Loudness Agenda - From year to year
1981
In May, guitarist Akira Takasaki, drummer Munetaka Higuchi, and bassist Hiroyuki Tanaka, who were all members of Lazy at the time, decided to form a new band. Minoru Niihara was selected through an audition, and the band started as Akira Takasaki's solo project. However, Tanaka left due to differences in musical style. Masayoshi Yamashita was added to the bass and the first generation of Loudness was formed. On November 25th, they made their debut with their first album The Birthday Eve released by Nippon Columbia. On December 17th, they performed their debut concert at the Asakusa International Theater.
1982
On April 10th, they performed at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall, but due to the loud volume of their music they received a flood of complaints from nearby residents and were banned from the venue. On July 21st, they released their second album, Devil Soldier.
1983
In January, they released their third album, The Law of Devil's Land. On July 9th, the band traveled to the US for their first overseas tour, returning to Japan on the 26th of the same month. On August 15th, following the US tour, they travelled to Europe for the European tour and to record their next album. They returned to Japan on the 20th of the following month. In November, they released their first live album, Live-Loud-Alive Loudness in Tokyo.
1984
In January, the fourth album Disillusion was released. In April, the band went on their second European tour, which was recorded and released as a live video, Eurobounds, in August of that year. In May, they signed a contract with the American label Atlantic Records. In July, the English version of the album Disillusion, was released. In December, the single "Crazy Night" was released and became a smash hit.
1985
On January 21, they released their fifth album, Thunder in the East. Thanks to the success of the single "Crazy Night," the album reached 74th place on the American Billboard album chart (4th place on the Japanese Oricon hit chart). It was the first time for a Japanese Heavy metal band to enter the top 100 on the Billboard charts (the only solo artist to achieve this feat was Kyu Sakamoto). From April 5th to June 2nd, they were holding a US tour titled "Thunder in the East Tour in the West." On June 21st, the 12-inch single "Gotta Fight" was released, which includes the theme song and background music for the anime film "Odin: Photon Sailer Starlight." The band toured Japan from June 30th to August 6th, and then traveled to the US the day after the final performing day (August 7th). From August 8th to September 18th, they were touring the US as a support for Motley Crue. On August 14th, became the first Asian artist to perform at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Madison Square Garden. Thunder in the East was released in the US on November 9th by Atlantic Records. On December 31st, Thunder in the East won the Excellent Album Award at the 27th Japan Record Awards.
1986
The band changed label from Nippon Columbia to Warner Music Japan. On March 24th, they released their 6th album, Shadows of War. They held a large-scale live concert at Yoyogi Olympic Pool from April 3rd to 4th .
In July, they released the American remix album of Shadows of War, Lightning Strikes, which reached number 64 on the Billboard album chart. From August 3rd to October 28th, they toured the US with Cinderella, Poison, and AC/DC, as well as Europe.
In November, they released their second live album 8186 Live. The band performed at Nippon Budokan for the first time on December 28th and 29th.
1987
July 31st - August 31st: Started a US tour with Stryper. On August 10th, they released their seventh album, Hurricane Eyes, which reached number 190 on the Billboard album chart. On December 10th, the Japanese version of the album Hurricane Eyes was released.
1988
On May 25th, they released their first ep, Jealousy. In December, Minoru Niihara left the band.
1989
In September, American vocalist Mike Vescera joined the band (the second part of Loudness). On September 17th, they released their 8th album, Soldier of Fortune. The single "Soldier of Fortune" and " You Shook Me " entered rotation on rock stations across the US. On December 31st, they appeared at the countdown live "NEC Special New Year's Gigs'90" held at the Tokyo Dome as a substitute for Steve Stevens' Atomic Playboys.
1991
On February 25th, they released their 9th album, On The Prowl. On April 25th, the second ep "Loud 'N' Rare" was released. On May 31st, the band held a concert to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their formation, "The 10th anniversary On The Prowl Tour," at Nippon Budokan. In July, they began a North American tour and also recorded locally. On September 25th, they released their third ep, "Slap in the Face". In October, Mike Vescera left the band. On October 25th, they released their compilation album "Loudest". On November 28th, they released their compilation album, "Loudest Ballads".
