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{{Other uses|Bow Wow (disambiguation){{!}}Bow Wow}}
{{distinguish|Bow Wow Wow}}
{{Short description|Japanese heavy metal band}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Bow Wow
| name = Bow Wow
| image =
| image =
| caption =
| caption =
| image_size =
| image_size =
| alias = Vow Wow, Bow Wow G2
| background = group_or_band
| alias = {{hlist|Vow Wow|Bow Wow G2}}
| origin = Japan
| origin = Japan
| genre = {{hlist|[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]|[[hard rock]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|[[Heavy metal music|Heavy metal]]|[[hard rock]]}}
| years_active = '''Bow Wow:'''<br>{{Start date|1975}}–1983, 1995–present<br>'''Vow Wow:'''<br>{{Start date|1984}}–1990 <small>(reunions: 2009 and 2010)</small>
| years_active = '''Bow Wow:'''<br>{{Start date|1975}}–1983, 1995–present<br>'''Vow Wow:'''<br>{{Start date|1984}}–1990<br><small>(reunions: 2009, 2010, 2024)</small>
| label = [[Victor Entertainment|Victor]], [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony Music]], <br /> [[EMI Japan|Toshiba EMI]], [[Arista Records|Arista]] (US), [http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk Rockcandy] (US), Heavy Metal (EU), [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]] (EU)
| label = [[Victor Entertainment|Victor]], [[VAP (company)|VAP]], [[EMI Japan|Toshiba EMI]], [[Arista Records|Arista]] (US), [http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk Rockcandy] (US), Heavy Metal (EU), [[Roadrunner Records|Roadrunner]] (EU)
| associated_acts = Wild Flag, Noiz, [[Whitesnake]]
| associated_acts = Wild Flag, Noiz, [[Whitesnake]]
| website = [http://bowwow-army.jp/ Official site]
| website = {{Official URL}}
| current_members = [[Kyoji Yamamoto]]<br />Mitsuhiro Saito
| current_members = * [[Kyoji Yamamoto]]
* Mitsuhiro Saito
| past_members = Kenji Sano<br />[[Genki Hitomi]]<br />Rei Atsumi<br />[[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]]<br />Mark Gould<br />Tetsuya Horie<br />Hiroshi Yaegashi<br />Shotaro Mitsuzono<br />Eiji Mitsuzono<br />Toshihiro Niimi
| past_members = * Kenji Sano
* [[Genki Hitomi]]
* Rei Atsumi
* [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]]
* Mark Gould
* Tetsuya Horie
* Hiroshi Yaegashi
* Shotaro Mitsuzono
* Eiji Mitsuzono
* Toshihiro Niimi
}}
}}
'''Bow Wow''' is an influential Japanese [[rock music|rock]] band formed in 1975 by guitarist and vocalist [[Kyoji Yamamoto]]. They were one of the first [[Japanese metal]] bands. In 1984 they renamed themselves to '''Vow Wow''', recruited lead vocalist [[Genki Hitomi]] and adopted a mainstream sound.<ref name="Larkin"/> Yamamoto was invited to record with the [[supergroup (music)|supergroup]] [[Phenomena (band)|Phenomena]] in 1987, where he met former [[Whitesnake]] bassist [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] who then joined Vow Wow.
'''Bow Wow''' are a Japanese [[rock music|rock]] band formed in 1975. Originally consisting of guitarist and vocalists [[Kyoji Yamamoto]] and Mitsuhiro Saito, bassist Kenji Sano and drummer Toshihiro Niimi, they were one of the first [[Japanese metal]] bands. After releasing nine studio albums, Saito left in 1983. The band then adopted a mainstream sound by recruiting lead vocalist [[Genki Hitomi]] and keyboardist Rei Atsumi and renamed themselves to '''Vow Wow'''. They relocated to England in 1986, before Sano left the band the following year and Yamamoto invited former [[Whitesnake]] bassist [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] to replace him. After Murray left to join [[Black Sabbath]], studio bassist Mark Gould played on Vow Wow's last album before they disbanded in 1990.


