Entertainment · Gaming · 6 hrs ago
Final Fantasy XIV Players Hold Vigils for The Primals Bassist Eikichi Iwai
Eikichi Iwai, bassist for Final Fantasy XIV band The Primals, has died at 57.
Square Enix and the game’s official channels announced his sudden passing on November 11.
Players have gathered across Final Fantasy XIV servers to hold virtual vigils and remember him.
The Primals is the game’s in-house band, known for rock arrangements and original music from its soundtrack.
Iwai’s bass playing shaped many of the band’s songs, including tracks from several Final Fantasy XIV expansions.
The news came shortly after Iwai performed with The Primals at a Fan Festival in Japan.
His music and performances are being remembered by fans and colleagues, though no further details about what happens next were given.
Eikichi Iwai, bassist for Final Fantasy XIV’s band The Primals, has died at age 57.
Players have gathered across Final Fantasy XIV servers to hold virtual vigils and remember him.
The news was announced by Square Enix and Final Fantasy XIV accounts on social media.
Players gathered in hubs including Limsa Lominsa, where some formed lines around campfires.
Iwai’s final performance was at a Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Japan earlier this month.
- Who
- Eikichi Iwai, bassist for The Primals, and Final Fantasy XIV players.
- What
- Players held virtual vigils after Iwai’s death.
- When
- November 11, 2026; the announcement was posted in the early hours of that day.
- Where
- Across Final Fantasy XIV servers, including Limsa Lominsa on European servers.
- Why
- Players gathered to pay their respects and remember Iwai and his music.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Iwai gave what Kotaku described as his final performance at Fan Fest Japan.
A post on The Lodestone announced Iwai’s death.
Players gathered across servers, including at Limsa Lominsa, to pay their respects.
- Age
- 57
- Band
- The Primals, Final Fantasy XIV’s in-house band
- Announcement
- Posted on The Lodestone in the early hours of November 11
- Memorial site
- Limsa Lominsa plaza on the Omega server
- Final performance
- Fan Fest Japan earlier in November
3 sources
What people are saying
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of bassist Eikichi Iwai
Having witnessed his truly unforgettable performance on stage at the recent Final Fantasy 14 Fan Festival in Japan, the sudden news of his passing has come as a profound shock.
Rest easy, Eikichi, thank you for all those basslines.
Posts on X
Thank you very much for your continued support of THE PRIMALS. As announced earlier today, we are deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden passing of bassist Eikichi Iwai. Having witnessed his truly unforgettable performance on stage at the recent FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan