The band and its accompanying logo. Illustration by Shinkiro.
The Band of Fighters (ザ・バンド・オブ・ファイターズ), shortened as BOF (ビーオーエフ), is a character image band that's formed with Kyo Kusanagi, Iori Yagami, Terry Bogard, Nakoruru, and Athena Asamiya. The band's story is set in an alternate universe from the games, as the fighters generally solve their problems by singing songs and dancing. Later, when SNK was at the height of popularity, the concept was expanded slightly to involve other well-known characters as "guest stars". Several character image songs used the idea for an outlet, including Choi Bounge, Benimaru Nikaido, and Mai Shiranui's songs. In some ways, it is an early predecessor to Days of Memories since characters, despite sometimes having different jobs and occupations (also taking into account the simple fact that Kyo and Iori are bandmates rather than mortal enemies), relatively act the same as they do in the games.
Merchandise such as mugs and keyholders were made for the "band" and drama CDs entailing their adventures were released. Minature plushies, or UFO, of the characters were also found in Neo Geo World's crane games.
Their main image song is named "The Song of Fighters II". The members' instrument of choice are as follows:
- Athena Asamiya: vocals
- Kyo Kusanagi: guitarist
- Iori Yagami: bassist
- Terry Bogard: percussion
- Nakoruru: keyboardist
BOF was also an event that was once held at Neo Geo World. It premiered in 1996. The show itself consisted of audio-animatronic versions of the five characters, singing and performing their songs with a monitor projecting select character portraits. The stage that held the robots was also used for the live performances made by actors for special events, concerts, or announcements.
It received a small revival for KOF Year-End Party, letting voice actors sing their character's image songs live for fans. BOF made a surprise returned during Shermie's ending in SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy, where she had a nightmare where her band, C.Y.S. was in a band battle with The Band of Fighters, and Orochi became a fan of them.
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