Guitar Wolf
The band Guitar Wolf, founded in Japan in 1987, were known for their piercing vocals and extremely loud style of garage punk that emphasized heavy distortion. They coined the phrase "Jett Rock 'n' Roll", which they also used to describe their musical style - an energetic cross between The Ramones, rockabilly, classic punk, and Nordic death metal.
Band Members
Since their inception, Guitar Wolf consisted of Seiji (Guitar Wolf), Billy (Bass Wolf), and Toru (Drum Wolf).
Billy passed away in Tokyo on March 31, 2005, presumably from a heart attack after coming off the last leg of their U.S. tour. [1] As of late 2005, the band's future is unknown as they seek out a new bassist.
Influence
Guitar Wolf was predated by a series of similar Japanese bands such as Teengenerate and Supersnazz, although none achieved the cult status this trio did. Since their inception, they have influenced a neo-rennaisance of punk rock in Japan.
Discography
Vinyl LPs
Studio Albums
- Run Wolf Run (1994)
- Missile Me! (1995)
- Planet Of The Wolves (1997)
- Jet Generation (1999)
- Rock'n'roll Etiquette (2000)
- UFO Romantics (2003)
- Loverock (2004)
Live Albums
- Live!! (2000)
Singles
- Somethin' Else (1994)
- Missile Me (1996)
- Can-Nana Fever (1997)
- Bad Reputation (1997)
- Kawasaki Z11 7750 Rock 'n' Roll (1997)
- Kaminari One (1998)
- Muder By Rock! (1999)
- God Speed You (2000)
- I Love You ,Ok (2001)
A tribute album, entitled I Love Guitar Wolf Very Much, was recorded in 2004.
Videos
Guitar Wolf starred in the comedy/horror film, Wild Zero, directed by Tetsuro Takeuchi. The band plays themselves as they take on crazed fans, zombies, and an alien invasion.
A collection of Guitar Wolf's best videos and live performances have been compiled into a limited edition DVD entitled Red Idol.