historycal music

History Aborted – The Goregrind/Death Metal Band

2011-05-15T23:59:00.000-07:00

Aborted adalah band bentukan Svencho yang didirikannya pada tahun 1995 di Waregem, Belgia, dengan genre utama Deathgrind, Goregrind, Death Metal dan Technical Death Metal. Band ini kini beranggotakan Sven "Svencho" de Caluwé (vokal), Ken Sorceron (gitaris), Eran Segal (gitaris), Cole Martinez (bassist), dan Dirk Verbeuren (drum). Dirk yang pada waktu itu masuk band pada tahun 2003, sempat keluar dari band ini pada tahun 2004 hingga 2009, dan untuk mengisi posisinya, ia digantikan oleh Gilles Delecroix (drummer tahun 2004–2006) dan Daniel Wilding (drumer tahun 2007–2009).

Pada awalnya band ini beranggotakan Sven "Svencho" de Caluwé (vokal), Koen Verstraete (bass), Niek Verstraete (gitar), dan Steven Logie (drum), namun Steven kemudian digantikan oleh Frank Rousseau (drum) di tahun yang sama ketika Christophe Herreman bergabung sebagai gitaris (1998).

Dengan prestasi musik yang cukup menonjol, terutama Death dan Grindcorenya, kini band ini dijadikan ikon sekaligus dinyatakan sebagai kontributor terbaik dalam menggabungkan tekhnik death metal dengan grindcore (Death-Grind). Hal ini didukung oleh pernyataan Allmusic bahwa kontributor terbaik death-grind adalah Aborted. Death-grind sendiri adalah genre yang dikenal menggunakan perpaduan antara growl yang sangat dalam dipadukan dengan musik yang begitu cepat dan berkesan berat.

Dalam sepanjang perjalanan karirnya, band ini pernah bekerjasama dengan Uxicon Record, Soulreaper Records, Bones Brigade, dan Listenable Records. Sedangnkan saat ini Aborted bekerjasama dengan Century Media Records. Telah menghasilkan tidak kurang dari enam album, satu album EP, dan satu album DVD dan tiga split yang salah satunya berkolaborasi dengan band Death Metal kenamaan Christ Denied.

Dischography :

The Necrotorous Chronicles (Demo/1997)
The Splat Pack (Demo/1998)
The Purity of Perversion (1999)
Eructations of Carnal Artistry (split/with Christ Denied, 2000)
Engineering the Dead (2001)
Created to Kill (split/2002)
Deceased in the East/Extirpated Live Emanations (Split album bersama Exhumed/2003)
Goremageddon: The Saw and the Carnage Done (2003)
The Haematobic EP (EP/2004)
The Archaic Abattoir (2005)
The Auricular Chronicles (Live DVD/2006)
Slaughter & Apparatus: A Methodical Overture (2007)
Strychnine.213 (2008)
Coronary Reconstruction (EP/ 2010)

History Tyr – The Faroe’s Viking Metal Band

2011-05-15T23:53:00.000-07:00

Tyr adalah band yang berasal dari Kepulauan Faroe, yang namanya bila diartikan berarti “dewa pertempuran”, didirikan pada bulan Januari tahun 1998 dengan genre utama Viking, Folk, dan Progresive Metal, dengan tema - tema lagu yang berkisar pada musik tradisional faroe, kehidupan viking dan masyarakat norwegian lama, cerita dan mitologi, serta sejarah masa lampau.

Pada awalnya band ini didirikan oleh Heri Joensen dan teman lamanya Kari Streymoy – sebelumnya bersama Kari dan Thomsen, mereka pernah membentuk band dengan nama Cruiser yang taka lama kemudian berganti nama menjadi Wolfgang, namun band lama mereka ini tak menelurkan album – kemudian masuklah Gunnar H. Thomsen sebagai basis.

Dengan komitmen anggota band Tyr untuk menhancurkan prasangka tentang musik metal yang dibangun oleh perusahaan - perusahaan label rekaman untuk menemboki dan membeda – bedakan setiap genre metal yang telah ada, mereka menggunakan genre heavy metal keseluruhan secara general pada lagu - lagu mereka.

Dalam Paganfest tahun 2008, Tyr dituduh oleh BIFFF Jerman sebagai penganut Nazi dengan dalih mereka menggunakan simbol-simbol yang sering digunakan mereka, mengagung - agungkan rasisme dan fasisme. Namun tuduhan ini langsung disangkal oleh Heri Joensen, dan Ville Sorvali (Moonsorrow) dengan pernyataan bersama bahwa Tyr tidak berhubungan dengan “kelompok-ekstrim-kanan” itu dan bahkan Tyr sendiri adalah band yang mendukung perlawanan terhadap ajaran fasisme.

Kabar terbaru dari band yang digawangi oleh Heri Joensen (vokalis/gitar), Terji Skibenæs (gitaris), Gunnar H. Thomsen (bassis) dan Kári Streymoy (drum) pada tahun 2010 ini, bersama Amon Amarth dan Holy Grail, mereka mengadakan tur di Amerika Utara. Selain itu, mereka juga mendirikan group di jejaring sosial facebook untuk memberikan klarifikasi dan berita yang benar tentang Tyr, serta menanggulangi adanya pandangan politik tidak diinginkan yang distigmakan kepada mereka.

Discography :

Demo (Demo/2000)
Ólavur Riddararós (EP/2002)
How Far to Asgaard (2002/Dirilis kembali pada 4 November 2008)
Eric the Red (2003/Dirilis kembali pada 24 Maret 2006)
Ragnarok (2006)
Land (2008)
By the Light of the Northern Star (2009)

History Last for Name

2011-02-21T10:10:00.001-08:00

Indonesian screamo band with a spread of catchy melodic vocals. The band LAST FOR NAME or always refers to as began in the early year of 2010, actually this band started in december 2010. LFN formally known as LAST FOR NAME whose name was invented by our Group. At the time, we consisted of only four members :
Ravva ( Guitar ), nikky ( Bass ), a'ank ( Guitar ), The Band was actually formed in Central java, indonesia, in the middle of june 2010when we found our ( vocalist ) named
3to.
Sounds Like : Screamo Post-Hardcore in which power and aggressivness come out from a screaming vocal style mixed .

The First Formation :
- Ravva ( Guitar,Vocals )
- 3to ( Vocalist )
- aa'ng ( Guitarst )
- nikky ( Basist).

History Enslaved

2010-07-23T01:41:00.000-07:00

Enslaved was formed in 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, and did their first demo 'Yggdrasill' in the summer of 1992. Enslaved released the legendary mini album 'Hordanes Land' in 1993 (this was released also as a split-CD with Emperor's s/t MLP). Enslaved's debut album "Vikingligr Veldi" came during the spring of 1994, while the historically successful second album 'Frost' was released already late 1994. 'Eld' in many ways marked the opening of a horizon-widening era for the band in 1997 – the following year saw the release of 'Blodhemn'; perhaps surprising some with its fury and blacker edges. 'Mardraum (Beyond the Within)' was released in 2000; this aural nightmare of an album sent shock waves through the Extreme Metal scene with its experimental, innovative approach. The band followed up with 'Monumension' in 2001; and again the band was shocked to see the positive response to their 'no rules' approach to Extreme Metal.

Many see an important, if not the important milestone being 'Below the Lights' - where the progressive yet darker Enslaved emerged – released in 2003; it presented the perfect blend of power, tradition, progressive elements and dark Psychedelia. A new line-up was put together after the recording of 'Below the Lights'; introducing scene veteran Cato Bekkevold (Red Harvest founder), Ice Dale and Herbrand Larsen.

In short, Enslaved started climbing new heights with their live performances, adding strong visual elements in the shape of video art and more. The new line-up released the album 'Isa' late 2004. The album put Enslaved at the very forefront of contemporary Extreme Metal; both as a recording and live artist. Enslaved received both the Norwegian Grammy and the independent Alarm Price for 'Isa', topping it off with the release of acclaimed live-DVD 'Return to Yggdrasill'. The critically acclaimed 'Ruun' was released in 2006, and received numerous great reviews from fans, magazines and websites worldwide. Www.blabbermouth.com concluded that 'The metal world needs more bands this willing to throw out the rule book and go wherever their mad Muse takes them.' Early 2007 Enslaved sat out on tour in USA and Canada, and 'Ruun' was rewarded with another Norwegian Grammy for Best Metal Album 2006. At the end of the year, 'Ruun World Tour part II' commenced all over Europe and the North-American continent. Whilst building a reputation as one of the very finest live-acts around; there was found the time and power to create Enslaved's greatest piece in seventeen years of existence: 'Vertebrae' was recorded during the first months of 2008 – then mixed by sinister mastermind Evil Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age) and mastered by the legendary George Marino in Sterling Sound. Produced by Ivar Bjørnson, Herbrand Larsen and Grutle Kjellson themselves, 'Vertebrae' comes across as one of the strongest album to emerge from the Extreme Metal scene: sound, songs and atmosphere marks a great leap for the band and genre as a whole.

'Vertebrae' has its release date set for September 28th 2008, and marks the beginning of collaboration with Norway's finest label: Indie Recordings. The album will be spread across the globe like fire through extensive touring – first leg being the 'Vertebrae European Tour' November/ December 2008; sporting special guests Stonegard and supported by Krakow.

History Ashes

2010-07-23T01:37:00.000-07:00

Purveyors of raw, underground English black metal since 2003....
Ashes was formed in 2003 by Davidian, primarily as an ultra raw, heathen black metal band. After the first demo ‘Forest Funeral’ was well received in the underground, garnering praise lef, right and centre, Ashes signed to English label Supernal music, where Davidian released ‘Hymns to a Grey Sky’, ‘Yggdrasil’ and the first two demos, re-packaged with new artwork, by Rebecca Clegg (Xasthur, Nachtmystium). Ashes parted ways with with Supernal Music in 2007. In 2009, Ashes released ‘Runeworks’, a brutal, piercing blast of old school black metal on Wolf’s Hook Records. This was to be the last album by Davidian.

In 2010, Ashes did something unprecedented in the world of Black metal - Davidian, jaded and fed up with the 'scene' quit the band, and handed it over to Abrecan, who teamed up with G. Hammer III, who are deep in woodland ferns, busy coming up with new material for Ashes Era II.

Current Release:

'Runeworks'
Released 2009 on Wolf's Hook Records - Not for everyone, this release gives a new meaning to the word raw. With murky, buzzing guitars, sad epic keyboards and little to no production values.
'...It’s heavily reminiscent of Black Funeral circa ‘Empire of Blood’ or Xasthur’s more underground efforts...
A captivating black metal experience. Moments of ‘Wooden Altars’ and ‘Battlefields’ spring to life when the keyboards and guitars sinuously entwine to create a unique wash of melancholy... Davidian clearly has the ability to weave a spell...'
Frank Allain - MetalteamUK.net

History Vader

2010-07-23T01:20:00.000-07:00

Different sources see the beginnings of VADER and interpret it in various ways. The truth is, however, that the band was set up in the autumn of 1983 by two people crucial for the band: Piotr “Peter” Wiwczarek (“Bardast” and later “Behemoth” back then) playing the bass and the guitarist Zbyszek “Vika” Wroblewski. The band started its activity in Poland, the country that was stuck in a completely different reality. Metal was associated only with the two officially existing bands: TSA and Kat… Extreme metal was just about to be born and VADER was among the pioneers of that genre (and the only one left since then) in the newly emerging Underground…

Few years had passed and many people had tried to find their own place in the band, when at last in 1985 VADER started to play its first club gigs in its home town Olsztyn. The line up presented itself as follows: Czarny – vocal, Behemoth (Peter) – guitar (in fact, just after the first month I switched from the bass to this instrument), Vika – guitar, Astaroth (later ‘Rob’) – bass and Belial (later Jacho) – drums. Those days we appeared in the “New Talents” broadcast in a local radio station where 3 tracks were recorded (after many years they came out as a band’s ‘demo’, which is a total bullshit! It wasn’t recorded as a demo.) The crucial point in VADER history was its participation in the first Polish (and the first across the Eastern Europe) Heavy Metal festival – Metalmania in 1986. It was the first big step (an audience of about 5000 people) and the first band’s success beyond the local area. After the show we were invited to some countrywide radio-broadcasts and a few gigs in Poland. Since Metalmania some drastic changes in line up took place. The Vader co-founder “Vika” left the band to play less aggressive type of Metal in RAXAS. The members of VADER in 1986-88 were: Peter (still as “Behemoth”) – guitar, Astaroth – bass, Belial – drums and Czarny – vocal. At the end of 1986 in the assembly hall of present Warmia University this line up recorded a concert which was released as “Live in Decay” demo in 1988 (plus two rehearsal bonus tracks on the tape). This is the only first official release which the band name became known in the world with. 1988 brought on some new line up changes and another step towards even more extreme playing. Due to some personal reasons (a wedding and leaving the country) the band was left by Czarny. I took over the vocals and the drums were taken care of by a SLASHING DEATH hardcore group’s drummer – Docent (later better known as Doc) who took place of Jacho – leaving for the police service. During the next few months also Rob abandoned the band…

In the spring of 1989 the VADER crew: Peter – guitar/voc. and Doc – drums recorded the first official material in the broadcast station in Olsztyn: a 4-track demo “Necrolust”. This was also the first studio release that reached beyond the Polish borders and earned some excellent reviews in many zines across the globe. These were also times when VADER met other extreme underground bands in the world. It was then that the group was joined by Jackie (bass), EVIL DEATH ex-member. 1989 was also the beginning of the ongoing partnership and friendship with Mariusz Kmiolek – VADER manager. “Morbid Reich”, a demo recorded in a studio in Olsztyn was the effect of our cooperation. It was also released as a complete novelty in Poland of those days (1990) by a newly created independent record label Carnage Rec. from Warsaw. This material was the first global success of VADER!!! There were two official (and several unofficial) tape editions of this release and also some CD split editions with “Necrolust” demo as “Reborn in Chaos” (and a Picture Vinyl released by Hammerheart Rec.) few years later. Just in the first years of launch “Morbid Reich” gained the status of the best selling demo in the history, being sold in 4,000 pieces. Soon the leading metal label Earache Rec. got interested in our material and, as a result, 2 years later we signed a record deal for the first album. It is also worth mentioning that the first place VADER was invited to a tour abroad was …. USSR. We played 3 gigs there in 1990-91. And very important is to know that “Morbid Reich” was the first place where the band’s logo, so recognizable over the next 15 years, appeared for the first time.

The debut of VADER under the name of „The Ultimate Incantation” was finally recorded (after the unfortunate session in Sunlight Studios, Stockholm, in the spring of 1992 – unofficially available among Fans as the “Swedish album version”) in the summer of 1992 in Rhythm Studio in England with a producer Paul Johnson. Thanks to the label VADER could play its first gigs beyond the western border. In 1993 these were: a tour over Europe with BOLT THROWER/GRAVE and with DEICIDE/SUFFOCATION in USA. The band played its first larger tour in Poland supporting a very popular these days group – PROLETARIAT and one of the gigs was recorded and released by Baron Rec. as „The Darkest Age – Live ‘93” (the same album, remastered and with changed cover, was released few years later by Impact Rec. and MMP in Poland). During that time VADER was joined by a second guitarist – China. The band (with support of British MTV) had also its first video clip taken to the album opener “Dark Age”. During 1992-94 the crew were: Peter-guitar /voc., Doc- drums, Jackie-bass and China –guitar. The years ’93 and ’94 were the most of all tours and gigs, which VADER gave over 200 shows.

The year 1994 started from the release and promotion of the „Sothis” EP, recorded in March in Modern Sound Studio (Gdynia). It was released by Baron Rec. in Poland and few years later Repulse Rec. released the album to the world. Some changes in lineup also occurred – Jackie (bass) was replaced by Shambo. The album was promoted mostly by two pretty big tours in Europe with MALEVOLENT CREATION. The band’s cooperation with Earache Rec. came to an end and it signed a deal with a German label Impact/System Shock. Just at the beginning of 1995 VADER started to work on its second full album – again in Modern Sound Studio with producers Adam Toczko and Tomek Bonarowski. The album was entitled „De Profundis” and was released in Poland by Croon Rec., in Europe by Impact/System Shock and in USA by Conquest Rec.. Once again the band left for a great tour over Europe, this time with CANNIBAL CORPSE/ IMMOLATION , in USA supporting MONSTROSITY/ BROKEN HOPE and in Poland VADER had its first own tour with PROLETARIAT/ SWEET NOISE/ TESTOR. For a visual promotion we chose a video to “Incarnation” taken during Marlboro Festival in Poland. The years ’95-’96 brought about another 250 concerts! VADER members in 1994-96 were: Peter – guitar /voc., Doc – drums, China – guitar and Shambo – bass.

1996 brought about another major change in the band. China didn’t stand the pace and intensity of work. His place was taken over by Mauser (DIES IRAE / CHRIST AGONY). VADER changed the recording studio as well for SELANI Studio in their home town – Olsztyn. Here, between 1996 and 1998, three albums were created: „Future Of The Past” containing cover tracks and being a tribute to the Metal scene, EP „Kingdom” and the next one, the third album already, „Black To The Blind”. As for the other events, necessary to mention is the big European tour with MORBID ANGEL and the first visit to Japan, where a subsequent concert album was recorded - „Live In Japan”. The band also signed a contract with Marquee/Avalon as a representative of Vader in the Land of the Rising Sun and Asia. As a result, “Live….” and the preceding three albums were released in Japan. Very important in that period was the VADER first concert video release (on VHS) - „Vision and Voice” (few years later remastered and released in expanded version on DVD as „More Vision and Voice”) and the next video clip to “Kingdom”. At the end of 1998 VADER finished its cooperation with Impact/System Shock and signed a contract with… Metal Blade!

The fourth full album - „Litany”- was recorded Studio RED (Gdansk) in December, 1999 – again with a producer Adam Toczko. Unfortunately, that year was also the beginning to Doc’s problems (mainly with his drug addiction). It resulted in his suspension as a drummer and sending him to rehab. Zabek (YATTERING) took over his place for concerts (e.g. European tour with SIX FEET UNDER/ NILE). „Litany” was released by Metal Blade in the spring of 2000 and promoted by more than 250 gigs/tours over the next two years, among others with DEICIDE/IMMORTAL or VITAL REMAINS in Europe, GORGUTS/CRYPTOPSY, DYING FETUS/DEEDS OF FLESH and the first own tours in USA and once again in Japan. What’s more, VADER took part in many festivals both in Poland and in Europe. As a promotional video clip “Cold Demons” were chosen. In the meantime, another EP was recorded in RED Studio - „Reign Forever World” released by Metal Blade in 2001. This material was the last with Shambo as a VADER bass player at the same time….

