Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty ImagesChad Smith has shared his reaction to the death of Mikio Fujioka, guitarist for the Japanese band Babymetal, who opened for Red Hot Chili Peppers last year.
“Mikio…R.i.P. little man,” Smith tweeted, referencing the guitarist’s nickname. The drummer also posted a photo of himself alongside Fujioka and Babymetal while decked out in the band’s signature makeup. During the last night of Babymetal opening for the Peppers on their U.K. tour, Smith joined them on stage to cover Judas Priest.
Babymetal, who combine elements of heavy metal and Japanese pop, confirmed the news of Fujioka’s death Tuesday. According to his Twitter account, he died January 5 after falling from an observation deck shortly before the new year. He was 36.
In addition to opening for Red Hot Chili Peppers, the band also toured with Guns N’ Roses.
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