The Stalin
Encyclopedia
were an influential Japan
ese punk rock
band formed in June 1980, by leader and vocalist Michiro Endo
. After numerous member changes, he disbanded the group in February 1985. In May 1987 Michiro formed a group called Video Stalin, which mostly made videos instead of albums, they disbanded in 1988. In 1989 Michiro created a new band named Stalin and continued to make music with them until 1993.
, a 29 year-old socialist
activist, formed a punk band called , named after Japan's Self-Defense Forces
. Several of their songs would later become The Stalin songs, such as "Ideologist", "Niku" and their versions of "No Fun" and "Light My Fire
".
is very hated by most people in Japan, so it is very good for our image." Originally a three piece with Endo on vocals and bass, Atsushi on guitar and Jun on drums. Shintaro joined as bassist later in the month, however their first single, "Dendou Kokeshi", was already recorded without him and was released on September 5, 1980. On April 7, 1981, they released the Stalinism
EP. In July Tam replaced Atsushi on guitar. On November 4, at a live performance at Kanto Gakuin High School, Endo is arrested for indecent exposure. On December 24, 1981, they released their first full length album, the half studio/half live, Trash
.
's movie Burst City
, released on March 13, 1982. Their concert on June 24 was the last with drummer Jun, however he still appears on their major label debut album Stop Jap
, as well as their first major label single "Romantist", both released on July 1, as they were recorded before he left. "Romantist" is a reworked version of "Ideologist" from Trash
, and has become their most well-known song worldwide. Hitoshi joins as drummer in July 1982. Sogo Ishii also directed a promotional video for "Romantist", as well as "Stop Jap" and their next single "Allergy", which was released on August 25. Their concert on September 27, 1982, was the last with Hitoshi. In November Keigo joins on drums, but leaves in December along with Tam.
In January 1983, Makoto joins on guitar and Tatsuya on drums. On February 10, they released their fourth single "Go Go Stalin". Their next album Mushi and single "Nothing", are both released on April 25. After a June 11 gig, Makoto and Tatsuya leave. Also in June 1983 Shintaro leaves. At a concert on September 17, Teruya and former member Jun, play as guest support on guitar and drums respectfully.
In early 1984, June-Bleed joins as guitarist. But on March 17, 1984, he leaves and is eventually replaced by Masahiro. Also in March, Jun rejoins the band on drums and Teruya joins as bassist. In May, their song "Chicken Farm" appeared on MRR's international Welcome to 1984 compilation. The concert on June 3 was the last with Masahiro and Teruya. Also in June Hiroshi would become support bassist, never officially joining. Masayuki joined on guitar in August 1984. Their last album Fish Inn
was released on November 20. After their concert on December 29, Endo announced "This is the end of The Stalin". Although their true last concert was held on February 21, 1985 at Chofu Daiei Studio and was entitled "I was the Stalin". The show was recorded and released, on both VHS, Last Live - Zessan Kaisan Naka!!, and double LP, For Never - Last Live
, on May 25, 1985.
, Endo revived The Stalin with new members and a new name, now simply Stalin. He had been fascinated with the Polish Solidarity movement, which began the same year as The Stalin, and after a visit to Warsaw
he organized a Japanese tour for the Polish punk band Dezerter
. Stalin completed the cultural exchange in 1990 when they toured Eastern Europe, which was recorded and released as the Saigo no Akai Natsu -Stalin Call in East Europe- video. They had a couple line-up changes and released six singles, four studio albums and one live album, before calling it quits in 1993.
performed with Keigo Nakata (ex:The Stalin) on drums, Shinichi Suzuki (Pulling Teeth) on guitar and Katsuta on bass. Other bands and artists also performed and paid tribute to the group, including Loopus, Cobra, Panta and Kenzi
. The show was recorded and released as the Hakike Gasuruhodo Romanchikku Daze!! video on June 30, 2001. The concert coincided with the release of the 365 - A Tribute to The Stalin album, which has some of the bands that performed covering The Stalin songs.