The spring of 2002 was the first moment to start working on the next full album of VADER. It was recorded in RED Studio with a producer Piotr Lukaszewski and came out under the name of „Revelations”. The album was promoted by a huge number of concerts on four continents and the participation in many renowned Metal festivals in the world. In Poland VADER organizes the first edition of an autumn tour “Blitzkrieg” (the first edition featured: DECAPITATED, FRONTSIDE and VESANIA). The “Blitzkrieg” tours will become a permanent means of the next three albums’ promotion in Poland (and with the third edition – in the whole Europe). Simon (HUNTER) became the new bassist. The band also made a video clip to „Epitaph” with a vibe deviating from “the standard” and another EP - „Blood”. VADER lineup in 2002-2004 presented itself as follows: Peter – guitar /voc., Doc – drums, Mauser – guitar and Simon – bass.

The year 2004 started for VADER with a Doc’s accident just at the beginning of a recording session to the next full album. As a consequence, the recordings were put off until June in Radio Gdansk Studio and … there was a change in drum section for a few months. Doc’s return to addiction made it impossible for the band to function properly, so one and for all he was ordered to go to rehab. The band organized some auditions and a young VESANIA drummer Daray became the band’s new member. „The Beast” album was his debut in VADER. Also Simon was replaced – his place was taken over by Novy, a bassist playing in BEHEMOTH and DEVYLIN (to name just a few). The album was released by Metal Blade (MMP in Poland) at the end of September, 2002. The material was also released as a special edition containing additional CD with a report from the recording studio and two video clips to “Dark Transmission” and “Choices”. The album was promoted by over 200 gigs over the world, including the first concerts in the East (Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine…) and Balkans (Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania…). Quite an important event was also the invitation VADER received to open the concert for METALLICA in Poland (Chorzow stadium). The band also released another concert DVD „Night Of The Apocalypse” which was recorded in Cracovian TV studio. Unfortunately, the end of year 2004 wasn’t that lucky. Peter’s serious backbone injury during the tour over Scandinavia forced the band to cancel the tour in USA with CANNIBAL CORPSE/NAPALM DEATH… In 2002-2004 VADER members were: Peter – guitar/ voc., Doc/ Daray – drums, Mauser – guitar and Novy – bass.

In March 2005 – after the number of attempts to fight the addiction – VADER definitely parted with Doc. Daray became fully the band’s drummer. Also the label was changed. We decided on Regain Rec. from Sweden which has been our label to date. Those days VADER played many gigs with a new line up, e.g. in South America, Great Britain or in USA with KREATOR. In summer – for the first time in Studio Hertz (Bialystok) – the band recorded a 4-track (5-track Japan version) mini album „The Art Of War”. The material opens a new chapter in the band’s history. Also VADER logo changed –referring more to the version from the 80s now. There was created a new video clip to „This Is The War” as well. It was made in the style of computer games animation. Just before it’s opening night, which was planned on November 2005, VADER went on another Blitzkrieg tour in Europe and a tour over USA.

The first months of 2006 were spent mostly on preparation and recording a new full album finally entitled „Impressions In Blood”. The material, recorded in May, had its world premiere in September. In the meantime VADER played during several big summer festivals and led the “Metal Crusaders” tour in USA with DESTRUCTION and KATAKLYSM. There were also taken a video clip to „Helleluyah: God is Dead”. The premiere of „Impressions In Blood” started the longest in the band’s history, a 90-concert tour in Europe: Blitzkrieg 4 with (among others) GOD DETHRONED/ SEVERE TORTURE or NIGHTRAGE.

The year 2007 started with the promotional tour continuation. VADER gave some gigs in Japan with BRUTAL TRUTH and CRYPTOPSY, 30 shows within summer festivals in Europe, tour in the East with KRISIUN/ ROTTING CHRIST/ INCANTATION and a tour over Scandinavia. Crucial was also a concert in Varsovian “Stodola” recorded and released by MMP in October as a third official DVD material - „…And Blood Was Shed In Warsaw”. In autumn VADER entered a studio to work on a special material summing up 25 years of the band’s existence. It occurred to be a double album containing 25 the most important tracks in the band’s history, recorded again from scratch in Studio Hertz with Wieslawscy brothers. During the session the band recorded „Sword Of The Witcher” – a soundtrack/ trailer to a game The Witcher composed specifically for a video games producing company (CD Projekt RED). In August 2007 the first VADER official MySpace and You Tube websites were available. Between 2005 and 2008 the band’s line-up presented itself as follows: Peter –guitar/ voc., Mauser – guitar, Novy – bass and Daray – drums.

In March 2008 a double album entitled just „XXV” is released. Its special edition had an additional DVD containing 15 video clips chosen from different old VHS tapes which were a documentation of the band. At the same time there started the band’s 25th-anniversary tour including e.g. 44 gigs in Europe or taking part in summer festivals in USA (under the name of “Summer Slaughter”) together with, among others, BDM/ CRYPTOPSY/ ABORTED. However, VADER visited American festivals in a changed line up. Martin (DECAPITATED) took Novy’s place in a guest appearance. After the band’s return to Poland for a festival of Woodstock 2008, it was Reyash (INCANTATION, CHRIST AGONY) who played the bass this time and…he stayed in VADER. In August 2008 VADER line up changed drastically. Daray (drums) got an offer from DIMMU BORGIR and Mauser left the band to focus on his private music project UNSUN. But only after a month the band, as if the Phoenix from the ashes, appears on a two-week tour in Scandinavia and Baltic Countries with a completely changed crew. Mauser was replaced by Wacek (Vogg) Kieltyka (DECAPITATED) and behind drums sat Pawel “Paul” Jaroszewicz (HELLBORN, CRIONICS) selected from an audition for this post. In December new VADER started preparations for a new album „Necropolis” – announced for autumn next year. In studio Hertz new four tracks were created, among which two: „Rise Of The Undead” and „Impure” appeared in February and March on the official VADER websites.

. The year 2009 started with a January tour over Europe with DEICIDE/ SAMAEL. At the end of March the band entered studio Hertz to record tracks for the album „Necropolis”. 11 of them were later held by a producer Tue Madsden in AntFarm Studios in Denmark. April happened to be a great turning point in the band’s history. After a several-year cooperation VADER left Regain Rec. to join the ranks of a metal giant: Nuclear Blast!!! A new era was about to start!!! Just in the same month VADER gave a series of concerts in Poland. There were also several festival gigs planned for a summer period and in the last days of August (this month was reserved for a new album premiere as well) there started a promotional tour with a new program already. VADER’s concert plans in USA for 2010 are becoming clearer. There’s also prepared a renewed version of the official website. The current VADER line up is: Peter – guitar /voc., Wacek – guitar, Reyash – bass and Pawel – drums.

History Withered

2010-07-23T00:43:00.000-07:00

Bio
Withered, formed in 2003, exists to explore the darker aspects of human existence and deliver it to the masses while exemplifying unbridled truths about human nature. From the exploration of coping with tragedy to theoretical philosophical approaches, withered continues to push their boundaries of perception into a realm of solitude and raw introspective discovery. They have released two full length albums, memento mori (2005 - lifeforce) and folie circulaire (2008 - prosthetic), which have both been critically acclaimed and topped numerous year end and decade end lists. Withered mixes a blackened atmosphere with the weight of doom metal & old school Scandinavian death metal to culminate a unique blend of extreme styles and expression. Their third full length is due late 2010 for another testament to their ever growing edification of what truly lies within the human animal and how culture & society have greatly compromised humanity's potential to an extent of irreversible demise.

History
2003 – Withered was formed as a concept by Chris Freeman and Mike Thompson. They brought in Wes Kever (drums) and Greg Hess (bass) to complete the lineup and to create Withered’s bull dozer of a rhythm section. They immediately wrote 5 songs that were recorded (3 of which were released on their self titled demo).
2004 – Began performing live and toured the US east coast extensively.
2005 – Withered signed to Lifeforce records and released “Memento Mori” in September. It was very well received by critics and fans. Was honored with the 4 spot on decibel magazine’s top 40 list as well as making many other year end lists and receiving high praise in reviews and articles. The release was followed up with a UK tour supporting Mastodon & High On Fire in December.
2006 – The US touring cycle began with a string of successful east coast and Midwest tours supporting Dismember, Grave, and Vital Remains in October. Immediately following the tour, Wes & Greg both left the band. They had both started new families causing their focus to be needed elsewhere.
2007 – Early in the year, Withered’s rhythm section was replaced with Mike Longoria (bass/noise/atmosphere) and Beau Brandon (drums). Both had collaborated on numerous projects for over a decade. Their history and uncanny approach to rhythms has proven to be one of the most unique and formidable rhythm sections in extreme metal today. Regional touring began almost immediately and they started work on their 2nd full length between tours with Skeletonwitch & Zoroaster.
2008 – Entered the studio in February to record “Folie Circulaire” with producer Phillip Cope (kylesa, baroness, black tusk). The album was released in late June and also received high praise throughout the scene. Withered was once again honored by making many year-end lists and being offered some fantastic touring opportunities. They followed up the release with a full US tour as direct support for Sweden’s Watain.
2009 – Touring continued and withered was featured at the 1st Scion Festival, the New England hardcore and metal festival, & even the Maryland Deathfest. Withered supported Mayhem, Cephalic Carnage, & Cattle Decapitation in June for a full US tour. In August, they were offered a special mini-tour as direct support for Sweden’s Marduk in the Northeast US. They spent the rest of the year writing for their 3rd full length to be released in fall of 2010.

History Dead Warrior

2010-03-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

DEAD WARRIOR
Death Metal / Metal / Hardcore
(Buenos Aires. ARGENTINA)

DEAD WARRIOR

After several musical projects, Guido and Luciano decided to summon musicians for a new band project. That's how they contacted Javier, a drummer they had known for years and Nevi (guitar), through one of Guido's and Luciano's friends.

In 2007 Dead Warrior's line up is almost complete with Guido (guitar), Luciano (bass), Nevi (guitar), Javier (drums).

In 2008 they start making songs and decide to record some of the material (without a vocalist) to start promoting the band. Later, halfway through that year some changes are made, Daniel (vocals) from Those Endless Eyes joins the band and Charly (Those Endless Eyes) takes Javier's place as a drummer.

This 2010 Dead Warrior is promoting the EP "The Progress of Disaster" through the web, and planning many gigs in Buenos Aires and thesorroundings.

DEAD WARRIOR

Luegode varios proyectos musicales los hermanos Guido y Luciano deciden convocar músicos para comenzar un nuevo proyecto musical, es así como contactan a Javier (Batería) con quien ya habían trabajado anteriormente, al poco tiempo y por medio de un amigo en común deciden sumar al proyecto a Nevi (guitarra).

A finales del 2007 Dead Warrior queda conformado por Guido (Guitarra), Luciano (Bajo), Nevi (Guitarra) y Javier (Batería).

Durante 2008 Dead Warrior comienza a dar forma a sus temas y se decide grabar (aun sin voces) algunas maquetas de sus temas para dar a conocerla orientación musical de la banda. Posteriormente, a mediados del2008, luego de probar muchos cantantes, se incorpora Daniel (ThoseEndless Eyes) en voces; para fines de ese mismo año, se decide cambiar de baterísta incorporando a Charly (Those Endless Eyes).

En 2010 Dead Warrior se encuentra promoviendo el EP "The Progress of Disaster" por la web, y planeando muchos shows en Buenos Aires y alrededores

DEAD WARRIOR LINEUP

Luciano: Bajo
Nevi: Guitarra
Dany: Voz
Charly: Bateria
Guido: Guitarra

Tracklist:

1. The Progress of Disaster (Intro)
2. Plaza Constitución
3. Ensueño de Minotauro
4. Capricho de los Dioses
5. We built Optimus Prime
6. Shao Kahn vs Rayden (Round II)

Grabado, mezclado y masterizado en El Reves por Agustín "Wally" Mongelli.

History Alice Nine

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2004-2005: Conception and early work

In August 2004,Alice Nine formed after the disbandment of the band Givuss, and the band's vocalist, Shou, and guitarist Tora continued on to search for members to form a new band. Saga, the bassist for the band Delta Ark, and Nao, drummer for the bands Fatima and RusH, were also seeking bandmates as well, and the four members eventually joined together. Hiroto was the last member to join after Shou, Tora, Saga, and Nao spotted him at a performance with his band at the time, Baquepia. Shou explains that the "Alice" in the band's name was something that they believed sounded "very visual kei" to them, while the "Nine" is written in kanji and represents their origins as a Japanese band.

Their first concert was held at the Ikebukuro Cyber on May 11, 2004 and soon after they released their first single, Namae wa, Mada Nai in July, and they soon toured with fellow PS Company band BIS. In November, their first EP, Gion Shouja no Kane ga Naru, was released, and later that month, they did a nation-wide tour with the band Karen from Under Code Productions.

In 2005, the pace of CD releases increased; the band released the singles "Gin no Tsuki Kuroi Hoshi," "Yami ni Chiru Sakura," and "Yuri wa Aoku Saite" consecutively for three months. These singles were eventually compiled onto their first major EP, Kasou Musou Shi, through a joint deal with PS Company and King Records. Alice Nine also went on tour with several bands throughout the year, including Ayabie, Kra, and Kagrra. Following these events, the band had its first solo tour, Alice in Wonder Tour, in August that year.

2006: Zekkeishoku

In a short span of time after beginning the year, Alice Nine released several maxi singles, including "Kowloon -Nine Heads Rodeo Show-," "Fantasy", and the double A-side release, "Akatsuki/Ikuoku no Chandelier." The songs "Akatsuki" and "Ikuoku no Chandelier" were used as opening and closing themes in the second season of the anime series Meine Liebe. With the exception of these two songs, the singles were added onto the group's first full-length album, Zekkeishoku, which debuted on the Oricon daily charts at #4. The group completed the Kacho Fugetsu Vol. 1 tour in support of the album.

The band continued with a string of solo tours throughout the rest of the year, such as the tour Kimi no Hitomi ni Utsuru wa Zekkeishoku in May and the Hello, New Super View tour in the fall. The latter ended with the final venue at Shibuya Kokaido on October 6; footage of the event was later released the following January on the live DVD Hello, Dear Numbers. Around the same time, the band's first DVD single, "Number Six," saw release. Directed by guitarist Tora, the DVD combined the music video with a short film.

2007: Alpha and mainstream success

A turning point for the band came when the single "Jewels" was released in March. The single allowed the band to land their first magazine cover and feature article with volume 171 of Shoxx Magazine.Later that month on April 28, the band released "Dive into the Sun," a photobook that included an exclusive CD containing the song "Gekkou Yoku." Another landmark was Alice Nine's first performance outside of Japan at the JRock Revolution festival in Los Angeles, California on May 25, 2007. They joined with several other Japanese bands and became the closing performance of the Friday that weekend.

The release of the "White Prayer" single in June marked another milestone for the band's development; vocalist Shou explained in an interview with Shoxx Magazine that the song defined the style that the band was aiming for and hoped to maintain in the future. The process of the song's creation also came about more naturally than usual, as many songs until then were made through trial and error.Later that year, on October 24, the group's single "Tsubasa" was released and peaked at number six on the Oricon charts,making it one of their successful singles to date and landing the band a guest appearance on the Fuji Television variety show Hey! Hey! Hey! Music Champ for the first time.

On November 28, 2007, their second full-length album, Alpha, was released. The title for the album originated as a means to describe the band's return to their roots and beginning anew. The uppercase first letter of the Greek alphabet, Α, was chosen to symbolize this idea. Aside from the singles to be compiled onto the album, recording for songs began in September and lasted for approximately one month.The album reached the ninth position on the Oricon weekly chart, selling over 17,000 copies in its first week.

2008: Vandalize and fifth anniversary

Alice Nine started off the year with another tour, alice nine. 2008 standing tour "A to U". However, complications arose when guitarist Tora was diagnosed with a spinal disc hernia, which had worsened over time to the point of numbness throughout the left side of his body. Finally seeking medical help, the tour had to be postponed until Tora recovered enough for the band to resume activities in Tokyo.

The band released a new single, titled "Mirror Ball" on March 26, 2008. The title song of the single was used in the live-action movie adaptation of the manga Aquarian Age.

Two compilations of the band's music videos, "Alice in Pictures I" and "Alice in Pictures II", were released on July 2, 2008. The DVDs contain approximately 8 music videos in chronological order of their original release, with "Alice in Pictures I" including the videos from "Gin no Tsuki Kuroi Hoshi" to "Number Six". "Alice in Pictures II" contains videos from "Jewels" to "Eraser -Memoire d'une fleur-", and also includes a new music video for "Gekkou Yoku", a song which was exclusively included with the "Dive into the Sun" photobook.

On August 6, the band released their latest single, "Rainbows." The single reached a peak mark of #3 on the Japanese Oricon daily charts which is currently the band's current top position on mainstream Japanese charts.The band also started their tour called "Discotheque play like 'A' Rainbows" which coincided with the new single. The tour lasted the entire month, and the concert footage was released on their live DVD, Discotheque play like "A" Rainbows -enter&exit-, on October 29, 2008.

The band's fourteenth maxi-single, "Cross Game," was released on December 10, 2008. The title song was used as the ending theme song for the second season of the anime Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D'S and was released in two versions.On December 19, 2008, the band's tour at the time culminated in the grand final, named "Crossing the Supernova", at NHK Hall.

A blog entry by vocalist Shou announced that the band was in recording sessions for a third album named Vandalize, which was released on January 14, 2009.^[22]^[23] "Cross Game" is the third single to be featured on the album, along with "Mirror Ball" and "Rainbows" for a total of 11 tracks. The album's title comes from the theme of "the destruction of culture.

2009

In the following weeks of the album's release, the band started their tour for the year, Untitled Vandal(ism). The first half of the tour ran from February to April, while its second half ran throughout the month of July. The tour's finale, "Graced the Beautiful Day," occurred on August 23, 2009 at the Tokyo International Forum Hall.Footage from the finale, as well as live studio performance footage, is set to be released on the live DVD, "Untitled Vandal(ism) #Finale 'Graced the Beautiful Day,'" on November 11, 2009.

On June 2, 2009, a blog entry by vocalist Shou announced the changing of their name from "アリス九號." or "alice nine." to "Alice Nine" for media reasons. He explained that the Japanese transcription was beginning to lose its purpose as a means to "represent aesthetics" and that the English transcription was closest to the band's original intention. The Japanese transcription could also not be read as the band's proper name without the use of furigana or other means of alternative text. The entry also announced new work for the band's fifth anniversary—a new single and a new book, which would use the new English transcription upon release. Alice Nine's fifteenth maxi-single, "Hana," was released on August 5, 2009. Shou describes the titular track as a "danceable song with a sweet and oriental feeling." "Piece of 5ive Elements 'The Book' ~Alice Nine 5th~" is a book containing interviews, reports on the band's concert activities during 2009, photography, and more, and was released on August 24, 2009.

On December 16th Alice Nine held their last concert for 2009. During the 3 hour long event they performed songs from the band's early years and also their brand new tracks too. For the very first song of the night Alice Nine had performed a cover of 'All You Need Is Love', the hit song of The Beatles, even.

2010-present

The band began its activities in 2010 with the announcement of a compilation album, Alice Nine Complete Collection 2006-2009, which contains the title songs from each of the band's maxi-singles released since 2006. The compilation album is to be released on March 24, 2010. The band will also begin its tour for the year, Kikagaku no Kotowari (幾何学ノ理), that same month.

