resources
Miscellaneous stuff. Further commentary on Buck-Tick, this web site, and things related in any way.
Buck-Tick Related Band/Artist Profiles
Below is a brief overview of bands/musicians with ties to Buck-Tick, whether they have worked directly with Buck-Tick or have other significance. I list selected discographies for Japanese bands for the sake of those that cannot read Japanese. If you are reading this page then you can research the non-Japanese bands on your own. I put the pronunciation of Japanese bands because if you ever talk with a Japanese person about music, they will have no idea who the hell you are talking about if you pronounce the band in the proper English way, (unless perhaps if they are fluent in English). For example, I say Buck-Tick when talking with English speaking friends and always say Baku-Chiku when talking with Japanese friends.
Abingdon Boys School - A Japanese band in the 2000s formed by Takanori Nishikawa, who was previously in TM Revolution and Luis-Mary. Japanese pronounce the name as "Abingudon Bo-izu Sukuuru". The main members are Takanori Nishikawa (vocals), Hiroshi Shibasaki (guitar), Sunao (guitar), and Toshiyuki Kishi (keyboards). They were one of the bands who appeared on the first Parade cover album and subsequent tour. At a concert in 2010, Atsushi joined them for their version of "Dress". Takanori was also hosted the show "Pop Jam" and interviewed Buck-Tick when they appeared on it.
They released the following major studio albums: Abingdon Boys School (2007) and Abingdon Road (2010).
Age of Punk - A Japanese band in the 2000s formed by Asaki (vocal & guitar) after Guniw Tools broke up with Katsushige Okazaki (formerly of M-Age) on drums. Japanese pronounce the name as "Eiji Obu Panku". Katsushige played with Hisashi in the side project band Lucy. Asaki is good friends with Hisashi and is often thanked in album credits. They were one of the bands who appeared on the first Parade cover album and subsequent tour.
They released the following major studio albums: Absolute Music (2001), Royal Electrasy - The Other Side of Age of Punk (2002), and Ifrom Punk Symphony No. 2 (2007).
Kelli Ali - also known as Kelli Dayton, is an English singer who was part of Hide's side project Dropz and got her start in the Sneaker Pimps. She continues to perform as a solo artist.
Anarchy - A Japanese band in the 1970s-1980s who regrouped in 2005 to record a new song. Japanese pronounce the name as "Ana-ki-". The main members were Shigeru Nakano (vocals), Yasunari "Mari" Henmi (guitar), Shinichi Fujinuma (guitar), Nobuyoshi Teraoka (bass), and Takao "Koban" Kobayashi (drums). In 1986 they lost Yasunari due to his arrest for attempted murder of his ex-wife. The band changed their name to The Rock Band and released 2 albums. They changed drummers to Fujimaru Nagoya in 1996 and played as Anarchy again. Shigeru played live with Hisashi as a member of Takagi-cho Missiles. Mari passed away in 2017.
They released the following major studio albums: Anarchy (1980), '80 Ishin (1980), Anarchy City (1981), Ready Steady Go (1981), Anarchism (1982), Rebel Yell (1983), Derashine (1984), Beat Up Generation (1985), Dingo (1997), Paradox (1999), and Freaksnegoti (2000).
Daniel Ash - Remixed a song for Buck-Tick. English guitarist/singer. Formerly of Bauhaus, Tones On Tail, Love and Rockets. These bands, Bauhaus in particular, were huge influences to Buck-Tick. Daniel recently reunited with Kevin Haskins, the drummer from all his previous bands, to form Pop Tone, in which they play songs from their various projects.
Auto-Mod - Japanese dark wave band in 1980-1985 who reunited in 1997. The band revolves around the vocalist Genet. Japanese pronounce the name as "Outo Moddo" and the singer's name as "Jyune". After seeing Bauhaus in London, Genet returned to Japan and formed a band. The band once had Tomoyasu Hotei (Boøwy) and other names from back in the day as supporting members. Their current members are Genet (vocals), Yukino (guitar), Hikaru Kishine (bass, formerly of Justy-Nasty), Taji (drums), and then they also incorporate performers in their live acts. One of these performers is Selia, who has provided guest vocals on Buck-Tick's album Tenshi No Revolver. They held a series of concerts called "Toki No Souretsu" and now hold events such as "Tokyo Goth & Darkwave" and "Tokyo Dark Castle". Auto-Mod albums have been cited in interviews when Buck-Tick members list their favorite music. Toll is good friends with Genet and has played live with them on several occasions. Auto-Mod in turn performed at Toll's 50th birthday concert "It's A Now". Genet maintains a blog full of photos of him eating, drinking, and hanging out with other Japanese rockers. You start to see the circle of friends by browsing through the blog.
They released the following major studio albums: Requiem (1983), Deathtopia (1985), Eestania (1985), Bible (1985), Ceremony (1985), Death of the 20th Century (2001), Eastern Gothic (2007), and Celebration (2010).
