienna, a different kind of magic is taking shape. For the monumental grand finale of his Jekyll Orchestra Tour 2026, the Japanese star has arrived in the capital of classical music to do what many rock artists only dream of: fusing his energetic, deeply fierce discography with a prestigious Vienna orchestra at the legendary Wiener Konzerthaus.

For HYDE, who also serves as Austria’s official tourism ambassador, this performance is not just another tour stop; it is a fateful, full-circle homecoming 25 years in the making, echoing the symphonic roots of his debut solo album, Roentgen. We sat down with the visionary artist just before his final rehearsals to discuss local culinary indulgences, the delicate science of transforming heavy rock into orchestral jazz, the destiny behind his Jekyll era, and what the future holds as L'Arc~en~Ciel prepares for its massive 35th anniversary.

Thank you for taking your time today to speak with us. Would you mind introducing yourself to the audience?

HYDE: Hi, I’m HYDE. I'm a musician from Japan.

How has your stay in Vienna been so far? Have you had time to try any local specialties?

HYDE: This is only my second day here though I've already eaten a lot of the local specialties. Wiener Schnitzel, for example. White asparagus as well, since it's in season. I already ate a lot of that. Sachertorte too, of course.

You're the first Japanese rock artist to perform with a Vienna orchestra at the legendary Wiener Konzerthaus. How are you feeling about it?

HYDE: Well... it's a huge honor, first of all. It's also something quite different from what I've done in Japan, so I feel a bit nervous, too. At the same time, I'm really excited. It's a complicated mix of emotions. But I'm grateful to be performing in such a beautiful hall.

What are you looking forward to the most?

HYDE: After this interview we have rehearsals with the orchestra, so I'm curious how well their sound will blend with our band. I’m really looking forward to it.

Do you listen to classical music? Has it influenced your own music?

HYDE: I actually don't listen to music at all. Neither am I particularly knowledgeable about classical music. But in Japan, composers like Mozart and Beethoven are so well known that you'll definitely hear their music frequently. They're very popular in Japan.

When you're walking around Vienna, do you feel the influence of Mozart and Beethoven?

HYDE: Definitely. You come in contact with their music everywhere here in the city. Whenever I hear a piece I recognize, I get reminded that this is the very birthplace of classical music.

You're currently on your Jekyll Orchestra Tour 2026, and you've already performed many concerts in Japan. Compared to your usual hard rock shows, how does performing with an orchestra feel different?

HYDE: Normally my shows are very wild and kind of chaotic. This time there are many musicians involved in this performance, so... Well, compared to my regular rock shows, where I can pretty much do whatever I want, I have to be a bit more serious otherwise it would be unfair to everyone else. So I'm trying to be a bit more serious than usual.

When adapting your famous rock songs for an orchestra, what's the process like?

HYDE: Since the Jekyll album is really the centerpiece, the arrangements have to fit the atmosphere of the album. Otherwise, it would suddenly feel too rock-oriented. So we arranged the songs in a way that still kept the ambience by incorporating jazzy sounds that creates a beautiful harmony with the orchestra, in a way that feels seamless and natural.

What's the most difficult part of that?

HYDE: Some songs just don't work. Even if you force a classical or jazz arrangement onto them, they simply don't fit. So we left those out and only brought the songs that worked well for this performance in Vienna.

What were the reactions of fans so far?

HYDE: Better than I expected. Especially at the concerts. Maybe it's because I'm singing more seriously than ever before. We've received really positive feedback, and I feel it's helped me improve as a performer too. I'm glad we decided to do it.

I heard Vienna was always intended to be the final stop of this tour. Is this the grand finale?

HYDE: Yes, that's right. This is the last performance of this tour. Last time I toured Europe was with my rock shows. We visited Germany, France, and other countries, but not Austria even though I'm actually a tourism ambassador for Austria. That was really disappointing. This time, with the orchestra tour, we were finally able to come here, so it all worked out in the end. I'm really happy about that.

Can fans expect surprises or popular songs that weren't performed during the Japanese concerts?

HYDE: Since it's the final performance, and because we're in Vienna, I wanted to include a little bit of a Japanese touch.

What do you mean by "Japanese touch"?

HYDE: I’ve designed this show to add just a touch of atmosphere that represents the Japan I adore, including some songs from my motherland that I personally think are absolutely beautiful.

I'm very much looking forward to it. During your Japan tour, you tried local foods and sweets from each region on the stage. Will that tradition continue at tomorrow's Vienna concert?

HYDE: If I find something good before tomorrow's concert, I might try it.

So you haven't decided yet?

HYDE: …I may already have. (laughs) But it's a secret.

After many years performing with the stage name HYDE, you've finally released an album called Jekyll. Does it feel like a destined moment for you?

HYDE: I've been performing under the name HYDE for 35 years but this is the first time I've used this title. It really does feel fateful. The whole project started because I arrived at the pivotal point where I couldn’t avoid the obvious question. "I’m HYDE and I make all kinds of music. Why haven't I made an album called Jekyll yet?" A few years ago I finally made up my mind and started working on it. It took awhile but it does feel like a full-circle moment.

Jekyll has a very different atmosphere from your previous rock albums. It feels more like Roentgen. Does it feel like things have come full circle?

HYDE: It's been about 25 years since Roentgen was released. That album is my first solo album. It is a cinematic movie album, which was also heavy on orchestral sounds. It was incredibly difficult to make, so I kept putting off making a second album like it because it seemed like such a huge undertaking. But now, I’ve finally created Jekyll as that second chapter. Thanks to that, I was able to come to Vienna as well. It all feels a bit like destiny.

This album feels more intimate and emotional. Is there a reason for that?

HYDE: With Roentgen, I felt like I was creating one story after another, almost like a film director making a series of short stories. This time, I focused more on what I personally feel and what I genuinely wanted to sing about. Because of that, my own emotions are much more central than before, so it may come across as more emotional.

Could you tell us about your plans after the tour? L'Arc~en~Ciel's 35th anniversary is coming up soon.

HYDE: Right now we're working on a new L'Arc~en~Ciel song, aiming to release it as a new single. Starting this summer, we’ll also be appearing at festivals and our upcoming arena tour as L’Arc~en~Ciel is starting as well.

Only in Japan for now?

HYDE: At the moment, yes. But we're also discussing the possibility of an overseas tour.

And what kind of future awaits HYDE as a solo artist after Jekyll and the orchestra tour?

HYDE: I’m very free in my solo projects. Maybe after this concert I want to do another orchestra project, or maybe I'll go back to rock music. Whatever excites me at the time, whatever my heart tells me, that’s what I'll pursue.