Style

Alice Nine's musical style can mainly be described as rock, with touches of metal, and a few instances of dance music. Their works range diversely, including heavier songs that were more prevalent in their early career, emotional ballads and medium tempo songs, and the lighter rock sound marked with more melodic instrumentation and synthesizers that is present on their 2007 album, Alpha. Like some other Visual Kei bands, as they progressed through the years, the band experimented and released songs that focus more on the mainstream public.

The band's appearance and shift from a heavy visual kei look also took place over the length of their career. In early work, Alice Nine's clothing in promotional footage and live concerts was a sort of stylized take on traditional Japanese clothing, along with moderate makeup, piercings, and bright hair colors such as red and pale blonde. However, in 2006, the look began to fade out and essentially disappeared the year after, having been replaced with leather and the onset of street fashion. Music videos for "Blue Planet" and "Gekkou Yoku" show off a relaxed and casual look, while videos such as those for "cosmic world" and "Rainbows" are examples of forays into street fashion.

Members

Shou (将) – vocals
Hiroto (ヒロト) – guitar
Tora (虎) – guitar, piano
Saga (沙我) – bass guitar, backing vocals
Nao – drums

History X Japan

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1982–1992: X

X was founded in 1982 while vocalist Toshi and drummer Yoshiki were attending high school together. The band began to actively perform live in the Tokyo area in 1985, its lineup at that time being completed by a number of changing support musicians. A first single, titled "I'll Kill You" was released on Dada Records in June and in November of the same year, the group contributed the song "Break the Darkness" to the samplers Heavy Metal Force III.

To ensure a continuous outlet for the band's publications, Yoshiki founded the independent label Extasy Records in the following year on which a second single, "Orgasm", was released.The songs "Stab Me in the Back" and "No Connexion", recorded for the 1987 Victor Records sampler Skull Thrash Zone Volume I mark the group's first material featuring Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka as a support guitar player. He formally joined the group later that year. Likewise, guitarist Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto and bassist Taiji Sawada both briefly performed with X on separate occasions before completing the group's first steady lineup.

On 26 December 1987, the band participated in an audition held by CBS Sony which would lead to a recording contract with the label signed in August of the following year. In the meantime, the band released its first album, Vanishing Vision through Extasy Records on 14 April 1988 and toured extensively in support of the record.The band also appeared in a cameo in the film Tokyo Pop, starring Carrie Hamilton and Diamond Yukai.

X's second album Blue Blood was released on 21 April 1989 and spawned several singles, such as "Kurenai" and "Endless Rain", as well as the group's first home video release, a VHS titled Blue Blood Tour Bakuhatsu Sunzen Gig, containing one of the concerts of the subsequent tour. Recordings for the follow-up album Jealousy took place in Los Angeles.It was released on 1 July 1991 and followed by the band's first performance in Japan's largest indoor concert venue, the Tokyo Dome.^[14] Footage from most of the band's numerous shows in that stadium would later be released on CD and VHS/DVD.

By 1992 the band's success in Japan made an international breakthrough appear likely enough to warrant the renaming to "X Japan", in order to distinguish the group from the United States punk band X. Around the same time Taiji left the group and was replaced by Hiroshi "Heath" Morie.Taiji went on to work with Loudness and Cloud Nine.

1993–1997: X Japan

The X Japan logo, used by the band's after the name change in 1992.

For the release of its next album, X Japan left Sony and signed a deal with Atlantic Records. Art of Life was released on 28 August 1993, notable for containing only the 29 minutes long title track, which would only be performed three times for a live audience.Another studio album was not released until 4 November 1996, though Dahlia contained relatively little new material, given that singles included on the record had been coming out as early as a few months after Art of Life. Around that time, the group dropped most of its original visual kei aesthetics in favor of a more casual look.Dahlia would be the band's last major release, since vocalist Toshi had decided to leave the group,a subsequent dissolution being officially announced in September 1997. X Japan performed their farewell show at the Tokyo Dome on 31 December, making it the last of five consecutive New Year's Eves the group performed in that stadium.

Much has been made of Toshi's departure, including allegations of him joining a cult and being influenced by it. Toshi has since refuted such claims, stating that his decision to leave X Japan dated back as far as April 1996, more than a year before he met the organization's leader, Masaya and that the glamorous, success-oriented life of a rock star failed to satisfy him emotionally, as opposed to a simpler life and career.

Solo projects

While reissues, compilations and live footage continued to be released,the members of X Japan pursued various other projects: Hide, who had been releasing solo albums since 1994's Hide Your Face, continued his solo career as hide with Spread Beaver, now formally including his previous live band and with a sound distinctively different from X Japan's music, leaning more towards alternative rock. But the new group did not last long, due to Hide's death in May 1998.

Toshi has released several solo albums, along with numerous acoustic performances for smaller audiences. According to his website, his Utatabi Traveling Concert tour has included over 3.000 concerts, between 1999 and 2003.

Pata and Heath, along with Spread Beaver percussionist/programmer I.N.A., founded Dope Headz in 2001 which released two albums but then ceased activity. The trio also provided a track for the Hide tribute album Tribute Spirits.Heath is currently pursuing a solo career and Pata is a member of RAIN (Rock and Inspiration).

Before the X Japan breakup, Yoshiki had already independently collaborated with Queen drummer Roger Taylor on the single "Foreign Sand"and provided the Japanese contribution to the international Kiss tribute album Kiss My Ass, an orchestral arrangement of the song "Black Diamond".A compilation with orchestral treatments of X Japan songs, titled Eternal Melody was also released. It was performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and among others featured The Beatles producer George Martin as an arranger.

Since 1998 Yoshiki has engaged in numerous activities, such as being briefly a member of the pop band Globe,producing singles for the Korean rock band TRAX^[27] and working on his solo project Violet UK, which as of 2007 had not yet published a major release. He has also contributed music to the movie Catacombs and will be producing the soundtrack of Repo! The Genetic Opera.On 25 May 2007, the formation of the supergroup S.K.I.N. was announced, which besides Yoshiki consists of pop/rock artists Gackt and Miyavi, as well as former Luna Sea guitarist Sugizo. The band gave its debut at the Anime Expo convention in Long Beach, California on 29 June 2007.

2007 to present: Reunion

In March 2007 Toshi announced on his website that he and Yoshiki had recently resumed working together, stating that a "new project" would commence soon.An X Japan reunion was officially confirmed on 4 June 2007, with Yoshiki announcing a tour, as well as a new single (a re-recording of the song "Without You", originally from Yoshiki's 2005 solo album Eternal Melody II) to be underway and that he was in talks with Heath and Pata regarding their participation.

The band made its first public appearance on 22 October 2007, on the rooftop of the shopping center Aqua City in Odaiba, Tokyo, during which a music video for the newly recorded song "I.V." was filmed. "I.V." also appears on the soundtrack of the movie Saw IV. It is written by Yoshiki and recorded with all living X Japan members of the pre-breakup lineup. Previously unreleased guitar tracks by Hyde were used for the lead guitar part."I.V." was released through the iTunes Store on 23 January 2008, topping the store's daily charts on that day.It is also set to be included in an upcoming greatest hits compilation, along with the previously announced "Without You".When asked whether there would be further new material Yoshiki gave it a "fifty-fifty" chance.Regarding the vacant lead guitar part it was initially stated in June 2007 that about ten guitarists were to fill in for the late hide during concerts, yet no names were mentioned.Yoshiki was later quoted that a guitarist not from Japan and/or a "new face" may be performing with the band.

On 20 January 2008 two Tokyo Dome concert dates were announced, 28 March and 30 March respectively.A third show, scheduled for 29 March, was later added to accommodate demand.The 28 March concert aired live on the pay television channel WOWOW, with a DVD release set to follow,guitarists performing with X Japan during these three concerts were Wes Borland of Black Light Burns, Richard Fortus of Guns N' Roses and Sugizo,in addition to the use of old live footage of hide.Fortus and fellow Guns N' Roses member Robin Finck had previously covered "Endless Rain" as a guitar duet during the Japanese shows of their band's 2007 tour. Borland later commented on his blog that he felt "honored to have been part of the experience".

Due to technical difficulties the first concert was delayed for over two hours and later came to an abrupt end when drummer Yoshiki collapsed eight songs into the performance. The subsequent shows were without such difficulties and during a press conference, plans for a concert in Paris, France on 5 July 2008 were announced, with an intended audience of 20,000 people.X Japan also performed at the hide Memorial Summit, a two-day tribute concert that was held on 3 May and 4 May at the Ajinomoto Stadium and featured about twenty artists, including Dir en grey, Luna Sea and T.M. Revolution.It closed with a performance of the song "X" by members of X Japan, Luna Sea, Mucc, D'espairsRay and solo artist Takanori Nishikawa.

In addition to the Paris date, plans for concerts at the Madison Square Garden, New York City on 13 September, and at the Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei on 2 August were also confirmed.On 8 June it was reported that all previously scheduled shows have been postponed until further notice, due to Yoshiki suffering a relapse of a previous disc herniation and a worsening tendinitis.The Paris and Taipei concerts have since been rescheduled and they're set to take place at the Palais omnisports de Paris-Bercy in Paris, France on 22 November 2008 and at the Taipei World Trade Center in Taipei, Taiwan on 14 February 2009.

September 2008 - January 2009 : Postponements and Delays

On 15 September 2008, Yoshiki held a press conference in Tokyo, at which he announced a new, currently unnamed X Japan song to be in the works, that the band would be featured in the Japanese version of the upcoming music video game Rock Band 2, as well as available as downloadable Content for the English version, and that it would be performing concerts on Christmas and New Year's Eve, respectively.After the conference and facing a short delay due to unsuitable weather for travelling, Yoshiki went on a promotional tour across Asia to finalize dates for concerts at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on January 17, at the Suphachalasai Stadium in Bangkok on January 31, at the Taipei World Trade Center in Taipei on February 14, and at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul on March 21 and 22. A later development of these plans came in the form of a second date being added at the same venue the following night to the announced concert in Seoul. Yoshiki also remarked on the possibility of further concerts in mainland China, Germany and United States, a potential venue for the first of aforementioned concerts was named as the Beijing National Stadium, having recently served as host to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

It later transpired that the Christmas eve concert plans were to be extended to two consecutive nights and held at Saitama Super Arena with an extra concert on Christmas day being added to the previous schedule.These concerts were to make use of a full orchestra, the first time the band had organised a show of this manner for seventeen years.

The announced New Years Eve concert for 31 December was not expected to take place at the Tokyo Dome, the home of X Japan's previous five year consecutive run of concerts on the particular date, as the pop band News had been scheduled to fill the said position.Giving clarity to the situation Yoshiki announced during a television interview that X Japan would be performing at the live house Akasaka Blitz, a surprising choice to many fans due to its small attendance capacity in comparison to that of recent X Japan shows. The reasoning given for the said choice was described as being a desire by the band to return to its grass-roots and to provide a more intimate concert setting for the attending fans.

On October 31 media outlets in Japan began to report that the title for the world tour would be "Final ~ To end our pain" and that it would appear likely that the band would separate once again after completing concert dates around the world.While no party attached with the band have yet to directly comment on this speculation, it contradicts a response which Yoshiki made during a recent Japanese television interview where he answered that X Japan would continue for "as long as my body can take it".

On November 7 the French ticketing website Avos billets announced that the planned ticket sale for the scheduled X Japan show in Paris was to be cancelled as the November 22nd was to be postponed once again.Later that day, X Japan released a press statement through their French language website in which they apologised for the second postponement and also announced that the planned Christmas shows were to suffer a likewise fate. The statement noted that X Japan had transferred full control of the world tour to Irving Azoff and his management agency, who then made the executive decision to reschedule the aforementioned shows. Although new dates were not given, the statement announced that they would embark on a nationwide tour of Japan in the spring and that the band would play further dates in Europe and Scandinavia, along with fulfilling the New Year's Eve concert. Previously announced tour dates in Asia are also planned.

These announced plans can be supplemented with the information that a recent internet marketing research campaign launched by a company working on behalf of Yoshiki has claimed that X Japan will be touring in North America in the summer of 2009.

In December it was announced that the Thailand concert was postponed until further notice due to the recent political turmoil in the country.

In early January the previously announced Taiwan concert date was also postponed for a second time, with the band's management citing a potential safety issue involving the venue as the impetus of the postponement.

January 2009 to Present: World Tour

On December 31 X Japan performed their New Years eve countdown performance at the Akasaka Blitz, performing a set list which included older material and also announcing the plans for the upcoming year. Plans for the world tour in 2009 were reiterated with the formal announcement of supplemental concerts in Los Angeles, Germany and Finland in addition to their previously announced tour schedule. While these locations where announced, dates or specific venues were not forthcoming.

On January 15 the band arrived in Hong Kong ahead of their opening tour performances on January 16 and January 17.

It was recently announced the two shows planned for South Korea were postponed. A newspaper in Japan also reported that Heath was using his lawyers to change his contractual obligations, and if an agreement was not reached, Heath would depart from X Japan. Many of the fans are pointing to this as the reason why the South Korea shows are being postponed.

On May 1, an official announcement was made which confirmed that Sugizo was officially joining X Japan. The announcement said that Sugizo was joining as a 6th member, rather than as a replacement for the deceased lead guitarist Hide. Heath also made a public apology about the recent rumour of his leaving X Japan and reassured fans that he would remain with X Japan.

On May 2 and 3, the band held two live shows at Tokyo Dome. Both shows were completely sold out. The yoshikitty, a collaboration between Yoshiki and Hello Kitty, was officially sold. Only 100 pieces were sold on each day. X Japan performed their newest song, Jade, during the live shows. On May 30, the band did their first live show with 6 members in Taiwan.

On January 9, 2010 the band made its first US public appearance by shooting four new music videos in Hollywood.The four videos that were shot were for Rusty Nail, Jade, Endless Rain and I.V.. A video for Kurenai was also shot on January 14 in a secret location, while additional filming will continue until February.

On February 1, 2010, Yoshiki confirmed that X Japan will be performing at Lollapalooza in August. Later that month, Yoshiki announced at a press event for his jewelry line that the band would be relocating to Los Angeles, CA with a concert being planned for a "simple" venue in the Los Angeles-area to mark the band's first official North American engagement before the Lollapalooza Festival in August.

Musical style

X Japan's music developed in the wake of the success of American and British glam and heavy metal bands and is characterized by hard-driving power metal compositions (e.g. "Kurenai", "Silent Jealousy"), as well as emotional ballads (e.g. "Endless Rain", "Forever Love").Many of the group's songs make heavy use of piano-driven, orchestrated passages, particularly longer tracks such as the ten and a half minute "Tears" and the twenty-nine minute "Art of Life".

The majority of the band's catalog of music was written by Yoshiki with relatively few compositions coming from the other members of the band. Bassist Taiji and guitarist hide contributed several songs each with Pata's only sole claim being "White Wind from Mr. Martin ~Pata's Nap~" and Toshi's only contribution being lyrics for a small number of songs. Bassist Heath's only writing credit comes in the form of the instrumental song "Wriggle" on the 1996 album Dahlia, a song he is said to have created via a collaboration with Pata. In X Japan's entire musical catalog only one song is credited as a full band collaboration, that being "Easy Fight Rambling", a song on the 1989 album Blue Blood.

Yoshiki's composing style tends to make use of chords in sequences of eights with frequent uses of riff based motifs and call and response phrasing throughout the structure of a song. For the most part he has maintained this style for the majority of his career as a composer. Having played classical piano since he was 4 years old and once aspiring to study in a classical music academy, Yoshiki claims to be as influenced by classical music as he is by rock music, a claim which is fairly evident when looking over the entire volume of music put out by the band. While also serving as the main song writer Yoshiki has production credit on virtually all of X Japan's music, a fact that is embellished by the knowledge that all studio releases by the band from 1990 onwards have been recorded and produced in his privately owned recording studio in Los Angeles.

During live performances the band relies, for the most part, solely on its members (with drummer and pianist Yoshiki switching between instruments) and prerecorded tracks, e.g. for orchestral strings, spoken word passages, and more recently, most of hide's guitar parts.

Members

As with numerous other Japanese bands, the members of X Japan are usually credited with their given or stage names.

Toshimitsu "Toshi" Deyama (出山利三, Deyama Toshimitsu^?) – vocals (1982–1997, 2007–present)
Tomoaki "Pata" Ishizuka (石塚智昭 Ishizuka Tomoaki) – guitar (1987–1997, 2007–present)
Yūne "Sugizo" Sugihara (杉原有音 Sugihara Yūne) – guitar, violin, backing vocals (2008–present)
Hiroshi "Heath" Morie (森江博 Morie Hiroshi) – bass, backing vocals (1992–1997, 2007–present)
Yoshiki Hayashi (林佳樹 Hayashi Yoshiki) – drums, piano (1982–1997, 2007–present)

Former members

Hideto "Hide" Matsumoto (松本秀人 Matsumoto Hideto) – guitar, backing vocals (1987–1997)†
Taiji Sawada (沢田泰司 Sawada Taiji) – bass, backing vocals (1985, 1986–1992)
Hisashi Takai (Jun/Shu) - Guitar (1985, 1986)
Hikaru - Bass (1985–1986)
Yuji Izumisawa (Yuji) - Guitar (1982–1985) †
Tomoyuki Ogata (Tomo) - Guitar (1984–1985)
Atsushi Tokuo (Tely) - Bass (1984–1985)
Hally (吉田良文) - Guitar (1985)
Zen - Guitar (1985–1986)
Kerry - Guitar (1986)
Satoru - Guitar (1986)
Isao - Guitar (1987)
Taji - Bass (1982–1983)

History Dier en Grey

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1997–1999: Early career

Dir en grey was preceded by the independent band La:Sadie's which included four of Dir en grey's later members before it disbanded.After parting ways with La:Sadie's bassist Kisaki, Kyo, Kaoru, Die and Shinya along with newly recruited bassist Toshiya regrouped as a new band on February 2, 1997 and released a first EP, Missa, a few months later. According to guitarist Kaoru, the name "Dir en grey" was chosen because it "sounded right," and is composed of words from several languages, so that people would not be able to attach a specific meaning to it other than the band's name itself. More likely, however, was that the name was taken from "Dir en Gray", a song from Lareine's first demo.

They first attracted mainstream attention in 1998, by entering the top ten on the Oricon music charts with the still independently produced songs "Jealous" and "-I'll-".Five subsequent singles, arranged and produced by X Japan co-founder Yoshiki Hayashi, were published during the first half of 1999, the band's first full-length record, Gauze, followed. One of the shows in support for the album (filmed at the Osaka-jo Hall) would later become the first of several live concerts to be released on VHS and DVD.

2000–2004: From Macabre to Vulgar

In 2000 vocalist Kyo was hospitalized with hearing trouble and several dates of the tour in support of Dir en grey's then upcoming album, Macabre, had to be postponed. "Tour 00 >> 01 Macabre" eventually took off later the same year and was concluded at Nippon Budokan, shortly after the release of the single "Ain't Afraid to Die" in April 2001.