Breakerz - A Japanese band active since 2007. Japanese pronounce the name as "Bureikaazu". The members are Daigo (vocals), Shinpei (guitar), and Akihide (guitar). Before forming Breakerz, Akihide was the live guitarist for U-ta's side project Wild Wise Apes in 2004. In 2012, Breakerz appeared on the Parade II cover album and performed at Buck-Tick Fest On Parade. In homage to Hisashi writing "B-T" on his cheek, Daigo wrote "B-Z" for Breakerz (not to be confused with the Japanese band B'z) on his cheek, Shinpei wrote it on his chest, and Akihide wrote it on the back of his hand.
They released the following major studio albums: Breakerz (2007), Crash & Build (2007), Big Bang! (2008), Fighterz (2009), Go (2011), Ø-Zero (2015), Eastern Gothic (2007), and X [Cross] (2017).
Bryan Black - American musician whose projects include haloblack, H3llb3nt, Xlover, and tour support for Depeche Mode as well as engineer for Prince. He played keyboards with Atsushi and Hisashi's side project Schwein when they toured Japan in summer of 2001. He also remixed a Schwein song for their remix album Son of Schweinstein. He has also worked with other Buck-Tick side projects as a composer for Atsushi's solo album as well as remixer for Hide's side project Dropz.
Boøwy - A Japanese band that were quite successful during the band boom of the 1980s. Japanese pronounce the name like David Bowie. The main members were Kyosuke Himuro (vocals), Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar), Tsunematsu Matsui (bass), and Makoto Takahashi (drums). The band were from Takasaki, Gunma, the same as Buck-Tick and after the band broke up, many of their fans became Buck-Tick fans so pay close attention to Buck-Tick's sound and style in the 1980s for comparisons. There is a widespread rumor in Japan that when Atsushi was depressed with being a drummer, he consulted with Kyosuke who told him he had a good face so he should be the vocalist. The band have disputed this rumor and said it's not true. After Boøwy, Kyosuke and Tomoyasu each had successful solo careers. Buck-Tick played a concert with Kyosuke in 1990 entitled "Great Double Booking". Tomoyasu also had success in the band Complex with Kouji Kikkawa. Additionally, Tomoyasu remixed the Buck-Tick song "Muchi No Namida" for the b-side of "Gessekai". Hisashi has made a guest appearance on Tomoyasu's solo work as well as U-ta has appeared on Tsunematsu's solo work. After the band broke up, Makoto joined De-Lax, whose band is fronted by Chu-ya, a friend of Toll's. U-ta and Makoto both participated on the song "Bad Bullet Boy" on the album Tribute to the Starclub Featuring Hikage.
They released the following major studio albums: Moral (1982), Instant Love (1983), Boøwy (1985), Just a Hero (1986), Beat Emotion (1986), and Psychopath (1987).
Cloudchair - The name that Japanese guitarist Masatomo Kawase uses when performing solo. Japanese pronounce the name as "Kuraudochea". He used to be known as Jake when he was in Guniw Tools so sometimes he is credited as Jake Cloudchair. There are other Guniw Tools ties to Buck-Tick so please see below for more info on them. After Guniw Tools, he was in Super Soul Sonics. He was also the guitarist for Atsushi's solo concerts in 2004 and well as guitarist for Atsushi's side project The Mortal in 2015. He collects all sorts of guitar pedals and makes videos demonstrating them. He has released various singles and live albums and one major studio album: Cloudchair (2003).
Cube Juice - Electronic artist/remixer whose real name is Shinichi Nagao. Japanese pronounce the name as "Kyu-bu Ju-su". He first worked with Buck-Tick when he composed the opening music for the DVD release of Climax Together in 2003. Since then he wrote a song for Atsushi's solo album (2004), participated as a member of Hide's side project Dropz, and played on the Buck-Tick albums Razzle Dazzle and Yume Miru Uchuu. He has also worked with Orange Range, Gari, Endive, etc.
He has released the following major studio albums: In the Eye of a Wili-Wili (2003), III (2003), and Vague Answers (2007).
Der Zibet - A Japanese band in the 1980s-1990s who resumed activities in 2007. Japanese pronounce the name as "Deru Jibetto". The members were Issay (vocals), Hikaru (guitar), Hal (Bass), and Mayumi (drums). After the band broke up, Issay did solo work and sang for Hamlet Machine so please see the notes for those below. Atsushi and Hisashi made guest appearances on the album Shishunki II ~Downer Side~. Der Zibet were one of the bands who performed at Toll's 50th birthday concert entitled "It's A Now!". They were joined by Atsushi to peform "Masquerade". Coincidentally, both Der Zibet and Buck-Tick have released songs entitled "Baby, I Want You".
They released the following major studio albums: Violetter Ball (1985), Electric Moon and More (1987), Der Zibet (1988), Garden (1988), Carnival (1989), Homo Demens (1990), Shishunki I ~Upper Side~ (1991), Shishunki II ~Downer Side~ (1991), Trash Land (1993), Pop Mania (1994), Green (1995), Kirigirisu (1996), Primitive (2009), Romanoid I (2012), and Romanoid II (2012).