On December 1, 2010 two tribute albums were released. One entitled Romantist - The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album, features bands such as Buck-Tick
, Dir en grey
, Group Tamashii and Jun Togawa covering The Stalin and Michiro Endo songs. The other Red Demon, Blue Demon - Michiro Endo 60th Birthday Anniversary Tribute Album, features different artists and was first released at Endo's concert on November 14 to coincide with his 60th birthday.
Michiro Endo still gathers various musicians for occasional The Stalin performances. The most recent being a few shows in early 2011 as "The Stalin Z", with the line-up of Endo on vocals, Tatsuya Nakamura (ex:The Stalin) on drums, KenKen (Rize
) on bass and Kazuhiro Hyaku (Mo'Some Tonebender) on guitar.
Singles
Videos
Videos
Singles
Videos
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese punk rock
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band formed in June 1980, by leader and vocalist Michiro Endo
Michiro Endo
is a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
. After numerous member changes, he disbanded the group in February 1985. In May 1987 Michiro formed a group called Video Stalin, which mostly made videos instead of albums, they disbanded in 1988. In 1989 Michiro created a new band named Stalin and continued to make music with them until 1993.
1979: Jieitai
Circa 1979, Michiro EndoMichiro Endo
is a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
, a 29 year-old socialist
Socialism
Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
activist, formed a punk band called , named after Japan's Self-Defense Forces
Japan Self-Defense Forces
The , or JSDF, occasionally referred to as JSF or SDF, are the unified military forces of Japan that were established after the end of the post–World War II Allied occupation of Japan. For most of the post-war period the JSDF was confined to the islands of Japan and not permitted to be deployed...
. Several of their songs would later become The Stalin songs, such as "Ideologist", "Niku" and their versions of "No Fun" and "Light My Fire
Light My Fire
"Light My Fire" is a song by The Doors which was recorded in August 1966 and released the first week of January 1967 on the Doors' debut album. Released as a single in April, it spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and one week on the Cash Box Top 100, nearly a year after...
".
1980–1981: Beginning
In June 1980 Endo formed The Stalin. He chose the name because "Joseph StalinJoseph Stalin
Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin was the Premier of the Soviet Union from 6 May 1941 to 5 March 1953. He was among the Bolshevik revolutionaries who brought about the October Revolution and had held the position of first General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union's Central Committee...
is very hated by most people in Japan, so it is very good for our image." Originally a three piece with Endo on vocals and bass, Atsushi on guitar and Jun on drums. Shintaro joined as bassist later in the month, however their first single, "Dendou Kokeshi", was already recorded without him and was released on September 5, 1980. On April 7, 1981, they released the Stalinism
Stalinism (EP)
Stalinism is an EP by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin. It was released on April 7, 1981.-Track listing:All lyrics written by Michiro Endo; all music written by The Stalin.Side A#""#""#""Side B#""#""-Credits:...
EP. In July Tam replaced Atsushi on guitar. On November 4, at a live performance at Kanto Gakuin High School, Endo is arrested for indecent exposure. On December 24, 1981, they released their first full length album, the half studio/half live, Trash
Trash (The Stalin)
Trash is the first full-length album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on December 24, 1981.Full album released from political records that is independent music label for the first time as The Stalin...
.
1982–1985: The End
The Stalin were one of the bands to star in Sogo IshiiSogo Ishii
', formerly is a Japanese filmmaker known for his striking visuals and sometimes outlandish subject matter.Ishii was born in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and is a graduate of Fukuoka Prefectural Fukuoka High School and Nihon University College of Art....
's movie Burst City
Burst City
is a Japanese science fiction punk rock musical / action film. Released in 1982, the film was directed by Sogo Ishii. Primarily a showcase for both various specific punk rock bands of the time, such as The Roosters, The Rockers, and The Stalin, the film is also purely demonstrative of the culture...
, released on March 13, 1982. Their concert on June 24 was the last with drummer Jun, however he still appears on their major label debut album Stop Jap
Stop Jap
Stop Jap is the second album by Japanese hardcore punk band The Stalin. Released on July 1, 1982.The first pressing contained a lyric sheet for "Meat" and was pressed on red vinyl...