In the following year, along with the release of a third full-length album, Kisou, Dir en grey gave their first performances abroad, touring China, Taiwan, and South Korea.Back in Japan, the last dates of the lengthy "Rettou Gekishin Angya" tour were already in support for the band's second EP, Six Ugly. In summer 2003, Dir en grey performed at the Akasaka Blitz for five evenings in one week. Each show (except the first) was themed after a certain album, the last featuring songs from the then yet to be released Vulgar. A DVD set, titled Blitz 5 Days, was later released exclusively for members of the band's official fan club, A Knot. Vulgar released in September 2003, tours in support for the record would last well into 2004.

2005–2006: Early non-Asian touring

Kyo, Performing live at Rock im Park in 2006

In 2005, Dir en grey performed in Europe for the first time. Their concerts in Berlin and Paris (as part of the "It Withers and Withers" tour) sold out without promotion, save for newsletters by import record stores and internet-based word of mouth.The band also performed at two major festivals, Rock am Ring and Rock im Park. Becoming more involved with the international music scene, they had French band Eths open for them at the Paris concert and invited American musician Wednesday 13 and his band to play at a show in Japan. Dir en grey also appeared at the Japanese leg of the "Taste of Chaos" tour.

2005 saw the first official European releases as well, in the form of that year's album Withering to Death. The band's music had previously been available to fans not living in Asia through means of import and Internet file-sharing only. The album also managed to achieve Dir en grey's first non-Asian chart position, reaching #31 in the Finnish album charts. The subsequent single, "Clever Sleazoid", later climbed to #15 on the singles charts in the same country.Several Dir en grey songs were also featured in the soundtrack of the 2005 film Death Trance.

In early 2006 touring was expanded to the United States. The band performed in Austin, Texas (South by Southwest festival), New York City (Avalon Club) and Los Angeles, California (Wiltern Theatre), followed by the North American release of Withering to Death. Again, all shows sold out within days. and Billboard Magazine commented that Dir en grey "ignited frenzied response with its first three U.S. shows".After more concerts and festival appearances in Germany during the summer, singer Kyo was again hospitalized, due to inflamed vocal cords. While two concert dates in Japan had to be postponed, Dir en grey was still able to join Korn's Family Values Tour.^[20] In October, the band was back in Japan to perform at the Loudpark Festival, along with bands such as Megadeth, Slayer and Children of Bodom.Their 22nd single, "Agitated Screams of Maggots" was released on November 15, during the Japanese leg of the Inward Scream tour. On December 30, the music video for "Saku" was voted the #1 video of the year on the MTV2 show Headbanger's Ball.

2007-present: The Marrow of a Bone and Uroboros

In February, Dir en grey went on its first North American headlining tour, visiting sixteen cities while its sixth full-length album, The Marrow of a Bone, was released on February 7 in Japan, and in the United States and Europe in the following months. From May to July, the group opened during a United States tour of Deftones and afterwards did another European tour, which included their debut shows in Denmark, Finland, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom, as well as several festival performances across the continent, including Ankkarock, M'era Luna Festival and Wacken Open Air.

The group went on another international tour in September, titled after its most recent single "Dozing Green", beginning in Japan, and continuing in Europe, including their first performance in The Netherlands and Switzerland.In late November, Dir en grey opened two shows for Linkin Park at Saitama Super Arena and in December performed another Japan tour with 10 Years as support act.Commemorating Dir en grey's tenth anniversary as a band, two greatest hits compilations, titled Decade 1998-2002 and Decade 2003-2007 respectively, were released on December 19.

At the beginning of 2008, Dir en grey announced plans to begin recording a new studio album...Their first touring of the year, in May, was another Japan tour with a conclusion of three shows at Shinkiba Studio Coast, titled Death over Blindness.Between touring, Dir en grey performed on one night of the two-night Hide Memorial Summit on May 4, alongside X Japan, Luna Sea, and others.A second Japanese tour, titled Tour 08 The Rose Trims Again began September 10 the same day as the release of their recent single "Glass Skin".

On August 1, Dir en grey announced the release of their seventh studio album, Uroboros,which was released on November 11, 2008 in the United States. The band also toured the United States and Canada in support of the album with dates scheduled for November and December (overlapping the release of Uroboros) with opening act The Human Abstract. More touring that fall included a series of four shows titled "Bajra", two being fan-club exclusive, and a single show on December 29, under the moniker "Uroboros -Breathing-", at the famous Osaka-jo Hall where Dir en grey had not performed since December 18, 1999 (as seen on 1999.12.18 Osakajo Hall).

Beginning in 2009, Dir en grey made their first thorough tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland with Kerrang!'s "Relentless Tour '09" alongside Mindless Self Indulgence, Bring Me The Horizon, Black Tide and In Case Of Fire. In February, the band announced the public release of a new live DVD, Tour 08 The Rose Trims Again, as well as switching European record labels to the newly founded Okami Records, a sister label of their former European representation, Gan-Shin.

During spring of 2009, the band began to fully promote Uroboros with a series of nationwide tours, under the title "Tour 09 Feast of V Senses." The tour was interrupted briefly while in Sapporo and Sendai, with an announcement on the band's official website, explaining that Kyo had been diagnosed with edema of the larynx, and would require the postponement of three shows, which were rescheduled for early May.

Dir en grey continued their Feast of V Senses tour in Europe, with a mixture of festival performances, headlining shows, and one co-headlining show with Killswitch Engage. The festival performances included their third appearances at Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, as well as their initial concerts at Download Festival, Nova Rock and Metaltown. Among the headlining shows, Dir en grey were also making debut concerts in Italy and the Czech Republic.

After several shows of their late-summer tour, "All Visible Things," Dir en grey announced their next single for December, "Hageshisa to, Kono Mune no Naka de Karamitsuita Shakunetsu no Yami", as well as a North American and South American tour also under the title "All Visible Things." Their new single was released on December 2, 2009 and reached number 2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart. The highest position to date for band.

Their 2009 tour season ended with a 3 live tour entitled, "DORJE". They finally ended their long Uroboros centered tour by doing 2 back to back performances at the Nippon Budokan, entitled, "UROBOROS –with the proof in the name of living…-" where tickets sold out in 15 minutes.

Style and subject matter

Dir en grey has been categorized in many genres such as alternative metal, alternative rock, experimental, hardcore, nu metal, metalcore, avant garde, progressive and various others.Dir en grey's format has been subject to change throughout their career, initially being a rather experimental form of alternative rock. Some tracks of their debut album Gauze also demonstrated a distinct hardcore punk appeal, which was largely dropped in favor of a more progressive sound on the following albums, Macabre and Kisou. While up to that point some songs had already been more fast-paced, raw and aggressive than others, the band's music took a decisive turn with the release of the EP Six Ugly, from then on sporting more metal influences in general. Dir en grey's style has since gravitated towards riffs and song structures more along the lines of contemporary North American fusion genres, such as nu metal and metalcore, though their latest album, Uroboros, sees them return to the more experimental and oriental sound of their earlier albums. Since its release many sources have begun classifying Dir en grey as progressive metal. In a review of their sixth full length album, The Marrow of a Bone, allmusic comments on their evolution and diversity.

Kyo's singing is considered a pivotal aspect of the band, and he has gained recognition for his distinctive vocal work and for his large range and versatility, being able to "howl, croon, emote cleanly, scream, shriek, growl, bellow, and make nearly inhuman sounds",and he has been compared favorably to singer and avant garde musician Mike Patton.In their review of Uroboros, Sputnik Music says only of Kyo's singing, "I challenge you to find one singer in any genre with more range than this guy.All lyrics are written by Kyo and deal with subjects such as society, mass media as well as sexual obsessions and love, usually with negative implications. The vocabulary varies from subtle to explicit and several songs rely heavily on double entendres and other wordplay, often involving the multiple meanings of a kanji character.

Members

As with numerous other Japanese bands, the members of Dir en grey are credited with their given or stage name, the names of Kyo (京^?) and Kaoru (薫) usually being written in kanji.

Kyo – vocals
Kaoru – guitar, backing vocals
Die – guitar, backing vocals
Toshiya – bass guitar, backing vocals
Shinya – drums

History L'Arc-en-Ciel

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1991–1996: Early Career

In February 1991, bassist Tetsuya, later band leader, recruited vocalist Hyde along with guitarist Hiro and drummer Pero, and formed a band under the name of L'Arc-en-Ciel. After a year of gaining notoriety in their hometown of Osaka, Hiro left the band on June 12, 1992. Tetsuya convinced his friend Ken to quit his university studies (he was an architecture major at The Nagoya Institute of Technology) and join the band as the guitarist. Pero soon left the band on December 30, 1992. In 1993, a new drummer, Sakura, joined the band.

On April 1, 1993, the band released their debut album Dune under the indie label Danger Crue. The album was a success and rose to number one on the Oricon indies charts, catching the attention of some major labels. In 1994, L'Arc-en-Ciel signed on with Sony's Ki/oon division, releasing their second album, Tierra that same year. Heavenly followed in 1995. True, released in 1996, became their first number-one, million selling album.

1997: Sakura's departure

In February 1997, drummer Sakura was arrested for illegal drug possession.He officially quit the band on October 4, 1997. This proved to be the lowest point in the band's history. When news of Sakura's arrest became public, there was an immediate official response and CDs were removed from the shelves."The Fourth Avenue Cafe" for Rurouni Kenshin was immediately replaced with former theme "Heart of the Sword" after only six episodes of running time. Their next single "The Fourth Avenue Cafe" was postponed.It was eventually released in 2006.

Self-copy band The Zombies

Over the next few months the group continued to be featured in magazines, but only as a trio. "The Zombies", which was notionally recorded as the "copy band", sang their songs.They also covered Marilyn Manson's "Irresponsible Hate Anthem".The return from the break was marked by the appropriately named Reincarnation 97 Live in Tokyo Dome, with their new drummer, Yukihiro (former drummer with Zi:Kill and Die in Cries). The first concert in Tokyo Dome had an attendance of 56,000, which sold out in four minutes, a record at that time.

In 1997, "Niji", the first single after Sakura's departure, was released with Yukihiro listed as a supporting member. Not long after the release of the single, Yukihiro was signed on as the official drummer for L'Arc-en-Ciel.

1998–2000: Blockbuster success in J-pop market

Their 1998 single "Winter Fall", became their first number-one single on the Oricon charts.They released the album Heart on February 25, 1998. Ark and Ray were released simultaneously on July 1, 1999, and became the first Japanese albums to be released simultaneously in many other Asian countries. Both topped the Oricon music charts, with Ark occupying number one and Ray at number two. The release of ark and ray marked the commercial high point of the band's career, with each selling over two million copies.

Their next album Real was released on August 30, 2000. However, it was their last studio album for some time. "Stay Away" from the album Real was featured in DrumMania 4th Mix, making the song playable on the machine.

2001–2003: Hiatus and solo projects

The compilation Clicked Singles Best 13 was released on March 14, 2001. The compilation included twelve songs chosen by fans online in Asia and an additional thirteenth song, "Anemone".Their album Real was re-released as Super Audio CD on July 4, 2001. L'Arc-en-Ciel's last new single before their hiatus, "Spirit Dreams Inside: Another Dream", was released on September 5, 2001. Their English language song "Spirit Dreams Inside" was adopted for the closing theme song to the movie Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

After "Spirit Dreams Inside", the band went on a hiatus as the members began working on various solo projects. Hyde released two solo albums (Roentgen and 666) and starred in the movie Moon Child with the popular Japanese soloist Gackt. Hyde also played the part of Adam in the movie Kagen no Tsuki (Last Quarter), based on the manga by the same title. Ken founded Sons of All Pussys with L'Arc-en-Ciel's former drummer Sakura. Tetsu started Tetsu69 and Yukihiro sang with Acid Android.

Three compilation albums The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1994–1998, The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel 1998–2000 and The Best of L'Arc-en-Ciel C/W were released on March 19, 2003. The album series included their almost all singles at that time except "Spirit Dreams Inside -Another Dream-".

2004: Comeback and U.S. concert debut

In June 2003, L'Arc-en-Ciel performed a series of seven concerts in Tokyo called the Shibuya Seven Days, during which they announced a new album for release the following year. The band released "Ready Steady Go" in February 2004, its first single in more than three years. The song was used as an opening for a popular anime series, Fullmetal Alchemist.It topped Oricon weekly single charts.A cover of the song is used in a video game for the Nintendo DS called Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan. The single was followed by "Hitomi no Jūnin", in early March. The album, Smile, was released on March 31. Shortly afterwards, on June 2, 2004, the single "Jiyuu e no Shoutai" introduced P'unk-en-Ciel, a partial change, for the first time on CD with "Milky Way".

On July 31, 2004, L'Arc-en-Ciel made their North American concert debut at the anime convention Otakon, held annually in Baltimore, Maryland. Approximately 12,000 people attended the concert, which was held at an outside venue for the first time in Otakon's musical guest history, at 1st Mariner Arena.They were also the first Japanese act (and until JAM Project in 2008, the only) to perform at the Arena. On May 31, 2005, Tofu Records, Sony Music Japan's U.S. label, released the much-anticipated DVD of the Otakon 2004 concert Live in U.S.A. On June 25, 2007, L'Arc-en-Ciel signed a deal with HMV America.

2005–2006: Asia live tour and solo projects

In 2005, the band released various singles, including "Killing Me", "New World", and "Jojōshi". These were later featured on their album, Awake, which was released on June 22 with twelve tracks, including "Lost Heaven", the closing theme of the Fullmetal Alchemist movie. The band's single, "Link", released on July 20, 2005, was also featured in the movie as the opening theme, which was included by their next album Kiss.

Hyde singing "Revelation" during the 2005 Awake tour

In August 2005, the band went on their Awake tour, which was limited to Japan. The tour featured displays of anti-war sentiment, reflecting similar lyrics of the songs of the album. The Japanese Awake tour was followed by the Asia Live 2005 tour, with performances in Seoul and Shanghai, closing with concerts in Japan. Japan's two concerts took place at the Tokyo Dome.

Following the Awake and Asia Live tours, L'Arc-en-Ciel's members turned their attention back to their solo projects. Tetsuya began recording with a new band called Creature Creature. Yukihiro rejoined Acid Android, which released single "Let's Dance" on April 5, 2006. Acid Android joined Mucc, another Japanese rock band, to perform two concerts in Shanghai, China in April 2006.

Hyde composed "Glamorous Sky", the theme song to the film adaption of the manga Nana starring pop singer Mika Nakashima. It was the first time Hyde composed music for another vocalist. Hyde's latest solo album, Faith, was released in Japan on April 26, 2006, accompanied by a five month tour throughout Japan between April and August 2006. After signing on with Tofu Records, four small concerts were scheduled in San Francisco and Anaheim, California in the United States. Hyde made his U.S. debut in July 2006, the first of L'Arc-en-Ciel's solo projects to extend internationally. On August 23, Ken released a solo single entitled "Speed".

2006–2009: 15th anniversary and Europe concert debut

On November 25 and 26, 2006, L'Arc-en-Ciel played two shows at the Tokyo Dome to celebrate their 15th anniversary, entitled L'Anniversary. It sold out in two minutes, breaking their former record.A poll was created on the official website during the weeks before the concert which allowed fans to pick which songs they would like to hear at the event.The concert was later shown on the WOWOW channel on December 23, 2006. It was also broadcast on February 8, 2007 on Korea MTV.

L'Arc-en-Ciel later recorded the song "Shine" to be used as the opening song for the NHK anime, Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit. They kicked-off their Mata Heart Ni Hi Wo Tsukero 2007 tour in Japan. L'Arc-en-Ciel released the single "Seventh Heaven" on May 30, 2007, which topped the Oricon charts.The song "My Heart Draws a Dream", used in a Subaru commercial, was released as a single on August 29, 2007, and made the #1 spot on the Oricon charts.The song "Daybreak's Bell" was used as the first opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00.It was released as a single on October 10, 2007, topping the Oricon weekly charts as well.From November 14 to December 25, 2007, there was a limited edition single titled "Hurry Xmas", along with two new DVDs coming out in September and December, titled 15th L'Anniversary Live and Chronicle 3 respectively. Their new studio album Kiss, released on November 21, 2007, debuted at the number-one position on the Oricon charts.

L'Arc-en-Ciel performed the Theater of Kiss tour, which was held from December 22, 2007 to February 17, 2008. The song "Drink It Down", used as the Japanese opening song for the PS3/Xbox360 game Devil May Cry 4, was released as a single on April 2, 2008, and topped the Oricon weekly charts.The band went on the Tour 2008 L'7 ~Trans Asia via Paris~ which covered several major Asian cities, as well as Paris, France.On this tour a definite live show hiatus until 2011 was announced. L'Arc-en-Ciel media continued to be released, a double A-side single, "Nexus 4 / Shine" and a DVD, Tour 2007-2008 Theater of Kiss were released on August 27, 2008. Live in Paris, the DVD of their live concert in Paris, was released on May 20, 2009. Hyde and K.A.Z formed rock duo Vamps and released their first album Vamps on June 10, 2009.

2010

On December 1, 2009, L'Arc-en-Ciel announced a new single, "Bless", to be released on January 27, 2010 and will be used as the theme song to the NHK 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Also, Tetsu announced that he has changed his stage name to tetsuya and released his first artist book, which ranked No.6 among the Talent Book Charts, while featuring early live pictures and a 30,000 character Interview with the bassist.

There next release is scheduled for March 10th, which will be the band's Best-Of Album, featured in 4 CDs, with 7 tracks per band member, chosen and re-mastered by each of them. The first press edition also comes with a DVD which includes a variety quiz show with the band.

P'unk~en~Ciel

P'unk-en-Ciel (パンクアンシエル, panku an shieru^?) is an alter ego of L'Arc-en-Ciel. Introduced in 2004, Hyde takes over guitar, Ken the drums, Yukihiro plays the bass, while Tetsuya performs the vocals. P'unk~en~Ciel's songs have a more punk sound and their music is usually heavier and faster with a different tone due to Tetsuya's vocals. Hyde wears a pirate patch over his left eye in P'unk~en~Ciel performances. Yukihiro is known to wear a gas mask; however, this has only been seen once at a live concert during their Smile tour in 2004.

Each member is called in capital letters Tetsu P'unk (now T.E.Z P’unk), Ken P'unk, Hyde P'unk and Yuki P'unk. Each member produces one song of their choice, and they alternate their productions.

P'unk~en~Ciel is the revision of D'ark~en~Ciel, the former being a special event that took place during the early L'Arc-en-Ciel years when Sakura was the drummer. The only material released from them is the 18-minute B-side "D'ark~en~Ciel" found on the (then) unreleased The Fourth Avenue Cafe single.

Their songs are recorded and used as B-sides on singles from 2004 and their performances can be found as extras on Live DVDs. They also featured television personality Sayaka Aoki with their song "Round and Round 2005".