Downy - A Japanese post-rock band formed in 2000. During the second album era there were some member changes. The current members are Robin Aoki (vocals/guitar), Yutaka Aoki (guitar), Kazuhiro Nakamata (bass), Zakuro (VJ), and Takahiko Akiyama (drums). Downy's albums are untitled thus far and are referred to as "Mudai", meaning "Untitled". Robin is half-Indian and uses his mother's surname. He lived the first part of his childhood outside of Japan. His full-time job is running his cafe in Okinawa but the band's members are from various prefectures. Yutaka has worked with Morrie (Dead End). Zakuro creates visual productions for other artists' live shows including Juno Reactor and Sugizo. He also helped to direct the only music video that Hide's side project Dropz made. Takahiko is involved in many projects as a freelance drummer. He was the drummer for Atsushi's side project The Mortal in 2015. He also plays occasionally with Cloudchair and others to cover classic metal and hard rock songs.
They released the following studio albums: Mudai (2001), Mudai II (2002), Mudai III (2003), Mudai IV (2004), Mudai V (2013), and Mudai VI (2016).
Fake? - A Japanese band formed in 2001. Japanese pronounce the name as "Feiku". Inoran was a member of Fake? after Luna Sea broke up but left in 2005 so the band is really just vocalist Kentaro "Ken" Lloyd, who is half-Japanese and grew up outside of Japan so the songs are heavily in English, at least for the first several years and since then I think Ken has become comfortable with Japanese and may use Japanese in this band or his main band Oblivion Dust. Hide and U-ta made a guest appearance on the album Marilyn is a Bubble.
They released the following major studio albums: Breathe In... (2002), Tomorrow Today (2003), The Art of Losing Touch (2004), Made With Air (2004), Songs From Bezzlebub (2006), Marilyn is a Bubble (2006), and Switching on X (2010).
Maki Fujii - Japanese musician best known for being a member of Soft Ballet. He has been in the side project Schaft with Hisashi (he's the connection to Raymond Watts) as well as playing synthesizer live for Atsushi's solo concerts in 2004. Hisashi borrowed Maki's Gittler guitar for recording "Madman Blues" on the album Darker Than Darkness. As Maki Fujii Assembled, he has released Deviation From System. He also had projects called She-Shell and Suilen. He reunited with fellow Soft Ballet member Ken Morioka to create the project Minus(-) and continued with the project even after Ken's death in 2016.
Gari - A Japanese electronic rock band formed in 1997. The members are Yow-Row (vocals/programming), Yutaka (guitar), Naoki Fujimoto (bass), and Kei Kusakabe (drums). Yow-Row (pronounced as Yo-ichiro) has worked with many artists as a programmer and remixer. He has been in projects such as DNPA (with Maki Fujii formerly of Soft Ballet), Jugendgedenken (with Maki Fujii), and a project with Sakura (formerly of L'Arc~en~Ciel). After contributing to several tracks on Buck-Tick albums Arui Wa Anarchy and Atom Miraiha No.9, he became the vocalist of the reunited side project Schaft in 2016.
They released the following major studio albums: E•go•is•tick (2005), Masked (2006), Colorful Talk (2010), Harmonik/Electrik (2011), and Stereoscope (2015).
Guniw Tools - A Japanese band in the 1990s. Japanese pronounce the name as "Gunyu Tsu-ru". The main members were Full (vocals), Jake (guitar), and Asaki (guitar). Jake (Masatomo Kawase) left during the second album and formed Super Soul Sonics, then went solo under the name Cloudchair. After Guniw Tools broke up, Asaki formed Age of Punk. The band reunited in 2014. Asaki is a fan of and friends with Hisashi and so Hisashi wrote a song for their album Dazzle. Full directed Buck-Tick's music video for "Candy".
They released the following major studio albums: Niwlun (1996), Other Goose (1997), Sparky (1997), Dazzle (1998), Fickle Boon (1999), and Flare Up Stare (2015).
Hamlet Machine - The band Issay sang with after Der Zibet broke up. The other member was Tatsuya. Japanese pronounce the name as "Hamuretto Mashi-n". They contributed a track to the compilation album Dance 2 Noise 001 (1991), (Hide and Schaft also contributed tracks), as well as a Bauhaus tribute album. They released a mini album Evil Flower (2001) and single "Trance-Mission" (2002).
Hide (X Japan) - Short for Hideto Matsumoto, former guitarist of Japanese band X Japan. Went on to do a solo project under his own name then changed it to Hide with Spread Beaver. He also formed Zilch. Hide committed suicide in 1998 in a very similar manner to INXS frontman Michael Hutchence who died the previous year, though some say it was an accident. Hide continued to release music posthumously. Buck-Tick contributed a track to the tribute album for Hide entitled Hide Tribute Spirits (1999). Though they played cover songs in their early days, this was the first cover song Buck-Tick recorded. Hide's image continues to be exploited for many years since his death, but not quite to the level of Che Guevara.
Hi No Kyuu - Alternatively spelled as hinoQ. The band was formed in June 1982 and was led by Kasumi Sawaki on vocals. Nozomu Naka played guitar at 5 or so gigs. Nozomu would go on to compose the song "Theme of B-T". Sawaki created the indie label Taiyo Records in early 1985 to release the band's material. The first release was a 7" record credited to Sawaki + Naka Nozomu. Sawaki would sign Buck-Tick to the label as well as Soft Ballet and The Street Beats. Buck-Tick's 7" single "To-Search" was the seventh release on the label. Buck-Tick's album Hurry Up Mode (1987) was the first album relased on both CD and vinyl in the Japanese indies scene. Sawaki was also the one who came up with the idea to promote the "Buck-Tick Genshou" concert with a sticker campaign. Sawaki was friends with Yoshihiko "Joe" Masuoka, who would then become Buck-Tick's manager when they signed to a major label. The Taiyo Records label folded in 1989 but was begun again in 1994, however I am unsure if anything was released. The last release was the 18th release the label had done and it was Soft Ballet's CD single for "Body to Body" (1989). Sawaki lived in the United Kingdom in 2001-2005 and tried to live for 3 months in New Zealand then gave up. He ended up marrying a New Zealander and was living in Australia for a time.