In 1990, Vow Wow officially disbanded as Hitomi retired from music and Murray joined [[Black Sabbath]]. Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow in 1995 with all new members, before it became a trio when original members Mitsuhiro Saito and Toshihiro Niimi rejoined in 1998. Niimi left in 2015, and the group now performs under the name '''Bow Wow G2''', which refers to the two guitarists being the only official members.
Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow in 1995 with all new members, before it became a trio when fellow original members Saito and Niimi rejoined in 1998. Niimi left in 2015 and the group now performs under the name '''Bow Wow G2''', which refers to the two guitarists being the only official members.


In Japan their best-selling album is ''V'' which reached number 12 on the [[Oricon]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/3080/rank/album/|title=BOW WOWのアルバム売上ランキング|website=[[Oricon]]}}</ref> Internationally their best-selling album is ''Helter Skelter'', which reached number 75 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="UKChart">{{cite web |title=VOW WOW |work=[[Official Charts Company]] |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/vow%20wow/ |accessdate=2012-10-13}}</ref>
Tomoaki Hokari of ''OK Music'' wrote that Bow Wow was one of the first Japanese bands to prove that domestic musicians could compete with Western hard rock acts.<ref name="OK">{{cite web |title =BOW WOWのデビュー作『吼えろ！BOWWOW』は洋楽と真っ向勝負できる初の国産HR |url = https://okmusic.jp/news/101784/ |work = OK Music |language=Japanese |date = 2015-12-02 |accessdate = 2021-11-03|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129174441/https://okmusic.jp/news/101784/|archivedate=2018-01-29}}</ref> In Japan their best-selling album is ''V'' which reached number 12 on the [[Oricon]] chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/3080/rank/album/|title=BOW WOWのアルバム売上ランキング|website=[[Oricon]]}}</ref> Internationally their best-selling album is ''Helter Skelter'', which reached number 75 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="UKChart">{{cite web |title=VOW WOW |work=[[Official Charts Company]] |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/vow%20wow/ |accessdate=2012-10-13}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===1975–1983: Bow Wow===
===1975–1983: Bow Wow===
Bow Wow was formed in 1975 by Yoshimi Ueno,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyoji-yamamoto.com/pages/778043/biography|title=Biography|website=kyoji-yamamoto.com|accessdate=2021-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title =【連載】Vol.098「Mike's Boogie Station＝音楽にいつも感謝！＝」|url = https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000188573 |work = Barks |language =Japanese |date = 2020-09-07 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> an inexperienced record producer who recruited vocalist and guitarist Mitsuhiro Saito and drummer Toshihiro Niimi, whom he had managed before. Vocalist and guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto and bassist Kenji Sano were scouted from Yamaha Music School and Bow Wow was officially formed.<ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=Concise |isbn=1-85227-745-9|page=167}}</ref> They were quickly signed to [[Victor Entertainment|Victor]] and used the money to buy a truck that could double as a stage, which earned them interviews with many magazines and television shows.<ref name="japantimes">{{cite web| title = Kyoji Yamamoto leaves all inhibitions behind| work = [[The Japan Times]]| date = 2009-04-18| url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| archive-url = https://archive.is/20121227215835/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2012-12-27| accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref> Bow Wow released their self-titled debut album in 1976.<ref name="japantimes">{{cite web| title = Kyoji Yamamoto leaves all inhibitions behind| work = [[The Japan Times]]| date = 2009-04-18| url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| archive-url = https://archive.is/20121227215835/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2012-12-27| accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref> In 1977, they opened for [[Aerosmith]] and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] on their Japanese tours and released two more albums, ''Signal Fire'' and ''Charge''.<ref name="japantimes"/> The title track from ''Signal Fire'' was named the 28th best guitar instrumental by ''[[Young Guitar Magazine]]'' in 2019.<ref>{{cite web| title = ヤング・ギター厳選『ギター・インストの殿堂100』名演ランキング| work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] | language =Japanese| date = 2019-06-11| url = https://youngguitar.jp/web/yg201907-ranking100 | accessdate = 2019-06-13}}</ref>
