Southern All Stars
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ja:サザンオールスターズ Southern All Stars (サザンオールスターズ) is a Japanese rock group.
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Band members
The Southern All Stars consists of five members.
- Kuwata Keisuke (b. February 26, 1956 in Chigasaki) is the lead vocalist and plays guitar. He writes most of the lyrics and the music for the band.
- Hara Yuko (b. December 11, 1956 in Yokohama, nicknamed "Harabo") plays the keyboards.
- Sekiguchi Kazuyuki (b. December 21, 1955 in Niigata) plays the bass guitar. He also has a solo career.
- Matsuda Hiroshi (b. April 4, 1956 in Miyazaki) plays the drums.
- Nozawa Hideyuki (b. October 19, 1954 in Tokyo, (nicknamed "Kegani (Hairy Crab)") plays the percussion, and is the mood maker for the band.
In addition, Omori Takashi played the guitar until August 2001, when he left the band.
History
While Kuwata Keisuke was a student at Aoyama Gakuin University, he was in a band called "Better Days." There, he met Hara Yuko and Sekiguchi Kazuyuki. This marked the start of the Southern All Stars.
Southern All Stars released their debut single, "勝手にシンドバッド(Katte ni Shinndobaddo)", on June 25, 1978. With stylish lyrics and characteristic vocals, the name "Southern All Stars" spread throughout Japan. Because of their unique performance, they were criticized as a comic band at first. However, since the third single "いとしのエリー(Itoshi no Eri)" became a big success in 1979, Southern All Stars became a band that represented Japan. Their 44th single "TSUNAMI" sold 3 million CDs and won the 42nd Japan Record Grand Prize in 2000. In 2003, the band celebrated their 25th anniversary. Southern All Stars' fanbase consists of all ages, and both genders.
Characteristics of Southern All Stars
The band's songs cover many genres, including: love songs, ballads, social songs, and humorous songs.
Latest News
Southern All Stars' new single will be releaced on July 20, 2005. And new album for the first time in 7 years will be also released on October 5, 2005.