Issay - Real name Issei Fujisaki. Singer for Der Zibet and Hamlet Machine so please see the notes on those bands. Issay did guest vocals on the Buck-Tick song "Itoshi No Rock Star" (Six/Nine). Atsushi and Hide made guest apperances on Issay's album Flowers (1994). He also has been involved with projects Issay Meets Dolly (with Mari Fukuhama formerly of Real Fish and Shi-Shonen), The Name of the Rose (with Takashi formerly of Nearmiss), and Lynx (with Heath from X Japan).
Kiyoharu - full name Kiyoharu Mori, former vocalist for the Japanese band Kuroyume so please see the note on that band below. After Kuroyume, Kiyoharu was part of Sads then went solo. Kiyoharu joined Lucy on stage for a song at a show that was subtitled "Lucy x Kiyoharu". He was one of the artists who appeared on the first Parade cover album, subsequent tour, and Buck-Tick Fest On Parade. Kiyoharu has had his own radio show and has interviewed Buck-Tick members as his guests.
He released the following major studio albums: Poetry (2004), Mellow (2005), Kannou Boogie (2005), Vinny Beach ~Kakuu No Kaigan~ (2006), Forever Love (2007), Madrigal of Decadence (2009), and Under the Sun (2012).
Kiyoshi - vocalist and guitarist who is in the side project Lucy with Hisashi. He has been in the bands Mad Beavers, Media Youth, Spread Beaver (Hide of X Japan), Machine, as well as solo work under the name Oyobi Freeman. Machine only had 2 official members but Nao and Den from By-Sexual were supporting members. Media Youth were signed to Yoshiki's record label (X Japan). Heath was an early member of Media Youth and went on to join X Japan. It is said that Kiyoshi met Hisashi through Hide of X Japan. As so often musician friends do, a night of drinking and bonding leads to talk of creating music together. Supposedly Hide wanted to do a project with Kiyoshi and Hisashi but that never materialized and so years after his death, Kiyoshi and Hisashi formed Lucy.
He released the following major studio albums: Primitive Supernova, Be Free, Alien Dive Here, and Crash and Crash.
Kuroyume - Japanese band that were quite successful in the 1990s. Their name literally means "black dream" and they have said it means something more like "nothing compares to a dream". The members were Kiyoharu (vocals) and Hitoki (bass) but they did start off with a guitarist and drummer as well. After they broke up, Kiyoharu formed a new band called Sads, went solo, and also had some Buck-Tick ties so please see the note on that above.
They released the following major studio albums: Mayoeru Yuritachi ~Romance of Scarlet~ (1994), Feminism (1995), Fake Star ~I'm Just a Japanese Fake Rocker~ (1996), Drug Treatment (1997), and Corkscrew (1998).
KMFDM - a German group founded in France in 1984 by Sascha Konietzko (Captain K, the father of industrial rock) that later relocated to America. Raymond Watts (Pig) has worked with them over the years. (In fact, his poor German is said to be where the name of the band came from.) Both Raymond and Sascha worked with Atsushi and Hisashi in the side project band Schwein. Though no longer with KMFDM, while Gunter Schulz was in the group he remixed a song for Buck-Tick. In a strange twist of fate, the members of KMFDM and Pig essentially switched in later years.
L'Arc~en~Ciel - A Japanese band since the 1990s who are quite popular. Japanese pronounce the name as "Raruku An Shieru" or simply "Raruku". They became famous with the line-up of Hyde (vocals), Ken (guitar), Tetsuya (bass), and Sakura (drums). After Sakura was arrested for heroin in 1997, the band hit a low point and had to regroup with Yukihiro on drums. (The drug bust and impact was much worse than what Buck-Tick experienced with Hisashi but L'Arc would recover to new heights.) The band was one of the openers for the LSB tour in 1994. Yukihiro was formerly of Die In Cries, who also opened for the LSB tour. Yukihiro's side project is Acid Android, which has opened for Hisashi's side project Lucy. Hisashi has guest appeared on an Acid Android track. Additionally, Yukihiro was the drummer for a 1 song Schaft reunion in 2008 and then joined Schaft's reunion in 2016.
They released the following major studio albums: Dune (1993), Tierra (1994), Heavenly (1995), True (1996), Heart (1998), Ark (1999), Ray (1999), Real (2000), Smile (2004), Awake (2005), Kiss (2007), and Butterfly (2012).