1992
In January, Masayoshi Yamashita left the band. He was replaced by Taiji Sawada, former X (X Japan) member, and Masaki Yamada , (former Ezo member) on vocals (3rd generation Loudness). Taiji Sawada participated in the album recording as a support member until January 31st due to his contract with Sony Records , the company he was signed to, while he was in X. In April, Sawada officially joined the group.
On May 28th, the live tour Once And For All started (until June 6th, 5 performances in 4 cities). On June 10th, they released their 10th album, Loudness. It debuted at No. 2 on the Oricon charts. At the same time, they started their live tour, "Welcome to the Slaughter House" (13 shows in 10 cities until August 3rd). On September 21st, they started the live tour "Slaughter House 2 - Power Storm" (until September 28th, 3 performances in 2 cities). On November 17th, the live tour "Slaughter House 2 - Love Never Dies" began (until January 27th, 1993, 20 performances in 18 cities).
1993
In May, Masaki Yamada expressed his intention to leave the band (later retracting his decision). In November, Taiji Sawada and leader Munetaka Higuchi left the band due to various problems. After that, Akira Takasaki became the leader even after the band was revived. In December, the fan club "Loudict" closed.
1994
On April 24th, they released their third live album Once And For All , which contains footage from their third period live performance. In December, Daiji Honma, of Ezo, joined the band on drums. Since there was no official bassist, Akira Takasaki played the bass parts during recording. On December 21st, the 11th album Heavy Metal Hippies was released. With the start of the live tour "Club Gig Bad Taste", former Anthem member Naoto Shibata joined as support bassist.
1995
Naoto Shibata officially joined the band on bass (4th generation Loudness). In April, they began the nationwide tour "Club Gig '95 Bad Taste tour". On June 10th, they released their 4th live album Loud 'N' Raw , which contains footage from their 4th period live performance.
1996
In July, they released their compilation album "Masters of Loudness".
On December 27th, they appeared at the event "Kids Wanna Rock - Rock'n Roll Crazy Night", at Nakano Sun Plaza. They performed with Sly, the band that former members Minoru Niihara and Munetaka Higuchi belonged to.
1997
The band moved to Rooms Records. In February, they traveled to the United States to record. In March, while in the US, they performed at a local live house. On July 25th, they released their 12th album Ghetto Machine, the first of what is commonly known as the "Indian Trilogy (Buddha Rock)". On December 24th, in response to requests from passionate fans across Asia, the band performed a live show in Hong Kong.
1998
The band returned to the US for recording and performed at a local live music venue during their stay. On August 5th, they released their 13th album Dragon, the second installment of their "India Trilogy". On September 28th, the live tour "Loudness Club Gig'98 Dragon" began (until October 2nd, 3 performances in 3 cities).
1999
In May, they embarked on a European tour, visiting the UK, Holland, Belgium and Germany. In the Netherlands, they performed on the main stage at the Dynamo Open Air festival, which attracts an audience of 50,000 every year. In July, they released their 14th album Engine, the third installment of the "India Trilogy".
2000
In April, what turned out to be the last tour of the fourth period was the "Tera Picasso Nepal Exhibition 2008 'Aliens and Design'" which had two performances in Tokyo and Osaka. In May, Akira Takasaki announced the revival of the original Loudness (5th generation Loudness). Masaki Yamada, Hirotsugu Homma, and Naoto Shibata left the band, and Munetaka Higuchi, Masayoshi Yamashita, and Minoru Niihara returned. They transferred to Nippon Columbia again. On December 21st, they released their 5th live album Eurobounds remastered, which contains recordings of their first period live performances.
2001
On March 7th, the band released their first album since their comeback, their 15th album Spiritual Canoe. This album was not the modern heavy sound of the previous three albums, but rather a conscious reproduction of the Loudness sound of the past.
A nationwide tour was also held to accompany this album. On May 23rd, they released the compilation album "Best of Loudness 8688 Atlantic Years", which includes songs from their first period with Warner Music Japan .
