Final Fantasy XIV in Mourning: THE PRIMALS Bassist Eikichi Iwai Dies at 57 Just Days After Tokyo Fan Fest
The global Final Fantasy XIV community is mourning the loss of one of the foundational musicians behind the game's iconic soundtrack. Square Enix and official rock band THE PRIMALS announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, that bassist Eikichi Iwai has suddenly passed away at the age of 57.
The news comes as a profound shock to both the development team and players worldwide, as Iwai had performed live on stage at Makuhari Messe just ten days earlier, on October 31 and November 1, during the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival 2026 in Tokyo. Within minutes of the announcement, Warriors of Light began gathering across data centers worldwide to hold spontaneous in-game vigils in his honor.
A Sudden Loss Just Ten Days After Tokyo Fan Festival 2026
Square Enix, the band members, and the operations team shared the news in an official statement published on The Lodestone, expressing their grief after sharing the stage with him less than two weeks ago.
"Having witnessed his truly unforgettable performance on stage at the recent FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival in Japan, the sudden news of his passing has come as a profound shock. The members of THE PRIMALS and the entire FFXIV Development and Operations teams are overcome with deep sorrow. As we reflect on all that Eikichi-san has left behind, our thoughts are with him, and we offer our heartfelt condolences."
The Members and Staff of THE PRIMALS & The FINAL FANTASY XIV Development and Operations Teams
Alongside his work with Square Enix, Eikichi Iwai was a respected veteran of the Japanese rock scene and a core member of the band Chirinuruwowaka (formed with vocalist and guitarist Yumi "Yuu" Nakashima). Following his sudden passing, Chirinuruwowaka announced the immediate cancellation of all remaining concerts on its Doudoumeguri 2026 -Public- national tour.
During the Tokyo Fan Festival where producer Naoki Yoshida unveiled the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV: Evercold expansion launching in February 2027, Iwai delivered an energetic closing concert alongside his bandmates. Square Enix had recently uploaded the official live recording of Open Sky - The Theme from Dawntrail from that very stage, which now stands as a moving testament to his final performance with the group.
The Driving Bass Behind a Decade of THE PRIMALS Classics
Formed in 2014 by sound director and lead composer Masayoshi Soken, official rock band THE PRIMALS brought together English localization director Michael-Christopher Koji Fox on vocals, guitarist GUNN, drummer Tetsuya Tachibana, and Eikichi Iwai on bass. Following in the footsteps of Nobuo Uematsu's The Black Mages, the five-piece band defined the hard-hitting rock and metal sound of the MMORPG's most memorable trials and raids.
For more than a decade, Iwai's driving, melodic basslines served as the rhythmic backbone of the band's studio albums and sold-out arena tours. From the intricate grooves of Locus and Rise during the Heavensward era to emotional Endwalker anthems like Flow Together and Footfalls, his playing anchored dozens of fan-favorite arrangements.
Longtime raiders fondly remember his unmistakable bass intro on To the Edge, the Patch 5.3 Shadowbringers trial theme composed by Masayoshi Soken while hospitalized. Iwai's prominent bassline carried the emotional weight of that encounter from its very first measure, becoming an instant staple of every live Fan Festival concert.
Check Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail deals on Allkeyshop→
Campfires, Bard Concerts, and Silent Vigils Across Eorzea
True to the community's longstanding tradition of honoring departed creators and fellow adventurers, players quickly organized memorials across multiple worlds. On the European Chaos data center, particularly on the Omega server, dozens of players gathered in circular formations around campfires to pay their respects in silence.
In the plazas of Limsa Lominsa, along the steps of Ul'dah, and throughout Gridania, players switched to the Bard job to equip electric guitars and basses in Performance mode. Across North American, European, and Japanese servers, ensemble renditions of To the Edge, Close in the Distance, and Flow have been echoing near the main aetheryte plazas throughout the day.
While Eorzea's daily life recently revolved around lighter community moments such as the chaotic Keybound Brawler minigame at the Gold Saucer, servers have now united in solemn tribute. Even after the final curtain in Tokyo, Eikichi Iwai's basslines will continue to echo through every trial and raid across the realm.
SEO consultant for over 20 years and digital entrepreneur, Charles "Grimtag" is the founder of Pro-Gamer.gg, Retrocharting.com, and Gamescharting.com. A competitive gamer, streamer, and retro game collector, he has worked in the video game industry for over 15 years, notably as a consultant for leading game price comparison platforms. Passionate about real-time performance data and gaming technology, he analyzes competitive esports, gaming hardware benchmarks, and creator workflows on Pro-Gamer.gg with an authentic player perspective.
