Takuya "Comet" Kondo was not just any old roadie for L'Arc. all the way back to the "Heavenly Final" 1995 at the Budokan, he was listed as the Tour Production Director and on the most recent tours as the "Total Producer". i know he did the same job on SID's most recent Hikari Tour, and i believe for Ken's In Physical tour as well, just this past summer.

he is the guy you would always see and hear on the concert backstage footage giving the final instructions during rehearsals, or calling the members together for their final pre-show ritual, usually holding the flashlight if it was dark on set. in the L'7 Documentary film, he's in the opening scenes of the tour planning meetings going over the various options.

one of the best places to see a lengthy piece of footage is on the ark and ray 15th Anniversary version dvds. he does a full discussion in "Recollection 4" of both albums of the production of 1999's Grand Cross Tour. unfortunately, it isn't subbed and i don't have a translation. but if you're curious about what he looked or sounded like, that's a good place to check it out.

so, he will be sorely missed by not just all of the members of L'Arc~en~Ciel, but all of the production and touring staff for L'Arc and solo ventures, as they all come from the same base company, and many of their fellows on the Danger Crue label and Maverick DC management staffs. not to mention all of the fans who had gotten to know him in his lesser roles, which is probably why he's often thought of as a roadie by fans who saw him packing instruments, greeting familiar faces in the crowds.

i think i would have really enjoyed getting to know this devoted man. i'm so sorry that there will never be an opportunity to say thank you for all of the hard work he has done over the years to make L'Arc's concerts such a pleasure to watch, even if just on video. my thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones, family, friends and co-workers. Rest in Peace, Kondo-san.