Lä-Ppisch - A Japanese band in the 1980s-2000s who were quite popular, but mostly in the 1980s. Japanese pronounce the name as "Re Pisshu". Supposedly their name is a childish word in German that means "foolish". They signed to the same major label as Buck-Tick in the same year. The band broke up in 2005 and reformed in 2007. The members are/were: Magumi (vocals), Kyoichi Sugimoto (guitar, vocals), Tatsu (bass), Gen Ueda (keyboards, sax, vocals), and Yokiyoshi (drums). U-ta, Magumi, and Kyoichi participated on the song "Bad Bullet Boy" on the album Tribute to the Starclub Featuring Hikage. Buck-Tick recorded a song for a tribute album to Gen Ueda, who passed away in 2008 due to cancer. Very early on in their career, they appeared as an amateur band on the compilation album East West '85 and Toll's band before Buck-Tick also appeared on this album. To this day, Buck-Tick members can be spotted hanging out with Magumi.
They released the following major studio albums: Lä-Ppisch (1987), Wonder Book (1988), Karakuri House (1989), Make (1990), Flower (1992), Mime (1993), Porno Porno (1995), Q (1997), Dogs Can't See Colors (1998), Art of Gradation (1999), Heaven Eleven (2000), and Pop (2003).
Luna Sea - A Japanese band in the 1990s who were quite popular. Japanese pronounce the name as "Luna Shi-". The members were Ryuichi (vocals), Sugizo (guitar/violin), Inoran (guitar), J (bass), and Shinya (drums). Luna Sea signed to Yoshiki's record label (X Japan). They also toured with Buck-Tick and Soft Ballet for a few dates known as LSB tour in 1994. J covered a song for the Buck-Tick cover album Parade and participated in the subsequent tour and Buck-Tick Fest On Parade. Luna Sea reunited in 2010 and toured outside of Japan.
They released the following major studio albums: Luna Sea (1991), Image (1992), Eden (1993), Mother (1994), Style (1996), Shine (1998), Lunacy (2000), and A Will (2013).
M-Age - A Japanese band in the early 1990s. Japanese pronounce the name "Emu Eiji". The members were Koichiro (vocals), Ken Miyo (guitar), Yuji Kajiwaru (bass), Katsushige Okazaki (drums), and DJ Peah. They contributed a track to the compilation album Dance 2 Noise 001 (1991), (Hide and Schaft also contributed tracks.) Katsushige then joined Age of Punk and played with Hisashi in the side project band Lucy. Ken was the second guitarist for Atsushi's solo concerts in 2004 and also the bassist for Atsushi's side project The Mortal in 2015.
They released the following major studio albums: Mustard (1992), Vibes (1992), and Interface (1993).
The Mad Capsule Markets - A Japanese band in the 1990s-2000s, they originally spelled their name The Mad Capsule Market's. Japanese pronounce the name as "Za Maddo Capuseru Ma-kettsu". The main members are Hiroshi Kyono (vocals), Takeshi "Cra¥" Ueda (bass), and Motokatsu Miyagami (drums). They were one of the opening dates for a few shows of the LSB tour in 1994. Cra¥ played bass on 2 songs for Hisashi's side project Schaft in 1994. Cra¥ went back to the name of Takeshi and began a solo project called AA= then joined Schaft again when they reunited in 2016. Motokatsu was the live drummer for Schaft in 1994. He also played live with Hisashi as a member of Takagi-cho Missiles in 2006.
They released the following major studio albums: P.O.P (1991), Capsule Soup (1992), Speak!!!! (1992), Mix-ism (1994), Park (1994), 4 Plugs (1996), Digidogheadlock (1997), Osc-Dis (1999), 010 (2001), and CiSTm K0nFLiqT... (2004).
Yukinojo Mori - poet and lyricist whose real name is Showa Mori and who has also used the alias Joe Lemon. He has composed lyrics for many artists, including former Boøwy members Kyosuke Himuro and Tomoyasu Hotei and Tsunematsu Matsui, Hide (formerly of X Japan), Wink, Chemistry, Show-Ya, Fence of Defense, Sadistic Mika Band, etc. Hisashi has appeared on two of his spoken word albums.
He has released the following albums: Yukinojo Kenzan (1977), Ichininshou - Tansuu - Genzai (1979), Tenshi No Ita Wakusei (1997), and Poetic Evolution (1999).
My Way My Love - A Japanese band formed in 2000. Japanese pronounce the name as "My Uei My Rabu". The members are now just Yukio Murata (vocals/guitar/keyboard) and Shozo Ishida (drums/vocals). They have released albums on labels based outside of Japan. Yukio has played guitar for Inoran's (Luna Sea) solo live shoes as well as Enthralls' studio albums. Yukio wrote 2 songs for Atsushi's solo project in 2004 and played guitar for Atsushi's side project The Mortal in 2015.
They released the following studio albums: Dedicated to an Angel on Your Shoulder (2001), Hypnotic Suggestion:01 (2005), It is But One of Billions of Galaxies in Your Universe (2006), Nothing is Difficult to Those Who Have the Will (2006), Joy (2007), A Holy Land Invader (2008), I'll Cure You With Electricity (2009), Himitsu No Sekai (2011), The Fact Is (2013), Shit! (2015), and She Sky My Heart With Blue (2017).