Performed songs

Their recorded versions are:

"Milky Way" found on the "Jiyū e no Shōtai" single (Produced by Hyde P'unk).
"Round and Round 2005" found on the "Killing Me" single (Produced by Ken P'unk).
"Kasou Heisei 17 Nen" (Flower Burial 2005) found on the "New World" single (Produced by Hyde P'unk).
"Heaven's Drive 2005" found on the "Jojōshi" single (Produced by Yuki P'unk).
"Promised Land 2005" found on the "Link" single (Produced by Tetsu P'unk).
"Honey 2007" found on the "Seventh Heaven" single (Produced by Ken P'unk).
"Feeling Fine 2007" found on the "My Heart Draws a Dream" single (Produced by Yuki P'unk).
"Natsu no Yuutsu (夏の憂鬱) [Sea in Blood 2007]" found on the "Daybreak's Bell" single (Produced by Hyde P'unk).
"I Wish 2007" found on the "Hurry Xmas" single (Produced by Tetsu P'unk - it also has a PV).
"Dune 2008" found on the "Drink It Down" single (Produced by Ken P'unk).
"Route 666 -2010-" found on the "Bless" single (Produced by Yuki P'unk).

P'unk~en~Ciel can be seen on live on:

Smile Tour 2004 DVD performing "Milky Way".
Asialive 2005 DVD performing "Round and Round 2005".
Are You Ready? 2007 Mata Heart ni Hi wo Tsukero! (またハートに火をつけろ！) DVD performing "Honey 2007" and "Feeling Fine 2007".
Tour 2007-2008 Theater of Kiss DVD performing "Natsu no Yuutsu (夏の憂鬱) [Sea in Blood 2007]" and "I Wish 2007".

Members

Hyde – vocals, guitar
Tetsuya – bass, backing vocals
Ken – guitar, backing vocals
Yukihiro – drums

History Led Zeplin

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Formation

The beginning of Led Zeppelin can be traced back to the English blues-influenced rock band The Yardbirds.Jimmy Page joined The Yardbirds in 1966 to replace the original bassist Paul Samwell-Smith, who had decided to leave the group. Shortly after, Page switched from bass to lead guitar, creating a dual-lead guitar line up with Jeff Beck. Following the departure of Beck from the group in October 1966, The Yardbirds, tired from constant touring and recording, were beginning to wind down. Page wanted to form a supergroup with himself and Beck on guitars, and The Who's rhythm section—drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle. Vocalists Steve Winwood and Steve Marriott were also considered for the project.The group never formed, although Page, Beck and Moon did record a song together in 1966, "Beck's Bolero", which is featured on Beck's 1968 album, Truth. The recording session also included bassist-keyboardist John Paul Jones, who told Page that he would be interested in collaborating with him on future projects.

The Yardbirds played their final gig in July 1968. However, they were still committed to performing several concerts in Scandinavia, so drummer Jim McCarty and vocalist Keith Relf authorised Page and bassist Chris Dreja to use the Yardbirds name to fulfill the band's obligations. Page and Dreja began putting a new line-up together. Page's first choice for lead singer, Terry Reid, declined the offer, but suggested Robert Plant, a West Bromwich singer Plant eventually accepted the position, recommending a drummer, John Bonham from nearby Redditch.When Dreja dropped out of the project to become a photographer (he would later take the photograph that appeared on the back of Led Zeppelin's debut album), John Paul Jones, at the suggestion of his wife, contacted Page about the vacant position.Being familiar with Jones' credentials, Page agreed to bring in Jones as the final piece.

The group came together for the first time in a room below a record store on Gerrard Street in London.Page suggested that they try playing "Train Kept A-Rollin'", a rockabilly song popularised by Johnny Burnette that had been given new life by the Yardbirds. "As soon as I heard John Bonham play," recalled Jones, "I knew this was going to be great... We locked together as a team immediately.Shortly afterwards, the group played together on the final day of sessions for the P. J. Proby album, Three Week Hero. The album's song "Jim's Blues" was the first studio track to feature all four members of the future Led Zeppelin.Proby recalled, "Come the last day we found we had some studio time, so I just asked the band to play while I just came up with the words. ... They weren't Led Zeppelin at the time, they were the New Yardbirds and they were going to be my band.

The band completed the Scandinavian tour as The New Yardbirds, playing together for the first time in front of a live audience at Gladsaxe Teen Clubs in Gladsaxe, Denmark on 7 September 1968.However, it was clear to the band that performing under the old Yardbirds tag was akin to working under false pretences, and upon returning from Scandinavia they decided to change their name.One account of the band's naming, which has become almost legendary, has it that Keith Moon and John Entwistle, drummer and bassist for The Who, respectively, suggested that a possible supergroup containing themselves, Jimmy Page, and Jeff Beck would go down like a lead zeppelin, a term Entwistle used to describe a bad gig.The group deliberately dropped the 'a' in Lead at the suggestion of their manager, Peter Grant, to prevent "thick Americans from pronouncing it "leed".

Grant also secured for the new band an advance deal of $200,000 from Atlantic Records in November 1968, then the biggest deal of its kind for a new band.Atlantic was a label known for a catalogue of blues, soul and jazz artists, but in the late 1960s it began to take an interest in progressive British rock acts, and signed Led Zeppelin without having ever seen them, largely on the recommendation of singer Dusty Springfield.Under the terms of the contract secured by Grant, the band alone would decide when they would release albums and tour, and had final say over the contents and design of each album. They also would decide how to promote each release and which (if any) tracks to release as singles,and formed their own company, Superhype, to handle all publishing rights.

Early days (1968–1970)

With their first album not yet released, the band made their live debut under the name "Led Zeppelin" at the Mayfair Ballroom, Newcastle Upon Tyne on 4 October 1968.This was followed by a US concert debut on 26 December 1968 (when promoter Barry Fey added them to a bill in Denver, Colorado) before moving on to the west coast for dates in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities.Led Zeppelin's eponymous debut album was released on 12 January 1969, during their first US tour. The album's blend of blues, folk and eastern influences with distorted amplification made it one of the pivotal records in the creation of heavy metal music.However, Plant has commented that it is unfair for people to typecast the band as heavy metal, since about a third of their music was acoustic.On their first album Plant receives no credit for his contributions to the songwriting, a result of his previous association with CBS Records.^[34]

Led Zeppelin members Robert Plant (left) and Jimmy Page performing live in Montreux, 1970

In an interview for the Led Zeppelin Profiled radio promo CD (1990) Page said that the album took about 36 hours of studio time to create (including mixing), and stated that he knows this because of the amount charged on the studio bill.Peter Grant claimed the album cost £1,750 to produce (including artwork).By 1975, the album had grossed $7,000,000.Led Zeppelin's album cover met an interesting protest when, at a 28 February 1970 gig in Copenhagen, the band were billed as "The Nobs" as the result of a threat of legal action from Countess Eva von Zeppelin (granddaughter of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, the creator of the Zeppelin airships), who, upon seeing the cover photo of the Hindenburg crashing in flames, threatened to have the show pulled off the air.She is reported to have said: "They may be world famous, but a couple of shrieking monkeys are not going to use a privileged family name without permission."

In their first year, Led Zeppelin managed to complete four US and four UK concert tours, and also released their second album, entitled Led Zeppelin II.Recorded almost entirely on the road at various North American recording studios, the second album was an even greater success than the first and reached the number one chart position in the US and the UK.Here the band further developed ideas established on their debut album, creating a work which became even more widely acclaimed and arguably more influential.It has been suggested that Led Zeppelin II largely wrote the blueprint for heavy metal bands that followed it.

Following the album's release, Led Zeppelin completed several more tours of the United States. They played often, initially in clubs and ballrooms, then in larger auditoriums and eventually stadiums as their popularity grew.Led Zeppelin concerts could last more than four hours, with expanded, improvised live versions of their song repertoire. Many of these shows have been preserved as Led Zeppelin bootleg recordings. It was also during this period of intensive concert touring that the band developed a reputation for off-stage excess.One alleged example of such extravagance was the shark episode, or red snapper incident, which is said to have taken place at the Edgewater Inn in Seattle, Washington, on 28 July 1969.

For the composition of their third album, Led Zeppelin III, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant retired to Bron-Yr-Aur, a remote cottage in Wales, in 1970. The result was a more acoustic sound (including one entirely acoustic song, "Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp", misspelt as "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on the album cover), which was strongly influenced by folk and Celtic music, and revealed the band's versatility.

The album's rich acoustic sound initially received mixed reactions, with many critics and fans surprised at the turn taken away from the primarily electric compositions of the first two albums. Over time, however, its reputation has improved and Led Zeppelin III is now generally praised.It has a unique album cover featuring a wheel which, when rotated, displays various images through cut outs in the main jacket sleeve. The album's opening track, "Immigrant Song", was released in November 1970 by Atlantic Records as a single against the band's wishes.It included their only non-album b-side, "Hey Hey What Can I Do". Even though the band saw their albums as indivisible, whole listening experiences—and their manager, Peter Grant, maintained an aggressive pro-album stance—some singles were released without their consent. The group also increasingly resisted television appearances, enforcing their preference that their fans hear and see them in live concerts.

"The biggest band in the world" (1971–1977)

Led Zeppelin's popularity in the early years was dwarfed by their triumphant mid-seventies successes and it is this period that continues to define the band.The band's image also changed as members began to wear elaborate, flamboyant clothing. Led Zeppelin began travelling in a private jet airliner (nicknamed The Starship),rented out entire sections of hotels (most notably the Continental Hyatt House in Los Angeles, known colloquially as the "Riot House"), and became the subject of many of rock's most famous stories of debauchery. One escapade involved John Bonham riding a motorcycle through a rented floor of the Riot House,while another involved the destruction of a room in the Tokyo Hilton, leading to the band being banned from that establishment for life. However, although Led Zeppelin developed a reputation for trashing their hotel suites and throwing television sets out of the windows, some suggest that these tales have been somewhat exaggerated. Music journalist Chris Welch argues that "[Led Zeppelin's] travels spawned many stories, but it was a myth that [they] were constantly engaged in acts of wanton destruction and lewd behaviour.

Led Zeppelin's fourth album was released on 8 November 1971. There was no indication of a title or a band name on the original cover, as the band disdained being labelled as "hyped" and "overrated" by the music press, and in response wanted to prove that the music could sell itself by giving no indication of who they were.The album remained officially untitled and is most commonly referred to as Led Zeppelin IV, though it is variously referred to by the four symbols appearing on the record label, as Four Symbols and The Fourth Album (both titles were used in the Atlantic Records catalogue), Untitled, Zoso, Runes, or IV.

Led Zeppelin IV further refined the band's unique formula of combining earthy, acoustic elements with heavy metal and blues emphases. The album included examples of hard rock, such as "Black Dog" and an acoustic track, "Going to California" (a tribute to Joni Mitchell). "Rock and Roll" is a tribute to the early rock music of the 1950s. In 2007, the song was used prominently in Cadillac automobile commercials—one of the few instances of Led Zeppelin's surviving members licensing songs.

The album is one of the best-selling albums in history and its massive popularity cemented Led Zeppelin's superstardom in the 1970s. To date it has sold 23 million copies in the United States.The track "Stairway to Heaven", although never released as a single, is sometimes quoted as being the most requested,and most played album-oriented rock FM radio song. In 2005, the magazine Guitar World held a poll of readers in which "Stairway to Heaven" was voted as having the greatest guitar solo of all time.

Led Zeppelin's next album, Houses of the Holy, was released in 1973. It featured further experimentation, with longer tracks and expanded use of synthesisers and mellotron orchestration. The song "Houses of the Holy" does not appear on its namesake album, even though it was recorded at the same time as other songs on the album; it eventually made its way onto the 1975 album Physical Graffiti.The orange album cover of Houses of the Holy depicts images of nude children climbing up the Giant's Causeway (in County Antrim, Northern Ireland). Although the children are not depicted from the front, this was controversial at the time of the album's release, and in some areas, such as the "Bible Belt" and Spain, the record was banned.

The album topped the charts, and Led Zeppelin's subsequent concert tour of the United States in 1973 broke records for attendance, as they consistently filled large auditoriums and stadiums. At Tampa Stadium, Florida, they played to 56,800 fans (breaking the record set by The Beatles at Shea Stadium in 1965), and grossed $309,000.Three sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York were filmed for a motion picture, but the theatrical release of this project (The Song Remains the Same) would be delayed until 1976. Before the final night's performance, $180,000 of the band's money from gate receipts was stolen from a safety deposit box at the Drake Hotel.It was never recovered.

Led Zeppelin live at Chicago Stadium, January 1975.

In 1974, Led Zeppelin took a break from touring and launched their own record label, Swan Song, named after one of only five Led Zeppelin songs which the band never released commercially (Page later re-worked the song with his band, The Firm, and it appears as "Midnight Moonlight" on their first album). The record label's logo, based on a drawing called Evening: Fall of Day (1869) by William Rimmer, features a picture of Apollo.The logo can be found on much Led Zeppelin memorabilia, especially t-shirts. In addition to using Swan Song as a vehicle to promote their own albums, the band expanded the label's roster, signing artists such as Bad Company, Pretty Things, Maggie Bell, Detective, Dave Edmunds, Midnight Flyer, Sad Café and Wildlife.The label was successful while Led Zeppelin existed, but folded less than three years after they disbanded.

24 February 1975 saw the release of Led Zeppelin's first double album, Physical Graffiti, which was their first release on the Swan Song Records label. It consisted of fifteen songs, eight of which were recorded at Headley Grange in 1974, and the remainder being tracks previously recorded but not released on earlier albums. A review in Rolling Stone magazine referred to Physical Graffiti as Led Zeppelin's "bid for artistic respectability," adding that the only competition the band had for the title of 'World's Best Rock Band' were The Rolling Stones and The Who.The album was a massive fiscal and critical success. Shortly after the release of Physical Graffiti, all previous Led Zeppelin albums simultaneously re-entered the top-200 album chart,and the band embarked on another U.S. tour, again playing to record-breaking crowds. In May 1975, Led Zeppelin played five highly successful, sold-out nights at the Earls Court Arena in London, footage of which was released in 2003, on the Led Zeppelin DVD.

Following these triumphant Earls Court appearances Led Zeppelin took a holiday and planned a series of outdoor summer concerts in America, scheduled to open with two dates in San Francisco.These plans were thwarted in August 1975 when Robert Plant and his wife Maureen were involved in a serious car crash while on holiday in Rhodes, Greece. Robert suffered a broken ankle and Maureen was badly injured; a blood transfusion saved her life.Unable to tour, Plant headed to the channel island of Jersey to spend August and September recuperating, with Bonham and Page in tow. The band then reconvened in Malibu, California. It was during this forced hiatus that much of the material for their next album, Presence, was written.

By this time, Led Zeppelin were the world's number one rock attraction,having outsold most bands of the time, including the Rolling Stones.Presence, released in March 1976, marked a change in the Led Zeppelin sound towards more straightforward, guitar-based jams, departing from the acoustic ballads and intricate arrangements featured on their previous albums. Though it was a platinum seller, Presence received mixed responses from critics and fans and some speculated the band's legendary excesses may have caught up with them.The recording of Presence coincided with the beginning of Page's heroin use, which may have interfered with Led Zeppelin's later live shows and studio recordings, although Page has denied this.Despite the original criticisms, Jimmy Page has called Presence his favourite album, and its opening track "Achilles Last Stand" his favourite Led Zeppelin song. In an interview with a Swedish TV programme, Plant stated that Presence is the album that sounds the most "Led Zeppelin" of all their LPs.

Plant's injuries prevented Led Zeppelin from touring in 1976. Instead, the band finally completed the concert film The Song Remains The Same, and the soundtrack album of the film. The recording had taken place during three nights of concerts at Madison Square Garden in July 1973, during the band's concert tour of the United States. The film premiered in New York on 20 October 1976, but was given a lukewarm reception by critics and fans.The film was particularly unsuccessful in the UK, where, after being unwilling to tour since 1975 due to a taxation exile, Led Zeppelin were facing an uphill battle to recapture the public spotlight at home.

Plant (left) and Page (right) on stage during the 1977 North American tour

In 1977, Led Zeppelin embarked on another major concert tour of North America. Here the band set another attendance record, with 76,229 people attending their Pontiac Silverdome concert on 30 April.it was, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest attendance to date for a single act show.However, though the tour was financially profitable it was beset with off-stage problems. On 3 June a concert at Tampa Stadium was cut short because of a severe thunderstorm, despite tickets printed with "Rain or Shine". A riot broke out amongst the audience, resulting in several arrests and injuries.

After a 23 July show at the "Day on the Green" festival at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, John Bonham and members of the band's support staff (including manager Peter Grant and security coordinator John Bindon) were arrested after a member of promoter Bill Graham's staff was badly beaten during the band's performance. A member of the staff had allegedly slapped Grant's son when he was taking down a dressing room sign. This was seen by John Bonham, who came over and kicked the man. Then, when Grant heard about this, he went into the trailer, along with Bindon and assaulted the man while tour manager Richard Cole stood outside and guarded the trailer.The following day's second Oakland concert would prove to be the band's final live appearance in the United States. Two days later, as the band checked in at a French Quarter hotel for their 30 July performance at the Louisiana Superdome, news came that Plant's five year old son, Karac, had died from a stomach virus. The rest of the tour was immediately cancelled, prompting widespread speculation about the band's future.

Bonham's death and breakup (1978–1980)

November 1978 saw the group recording again, this time at Polar Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. The resultant album was In Through the Out Door, which exhibited a degree of sonic experimentation that again drew mixed reactions from critics. Nevertheless, the band still commanded legions of loyal fans, and the album easily reached #1 in the UK and the U.S. in just its second week on the Billboard album chart. As a result of this album's release, Led Zeppelin's entire catalogue made the Billboard Top 200 between the weeks of 27 October and 3 November 1979.

In August 1979, after two warm-up shows in Copenhagen, Denmark, Led Zeppelin headlined two concerts at the Knebworth Music Festival, where crowds of close to 120,000 witnessed the return of the band. However, Plant was not eager to tour full-time again, and even considered leaving Led Zeppelin. He was persuaded to stay by Peter Grant. A brief, low-key European tour was undertaken in June and July 1980, featuring a stripped-down set without the usual lengthy jams and solos. At one show on 27 June, in Nuremberg, Germany, the concert came to an abrupt end in the middle of the third song when John Bonham collapsed on stage and was rushed to a hospital. Press speculation arose that Bonham's problem was caused by an excess of alcohol and drugs, but the band claimed that he had simply overeaten, and they completed the European tour on 7 July, at Berlin.