Bow Wow was formed in 1975 by Yoshimi Ueno, a record producer who was looking to create an idol-like band such as [[The Monkees]] or the [[Bay City Rollers]].<ref name="OK"/><ref name="year">{{Cite web|url=https://www.kyoji-yamamoto.com/pages/778043/biography|title=Biography|website=kyoji-yamamoto.com|accessdate=2021-10-31}}</ref><ref name="barks1">{{cite web |title =【連載】Vol.098「Mike's Boogie Station＝音楽にいつも感謝！＝」|url = https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000188573 |work = Barks |language =Japanese |date = 2020-09-07 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> After recruiting vocalist and guitarist Mitsuhiro Saito and drummer Toshihiro Niimi from the band Do T. Doll, whom he had managed before, vocalist and guitarist [[Kyoji Yamamoto]] and bassist Kenji Sano were scouted from [[Yamaha Music School]] and Bow Wow was officially formed.<ref name="drummag">{{cite web |title =【R.I.P.】日本のハード・ロック・シーンの礎を築いたBOW WOWのドラマー、新美俊宏急逝|url =https://drumsmagazine.jp/news/r-i-p-toshihiro-niimi/|work =Rhythm & Drums Magazine|language =Japanese |date =2023-06-02 |accessdate =2024-08-06}}</ref><ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997 |edition=Concise |isbn=1-85227-745-9|page=167}}</ref> Hokari wrote that, once 19-year-old guitar virtuoso Yamamoto joined and was elected to sing in English, the idol concept was largely dropped in favor of authenticity.<ref name="OK"/> Niimi himself stated that if Yamamoto had not joined, they never would have become a [[hard rock]] band.<ref name="drummag"/>


According to [[AllMusic]]'s Eduardo Rivadavia, their next few records were criticized by critics and fans as being musically all over the place, veering from their hard rock roots, and suffering from poor production values.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hard Dog - Bow Wow |work=[[AllMusic]] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/hard-dog-mw0002006935 |accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> Yamamoto himself has described the three consecutive albums, ''Guarantee'' (1978), ''Glorious Road'' and ''Telephone'' (both 1980), as being the band's "pop era."<ref name="YGinterview">{{cite web| title =山本恭司 ヤング・ギター2017年12月号 本誌未掲載インタビュー |url = https://youngguitar.jp/interviews/yg201712-kyoji-yamamoto/2 |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2017-11-18 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> He noted that Saito was the main vocalist on the first two, but he took over vocal duties again on ''Telephone'', where he looked to fuse pop with rock.<ref name="YGinterview"/>
They were quickly signed to [[Victor Entertainment|Victor]] and used the money to buy a truck that could double as a stage, which earned them interviews with many magazines and television shows.<ref name="barks1"/><ref name="japantimes">{{cite web| title = Kyoji Yamamoto leaves all inhibitions behind| work = [[The Japan Times]]| date = 2009-04-18| url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121227215835/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2012-12-27| accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref> Bow Wow released their self-titled debut album in 1976.<ref name="japantimes">{{cite web| title = Kyoji Yamamoto leaves all inhibitions behind| work = [[The Japan Times]]| date = 2009-04-18| url = http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121227215835/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fl20090418a1.html| url-status = dead| archive-date = 2012-12-27| accessdate = 2011-09-14}}</ref> Yamamoto recalled that when he joined, he told the producer he was a guitarist and not a singer, but during recording someone suggested he sing in English and he went with it.<ref name="YGinterview">{{cite web| title =山本恭司 ヤング・ギター2017年12月号 本誌未掲載インタビュー |url = https://youngguitar.jp/interviews/yg201712-kyoji-yamamoto |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2017-11-18 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> In 1977, they opened for [[Aerosmith]] and [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]] on their Japanese tours and released two more albums, ''Signal Fire'' and ''Charge''.<ref name="japantimes"/>


According to [[AllMusic]]'s Eduardo Rivadavia, their next few records were criticized by critics and fans as being musically all over the place, veering from their hard rock roots, and suffering from poor production values.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hard Dog - Bow Wow |work=[[AllMusic]] |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/hard-dog-mw0002006935 |accessdate=2012-10-31}}</ref> Yamamoto himself has described the three consecutive albums, ''Guarantee'' (1978), ''Glorious Road'' and ''Telephone'' (both 1980), as being the band's "pop era."<ref name="YGinterview"/> He noted that Saito was the main vocalist on the first two, but he took over vocal duties again on ''Telephone'', where he looked to fuse pop with rock.<ref name="YGinterview"/> For ''Telephone'' the band switched record labels to Sounds Marketing System and worked with producer Touru Yazawa, who had produced the folk rock group Alice.