Nao - full name Naoyuki Fujimoto; former drummer for By-Sexual and then the band's name was shortened to By-Sex after they lost the vocalist. After leaving By-Sex, he began to run small restaurants. He may have always enjoyed cooking or began owning restaurants before quitting By-Sex as he can be seen as a cook in the background of an interview in 1996 where Buck-Tick is at an oden shop. Both Nao and Den of By-Sexual were supporting members of Kiyoshi's band Machine. He can also be seen in a Buck-Tick tour pamphlet in 1996 as well as backstage photos at concerts such as Kishidan Banpaku. Nao is good friends with Hisashi and currently runs a small restaurant with a former Buck-Tick staff member. Hisashi once told a story interview about how he got his first computer, that he borrowed a computer from Nao but never returned it.
Tsutomu Nihei - he drew the logo for Buck-Tick's label Lingua Sounda. He is a comic artist who is known for several series: "Blame!", "NOiSE", "Abara", Biomega", and "Cydonia No Kishi".
Atsushi Okuno - former vocalist of Rogue and was in Wild Wise Apes with U-ta. He is also an actor and composed film scores. A couple years after Wild Wise Apes, he unfortunately was in an accident in September 2008 where he fell 7 meters. It caused most of his limbs to be paralyzed. He has been confined to a wheelchair ever since and can partially move his right arm. Despite this, he has maintained a positive outlook conveyed through his blog that was popular enough to be published into a book. He has even performed live again from the confines of his wheelchair.
Pig - Pig is a one man project by Raymond Watts so please see the note about him as well. Atsushi and Hisashi have made guest appearances on the Pig albums Wrecked and Sinsation (Hisashi only). Pig opened up for Buck-Tick in 1999 during the "Energy Void Tour". In a strange twist of fate, the members of Pig and KMFDM essentially switched in later years, with Pig's live members becoming Sascha's KFMDM and Gunter and En Esch supporting Pig.
Pork Sautes - this is an imaginary band that U-ta participated in. Japanese pronounce the name as "po-ku sote-zu". Details are sketchy and have only come out in recent years online. The band was formed by a group of celebrities in April 1993. It was led by Atsushi Okuno (Rogue, Wild Wise Apes) and consisted of U-ta, Takashi Matsuo (DJ, narrator, etc has gone by the stage name Kitsch), Masanobu Katsumura (actor), Kenta Harada (musician, actor), and Kaori Kawamura (singer). Later they were also joined by Hiromichi Nakano (fashion designer), Kazuhiko Kanayama (actor), and Miyoko Yoshimoto (actress, pop singer). In total they had 4 vocalists. Kenta Harada played guitar, U-ta played bass, and Maro Sakai played drums. They supposedly had a one off concert at Sogetsu Hall in Tokyo. Their song "Hanbaagu No Tsukuri Kata" ("How to Make Hamburger") aired on the NHK tv show "Minna No Uta" for 2 months. The show's web site states the song aired in February-March 1996. The song was written by Atsushi Okuno with lyrics/arrangement by the Pork Sautes. Another site states the song was animated by Hiroshi Nishimura. In September 2006, Masanobu Katsumura posted some details on his blog but the pictures are not clear. He stated that there were 2 gigs and they played 3 songs--first to commemorate his wedding and then 2 weeks later to commemorate Takashi Matsuo's wedding (held at Blue Note). (Not sure if either of these were the previously mentioned gig at Sogetsu Hall.) He states that they played the hamburger song and the other songs were "We Are Pork Sautes" and "Curry Rice". An interview with Katsumura gives more history, that the concept was by Okuno and he was to write the music with Katsumura to write the lyrics, that they recorded material for a debut CD that never materialized, and implies that they may have had more live performances. Takashi Matsuo's profile on his website and Facebook has the basic details of the group (basically the same info he has tweeted in 2010) and this was spread around the internet. Given that Atsushi Okuno became paralyzed in 2008 and Kaori Kawamura died of breast cancer in 2009, a resurrection of the band is unlikely.
The Rockers - A Japanese band active in 1978-1982. Japanese pronounce the name as "Za Rokkazu". The members were Takanori Jinnai (vocals), Nobuo Tani (guitar), Hitomi Tsurukawa (guitar), Nikichi Anai (bass), and Shouichi Funakoshi (drums). They reformed briefly in 1990-1991 with a slightly different lineup. Toll was influenced by this band as well as Hisashi's side project band Lucy who have covered their song "Kawaii Ano Ko".
They released the following major studio albums: Who The Rockers (1980), Come On (1981), Shakin' (1981), and Hanky Panky ~ Pop Come Back (1981).
Rogue - A Japanese band in the 1980s from Gunma prefecture, broke up in 1990. Japanese pronounce the name as "Ro-gu". The members were Atsushi Okuno (vocals/guitar), Makoto Kagawa (guitar), Fumiaki Nishiyama (bass), and Yasuaki Fukasawa (drums). Both being from Gunma, Atsushi and U-ta are friends who would form the side project Wild Wise Apes in 2004. Rogue reunited in 2013.
They released the following major studio albums: Rogue (1985), Another Side, Voice Beat (1987), Serenade (1988), Move (1988), Viva (1989), Solid Blue (1990), Real Again (2014), and Desolation Angels (2016).