On 24 September 1980, Bonham was picked up by Led Zeppelin assistant Rex King to attend rehearsals at Bray Studios for the upcoming tour of the United States, the band's first since 1977, scheduled to commence on 17 October. During the journey Bonham had asked to stop for breakfast, where he downed four quadruple vodkas (450 ml), with a ham roll. After taking a bite of the ham roll he said to his assistant, "Breakfast". He continued to drink heavily when he arrived at the studio. A halt was called to the rehearsals late in the evening and the band retired to Page's house—The Old Mill House in Clewer, Windsor. After midnight, Bonham had fallen asleep and was taken to bed and placed on his side. At 1:45 pm the next day Benji LeFevre (who had replaced Richard Cole as Led Zeppelin's tour manager) and John Paul Jones found him dead. The cause of death was asphyxiation from vomit, and a verdict of accidental death was returned at an inquest held on 27 October. An autopsy found no other drugs in Bonham's body. Bonham was cremated on 10 October 1980, and his ashes buried at Rushock parish church in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England.

Despite rumours that Cozy Powell, Carmine Appice, Barriemore Barlow, Simon Kirke or Bev Bevan would join the group as his replacement, the remaining members decided to disband after Bonham's death. They issued a press statement on 4 December 1980 confirming that the band would not continue without Bonham. "We wish it to be known that the loss of our dear friend, and the deep sense of undivided harmony felt by ourselves and our manager, have led us to decide that we could not continue as we were.

Post-Led Zeppelin (1981–2007)

In 1982, the surviving members of the group released a collection of out-takes from various sessions during Led Zeppelin's career, entitled Coda. It included two tracks taken from the band's performance at the Royal Albert Hall in 1970, one each from the Led Zeppelin III and Houses of the Holy sessions, and three from the In Through the Out Door sessions. It also featured a 1976 John Bonham drum instrumental with electronic effects added by Jimmy Page, called "Bonzo's Montreux".

On 13 July 1985, Page, Plant and Jones reunited for the Live Aid concert at JFK Stadium, Philadelphia, playing a short set featuring drummers Tony Thompson and Phil Collins and bassist Paul Martinez. Collins had contributed to Plant's first two solo albums while Martinez was a member of Plant's current solo band. However, the performance was marred by the lack of rehearsal with the two drummers, Page's struggles with an out-of-tune Les Paul and poorly-functioning monitors, and by Plant's hoarse voice.Page himself has described the performance as "pretty shambolic and clearly wasn't good enough,while Plant was even harsher, characterising it as an "atrocity".^[ When Live Aid footage was released on a four-DVD set in late 2004 to raise money for Sudan, the group unanimously agreed not to allow footage from their performance to be used, asserting that it was not up to their standard.However, to demonstrate their ongoing support for the campaign Page and Plant pledged proceeds from their forthcoming Page and Plant DVD release and John Paul Jones pledged the proceeds of his then-current US tour with Mutual Admiration Society to the project.

The three members reunited again in May 1988, for the Atlantic Records 40th Anniversary concert, with Bonham's son, Jason Bonham, on drums. However, the reunion was again compromised by a disjointed performance, particularly by Plant and Page (the two having argued immediately prior to coming on stage about whether to play "Stairway to Heaven"), and by the complete loss of Jones' keyboards on the live television feed.Page later described the performance as "one big disappointment", and Plant said unambiguously that "the gig was foul".

The first Led Zeppelin box set, featuring tracks remastered under the supervision of Jimmy Page, introduced the band's music to many new fans, stimulating a renaissance for Led Zeppelin. This set included four previously unreleased tracks, including the Robert Johnson tribute "Travelling Riverside Blues". The song peaked at number seven on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, with the video in heavy rotation on MTV. 1992 saw the release of the "Immigrant Song"/"Hey Hey What Can I Do" (the original b-side) as a CD single in the US. Led Zeppelin Boxed Set 2 was released in 1993; the two box sets together containing all known studio recordings, as well as some rare live tracks.

In 1994, Page and Plant reunited in the form of a 90 minute "UnLedded" MTV project. They later released an album called No Quarter: Jimmy Page and Robert Plant Unledded, which featured some reworked Led Zeppelin songs, and embarked on a world tour the following year. This is said to be the beginning of the inner rift between the band members, as Jones was not even told of the reunion.When asked where Jones was, Plant had replied that he was out "parking the car".

On 12 January 1995, Led Zeppelin were inducted into the United States Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Aerosmith's vocalist, Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry. Jason and Zoe Bonham also attended, representing their late father. At the induction ceremony, the band's inner rift became apparent when Jones joked upon accepting his award, "Thank you, my friends, for finally remembering my phone number", causing consternation and awkward looks from Page and Plant. Afterwards, they played a brief set with Tyler and Perry (featuring Jason Bonham on drums),and with Neil Young and Michael Lee replacing Bonham.

On 29 August 1997, Atlantic released a single edit of "Whole Lotta Love" in the U.S. and the UK, making it the only Led Zeppelin UK CD single. Additional tracks on this CD-single are "Baby Come On Home" and "Travelling Riverside Blues". It is the only single the band ever released in the UK. It peaked at #21.11 November 1997 saw the release of Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions, the first Led Zeppelin album in fifteen years. The two-disc set included almost all of the band's recordings for the BBC. Page and Plant released another album called Walking into Clarksdale in 1998, featuring all new material. However, the album wasn't as successful as No Quarter, and the band slowly dissolved.

On 29 November 1999 the RIAA announced that the band were only the third act in music history to achieve four or more Diamond albums.In 2002, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones reconciled after years of strife that kept the band apart. This was followed by rumours of reunion, quickly quashed by individual members' representatives. 2003 saw the release of a triple live album, How the West Was Won, and a video collection, Led Zeppelin DVD, both featuring material from the band's heyday. By the end of the year, the DVD had sold more than 520,000 copies.

Led Zeppelin were ranked #14 on Rolling Stone's 2004 list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time",and the following year the band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. In November 2005, it was announced that Led Zeppelin and Russian conductor Valery Gergiev were the winners of the 2006 Polar Music Prize. The King of Sweden presented the prize to Plant, Page, and Jones, along with John Bonham's daughter, in Stockholm in May 2006.In November 2006, Led Zeppelin were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame. The television broadcasting of the event consisted of an introduction to the band by various famous admirers, a presentation of an award to Jimmy Page and then a short speech by the guitarist. After this, rock group Wolfmother played a tribute to Led Zeppelin, performing the song "Communication Breakdown".Despite having gained a reputation with the band for "raising hell" in the 1970s, Robert Plant was awarded a CBE by Prince Charles for "Services to Music" in July 2009, which followed Jimmy Page's OBE four years previously.

On 27 July 2007, Atlantic/Rhino, & Warner Home Video announced three new Led Zeppelin titles to be released in November, 2007. Released first was Mothership on 13 November, a 24-track best-of spanning the band's career, followed by a reissue of the soundtrack to The Song Remains the Same on 20 November which includes previously unreleased material, and a new DVD.^[88] On 15 October 2007, it was reported that Led Zeppelin were expected to announce a new series of agreements that make the band's songs available as legal digital downloads, first as ringtones through Verizon Wireless then as digital downloads of the band's eight studio albums and other recordings on 13 November.The offerings will be available through both Verizon Wireless and iTunes. On 3 November 2007, a UK newspaper the Daily Mirror announced that it had world exclusive rights to stream six previously unreleased tracks via its website. On 8 November 2007, XM Satellite Radio launched XM LED, the network's first artist-exclusive channel dedicated to Led Zeppelin. On 13 November 2007, Led Zeppelin's complete works were published on iTunes.

2007 reunion

The surviving members of Led Zeppelin and Jason Bonham at The O₂ in London in 2007

Main article: Ahmet Ertegün Tribute Concert

On 10 December 2007 the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunited for a one-off benefit concert held in memory of music executive Ahmet Ertegün, with Jason Bonham taking up his late father's place on drums. It was announced on 12 September 2007 by promoter Harvey Goldsmith in a press conference. The concert was to help raise money for the Ahmet Ertegün Education Fund, which pays for university scholarships in the UK, US and Turkey. Music critics praised the band's performance. Hamish MacBain of NME proclaimed, "What they have done here tonight is proof they can still perform to the level that originally earned them their legendary reputation...We can only hope this isn't the last we see of them.Page suggested the band may start work on new material,and stated that a world tour may be in the works. Meanwhile, Plant made his reluctance regarding a reunion tour known to The Sunday Times, stating: "having to live up to something is terribly serious." However, he also made it known that he could be in favour of more one-off shows in the near future: "It wouldn't be such a bad idea to play together from time to time.

Reunion tour reports (2008-2010)

Following the reunion concert and the press coverage it generated, speculation on the future of the band and the possibility of a tour with Jason Bonham on drums increased to a level not seen in several years. In an interview promoting the release of the Mothership compilation in Tokyo early in 2008, Jimmy Page revealed that he was prepared to embark upon a world tour with Led Zeppelin, but due to Robert Plant's tour commitments with Alison Krauss, such plans will not be announced until at least September.Showing enthusiasm for continued performing, in late spring Page and Jones joined Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins onstage at Wembley Stadium to perform Led Zeppelin tracks "Rock and Roll" (Hawkins on vocals and Grohl on drums), followed by "Ramble On" (Grohl on vocals and Hawkins on drums).

Plant however continued to remain focused on his recent work and tour with Krauss. Their duet album Raising Sand became certified platinum in March,and their recordings received awards including a Grammy for the song "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On) and Album of the Year from the Americana Music Association.Along with concentrating on the duo's American tour, Plant remained evasive on the subject of a Led Zeppelin reunion tour, and expressed displeasure at the process leading up to the 2007 reunion show during an interview with GQ Magazine, saying "The endless paperwork was like nothing I've experienced before. I've kept every one of the emails that were exchanged before the concert and I'm thinking of compiling them for a book, which I feel sure would be hailed as a sort of literary version of Spinal Tap.

After the BBC reported in late August that Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, and Jason Bonham had been recording material which could become a new Led Zeppelin project,the rumours of a reunion began to accumulate through the remaining summer.On 29 September Plant released a statement in which he called reports of a Led Zeppelin reunion "frustrating and ridiculous". He said he would not be recording or touring with the band, before adding, "I wish Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham nothing but success with any future projects.

Following Plant's statement, authoritative but divergent views of the possibility of a Led Zeppelin reunion tour the next year were offered by John Paul Jones and promoter Harvey Goldsmith. In late October, Jones confirmed to BBC Radio Devon in Exeter that he, Page, and Bonham were seeking a replacement for Plant. The bassist remarked: "We are trying out a couple of singers. We want to do it. It's sounding great and we want to get on and get out there.The next day, Goldsmith commented on the prospect of a Led Zeppelin reunion, casting doubt on the possibility or wisdom of such a venture. In an interview with BBC News, Goldsmith stated "I think that there is an opportunity for them to go out and present themselves. I don't think a long rambling tour is the answer as Led Zeppelin." The Ertegün Concert promoter felt the result of the ongoing plans of Jones, Page, and Bonham would not be "called Led Zeppelin".A spokesman for guitarist Jimmy Page later confirmed this, telling RollingStone.com that a new band featuring Page, bassist John Paul Jones and drummer Jason Bonham would not go by the name Led Zeppelin due to the absence of singer Robert Plant.

On 7 January 2009, MusicRadar reported that Jimmy Page's manager Robert Mensch said that the band had "tried out a few singers, but no one worked out, that was it. The whole thing is completely over now. There are absolutely no plans for them to continue.In a radio interview, Plant cited a fear of disappointment as a major factor for not continuing a reunited Zeppelin. "The disappointment that could be there once you commit to that and the comparisons to something that was basically fired by youth and a different kind of exuberance to now, it's very hard to go back and meet that head on and do it justice.

On 28 October 2009 it was reported by NME that Robert Plant had revealed that he is in talks with Michael Eavis to perform at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival in England. Plant said he did not know who he would perform with, thus sparking rumours that Led Zeppelin may perform.

History Bon Jovi

2010-03-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

Formation

Jon Bon Jovi	Richie Sambora	Tico Torres	David Bryan

Jon Bon Jovi began playing piano and guitar at thirteen with his first band 'Raze'. At the age of sixteen Bon Jovi met David Bryan (b. David Bryan Rashbaum, 7 February 1962 Edison, New Jersey) and formed the 12-piece cover band Atlantic City Expressway. They played New Jersey clubs even though they were minors. Still in his teens, Bon Jovi played in the band John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones, playing local clubs like "The Fast Lane" and opening for known acts in the area.

By mid-1982, out of school and working part time in a women's shoe store, Bon Jovi took a job at the Power Station Studios, a Manhattan recording facility where his cousin Tony Bongiovi was co-owner. Bon Jovi made several demos – including one produced by Billy Squier – and sent them to record companies but failed to make an impact.

Bon Jovi visited the local radio station WAPP 103.5FM "The Apple" in Lake Success, New York. He spoke directly to the promotion director John Lassman, who accepted the song "Runaway" for inclusion on the station's compilation album of local homegrown talent. Bon Jovi was initially reluctant but eventually gave them the song on which Bon Jovi had used studio musicians to play on the track "Runaway". The studio musicians who helped record "Runaway" – known as The All Star Review – were guitarist Tim Pierce, keyboardist Roy Bittan, drummer Frankie LaRocka, and bassist Hugh McDonald.

The song began to get airplay in the New York area, then other sister stations in major markets picked up the song. In March 1983 Bon Jovi called David Bryan, who in turn called bassist Alec John Such (b. November 14, 1951, Perth Amboy, New Jersey) ex-Phantom's Opera and an experienced drummer named Tico Torres (b. Hector Samuel Juan Torres, 7 October 1953 New York City).

Tapped to play lead guitar was Bon Jovi's neighbor, Dave Sabo (a.k.a. The Snake) (b. David Michael Sabo, September 16, 1964, North Brunswick, New Jersey, USA) who later formed the group Skid Row. Sabo was eventually replaced by Richie Sambora (b. Richard Stephen Sambora, July 11, 1959, Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA). Before joining the group, Sambora had toured with Joe er, played with a group called Mercy and had been called up to audition for Kiss. He also played on the album Lessons with the band Message, which was re-released on CD through Long Island Records in 1995. Message was originally signed to Led Zeppelin's Swan Song Records label, although the album was never released.

Tico Torres was also an experienced musician, having recorded and played live with Phantom's Opera, The Marvelettes, and Chuck Berry. He appeared on 26 records and had recently recorded with Franke and the Knockouts, a Jersey band with hit singles during the early 1980s.

David Bryan had quit the band he and Bon Jovi founded in order to study medicine. While in college, he realized he wanted to pursue music full-time and was accepted to Juilliard School, the New York music school. When Bon Jovi called his friend and said he was putting together a band and a record deal looked likely, Bryan followed Bon Jovi's lead and gave up his studies.

Early years (1982–85)

Once the band began playing showcases and opening for local talent, they caught the attention of record executive Derek Shulman, who signed them to Mercury Records, part of the PolyGram company. Because Jon Bon Jovi wanted a group name, Pamela Maher a friend of Richard Fischer, an employee of Doc McGhee, suggested they call themselves Bon Jovi, following the example of the other famous two word band Van Halen. This name was chosen instead of the original idea of Johny Electric. Pamela's suggestion of the name was met with little enthusiasm, but two years later they hit the charts under that name.

Cover art for Runaway.

With the help of their new manager Doc McGhee they recorded the band's debut album, Bon Jovi, which was released on January 21, 1984. The album included the band's first hit single, "Runaway". The group found themselves opening for ZZ Top at Madison Square Garden (before their first album had been released), and for Scorpions and Kiss in the US and Europe. They also made an appearance on the popular television program American Bandstand.

In 1985, Bon Jovi's second album 7800° Fahrenheit was released. While the album did not do as well as they'd hoped in terms of sales, it allowed Bon Jovi to get out on the road touring again. In April and May 1985, Bon Jovi headlined venues in Europe and Japan. In May, the band began a 6-month run of U.S. tourdates supporting Ratt. In the midst of that tour they managed to make appearances at the Texas Jam and Castle Donnington's Monsters of Rock concerts in England. Jon Bon Jovi also did a solo appearance at the very first Farm Aid in 1985.

Slippery When Wet (1986–87)

In April 1986, Bon Jovi moved to Vancouver to record their third album.Six months of studio work resulted in Slippery When Wet. The album, produced by Bruce Fairbairn and mixed by Bob Rock, was released in August 1986 and became Bon Jovi's breakthrough album. The first single, "You Give Love a Bad Name", became the band's first #1 single on the U.S. Billboard charts. The follow-up single, "Livin' on a Prayer" hit #1 as well, spending four weeks at the top position, both co-written with a young virtually unknown songwriter named Desmond Child whose songwriting talents were recommended by KISS frontman, Paul Stanley. The songwriting partnership of Jon Bon Jovi/ Richie Sambora/ Desmond Child has continued to the present day. "Wanted Dead or Alive" was the album's third single and still remains to this day, the Bon Jovi "National Anthem".

MTV wholeheartedly embraced Bon Jovi, whose camera-friendly good looks and live concert videos helped catapult the band into superstardom. With the overwhelming success of Slippery When Wet Bon Jovi had become the worldwide musical superstars they had been dreaming of. Slippery When Wet holds the record for the most weeks for a hard rock album at #1 in United States. The album spent 8 weeks at #1 on Billboard 200. By 2009, Slippery When Wet had become one of the best selling albums of all time with global sales of 25 million. In the United States, it received a Diamond Certification for selling 12 million copies.

In 1987, Slippery When Wet was named the top selling album of the year by Billboard and "Livin' On A Prayer" won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Stage Performance.The band also won an award for Best Pop/Rock Band at the American Music Awards and an award for Best Rock Group at the People's Choice Awards.

When Slippery When Wet was released in August 1986, Bon Jovi was the support act for 38 Special. By the end of 1986, Bon Jovi were well into six months of headline dates in arenas across America. In August 1987, the band headlined England's "Monsters of Rock" festival. During their set Dee Snider, Bruce Dickinson and Paul Stanley joined the band to perform "We're an American Band". The band ended the year having headlined 130 shows in the "Tour Without End", grossing $28,400,000.

Jon Bon Jovi was asked what all this astronomical success meant, to which he answered, "Everything is bigger, and it moves twice as fast. You're recognized twice as often. This is bigger, the whole world gets bigger. You have to sell more records, be huger. You get smarter and you understand the business a little more, so it's more responsibility. You understand it now, and you want to make sure everything goes right".

Following the group’s success, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were asked to assist in producing Cher’s ‘comeback’ self-titled album in 1987. Jon and Richie co-wrote and sang backing vocals on Cher’s single "We All Sleep Alone" and also produced several other tracks on the album, later going on to co-produce Cher’s multi-platinum album Heart of Stone in 1989.

New Jersey (1988–90)

Determined to prove that the success of "Slippery When Wet" was not a fluke, Bon Jovi released their fourth effort New Jersey in September 1988. The resulting album was a commercial hit. New Jersey spent four consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboad 200 and sold over 7 million copies only in United States.

New Jersey also holds the record for the hard rock album to spawn the most Top 10 singles, with five singles charting on the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart in United States. "Bad Medicine" and the ballad "I'll Be There for You", both of hit #1 on Billboard Hot 100. The album's three other singles ("Born to Be My Baby", "Lay Your Hands on Me", and "Living in Sin") reached the Top 10 and were huge hits on MTV. Bon Jovi even made the news when the video for "Living In Sin" was banned by MTV for being too risqué^{[citation needed]}. After that it was re-edited and MTV aired put it in heavy rotation.