, as well as their first major label single "Romantist", both released on July 1, as they were recorded before he left. "Romantist" is a reworked version of "Ideologist" from Trash
Trash (The Stalin)
Trash is the first full-length album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on December 24, 1981.Full album released from political records that is independent music label for the first time as The Stalin...
, and has become their most well-known song worldwide. Hitoshi joins as drummer in July 1982. Sogo Ishii also directed a promotional video for "Romantist", as well as "Stop Jap" and their next single "Allergy", which was released on August 25. Their concert on September 27, 1982, was the last with Hitoshi. In November Keigo joins on drums, but leaves in December along with Tam.
In January 1983, Makoto joins on guitar and Tatsuya on drums. On February 10, they released their fourth single "Go Go Stalin". Their next album Mushi and single "Nothing", are both released on April 25. After a June 11 gig, Makoto and Tatsuya leave. Also in June 1983 Shintaro leaves. At a concert on September 17, Teruya and former member Jun, play as guest support on guitar and drums respectfully.
In early 1984, June-Bleed joins as guitarist. But on March 17, 1984, he leaves and is eventually replaced by Masahiro. Also in March, Jun rejoins the band on drums and Teruya joins as bassist. In May, their song "Chicken Farm" appeared on MRR's international Welcome to 1984 compilation. The concert on June 3 was the last with Masahiro and Teruya. Also in June Hiroshi would become support bassist, never officially joining. Masayuki joined on guitar in August 1984. Their last album Fish Inn
Fish Inn
Fish Inn is the fourth album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on November 20, 1984.It was released from the BQ record of the independent music label. Moreover, a part of the voice was corrected in 1986, and it was released from Tokuma Onkou of the majors label again.The Stalin's...
was released on November 20. After their concert on December 29, Endo announced "This is the end of The Stalin". Although their true last concert was held on February 21, 1985 at Chofu Daiei Studio and was entitled "I was the Stalin". The show was recorded and released, on both VHS, Last Live - Zessan Kaisan Naka!!, and double LP, For Never - Last Live
For Never
For Never - Last Live is a double live album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on May 25, 1985. It was recorded at the band's last concert on February 21, 1985....
, on May 25, 1985.
1987–1988: Video Stalin
In May 1987, Endo created Video Stalin, a group of musicians who were more of a video production group than a band. They released three videos and one album. One of the videos, Your Order! The History of The Stalin, can be considered a The Stalin video instead, as it is composed almost entirely of live footage and promo clips throughout The Stalin's career. They disbanded in 1988.1989–1993: Simply Stalin
Inspired by the monumental events of 1988, especially the dissolution of the Soviet UnionDissolution of the Soviet Union
The dissolution of the Soviet Union was the disintegration of the federal political structures and central government of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , resulting in the independence of all fifteen republics of the Soviet Union between March 11, 1990 and December 25, 1991...
, Endo revived The Stalin with new members and a new name, now simply Stalin. He had been fascinated with the Polish Solidarity movement, which began the same year as The Stalin, and after a visit to Warsaw
Warsaw
Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland. It is located on the Vistula River, roughly from the Baltic Sea and from the Carpathian Mountains. Its population in 2010 was estimated at 1,716,855 residents with a greater metropolitan area of 2,631,902 residents, making Warsaw the 10th most...
he organized a Japanese tour for the Polish punk band Dezerter
Dezerter
Dezerter, founded as SS-20 in 1981 in Warsaw, Poland, is one of the most popular punk bands from Poland. They had to change their original name to Dezerter because of the reaction of the Communist authorities...
. Stalin completed the cultural exchange in 1990 when they toured Eastern Europe, which was recorded and released as the Saigo no Akai Natsu -Stalin Call in East Europe- video. They had a couple line-up changes and released six singles, four studio albums and one live album, before calling it quits in 1993.
