Peelander-Z semi – A tour van carrying members of the Japanese-American punk band Peelander-Z was rear-ended by a semi-truck on Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque on May 18. Three band members—Peelander Yellow, Peelander Pink and Peelander Tiger—were hospitalized with major injur
By the time the tour’s route brought them to Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque, the day had already turned violent.
On May 18, a band tour van for the Japanese-American punk group Peelander-Z collided with a semi-truck in New Mexico. The 18-wheeler rear-ended the van while traveling on Interstate 40, east of Albuquerque, the band’s representatives confirmed on Tuesday, May 26.
In the aftermath. Peelander Yellow—lead singer and guitarist Kengo Hioki—Peelander Pink—keyboardsist and bassist Yumiko Kanazaki—and Peelander Tiger. whose identity has not been provided. were all hospitalized with major injuries. A San Francisco venue scheduled to host the tour later canceled, posting the change on Instagram on May 19.
“The outpouring of love and generosity from Peelander’s fans has been incredible,” artist manager Mike Dickinson said. A GoFundMe has been set up for the band. raising money to help with what Dickinson described as a “very long road to recovery.” He added that bands and promoters have been planning fundraisers from the group’s home base of Austin and elsewhere.
The New Mexico State Police were contacted for comment.
The fundraiser was launched by Dan Redman, and the GoFundMe includes photos showing the band’s totaled van almost completely crumpled.
By Monday, May 25, an update attributed to the band’s team described the injuries in stark terms and offered the latest status. All three members were still recovering from “horrific” injuries.
Hioki suffered multiple fractures to his spine, ribs and arm, along with a potential traumatic brain injury. The update said he was no longer in a “life-threatening” condition.
Kanazaki, who underwent multiple surgeries, was described as having several bone fractures in her legs and pelvis. The update also listed organ injuries and abdominal trauma, and said she will require “significant rehabilitation.”
For Peelander Tiger, the report said he is expected to be discharged soon after suffering a head injury that is being monitored for a traumatic brain injury. He will also need rehabilitation.
The update stated that all three are “conscious and stable” and able to communicate.
Earlier, Redman shared sobering photos of the band members in the hospital.
Peelander-Z was formed in 1998 in Buffalo, New York. The band was founded by Japanese musicians Peelander Yellow and former members Peelander Red—bassist Kotaro Tsukada—and Peelander Blue—drummer Kazuki Yamamoto.
This story has been updated to add new information.
Peelander-Z Japanese-American punk band New Mexico crash Interstate 40 Albuquerque semi-truck collision Kengo Hioki Yumiko Kanazaki GoFundMe