After Richard's death in April 2008 in a car accident in Pomona, California, they rarely played live since they had no bass player.
In May 2009, Royal Pirates appeared on Korean News Channel YTN where they were presented as an independent rock band who had become a new YouTube sensation, garnering over ten thousand views with their powerful instrumentals and brilliant videos.
After the video was posted on the Korean website Cyworld, the band received an invitation from the writer of Star King to appear on his show.
On August 27, 2014, Royal Pirates released their second EP "Love Toxic", which included the English versions of the songs "Betting Everything" and "You".
Prior to this comeback, member James Lee had a nearly-fatal freak accident which caused him to give up playing the bass after 13 years.
Enik Lin of EDM group IAMMEDIC also helped write and produce the track, and can be seen in the music videos for both "Run Away" and "Dangerous".
James Lee announced his departure from the band on January 31, 2017 via a handwritten letter on his Instagram account.