Bon Jovi mounted another huge worldwide tour that continued throughout 1989 and 1990. They visited more than 22 countries and performed more than 232 shows before it was all over. The personal highpoint for the band was their June 11, 1989 sell-out homecoming at Giants Stadium in New Jersey. In August 1989, the band headed to Russia for the Moscow Music Peace Festival. Bon Jovi were the first band officially sanctioned by the Russian government to perform in Russia and New Jersey was released on the state-owned record label, Melodiya, a privilege no Western artist had ever been granted before. Monsters of Rock festival was cancelled in 1989 because of the deaths of two fans during the Guns N' Roses performance in 1988. It was replaced with another rock festival which took place in Milton Keynes with Bon Jovi, Europe, Skid Row, and Vixen as participants..

The non-stop touring was taking its toll on the band. By the end of the New Jersey tour, Bon Jovi had 16 months of concerts under their belt and the band members were exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally. Finally, following the last tour date in Mexico, and without any clear plans for their future, the band members just went home.

Solo albums (1990–91)

Between 1990 and 1991, the band members went their separate ways. The exhaustion of recording both Slippery When Wet and New Jersey back to back with highly paced world tours after each album took its toll on the band. The band have since stated that there were few if any goodbyes between them at the end of the New Jersey tour. During the time they took off from the scene, the band retreated to their own interests and showed no desire for making another album.

Jon Bon Jovi recorded a solo album, a soundtrack to the movie Young Guns II more commonly known as Blaze of Glory. Having been originally approached by his friend Emilio Estevez to lend "Wanted Dead Or Alive" as the theme song for his upcoming Billy The Kid sequel, Jon Bon Jovi ended up composing an all new theme song for the film's soundtrack and delivering his first solo album.

Released in 1990, the album featured high profile guests such as Elton John, Little Richard and Jeff Beck. The album fared well commercially and received positive reviews. The title track, "Blaze of Glory" hit #1 in United States. That year "Blaze of Glory" won an award for Best Pop/Rock Single at the American Music Awards and awarded a Golden Globe, as well. The song also earned Jon Bon Jovi an Academy Award nomination and a Grammy nomination.

Sambora, with the help of Tico Torres and David Bryan, released a solo album entitled Stranger In This Town, in 1991. The album featured Eric Clapton on the song "Mr. Bluesman". David Bryan recorded a soundtrack for the horror movie The Netherworld, which was the brighter part of that year after he was hospitalized with an illness caused by a South American parasite. Alec John Such took a fall off of his motorcycle which injured his bass-playing hand, forcing him to develop a whole new way to hold and play his instrument.

Disillusioned with the music business, despite all his success, and unhappy with the status quo, in 1991 Jon Bon Jovi fired his management, business advisers, and agents, including his long time manager, Doc McGhee. Jon took on the quarterbacking responsibilities himself by closing ranks and creating Bon Jovi Management.

In October 1991 the band went to a Caribbean island of St. Thomas to discuss plans for future. They managed to resolve their differences by allowing each member to speak about his feelings without interruption from each other. Upon resolving their issues, they headed back into the Vancouver Little Mountain studios with Bob Rock to work on the band's fifth album in January 1992.

Keep the Faith (1992–93)

Keep the Faith was released in November 1992. To promote Keep The Faith they returned to their roots playing a few dates at the small New Jersey clubs where had started their career. The band appeared on MTV Unplugged in late 1992 but that was different from the other episodes of MTV Unplugged series. The performance captures Bon Jovi in an intimate, "in the round" experience, performing acoustic and electric renditions of classic hits (Bon Jovi and non-Bon Jovi tracks) and new material from Keep the Faith. The concert was released commercially in 1993 as Keep the Faith: An Evening with Bon Jovi.

Keep The Faith spun six hit singles internationally and sold over nine million copies world wide. As Bon Jovi's sound morphed itself to work in the 90s music scene, their image changed, as well. When Jon Bon Jovi cut his hair he made headlines on CNN. The album's title track was its first release, followed by the ballad "Bed of Roses" which was a major Top 10 hit in United States.

To mark the beginning of the band's next phase Bon Jovi embarked on an extensive international tour, visiting countries the band had never seen before and headlining stadiums in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia. They visited 38 countries and performed 177 shows on the Keep The Faith tour.

Cross Road and These Days (1994–96)

In early 1994, "Good Guys Don't Always Wear White" (Which was later put on the 2004 box set, 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong) appeared on the soundtrack to the motion picture The Cowboy Way. The band also performed the song at the MTV Movie Awards but the song was never released as a single. In October 1994, Bon Jovi released a greatest hits album titled Cross Road, with two new tracks: "Always" and "Someday I'll Be Saturday Night". The first single off of the album, "Always", was a massive hit. "Always" hit the #1 across Europe and spent six months on the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in United States. The single sold three million copies world wide and became Bon Jovi's one of the biggest hits. With the album Cross Road, Bon Jovi's album sales soared all around the world. That year Bon Jovi won an award for Best Selling Rock Band at the World Music Awards.

That same year, bassist Alec John Such left the band, the first lineup change since Bon Jovi began. Hugh McDonald (b. Hugh John McDonald, December 28, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), who was the bassist on "Runaway," unofficially replaced Such as bassist, with rumours that he had also recorded bass on previous albums. Jon Bon Jovi said, regarding the departure of Such: "Of course it hurts. But I learned to accept and respect it. The fact that I'm a workaholic, studio in, studio out, stage on, stage off, want to be dealing with music day and night, doesn't mean everyone else has to adjust to that pace. Alec wanted to quit for a while now, so it didn't come as a complete surprise."

Bon Jovi's sixth studio album, These Days, was released in June 1995. This was the first album Bon Jovi released after the firing of bassist Alec John Such. Critics responded to These Days much as they had to Keep The Faith, noting that the band had continued to mature lyrically and explore different styles of music, while keeping the music undeniably Bon Jovi. Jon Bon Jovi has stated that even though the album was their darkest, the band was in a very happy place at the time. "This Ain't a Love Song" was the first single off the album and with an exotic video filmed in Thailand, the ballad emerged as another worldwide hit for the band. That year the band earned a BRIT Award for best international band and also won a MTV Europe Music Award for Best Rock.

The world tour that kicked off in India took the band though Asia, Europe, Australia and South America before the band's first-ever shows in South Africa. A career highpoint came in June 1995 when Bon Jovi sold out three-nights at London's historical Wembley Stadium in London, England. With film crews in tow, the concerts were documented for Bon Jovi: Live From London, a Grammy-nominated video of their record-breaking appearance. Bon Jovi visited 35 countries and performed 126 shows on These Days tour.

Hiatus (1997–1999)

Following the overwhelming success of the These Days Tour, the members of Bon Jovi went their separate ways. But unlike the period following the New Jersey tour, tainted with uncertainty, this hiatus was a conscious group decision. The members of Bon Jovi agreed to a self-imposed two-year sabbatical from the band.

Jon Bon Jovi had been bitten by the acting bug. He landed lead roles in couple of movies. While he was free between filming different movies, Jon wrote what would become his second solo album, 1997's Destination Anywhere. A short movie of the same name was recorded around the record's release, based entirely on the songs from the record and starring Jon Bon Jovi, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon and Whoopi Goldberg.

Tico Torres used the opportunity to further pursue his painting while David Bryan started writing and composing various musicals. In 1998, Richie Sambora released his second solo outing called Undiscovered Soul.

Bon Jovi reunited in 1999 to record the song "Real Life" for the movie EdTV minus Bryan who was recovering from an accident in which he nearly severed his finger. In 1999 Bon Jovi was ready to release a new album, under the working title "Sex Sells", however the album was suspended and only three of more than thirty songs written were used for Crush. (In the Real Life music video you can see some posters of this album).

Crush, and One Wild Night (2000–01)

After a nearly three-year hiatus, during which several band members worked on independent projects, Bon Jovi regrouped in 1999 to begin work on their next studio album. In June 2000, Crush was released as the band's seventh studio album. The first single "It's My Life" was noted as one of the group’s most successful releases in a decade and most importantly, becoming a symbol of the band's longevity as they prevailed through many different changes in the mainstream rock scene with admirable success. The album sold over eight million copies worldwide and helped introduce them to a new, younger fan base. That year the band received two Grammy nominations for Best Rock Album Crush and Best Rock Performance by Duo/Group "It's My Life". The video for "It's My Life" won the My VH1 Music Awards for "My Favorite Video". VH1 also featured the band on the episodes of Behind The Music in 2000.

Bon Jovi played stadiums in Japan and Europe over the summer of 2000 including two sold-out concerts at London's historic Wembley Stadium, becoming the last ever concerts held at the legendary venue before its demolition. That summer the band played to more than one million fans in less than 30 shows. Upon their return to the U.S. the band did a sold-out arena tour in the Fall of 2000, followed in the Spring of 2001 with a sold-out arena–amphitheatre run of dates in America. They revisited stadiums in Japan and Europe before one more lap of shed dates in America. Bon Jovi sold out two homecoming concerts at New Jersey's Giants Stadium. Concerts were not only fulfilling career and personal highlights for the band but the broadcast broke ratings records for the VH-1 network.

While on tour, Bon Jovi released a collection of live performances from throughout their career in an album entitled One Wild Night: Live 1985-2001. This was Bon Jovi's first-ever live album. The songs were culled from archives of recorded material the band had been collecting from their earliest days on the road right through the current tour.

The band awarded for "Hottest Live Show" at the 2001 My VH1 Music Awards At this awards show, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora surprised a live theatre full of attendees and a live television audience with a beautiful rendition of "Here Comes The Sun" as a tribute to George Harrison.

When the Crush and One Wild Night tours were complete, the members of the band had anticipated a brief vacation before work would begin on the band's 8th studio album. But on September 11, the world changed. Within days of the terrorist attacks, Jon and Richie had filmed Public Service Announcements for the Red Cross, recorded "America The Beautiful" for the NFL and performed as part of the historic America: A Tribute to Heroes live telethon. One month later, the band participated at two Monmouth County Alliance of Neighbors concerts in Red Bank, NJ to raise funds for the families close the band's hometowns, which were affected by the World Trade Center disaster. And on October 21, 2001, Bon Jovi performed at the monumental Concert For New York at Madison Square Garden, raising relief funds and honoring those who worked to save lives during the attack. Bon Jovi also released a second greatest hits album titled Tokyo Road in 2001.

Bounce and This Left Feels Right (2002–04)

In spring 2002, the group entered the studio to begin recording their eighth studio album, the title, Bounce was a reference not only to New York City's and the United States' ability to bounce back from the World Trade Center attacks as a nation but, it also referred to Bon Jovi, the band's ability to bounce back again and again, over the years. Bounce represented a return to Bon Jovi's "roots" with Richie Sambora playing heavily distorted guitars, gravelly vocals by Jon, keyboard effects and piano's by David Bryan and booming drums by Tico Torres. Jon Bon Jovi noted that "Bounce" was mainly a "Jon and Richie album". However, this return to a more "classic Bon Jovi" sound, while a relief to some fans^[who?], also brought out some critics that accused the band of being too "formulaic", a criticism that had been leveled at the band in the past.

The first single off the album "Everyday", nominated at the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The band went on the Bounce Tour for this album, during which they made history as the last band to play Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia before it was torn down. Following the end of the Bounce Tour in August 2003, Bon Jovi embarked on a project; originally intending to produce an album consisting of live acoustic performances, the band ended up rewriting, re-recording and reinventing 12 of their biggest hits in a new and much different light. This Left Feels Right was released in November 2003.

The following year, the band released a box set entitled 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong, the title being an homage to Elvis Presley's 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong. The set consisted of four CDs packed with 38 unreleased and 12 rare tracks, as well as a DVD. The box set marked the sales of 100 million Bon Jovi albums and also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the release of the band's first record in 1984.

In November 2004, Bon Jovi was honored with the Award for Merit at the American Music Awards, where they performed a sneak preview of an unfinished song, "Have a Nice Day".

Have A Nice Day (2005–06)

Bon Jovi participated in Live 8 on July 2, 2005, where they debuted the full, final version of "Have a Nice Day", alongside "Livin' on a Prayer" and "It's My Life". Bon Jovi's ninth studio album, Have a Nice Day, was released in September 2005. "Have A Nice Day", the first single off the album. The second single, "Who Says You Can't Go Home", was released in the U.S. in early 2006. In the U.S., a duet version of "Who Says You Can't Go Home" with country singer Jennifer Nettles of the band Sugarland was released, and in May 2006, Bon Jovi became the first Rock & Roll Band to have a #1 hit on Billboard's Hot Country Chart. On February 11, 2007, Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles won the Grammy Award, for "Best Country Collaboration with Vocals" for "Who Says You Can't Go Home". The band also won an award for Best Rock Song at the People's Choice Awards with "Who Says You Can't Go Home."

Soon after the release of Have A Nice Day, the band started gearing up for the new 2005–2006 worldwide Have A Nice Day Tour. This tour, being shorter than previous ones with only seventy-five shows originally planned, took the band to numerous stages and stadiums throughout the world. The tour was a significant commercial success, as the group played to 2,002,000 fans, and the tour grossed a total $191 million. The tour was the third-highest-grossing tour of 2006 taking in just over $131 million, just behind The Rolling Stones' A Bigger Bang World Tour and Madonna's Confessions Tour. On November 14, 2006, Bon Jovi were inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame alongside James Brown and Led Zeppelin.

Lost Highway (2007–08)

Bon Jovi in Montreal in 2007 during the Lost Highway Tour.

In June 2007, Bon Jovi released their tenth studio album, Lost Highway. The album influences the band's rock sound with that of country music following the success of a country version of the band's 2006 single "Who Says You Can't Go Home", a duet with Jennifer Nettles.

To promote the new album, Bon Jovi made several television appearances, including the 6th annual CMT Awards in Nashville, American Idol, and MTV Unplugged, as well as playing at the Live Earth concert at Giants Stadium.^[18] They also performed ten promotional gigs in the U.S., Canada, the UK and Japan. As part of the 'tour', Bon Jovi were the first group to perform at London's new O₂ Arena (formerly the Millennium Dome) when it opened to the public on June 24, 2007. The 23,000-seater stadium sold out within 30 minutes of tickets being released. Reviews for the CD were not very strong. Rolling Stone said "This was a very weak effort. To be honest, this has been a terrible band for the last 3 albums.

Lost Highway topped the charts in United States, Japan, Australia, Europe, and Canada. The album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album and the albums first single "(You Want To) Make a Memory" was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 2008 Grammy Awards. The albums third single "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" won the CMT Music Award for the Collaborative Video of the Year in 2008.Presenter LeAnn Rimes accepted the award on behalf of the band, as Bon Jovi was not at the awards ceremony.The song was also nominated for the Academy of Country Music Award for Vocal Event of the Year.

In October 2007 the band announced the Lost Highway Tour. Starting with the 10 shows to open the brand new, Newark, New Jersey Prudential Center, the band toured Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and then Europe, finishing in the summer. In early December 2007 the band took time off from their Canadian tour to become the first ever American band to headline the Royal Variety Performance in Liverpool, England, performing in front of the Queen herself.While the band was on tour in Australia, Bon Jovi have landed eight albums in ARIA Charts in the wake of their first tour in 12 years.

The tour was the highest grossing tour of 2008 in Billboard's rankings, with ticket sales of $210.6 million, reported from November 14, 2007 through Nov.11, 2008.In all, 2,157,675 tickets were sold during 2008.Combined with $16.4 million in 2007 from the Newark shows, making a combined gross of $227 million in ticket sales. In Pollstar's calculus for North America, the Lost Highway Tour had the highest gross for 2008 at $70.4 million.

The Circle (2009–present)

In April 2009, Phil Griffin's documentary on the band, "When We Were Beautiful," debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival, chronicling Bon Jovi's ups and downs over 25 years and following the band on their latest Lost Highway tour.

In June 2009, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame. That month they also recorded a cover of the song "Stand By Me" with Iranian singer Andy Madadian, to show solidarity for those affected by political unrest in Iran. Parts of the song were sung in Persian.

On November 10, 2009, the band released their 11th studio album, entitled The Circle. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 163 000 copies in its first week. The album is a return to rock n' roll after their Nashville influenced album, Lost Highway. To promote the album, Bon Jovi performed "We Weren't Born to Follow", the first single off the album, on the result show of the rock week of the TV show, The X-Factor. The song also was performed during the Fest der Freiheit on November 9 in Berlin, a memorial for the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

On December 12, 2009, Bon Jovi were ranked #9 on Billboard's top 25 touring artists of the decade after grossing (US)$419,481,741 from 249 shows, of which 244 were sellouts.

On January 31, 2010, Bon Jovi performed for the first time at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. They performed the songs “We Weren’t Born to Follow” off their new album The Circle, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” from their album Have A Nice Day, and fans voted for the last song and chose “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Bon Jovi was nominated for a 2010 Grammy for Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals for "We Weren't Born To Follow."

Bon Jovi headed out on the road once again on February 19, 2010, embarking on The Circle Tour, their largest tour since the Jersey Syndicate tour in the late 1980s. When it concludes in 2011, the tour will have consisted of 135 shows in 30 countries.

Band members

Current members

Jon Bon Jovi – lead vocals, guitar (1983–present)
Richie Sambora – guitar, backing vocals, talkbox (1983–present)
Tico Torres – drums, percussion (1983–present)
David Bryan – keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1983–present)
Hugh McDonald – bass, backing vocals - unofficial member (1994–present)

Touring musicians

Bobby Bandiera – guitar, backing vocals (2003–present – live only)
Jeff Kazee – organ, additional keyboards, backing vocals (2003–06 – live only)
Lorenza Ponce – violin, backing vocals (2007–09 – live)
Kurt Johnston – pedal steel, backing vocals (2007 – live)

Former members

Alec John Such – bass, backing vocals (1983–94). Alec made one live appearance in 2001 with Bon Jovi since his departure, in Giant Stadium for the song Wanted Dead or Alive.

History EUROPE

2010-03-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Early days (1979–1985)

The first incarnation of the band was named Force and came together in 1979, in Upplands Väsby, Stockholm, and was integrated by vocalist and keyboardist Joey Tempest, guitarist John Norum, bassist Peter Olsson and drummer Tony Reno.I remember when we started the band Force we were playing covers in the rehearsal room, because we just wanted to learn our instruments, like all bands, Tempest said, Then one day I said maybe we should do our own stuff. Nobody had any ideas, so I brought mine into the rehearsal room, and that is when we started writing our own stuff.

The band sent several demos to record companies, but were told that in order to be published they had to cut their hair and sing in Swedish. Two years later, Olsson left the band and was replaced by John Levén.Just a couple of months later, Levén joined Yngwie Malmsteen's band Rising Force, and Malmsteen's former bassist, Marcel Jacob joined Force. This only lasted for three months, though Levén apparently had issues with Malmsteen, so he and Jacob traded places again.