On July 20th, they released their 6th live album The Soldier's just came back, which includes live performances from their 5th period. On November 21st, they released their 16th album Pandemonium and their own tribute album "Tribute to Loudness - Rock'n Roll Crazy Night".
In December, they released "Re-Masterpieces" - The Best of Loudness, a compilation album from their first period with Nippon Columbia.
2002
Transferred to Tokuma Japan Communications. On March 24th, the event "Loudn'Fest Vol.1" was hosted at Club Citta. On May 21st, they released their 7th live album, Loudness Live 2002, which features footage from their 5th period live performances. On September 4th, the 17th album Biosphere was released. On October 25th, they held a solo concert "Loudness Live Biosphere" at Shibuya Public Hall. On December 19th, they held a two-man live concert with 54-71, "Loft presents Rhythm of Fear - Loudness vs 54-71" at Shinjuku Loft . On December 31st, they appeared at the countdown event "Rock Legends Count Down" at the Tokyo Koseinenkin Kaikan, performing with Earthshaker and others.
2003
In September, the band held their own event, "Loud Fest 2003," in Tokyo and Osaka. On November 27th, they released their own tribute album, "A Tribute to Loudness." On December 21st, they appeared at an event at Shibuya O-East.
2004
On January 7th, the 18th album Terror was released. They performed live at Shibuya O-East on January 22nd. On January 31st, they participated in the domestic indoor rock festival " Sonic Mania 04" (until February 1st).
On February 22nd, they held a solo concert "Live Terror 2004" at Shibuya Public Hall. On July 7th, the 17th single "Cracy Samurai" was released. On July 15th, a public recording of "Chisato Oe's Live Depot" was held at Tokyo FM Hall.
On August 13th, they performed a dinner show at the Akasaka Prince Hotel, an unusual move for a Heavy metal band. On October 27th, they released the remake album RockShocks, a remastered version of the five albums from their first period with Nippon Columbia. From November 19th to December 11th, they performed a total of seven shows on the nationwide tour "Loudness Live Rock Shocks 2004." On November 25th, the 19th album Racing was released.
2005
On March 13th, they appeared at the event "independence-D vol.0" at Shinkiba Studio Coast. On March 23rd, they released remastered versions of two albums from their first period with Nippon Columbia, Akira Takasaki's and Munetaka Higuchi's solo albums, and a DVD of live footage from that time. On April 6th, they released the English version of their album Racing, (English Version). With this album, they aimed to fully re-enter the overseas market (the English version was released across Europe on September 26th of the same year). On April 9th, they will perform a mini live at Tower Records Shibuya. From April 17th to May 21st, they held a total of four shows on the nationwide tour "Loudness Live 2005 prelude to the global RockShocks." In July, they performed at the outdoor festival "Earthshaker Festival 2005" held in Germany. This was their first European performance in 18 years with the original lineup. On August 17th, the 18th single "The Battleship Musashi" was released. On September 5th, they participated in the public recording of NHK's Pop Jam (broadcast on September 16th). On September 21st, they released their fifth compilation album, "The Best of Reunion". On December 3rd, they kept a solo concert in Seoul, Korea.
2006
From February 12th to April 5th, they performed a world tour called "Loudness LiveShocks world circuit 2006 chapter 1" (16 shows in total: 1 show in Japan, 13 shows in the US, and 1 show in Canada). This will be the first time in 19 years that the original members will perform in North America. On November 25th, they held their 25th anniversary concert "Loudness 25th Anniversary "Loudness Live Rockshocks 2006"" at the Tokyo International Forum. On December 27th, the album Breaking the Taboo was released.
2007
In February, they performed a total of three shows on the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka tour "Live Shocks World Circuit 2007 Chapter 2." On April 4th, "Loudness Complete Box" was released by Columbia Music Entertainment.
2008
On February 20th, the album Metal Mad was released. On April 14th, drummer Munetaka Higuchi took a break to undergo treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. In April, they toured the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka Club Quattro. Kozo Suganuma, known as the "King of Skills," appeared as a substitute for Higuchi, who was currently battling illness. On October 26th, they opent for Mötley Crüe at Saitama Super Arena.
