Final Fantasy XIV memorials are bringing players together across the globe to mourn Eikichi Iwai, the longtime bassist for the game's official band, The Primals. Following news of his sudden passing at age 57, the MMORPG community has organized virtual funerals and quiet vigils across multiple servers.
Table Of Content
Iwai joined The Primals in 2014 and helped perform some of Square Enix's most recognizable tracks for the hit online RPG. Over the years, the band became a beloved fixture among fans through both their studio recordings and live shows.
Sudden Passing Announced by Band and Developers
On November 11, 2026, both the Final Fantasy XIV development team and Iwai's rock band, Chirinuruwowa, confirmed the news of his death. The FFXIV team published a letter to fans expressing profound shock and deep sorrow on behalf of The Primals and the game's development and operations staff.
In their statement, the developers noted that Iwai had delivered an unforgettable performance at the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Tokyo on November 1. Meanwhile, Chirinuruwowa shared their own message on social media and canceled all upcoming dates for their Endless Loop 2026 -Public- tour.
Final Fantasy XIV Memorials Across Global Servers
As word spread throughout the playerbase, fans turned the game's world into a space for shared remembrance. Across different data centers, players gathered in recognizable locations to pay tribute to Iwai's contributions.
For instance, players on the European server Omega formed a circle around Limsa Lominsa's Aetheryte Plaza and lit campfires together. Elsewhere, on the Materia data center's Sephirot server, fans spent more than seven hours sitting peacefully among the flowers of Ultima Thule.
Community and Industry Pay Tribute
Alongside in-game gatherings, fans, content creators, and fellow members of the games industry shared their grief online. YouTuber and game composer Alex Moukala called Iwai an icon for Final Fantasy XIV fans, a hero for bass players worldwide, and an incredibly kind friend.
Other players echoed those sentiments, thanking Iwai for his energetic live performances and lasting impact on the MMORPG's soundtrack. Through these heartfelt tributes and virtual vigils, the community continues to honor the legacy he left behind.
Source: Final Fantasy XIV Players Mourn The Primals Bassist With In-Game Funerals and Gatherings