Recent
On February 8, 2001 there was a special The Stalin concert entitled "One Night Dream". Michiro EndoMichiro Endo
is a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
performed with Keigo Nakata (ex:The Stalin) on drums, Shinichi Suzuki (Pulling Teeth) on guitar and Katsuta on bass. Other bands and artists also performed and paid tribute to the group, including Loopus, Cobra, Panta and Kenzi
Kenji Ueda
Kenji Ueda is a Japanese rock musician and producer. He is known for his solo work, as well as his work with Kenzi & The Trips and The Pillows.-Early life and influences:...
. The show was recorded and released as the Hakike Gasuruhodo Romanchikku Daze!! video on June 30, 2001. The concert coincided with the release of the 365 - A Tribute to The Stalin album, which has some of the bands that performed covering The Stalin songs.
On December 1, 2010 two tribute albums were released. One entitled Romantist - The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album, features bands such as Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick
Buck-Tick is a rock band formed in 1983 in Fujioka, Japan. The band has consisted of Atsushi Sakurai , Hisashi Imai , Hidehiko Hoshino , Yutaka Higuchi and Toll Yagami for the majority of its existence...
, Dir en grey
Dir en grey
Dir En Grey is a Japanese metal band formed in 1997 and currently signed to Firewall Div., a sub-division of Free-Will. As of 2011, they have recorded eight full-length records...
, Group Tamashii and Jun Togawa covering The Stalin and Michiro Endo songs. The other Red Demon, Blue Demon - Michiro Endo 60th Birthday Anniversary Tribute Album, features different artists and was first released at Endo's concert on November 14 to coincide with his 60th birthday.
Michiro Endo still gathers various musicians for occasional The Stalin performances. The most recent being a few shows in early 2011 as "The Stalin Z", with the line-up of Endo on vocals, Tatsuya Nakamura (ex:The Stalin) on drums, KenKen (Rize
Rize (band)
RIZE was Formed in 1997, debuting in 2000. Current members are: Jesse/V&G, Kenken/V&B,& N.K/Dr.RIZE music style is a mix of alternative rock, hard rock, punk rock and even some reggae flavor, cultivated & created via their real international music DNA....
) on bass and Kazuhiro Hyaku (Mo'Some Tonebender) on guitar.
Members
- Michiro EndoMichiro Endois a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia...
– vocals 1980–1985, 1987–1988, 1989–1993, bass 1980 (Notalin's, M.J.Q, Touch Me)
The Stalin
- Atsushi Kaneko – guitar 1980–1981
- Kazuo "Tam" Tamura – guitar 1981–1982 (ex:Typhus,→G-Zet)
- Makoto Tsugio – guitar 1983 (ex:The Onanizo Bomb,→The God)
- June-Bleed – guitar 1984 (The Willard)
- Masahiro Kitada – guitar 1984
- Masayuki Ono – guitar 1984–1985 (ex:Allergy)
- Shintaro Sugiyama – bass 1980–1983
- Teruya Ogata – guitar (support guest) 1983, bass 1984
- Hiroshi Higo – bass (support member) 1984–1985 (Shibusashirazu OrchestraShibusashirazu Orchestra, often lengthened to Shibusashirazu Orchestra, is a popular Japanese free jazz orchestra. The group was formed in 1989 by bassist Daisuke Fuwa and since then many of Japan's best free jazz musicians, Butoh dancers and other performance artists have passed through the orchestra.The majority of the...
) - Jun Inui – drums 1980–1982, 1984–1985
- Hitoshi Oda – drums 1982
- Keigo Nakata – drums 1983 (ex:Enola Gay,→G-Zet, Lip Cream, Nickey & The Warriors, The Star ClubThe Star Clubis a Japanese punk rock band that was formed in Nagoya in 1977 and has been based in Tokyo since 1987. The band has had a long career with numerous lineup changes centred on original vocalist HIKAGE. The band is considered representative of Japanese punk....
, Cobra) - Tatsuya Nakamura – drums 1983 (ex:The Onanizo Bomb, →The God, Masturbation, Nickey & The Warriors, JagataraJAGATARAJagatara was a Japanese band centered around Edo Akemi. They are renowned for their unique sound, which has been described as a mixture of rock, especially punk, funk and reggae....