Seeing talent in the band, production would soon be overseen by Touru Yazawa who had produced Alice, a renowned folk rock group in Japan. Their first release with the new producer was the album ''Hard Dog'' in 1981, which returned the band to a respectable hard rock act. In 1982, Bow Wow performed at the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]] in [[Switzerland]] and later the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals|Reading Festival]] in [[England]].<ref name="japantimes"/> They also released ''Warning from Stardust'', which Daisuke Kawasaki, writing for ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone Japan]]'', rated No.&nbsp;23 on a 2007 list of the "100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite web |title=Finally! "The 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time" Listed |work=[[Exclaim!]] |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/finally_100_greatest_japanese_rock_albums_of_all_time |accessdate=2012-04-07 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6B1ZFxT6n?url=http://exclaim.ca/News/finally_100_greatest_japanese_rock_albums_of_all_time# |archive-date=2012-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The following year they toured with [[Hanoi Rocks]] across the UK and performed their final concert at [[Nakano Sun Plaza]]. Guitarist Mitsuhiro Saito left in November 1983 to join [[ARB (band)|ARB]].

Bow Wow followed up with ''Hard Dog'' in 1981, which returned the band to a respectable hard rock act. In 1982, they switched labels again to [[VAP (company)|VAP]] and released both ''Asian Volcano'' and ''Warning from Stardust''. The band also performed at that year's [[Montreux Jazz Festival]] in [[Switzerland]] and the [[Reading and Leeds Festivals|Reading Festival]] in [[England]].<ref name="japantimes"/> The following year they toured with [[Hanoi Rocks]] across the UK<ref name="OK"/> and performed their final concert at [[Nakano Sun Plaza]] on November 21, 1983. Which was the last with Saito, who left to join [[ARB (band)|ARB]].


===1984–1990: Vow Wow===
===1984–1990: Vow Wow===
In 1984, the remaining three members were joined by vocalist [[Genki Hitomi]] and keyboardist Rei Atsumi, this resulted in a more commercial sound and the band decided a name change was necessary.<ref name="bravewords">{{cite web| title = BOWWOW Frontman Kyoji Yamamoto| website = Bravewords.com| date = 2010-12-10| url = http://www.bravewords.com/news/152041| accessdate = 2011-09-14| archive-date = 2012-10-09| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009171446/http://www.bravewords.com/news/152041| url-status = dead}}</ref> Now called '''Vow Wow''', the band relocated to England and released three studio albums, ''Beat of Metal Motion'' (1984), ''Cyclone'' (1985) and ''III'' (1986), before finding themselves without a bassist when Kenji Sano returned to Japan in 1987. Former [[Whitesnake]] bass player [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] was recruited to fill the spot after he and Yamamoto worked on the second album from [[Phenomena (band)|Phenomena]],<ref name="Larkin"/> although Murray later stated he never became a full member.<ref name="metalhammer">{{cite web |title=Remembering The Original Japanese Rock Invasion |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/remembering-the-original-japanese-rock-invasion |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=2015-01-24 |accessdate=2015-01-26}}</ref> They then began recording the album ''V'' (1987) with producer Kit Woolven ([[Thin Lizzy]], [[David Bowie]]) and co-produced with [[John Wetton]] who wrote the lyrics for the album's hit single "Don't Leave Me Now". They were asked by [[Tommy Vance]] to create the [[jingles]] for his British radio program, the [[Friday Rock Show]].<ref name="metalhammer"/> After releasing ''Vibe'' (1988), which included the hard rock anthem "Rock Me Now", the band returned to Japan for a national tour. Although experiencing commercial success, Hitomi wanted to remain in Japan to begin a family. Vow Wow recorded what was to be their final album, ''Helter Skelter'' (1989), which was handled by Tony Taverner ([[Gipsy Kings]], [[Black Sabbath]]) and was, as Rivadavia put it, a "re-sequenced, repackaged, and reissue" of ''Vibe''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vibe - Vow Wow |work=[[AllMusic]] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/vibe-mw0001448037 |accessdate=2021-10-31}}</ref> After the album Rei joined [[RC Succession]] for a live tour and Murray became a member of Black Sabbath.