On November 30th, Munetaka Higuchi had been fighting his illness for over half a year in an attempt to return to the band, but in the early hours of the morning of that day, his mother found him collapsed in his room in his parents' home in Osaka, having stopped breathing and lost consciousness after vomiting violently. He was rushed to a hospital in the same city, but was confirmed dead at 10:44 a.m. He died on November 30, making him 49 years old. Only one month from his 50th birthday. On December 6th, they appeared at the event "Peace Maker 2008" at Shibuya-AX . During the MC, they announced that they would continue their activities as a band. A fan funeral for Munetaka Higuchi was held at the Aoyama Funeral Hall in Tokyo on December 24. More than 1,300 people, including fans, associates, and celebrities, attended the funeral.
2009
On February 14th, a memorial concert for Munetaka Higuchi was held at Shibuya Public Hall. On February 16, Akira Takasaki announced on his blog that Suzuki “Anpan” Masayuki, a former member of Saber Tiger, would officially join the band as Munetaka Higuchi’s replacement drummer. In April, they will perform a total of three shows on the Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka tour "Classic Loudness Live 2009 The Birthday Eve - Disillusion," focusing on their early works. On May 27th, the album The Everlasting was released. From June 18th to July 2nd, they performed a total of seven shows on the nationwide tour "Classic Loudness Live 2009 The Birthday Eve - Disillusion Chapter 2." On August 15th, they appeared at Rising Sun Rock Festival. From August 26th to September 5th, the band performed a total of four shows on the tour "Classic Loudness Live 2009 Thunder In The East." On October 17th, it was suddenly decided that they appeared at Loud Park Festival - 09 as a replacement for Ace Frehley (ex- Kiss). On November 14th, a memorial concert for Munetaka Higuchi, held at Nakano Sunplaza. The concert featured guests Hironobu Kageyama of Lazy, Shunji Inoue, Taiji Sawada, Kozo Suganuma, Shinya, Tamio Okuda, and others, and featured a session with Loudness. On November 29th, a solo concert in memory of Munetaka Higuchi, "Sorrowful Night", will was held at Ebisu Liquidroom. On December 8th, they appeared at the "Super Peace Festival 2009".
2010
On May 19th, the album King of Pain was released. On June 5th, they appeared at the Time to Rock Festival in Korea. On June 7th, they performed a live studio performance at EBS Broadcasting Station in Korea. In July, they toured Europe. On August 21st, they appeared at "Jack in the Box 2010 Summer" at Makuhari Messe. On September 4th, they appeared at the Viva Korea Rock Festival in Korea. On October 16th, they appeared at the Osaka performance of the Japanese heavy metal festival Loudpark 2010. On November 14th, a memorial concert for Munetaka Higuchi, "Everlasting Munetaka Higuchi 2010" was held. On December 11th, they appeared at the "Super Peace Festival" at Shibuya-AX.
2011
From May to June, they toured the US for the first time in five years. On July 15, 3rd Generation bassist Taiji Sawada was arrested after assaulting a female flight attendant on a flight to Saipan. While restrained, he attempted suicide by hanging himself with a sheet and lost consciousness. He was taken to the hospital, but died on the 17th. July 12, 1966 - July 17, 2011, age 45. On September 14th, the album Eve to Dawn was released.
2012
The album Eve to Dawn was released worldwide on August 14th by Frostbyte, the label run by former Gentle Giant member Derek Shulman. The album 2・0・1・2 was released on August 22nd . On August 24, Loudness canceled their appearance at the Yoga MIDI Festival in Guiyang, China on the day of the event due to the deterioration of Japan-China relations over the Senkaku Islands issue . This was the first time that Loudness had to cancel a live performance due to political issues. They were also scheduled to perform in Shanghai on the 25th, but this was canceled due to construction issues at the venue.
2013
On February 23rd, the charity live "Rock Beats Cancer Fest 2013 Vol.1" was held, planned mainly by Loudness and the Munetaka Higuchi Cancer Research Fund. (Performers: Loudness, Shunji Inoue, Lord Demon, Kazuyoshi Saito, Granrodeo, Shonen Kamikaze, Day of Acid Rain, and two amateur guitarists). Appeared at "Monsters of Rock Cruise held on the Bahamas from March 17th to 18th.