The Roosters - A Japanese band in the 1980s who regrouped in 2004 to play at the Fuji Rock Festival. Japanese pronounce the name as "Za Ru-suta-zu". They changed their name to The Roosterz about halfway into their career and went through some member changes. The original members were Shinya Ooe (vocals/guitar), Hiroyuki Hanada (guitar), Tomio Inoue (bass), and Junji Ikehata (drums). Hisashi and his side project band Lucy seem to be heavily influenced by The Roosters. Lucy covers them live. Consider for a moment that The Roosters' second album was entitled The Roosters a-Gogo. From there you have Hinan Go-Go, Buck-Tick's first name, and the various Lucy songs with "Go Go" in the title. The Roosters would cover the song "Tequila" and so does Lucy.
They released the following major studio albums: The Roosters (1980), The Roosters a-Gogo (1981), Insane (1981), Dis. (1983), Good Dreams (1984), Ø Phy (1984), Neon Boy (1985), Kaminari (1986), Passenger (1987), and Four Pieces (1988).
Soft Ballet - A Japanese band in the 1980s-1990s who broke up and later reunited in the 2000s. Japanese pronounce the name as "Sofuto Bare-". The members are Ryoichi Endo (vocals), Maki Fujii (keyboards, noises, guitars; real name Yasuhito Fujimaki), and Ken Morioka (keyboards). The band was signed to the same indie label, Taiyo Records, that Buck-Tick were and later moved to the same major label, Victor/Invitation. The members are close in age with the members of Buck-Tick and the two bands were friends and made mutual guest appearances as well as performing concerts together (December 31, 1993 joint concert/tv appearance; Shapeless concert in 1994; LSB tour in 1994). Hisashi made a guest appearance on the album Million Mirrors. Maki Fujii was a member of Buck-Tick side project band Schaft. He also was in the support band for Atsushi's solo concerts. Ryoichi formed a new band called Ends that released several albums but then seemingly disappeared from the music business after 2010. Ken released several solo albums, reunited with Maki for a project, played a show with Auto-Mod where Toll guested, and worked for many other artists until he passed away in 2016. Maki has done several projects and has his own entry here.
They released the following major studio albums: Earth Born (1989), Document (1990), Ai to Heiwa (1991), Million Mirrors (1992), Incubate (1993), Form (1995), Symbiont (2002), and Menopause (2003).
The Stalin - One of the premiere Japanese punk bands who have also gone by the name "Stalin" (without "The" in front) and other variations. Japanese pronounce the name as "Suta-rin". The key member was Michirou Endou (vocals, alternatively spelled Michiro Endo). They were a huge influence to Buck-Tick in the early days. Before the band wrote original songs, they would perform covers of Stalin. Hisashi says that the first song he ever copied was "Romanticist" and it was also the first song Buck-Tick ever played. Later, Hisashi made a guest appearance on the live album Shinda Mono Hodo Aishite Yaru Sa (1995). Michirou has also covered a song for the Buck-Tick cover album Parade and participated in the subsequent tour and Buck-Tick Fest On Parade. Buck-Tick also covered the song "Omae No Inu Ni Naru" for Romantist ~ The Stalin/Michiro Endo Tribute Album.
They released the following major studio albums as (The) Stalin: Trash (1981), Stop Jap (1982), Mushi (1983), Fish Inn (1984), Joy (1989), Stalin (1989), Sakkin Baricade (1990), Street Value (1991), and Kiseki No Hito (1992).
The Star Club - A Japanese punk band since the 1970s. Japanese pronounce the name as "Za Suta- Kurabu". As with most bands that have been around so long, the band has gone through many lineup changes. The main member continues to be vocalist Hikage. A self-cover sort of album was released by Hikage in 1997 with many guest musicians, including Hisashi and U-ta. They have released too many albums to list here so I will only list their first few albums.
They released the following major studio albums in the 1980s (but have many more): Hello New Punks (1984), Punk! Punk! Punk! (1985), Final Count (1986), Ground Zero (1986), Rock'n'Roll Rider (1988), and Solid Fist (1989).
Takagi-cho Missiles - A Japanese all-star cover band that Hisashi has been a part of. (In Japan, many towns are named with the -cho suffix and may also be considered a neighborhood within a town. Takagi-cho existed in what is now the Aoyama part of Tokyo, coincidentally where Victor Entertainment, Buck-Tick's first major label, is located.) Japanese pronounce the name as "Takagi-cho Misairuzu". They played an event called "Wear Red Shoes vol. 3" on September 14, 2006 at Shibuya O-East to celebrate 25 years of the Red Shoes bar that many musicians frequent. The band consisted of Shigeru Nakano (Anarchy) on vocals, Hisashi on guitar, J (Luna Sea) on bass, Motokatsu (The Mad Capsule Markets) on drums. They played a short set consisting of 3 Anarchy songs ("Tokyo is Burning", "Fa Fa Fa", "Not Satisfied") and 1 cover each of The Stalin ("Romanticist"), Jagatara ("Tango"), and Bob Dylan ("Knockin' On Heaven's Door"). The group has performed since then as a slightly different line-up without Hisashi.
Theatre Brook - A Japanese band since 1986. Japanese pronounce the name as "Shiata- Burukku". The members are Taiji Sato (guitar/vocals), Takashi Nakajo (bass), Emerson Kitamura (keyboards), Takashi Numazawa (drums). Taiji worked with Atsushi on his solo album; likewise Atsushi has performed with Taiji live.