In 1984, the remaining three members were joined by vocalist [[Genki Hitomi]] and keyboardist Rei Atsumi, this resulted in a more commercial sound and the band decided a name change was necessary.<ref name="bravewords">{{cite web| title = BOWWOW Frontman Kyoji Yamamoto| website = [[BraveWords]]| date = 2010-12-10| url = http://www.bravewords.com/news/152041| accessdate = 2011-09-14| archive-date = 2012-10-09| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121009171446/http://www.bravewords.com/news/152041| url-status = dead}}</ref> Now called Vow Wow, the group produced ''Beat of Metal Motion'' (1984) before signing to [[EMI Japan|Toshiba EMI]] for ''Cyclone'' (1985) and relocating to England in 1986. After releasing the album ''III'' that year, they found themselves without a bassist when Kenji Sano returned to Japan for personal reasons in May 1987. He later retired from music completely.<ref name="rules">{{cite web |title =KYOJI YAMAMOTO – Bow Wow, Vow Wow, and Wild Flag mastermind reflects on the early days of his career, the last four decades, and the future: "I just want to make music as I like, and as long as there are enough people interested so I can make my living and keep myself happy."|url =https://www.metal-rules.com/2024/08/06/kyoji-yamamoto-bow-wow-vow-wow-and-wild-flag-mastermind-reflects-on-the-early-days-of-his-career-the-last-four-decades-and-the-future-i-just-want-to-make-music-as-i-like-and-as-long-as-there/|work=Metal-Rules |date=2024-08-06 |accessdate=2024-08-06}}</ref> The band flew another Japanese bassist to England for an audition, but it did not work out.<ref name="rules"/> One of the members then suggested Yamamoto call [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]], who had recently left [[Whitesnake]] and whom he and Niimi knew from working on the second album by [[Phenomena (band)|Phenomena]].<ref name="Larkin"/><ref name="rules"/> After a jam session, Murray agreed to play on their next album and, later, to a tour of Japan.<ref name="rules"/> Although, Murray would later state that he never became a full member.<ref name="metalhammer">{{cite web |title=Remembering The Original Japanese Rock Invasion |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/remembering-the-original-japanese-rock-invasion |work=[[Metal Hammer]] |date=2015-01-24 |accessdate=2015-01-26}}</ref> Vow Wow then began recording the album ''V'' (1987) in [[Ibiza]], with producer Kit Woolven ([[Thin Lizzy]], [[David Bowie]]) and co-producer [[John Wetton]], who wrote the lyrics for the album's hit single "Don't Leave Me Now". They were asked by [[Tommy Vance]] to create the [[jingles]] for his British radio program, the ''[[Friday Rock Show]]''.<ref name="metalhammer"/> After releasing ''Vibe'' (1988), which included the hard rock anthem "Rock Me Now", the band returned to Japan for a national tour. Although experiencing commercial success, Hitomi wanted to remain in Japan to begin a family. Vow Wow recorded what was to be their final album, ''Helter Skelter'' (1989), which was handled by Tony Taverner ([[Gipsy Kings]]) and was, as Rivadavia put it, a "re-sequenced, repackaged, and reissue" of ''Vibe''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Vibe - Vow Wow |work=[[AllMusic]] |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/vibe-mw0001448037 |accessdate=2021-10-31}}</ref> After the album, Atsumi joined [[RC Succession]] for a live tour and Murray became a member of [[Black Sabbath]]. According to Yamamoto, Murray told him he had to leave Vow Wow because [[Cozy Powell]] was insistent that he join Black Sabbath and the bassist could not say no to his close friend.<ref name="rules"/>


Shortly after, producers Nick Griffiths ([[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Paul McCartney]]) and [[Bob Ezrin]] ([[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Pink Floyd]]) requested to create an album with Vow Wow. The band regrouped in Los Angeles without Murray, and utilized American studio bassist Mark Gould for their final album, ''Mountain Top''. Vow Wow disbanded after a May 28, 1990 concert at the [[Nippon Budokan]]. Yamamoto later said that the band had thought they could get signed to an American record label, but when that did not happen, "We lost our aim and then we started to get frustrated and our relationships collapsed. It was sad but 1990 was a bad year for hard rock bands. The hard rock and heavy metal scene was in decline."<ref name="metalhammer"/> Hitomi became a high school [[English language|English]] teacher, while the other members each continued separate musical careers, Yamamoto forming the band Wild Flag in 1991.