, Blankey Jet CityBlankey Jet CityBlankey Jet City was a rock and roll/rockabilly trio from Japan.- Members : Vocals, Guitar* He also plays in Sherbets and Jude and was a part of Ajico...
, Losalios, The Star ClubThe Star Clubis a Japanese punk rock band that was formed in Nagoya in 1977 and has been based in Tokyo since 1987. The band has had a long career with numerous lineup changes centred on original vocalist HIKAGE. The band is considered representative of Japanese punk....
, Touch Me, Friction)
Stalin
- Aihiko Yamamori – guitar 1989–?
- Tadashi "Ritsu" Saito – guitar ?–1993 (→Loopus, Minimum Rockets)
- Yusuke Nishimura – bass 1989–?
- Chikao Adachi – bass ?–1993
- Shigeo Mihara – drums 1989–1993 (→The RoostersThe RoostersThe Roosters were a Japanese rock band that mixed punk, blues-rock, ska and straightforward rock and roll.-History:They formed in 1979 in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka. Although there were four different lineups throughout the life of the band—all centered around guitarist Hiroyuki Hanada--Shinya Ohe...
)
The Stalin
Albums & EPs- StalinismStalinism (EP)Stalinism is an EP by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin. It was released on April 7, 1981.-Track listing:All lyrics written by Michiro Endo; all music written by The Stalin.Side A#""#""#""Side B#""#""-Credits:...
(April 7, 1981) - TrashTrash (The Stalin)Trash is the first full-length album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on December 24, 1981.Full album released from political records that is independent music label for the first time as The Stalin...
(October 21, 1981) - Stop JapStop JapStop Jap is the second album by Japanese hardcore punk band The Stalin. Released on July 1, 1982.The first pressing contained a lyric sheet for "Meat" and was pressed on red vinyl...
(July 1, 1982) (April 25, 1983) - Fish InnFish InnFish Inn is the fourth album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on November 20, 1984.It was released from the BQ record of the independent music label. Moreover, a part of the voice was corrected in 1986, and it was released from Tokuma Onkou of the majors label again.The Stalin's...
(November 20, 1984) - For Never - Last LiveFor NeverFor Never - Last Live is a double live album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on May 25, 1985. It was recorded at the band's last concert on February 21, 1985....
(double live album, May 25, 1985) - Fish Inn (1986 Mix)Fish Inn (1986 Mix)Fish Inn is a remix version of the fourth album, Fish Inn, by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on December 21, 1986.It was released from Tokuma Onkou....
(December 21, 1986) - StalinismStalinism (album)Stalinism is a compilation album by Japanese hardcore punk group The Stalin released on January 21, 1987.It was released outside of a record label on January 21, 1987. It was digitally remastered and re-released in 2005....
(compilation album, January 21, 1987) - Bestests (compilation album, July 1987)
- The Stalin Best Selection (compilation album, December 21, 1996)
- The Stalin Best (compilation album, January 22, 2003)
- Stop Jap Naked (October 24, 2007)
Singles
- "Nothing" (April 25, 1983)
Videos
- Your Order! The History of The Stalin (June 25, 1987)
Video Stalin
Albums- -1 (Minus One) (1988)
Videos
- Debut! (1987)
- Love Terrorist (1988)
Stalin
Albums- JoyJoy (Stalin album)-Credits:*Musicians:**Michiro Endo - vocals**Shigeo Mihara - drums, electric devices**Naruhiko Yamamori - guitar**Yusuke Nishimura - bass*Guest Musicians:**Osamu Sakasai - guitar **Jun Ogura - Announcement *Producer:...
(February 25, 1989) - Stalin (1989)
- Street ValueStreet Value-Credits:*Musicians:**Michiro Endo - vocals**Shigeo Mihara - drums**Ritsu Saito - guitar**Chikao Adachi - bass*Guest Musician**Yukihiro Fukutomi - programing*Producer:**Yasuhiko Terada**The Stalin*Recorded:**Avaco Studio**LDK Studio*Engineer:...
(compilation album, July 21, 1991)
Singles
- "Wild Ghetto" (July 21, 1991)
Videos
- P. (1989)