They released the following major studio albums: Sensemilla (1993), Talisman (1996), Tropopause (1997), Viracocha (1999), I am the Space, You are the Sun (2000), Theatre Brook (2003), and Reincarnation (2005).
Masami Tsuchiya - former vocalist for Ippu-Do in the 1970s-1980s, later went solo. Atsushi is a fan and made a guest appearance on his album Mori No Hito (Forest People) (1998). In turn, Masami wrote a song for Atsushi's solo album as well as produced songs. Masami has also covered a song for the Buck-Tick cover album Parade and participated in the subsequent tour and Buck-Tick Fest On Parade.
He released the following major studio albums: Rice Music (1982), Tokyo Ballet (1985), Life In Mirrors (1987), Horizon (1988), Time Passenger (1989), Mod' Fish (1997), and Mori No Hito (Forest People) (1998).
Hiroshi Ueda - he drew the cover art for Parade II ~Respective Tracks of Buck-Tick~. He is a comic artist who is known for the series: "A Little Dragon", "Bushingi Kyoku", "Full Metal Panic! Σ", "Yamiyo No Trumpf", and "Tiger & Bunny".
Aquirax Uno - real name Akira Uno. He drew the cover art for Razzle Dazzle. He is a graphic illustrator who is known for collaborating with Shuji Terayama for the experimental theater Tenjo Sajiki. He started the Tokyo Illustrators Club in 1966. He has also dabbled with animated shorts and created theatrical dolls and puppets.
Wakusei - A Japanese band from 1995-2007. The members were Kenji Kishida (vocals/guitar), Yoshimasa Shimizu (bass), and Tomomi Hirata (drums). Lucy did a show which was subtitled "Lucy x Wakusei". On the setlist, it is noted that Wakusei joined in on a song. This could have been just the vocalist Kenji and not the entire Wakusei band. Kenji also worked with Atsushi Sakurai on his solo album.
They released the following major studio albums: ku-ro-i-ho-shi (2002), shi-ro-i-to-ri (2002), Wakusei (2003), and Wakusei III (2004).
Raymond Watts - He has been a member of Buck-Tick side project bands Schaft and Schwein. Raymond was introduced through mutual friend Maki Fujii (Soft Ballet). He also remixed a song for the b-side of the "Sasayaki" single. In addition, Raymond has worked with Bryan Black for his project H3llb3nt. Please see also the above entries for Pig and KMFDM.
X Japan - A Japanese band in the 1980s-1990s who reunited in the 2000s. Japanese pronounce the name as "Ekkusu". At first they were named X but after trying to release music in America where another band by the same name already existed, they changed their name to X Japan in 1992. The members were Yoshiki (drums, piano), Toshi (vocals), Hide (guitar), Pata (guitar), Taiji (bass until 1992), and Heath (bass since 1992). X Japan had a huge following and was one of the most popular if not the most popular rock group in Japan during their heyday. From a fan's perspective, this would be the rival band to Buck-Tick. I honestly believe that Hisashi's arrest contributed to X's rise since Buck-Tick was quiet and X's major label debut album was released on the day of Hisashi's arrest. It is hard to say exactly what the members' relationships were between the two bands but Hisashi seemed to be the most friendly with X's Hide and attended his funeral. (Since the breakup of the band, Taiji has also passsed away.) Both bands did get along and respect each other to some degree. Of note: a magazine once published interviews with members from both bands in a 'duet' interview if you will, (B-T Atsushi and X Yoshiki; B-T Hisashi and X Hide), once Atsushi was on a talk show ("Waratte Iitomo") where the current guest decides who the next guest will be and personally calls them (he chose Hide of X Japan), X members have attended at least one Buck-Tick concert but I don't know if B-T members did likewise, and of course, Buck-Tick contributed a track to the tribute album for Hide (X Japan) that was released after his death. For the reunited band, Sugizo from Luna Sea has joined as the lead guitarist and Sugizo once did a photoshoot with X Hide and Hisashi.
They released the following major studio albums: Blue Blood (1989), Jealousy (1991), and Dahlia (1996).
Xymox - formerly and currently Clan of Xymox, are a Dutch band since the 1980s centered around Ronny Moorings, and Anke (also spelled as Anka) Wolbert, and Pieter Nooten. Ronny is the only remaining member. While Anka was still in the group and they were performing as Xymox, they collaborated with Atsushi for the song "Yokan" which was released on the compilation album Dance 2 Noise 002 in 1992.
Zilch - A mostly Western band from 1998-2002. Japanese pronounce the name as "Jiruchi". The group was founded by Hide of X Japan (see above entries), who died before their debut album was released. The rest of the band carried on however with Ray McVeigh (vocals, guitar), Paul Raven (bass, from Killing Joke, he has since passed away), Joey Castillo (drums, Queens of the Stone Age), and I.N.A. (programming). In 1999, Hisashi and Maki Fujii played a couple songs live with Zilch. It was the first time the two had worked together since Schaft. A little bit earlier in 1999, Schaft was credited for remixing a Zilch song on the remix album Bastard Eyes but this was most likely just Maki.