Joey Tempest

In 1982, Tempest's girlfriend entered Force in the Swedish rock talent contest Rock-SM. Competing against 4000 bands, they won the contest thanks to two songs, "In the Future to Come" and "The King Will Return". The reward was a record deal with Hot Records. Tempest won the individual award for Best Lead Singer, and Norum won the award for Best Guitarist. During the contest, Force changed their name to Europe. The self-titled debut album was released the following year, and sold well both in Sweden and Japan. The album charted at number 8 in the band's home country and the single "Seven Doors Hotel" became a Top 10 hit in Japan.

The second album Wings of Tomorrow was released one year later and the single "Open Your Heart" got interest from CBS Records who offered them an international contract in 1985. "I think one of the most important albums for the band was Wings of Tomorrow," Tempest said, "We were learning how to write songs and John started playing some really cool stuff on the guitar. We became a better band and that was a good period for the band.Keyboardist Mic Michaeli was soon recruited to play in live concerts, and became an official member of the band shortly after.At the same time, Tony Reno was fired because of his lack of motivation and alleged slacking off on rehearsals. His replacement was Ian Haugland.

In 1985 Europe recorded the soundtrack for the film On the Loose, which gave them the hit "Rock the Night".Several months later Joey Tempest was asked to write a song for the charity project Swedish Metal Aid. He wrote "Give a Helping Hand", which would feature the biggest stars of Swedish rock and metal. The income from the sales of the single, which was produced by Easy Action guitarist Kee Marcello, was donated to the starving people of Ethiopia.

Worldwide success (1985–1992)

In September 1985, Europe started the recording of its next album with Journey producer Kevin Elson. The result was The Final Countdown. Released on May 26, 1986, the album gave the band its international breakthrough, was certified Triple Platinum in the USAand reached number 8 on the Billboard 200 chart.The title track, which was based on a keyboard riff composed by Tempest as early as 1981-82,was released as the first single and became a worldwide success, peaking at number 1 in 25 countries,such as the UK,France and Germany.The power ballad "Carrie", which peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, "Cherokee" and a re-recorded "Rock the Night" were other hits from the album.

Not satisfied with the album's keyboard-dominated production nor the band's commercialized image, John Norum decided to leave Europe in November 1986 to pursue a solo career."I didn't really like the direction the band was going in," Norum said, "We became this teeny-bopper, bubblegum band and I hated that whole image, the spandex, poodle-rock type of thing. I was more into the heavier, guitar-oriented stuff and it seemed like the keyboards were taking over more and more, and we were becoming more commercial. So I decided to leave. I just wanted to move on and do something else.

Kee Marcello was asked to replace him, and after some consideration decided to join the band. Marcello joined the band at its commercial peak, no less than three singles from The Final Countdown reaching the US Top 40.The following year included successful tours through Europe and the USA.

The follow-up to The Final Countdown was entitled Out of This World and was released in 1988. The biggest hit from the album was "Superstitious" which peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 9 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks. "Superstitious" would be the last Europe song to chart in the USA.The album was certified platinum in the States and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart.More touring followed, including an American tour with Def Leppard and a festival gig at the National Bowl in Milton Keynes, England with Bon Jovi, Skid Row and Vixen.

Europe in Hamburg 1992

In September 1989, Europe did a gig at the Whisky a Go Go club in West Hollywood, California, under the pseudonym Le Baron Boys.That name would later be used as a title for a much-circulated Europe bootleg, which contained demo recordings from 1989-90. Two years later, the album Prisoners in Paradise was released, but received limited media attention due to the "boom" of the grunge movement, started by Nirvana, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam. Although the sales were low compared to previous albums, the single "I'll Cry for You" managed to hit number 28 on the UK charts.On New Year's Eve 1991, Europe kicked off a new tour with a show at the Tokyo Dome, in which Tesla, Thunder and Metallica also performed. The show was called "Final Countdown '91".

After ten years of living, recording, and touring together, Europe decided to take a break at the end of the 1992 tour.I remember in the tour bus afterwards we were talking about where the whole thing was going and I think at the time the consensus of the band was we really felt ready for a break," Tempest said, "We felt that it was time to put some roots down and I was really into the idea of making my own solo album.In that time, Tempest and Marcello released solo albums whilst the other members participated in several different projects and bands.

Reunion (1998–present)

The band members started to discuss the possibility of a Europe reunion in 1998.Mic and Ian came over to see me in Ireland," Tempest said, "Then whilst we were there, John Norum called from LA, and we were like 'Yes, maybe now is the right time to get things started again'.For the millennium celebrations, Europe was asked to do a concert in Stockholm on New Year's Eve 1999. That would be Europe's first concert with two lead guitarists, since both John Norum and Kee Marcello had accepted to play. They played "Rock the Night" and "The Final Countdown".

John Norum

Over the years, there were several reunion rumors, and on October 2, 2003 it was made official: Europe announced plans for a new album and world tour.The band then switched back to the Final Countdown line-up, with John Norum as the only lead guitarist.There was no doubt that we wanted John back, and John wanted to get back," Tempest said, "For me it was important to get that spark going again that we had before.Kee Marcello claimed that he was too busy with his own projects. "I told them I didn't want to participate in a [new] studio album because musically, I want to go in a different kind of direction than the music Europe stands for," Marcello said, "Then we talked for a while about doing a six-piece tour – it didn't turn out that way because of different reasons.

The songwriting for a new album, Start from the Dark, began early in 2003.It was just a matter of moving forward and writing songs for the new album," Tempest said, "That was always our intention. We thought that if we were gonna make a comeback, we wanted to do it properly, and that meant we wanted to write and record some new songs, a new album.For the recording of Start from the Dark, the band decided to work with producer Kevin Elson, who had also produced The Final Countdown."We could either go with a younger producer, or we could go with someone that we knew, someone experienced who is on the same wavelength as the band," Tempest said, "So in the end we decided that Kevin would be the perfect choice.

In the summer of 2004 Europe went on a festival tour through the European continent.The concert setlists included the old hits, but also introduced the title track from Start from the Dark.The album was released on September 22, 2004, the same day that John Norum became a father. Start from the Dark featured a more modern sound compared to Europe's previous albums. "We wanted to be doing something at least that was a little bit relevant now; bit of a dry mix, detuned a bit," Tempest said, "So we felt like we didn't want to do an '80s album per se, we just wanted to start like a fresh band really.Eventually, the album sold in excess of 600,000 copies worldwide.

Europe released its seventh album, Secret Society on October 26, 2006. "We think it's one of the strongest albums that Europe has ever done," Tempest said, "There is definitely some more melodic stuff on this one. Start from the Dark was very raw and made a statement, which is cool but for us it felt like a debut album in a way, so we wanted to branch out a bit on this one and take it to new levels.

On January 26, 2008 Europe did a semi-acoustic live concert at Nalen in Stockholm, calling the event Almost Unplugged. The band was accompanied by a string quartet and played reworked versions of its own songs, as well as cover versions of songs by bands that have influenced Europe's sound throughout the years – Pink Floyd, UFO, Led Zeppelin and Thin Lizzy. The show was broadcast live over the Internet on Europe's official website.It was released on CD on September 17, 2008 and on DVD on August 19, 2009.

On July 23, 2008 Europe did a co-headlining concert with Whitesnake in Padua, Italy. During Whitesnake's performance of their encore "Still of the Night", Joey Tempest joined David Coverdale on stage for the last chorus.In August 2008 Europe was the opening act for Deep Purple for two concerts in Sweden, in Linköping on August 8 and Ystad on August 9.John Norum joined Deep Purple on stage in Ystad for a performance of "Smoke on the Water".

On July 21, 2009, bassist and former member of Force, Marcel Jacob, committed suicide. He was 45 years old.

Europe's eighth studio album, Last Look at Eden, was released on September 9, 2009.The title track was released as a single in June.The band has described it as a modern retro rock album."This time, we're taking some new directions with our songs, and we're exploring different styles," they stated, "There is a definite classic rock vibe on some of the tracks... a tip of the hat to groovin', funkin' 70s rock songs - but ones we have bought into the here and now."The second single, "New Love in Town", was released as a digital download on September 3, 2009.

In an interview with EspyRock on November 30th, 2009, Joey Tempest outlined the future of Europe, announcing the follow up to Last Look at Eden will come in 2011 We're gonna keep working at this rate we’re working at, which is pretty good. We’ll probably come out with an album in 2011 and tour in 2012 again. We’re looking 2-3 years ahead all the time, and in the next 5 years I see Europe with 2 more albums, 2 more world tours and hopefully having established ourselves even better in a lot of territories around the world.

Band members

Current members

Joey Tempest - lead vocals, acoustic & rhythm guitar¹, keyboards² (1979–1992, 2003–present)
John Norum - lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals (1979–1986, 2003–present)
John Levén - bass (1981–1992, 2003–present)
Mic Michaeli - keyboards, backing vocals, rhythm guitar³ (1984–1992, 2003–present)
Ian Haugland - drums, percussion, backing vocals (1984–1992, 2003–present)

¹Live

²Until 1984

³Live during the Prisoners in Paradise Tour 1991-92

Former members

Kee Marcello - lead & rhythm guitars, backing vocals (1986–1992, December 31, 1999)
Tony Reno - drums, percussion (1979–1984)
Peter Olsson - bass (1979–1981)
Marcel Jacob - bass (1981)

History Skid Row

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Early years (1986-1988)

Skid Row was formed in Toms River, New Jersey, in 1987 by bassist Rachel Bolan and guitarist Dave "The Snake" Sabo. The pair added guitarist Steve Brotherton who was replaced with Kurtis Jackson and later by Scotti Hill, drummer Rob Affuso, and lead vocalist Sebastian Bach, who replaced original lead vocalist Matt Fallon, to the line-up by early 1987. The band began playing shows in clubs throughout the eastern United States. Thanks to the assistance of friend Jon Bon Jovi, who secured a record deal for Skid Row with Atlantic Records in 1988, they entered the studio with Michael Wagener (of Ozzy Osbourne, White Lion and Extreme fame) to record their first album.

Skid Row (1989-1990)

Skid Row, released in January 1989, was an instant success. The record went 5x platinum and produced the hit singles "18 and Life", "I Remember You"and "Youth Gone Wild". Despite this success there was a lot of bitterness, because in return for the helping hands of Jon Bon Jovi they had to enter a publishing deal with his newly established Underground Music Company in which they waived their rights to publishing royalties. All money was paid to Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.After a public dispute Richie Sambora gave his share of the money back to Skid Row.

In what is referred to as "The Bottle Incident" by fans of the band, Bach was hit with a bottle thrown onstage from the crowd at a concert in Springfield, Massachusetts, where Skid Row was opening for Aerosmith on December 27, 1989. Bach threw the bottle back, hitting a girl (not the thrower), so he jumped on the crowd to beat the person who can be seen on a tour video released by Skid Row called Oh Say Can You Scream in 1990.

Shortly thereafter Bach put on, during a concert, a t-shirt proclaiming the anti-gay slogan "AIDS Kills Fags Dead". The shirt was thrown onstage by a fan, and Bach, without looking at it, put it on. After the concert Bach apologized, stating "My grandmother had recently died of cancer, I guess I would be pissed too if I saw someone wearing a 'Cancer Kills Grandmothers Dead' shirt". In later years Bach repeated his apology for wearing the shirt, and made a substantial donation to an AIDS charities and gay rights organizations.

Slave to the Grind (1991-1992)

Skid Row returned to the studio with Wagener in 1990, to record their second studio album. Slave to the Grind, released in June 1991, it debuted at Number 1 in the American charts, the first metal album to do so. Slave to the Grind became a major success, and Skid Row once again went out on a worldwide tour which lasted over a year, including a leg supporting Guns N' Roses in 1991 and an appearance at the Castle Donington festival in 1992. Slave to the Grind was a departure for the band; where Skid Row was an album that followed the typical hair band formula, Slave to the Grind had a heavier sound, even verging on thrash with the title track.

B-Side Ourselves, Subhuman Race, departure of Sebastian Bach and Hiatus (1993-1998)

Before a third album could be recorded, Skid Row took an extended hiatus in 1993, following the Slave to the Grind tour and the release of the EP, B-Side Ourselves, in September 1992.

For some time, Skid Row parted ways with Wagener, possibly due to their music taking a different direction for the follow-up to Slave to the Grind. In 1994, the band returned to the studio with Bob Rock (of Metallica, Mötley Crüe and The Offspring fame), to record their third studio album. Subhuman Race, released in March 1995, charted in the top 40. Although it did not achieve the success of Skid Row and Slave to the Grind, it generated a few hits, but at that point, their videos were rarely played on MTV, partly because of the rise in popularity of grunge and subsequent decline of many heavy metal styles and 1980s hard rock.

Eventually, Sebastian Bach was fired by the band in late 1996, following an argument with Rachel Bolan over a chance to open up for KISS. Skid Row were called to open for KISS on New Year's Eve '96 and Bach was all for it as he has always been a huge fan of KISS. According to Bach, Rachel Bolan was more concerned with his punk band side project and did not want to play the show. Shortly after, drummer Rob Affuso left the band. Although the group never officially disbanded, the remaining members went on to play briefly in a band called Ozone Monday in mid 1998, which featured lead vocalist Sean McCabe.

The New Skid Row and Thickskin (1999-2004)

Skid Row re-formed in 1999 with new lead vocalist Johnny Solinger, formerly of Solinger, and drummer Charlie Mills. Mills soon left the band and was replaced with drummer Phil Varone, formerly of Saigon Kick. After re-forming, they opened for KISS on their farewell tour, and have also played with other 1980s metal bands such as Poison. They have been on tour every summer. In 2002 they were part of the Rock Never Stops Tour. The new lineup has shared the stage with such acts as Aerosmith, Kid Rock, Def Leppard, Sammy Hagar, as well as many others from their genre.

Skid Row released their fourth full-length studio album, Thickskin, in 2003, which was their first album to feature Solinger and Varone and their first studio album in 8 years. In early 2004, Timothy DiDuro replaced Varone, who had abruptly left the band, citing personal reasons. DiDuro also appeared in the Skid Row video "Ghost." Varone returned, but after wide reports of drug abuse, he again left the band and was replaced by current drummer Dave Gara.

Revolutions per Minute and recent activities (2005-present)

The fifth (and most recent) Skid Row album, Revolutions per Minute, was released on October 24, 2006 through SPV Records. Michael Wagener reunited with Skid Row and became their producer for this album.

In 2007, the band recorded Jingle Bells for a Monster Ballads Christmas album. At the end of January 2008 they played at MOTLEY CRUISE, a 4-day cruise in the Caribbean (Miami, Key West and Cozumel, MX) with Vince Neil, Ratt, Slaughter, Endeverafter, Lynam.

On February 20, 2008, the band played a private, invitation-only party for the Nordic Games Program group at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. Keri Kelli filled in for an ailing Dave Sabo.

Reunion

Since 1996, Skid Row's music has had a significant impact on fans. Fans would like to see a reunion in the future, however many band members have clearly stated that no reunion will take place in the near future. Sebastian Bach continues to tour with his solo band, and released Angel Down in November of 2007. Skid Row will join a variety of other hard rock acts on the November 2009 cruise entitled "ShipRocked".

History Mr.Big

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Formation

After bass player Billy Sheehan left David Lee Roth in 1988,he began piecing together a new band with the help of Mike Varney from Shrapnel Records, a label specialized in the shredding genre. He recruited Eric Martin, of the rock-oriented Eric Martin Band and also soul-leaning solo artist, and soon thereafter added guitarist Gilbert and drummer Torpey. Gilbert was already a well-respected guitarist who had released two albums with his Los Angeles-based band Racer X. Torpey came to California from Arizona, and toured with a number of high-profile artists, most notably Robert Plant.

Breakthrough

The newly formed band hired Herbie Herbert, the former manager of Journey, Europe, and Santana, to be their manager. By 1989, they signed with Atlantic Records and released their self-titled debut the same year. The record did not gain the band a mainstream rock audience stateside, but was a success in Japan.In June 1990, the group toured in America opening for Rush.

Mr Big's second album, 1991's Lean Into It, was a major commercial breakthrough, especially two ballads, "To Be with You" (number one song in fifteen countries) and "Just Take My Heart", and "Green-Tinted Sixties Mind". They toured the UK in April and May 1991 and again in 1992, releasing a live album, Mr. Big Live, in 1992. For three nights, they opened for Aerosmith at London's Wembley Arena.

In 1993, another ballad, a cover of Cat Stevens' "Wild World", (from their third album, Bump Ahead) peaked at #27 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band also contributed the soundtrack to the Sega Mega CD release of The Amazing Spider-Man vs. The Kingpin.

They released Hey Man in 1995. The song "Take Cover" was included on the soundtrack to the cartoon series Mega Man.

Although the band never replicated its earlier success in the US market, their popularity continued to soar in Japan; they also gained a stabler following in newer Southeast Asian markets such as Thailand and South Korea.In Japan and in the rest of Asia, on the other hand, they continued to sell out tours, resulting in a number of live releases for the Japanese market.

Live At Budokan was one of those live release intended for the Japanese market only. By the time that album appeared the group had been put on ice as the individual band members became more engrossed in other projects; the band temporarily broke up in 1997.

Return in 1999

Gilbert left the band in 1997, and eventually reformed Racer X. Richie Kotzen, another Shrapnel artist and former guitarist for Poison, was brought in as a guitar player. Two studio albums were released by this lineup: Get Over It in 2000, and Actual Size in 2001. Get Over It was released on September 1999, in Japan, and yielded "Superfantastic," a multi-platinum number one hit in Japan. Mr Big performed a twenty-date tour of Japan followed by a New Year's Eve 1999 show with Aerosmith at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. Get Over It' was released in the US in March 2000, followed by a short club stint at "Roxy", California.

In 2001, Mr Big released Actual Size in Asia. The CD sat on the charts in the number three spot and "Shine", the first single, was number one. The song was also used as the ending theme for the animation series Hellsing.

However, tension had developed between Billy Sheehan and the other members, and the band broke up in 2002.

Reunion

On February 1, 2009, a radio announcement for "Koh Sakai’s Burrn Presents: Heavy Metal Syndicate" contained a short message from Mr Big announcing the reunion in Japan to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of their debut album. A press conference in Japan in February generated much excitement,and a tour of the country starting in June was announced, with shows in ten locations (including the Budokan). They held their first reunion concert outside Japan at Tallinn (Rock Cafe), Estonia on September 2009 continuing their tour.

Warner Music Japan released remastered copies of their four studio albums, as well as a greatest hits CD and DVD. There are two new songs on the album, "Next Time Around", and "Hold Your Head Up".

Band members

Eric Martin – lead vocals (1988–2002, 2009)
Pat Torpey – drums, percussion (1988–2002, 2009)
Billy Sheehan – bass guitar (1988–2002, 2009)
Paul Gilbert – guitar (1988–1997, 2009)

Former member

Richie Kotzen – guitar (1999–2002)