On April 14th, the band appeared at the Brazilian heavy metal festival Live 'N' Louder Festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with Yuri Sanson of Hibria filling in for Minoru Niihara on vocals as he was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts. On May 4th, they appeared at the rock festival, M3 Rock Festival on May 4th at Merriweather Post Pavilion held in Maryland, USA. On July 7th, the charity live "Rock Beats Cancer Fest 2013 Vol.2" was held as part of the 90th anniversary of Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall (featuring Loudness, Lazy, JAM project, Tamio Okuda, Babymetal, LinQ, Re:play). This was Loudness' first performance at the concert in 31 years.
2014
In January, they transferred from Solbred to the personal agency Katana Music. From March 29th to April 2nd, they appeared at the American rock festival "Monsters of Rock Cruise 2014". In April, they moved from Tokuma Japan to Universal Music in Japan. On June 4th, the first album after transferring to Universal Studios was released, The Sun Will Rise Again. On August 8th, they appeared at the heavy metal festival Jalometalli Metal Music Festival in Finland. On October 18th, they appeared at Japan's heavy metal festival Loudpark 14 for the first time in five years since 2009.
2015
On May 2nd, "Loud∞Out Fest 2015" will be held at Shinkiba Studio Coast. The bands performing were Loudness, Outrage, Sads, and Her Name in Blood. On June 27th, they appeared at the heavy metal festival Tuska Open Air Metal Festival in Finland. On July 17th, they appeared at the German heavy metal festival Bang Your Head!!! Festival 2015. The Sun Will Rise Again-US Mix was released on October 7th. On October 11th, members of the second generation of Loudness (with support drummer Go ) appeared at Loud Park 2015 under the name, Soldier of Fortune feat. Mike Vescera. The US tour began from October 15th to November 7th. On November 14th, they appeared at the Greek festival "Rock You to Hell Festival III." On November 25th, the 30th Anniversary Edition of Thunder in the East was released in two versions: the Limited Edition, a first-press limited edition, and the Ultimate Edition, a box set limited to 3,000 copies.
2016
On July 6th, the second self-cover album "Samsara Flight" was released. Lightning Strikes 30th Anniversary Limited Edition released on September 14th. On November 2nd, they released "Loudness Buddha Rock 1997-1999", a compilation of the three albums released during their fourth period.
2017
Hurricane Eyes 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was released on September 20th. On December 13th, they released "8186 Now and Then", a remastered version of the original version, as well as a recording of the main performance at Zepp Tokyo on the final day of their Japan tour, which took place on April 13th, 2017 as a re-enactment of the 8186 Live tour.
2018
On January 26th, the album Rise to Glory was released. On February 8, drummer Masayuki Suzuki was rushed into the hospital due to a cerebral infarction. On June 24th, they appeared at the Luna Sea -sponsored festival, Lunatic Feast. On September 24th, Suzuki performed drums on "Loudness" at "Metal Weekend 4th Loudness & Friends -Ampan Returns". December 26th, Jealousy 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was released.
2019
December 25th, "Loudness Japan Tour 19 Hurricane Eyes + Jealousy Live at Zepp Tokyo 31 May, 2019" was released
2020
September 23rd, Soldier of Fortune 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was released
2021
On December 24th, On the Prowl 30th Anniversary Limited Edition" was released. On December 28th, Masayuki Suzuki will make his complete comeback at "Special Live Ampan Night", performing around 20 songs. On December 29th, they released Sunburst, which reached number one on the Oricon daily chart.
2022
Masayuki "Anpan" Suzuki will join a nationwide tour for the first time in four years from spring 2022. Loudness 30th Anniversary Limited Edition was released on October 26th.
2023
On June 10, a live video recording of "Loudness 40th Anniversary Japan Circuit 2022 Chapter 3 Sunburst held at Ex Theater, Roppongi on December 29, 2022, was released exclusively on the heavy music streaming service "Visualive / Tokyo Madness Streaming".
Source: Translated from the Japanese Wikipedia