Shortly after, producers Nick Griffiths ([[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Paul McCartney]]) and [[Bob Ezrin]] ([[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Pink Floyd]]) requested to create an album with Vow Wow. The band regrouped in Los Angeles, and utilized American studio bassist Mark Gould for their final album, ''Mountain Top''.<ref name="rules"/> Vow Wow disbanded after a May 28, 1990 concert at the [[Nippon Budokan]]. Yamamoto later said that the band had thought they could get signed to an American record label, but when that did not happen, "We lost our aim and then we started to get frustrated and our relationships collapsed. It was sad but 1990 was a bad year for hard rock bands. The hard rock and heavy metal scene was in decline."<ref name="metalhammer"/> Hitomi became a high school [[English language|English]] teacher, while the other members each continued separate musical careers. Yamamoto formed the trio Wild Flag in 1991.<ref name="rules"/> Niimi formed the bands Lance of Thrill and The Slut Banks.<ref name="drummag"/>


===1995–present: Bow Wow revival and Vow Wow reunion concerts===
===1995–present: Bow Wow revival and Vow Wow reunion concerts===
In May 1995, Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow with all new members.<ref name="bravewords"/> They had several releases until dissolving in March 1997. However, in 1998 original members Mitsuhiro Saito and Toshihiro Niimi rejoined Yamamoto, and Bow Wow became a trio.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bowwow-army.jp/biography/history.html|title=BOWWOW OFFICIAL SITE|website=Bowwow-army.jp}}</ref> In August 2003 they performed in [[Daegu]], [[South Korea]] at the O.K.! Crazy!! World Rock Festival. They returned the following year when their next album got a Korean release.
In May 1995, Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow with all new members.<ref name="bravewords"/> They had several releases until dissolving in March 1997. However, Bow Wow became a trio in 1998 when original members Mitsuhiro Saito and Toshihiro Niimi rejoined Yamamoto and they released the album ''Back''.<ref name="OK"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bowwow-army.jp/biography/history.html|title=BOWWOW OFFICIAL SITE|website=Bowwow-army.jp}}</ref> It was followed by ''Beyond'' (2000), ''Another Place'' (2001) and ''What's Going On?'' (2002). In August 2003 they performed in [[Daegu]], [[South Korea]] at the O.K.! Crazy!! World Rock Festival. Bow Wow released ''Era'', their most recent album to date, in 2005.<ref name="YGinterview"/>

⚫
Genki Hitomi and Rei Atsumi reunited with Yamamoto and Niimi for a Vow Wow reunion concert on December 25, 2009, and for two sold-out shows the following year on December 25 and 26, 2010.<ref name="bravewords"/> Bow Wow released the single "King or Queen" in 2014. Niimi left Bow Wow in 2015 and the group now performs sporadically under the name Bow Wow G2, which refers to the two guitarists, Yamamoto and Saito, being the only official members.<ref name="sporadic">{{cite web |title = BOWWOW G2＠Mt.RAINIER HALL SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE 2018.8.25 ライヴ・レポート |url = https://youngguitar.jp/201809/live-report/bowwow-g2 |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2018-09-13 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> In August 2016, Bow Wow G2 held a concert for the band's 40th anniversary, which was later released on home video.<ref name="sporadic"/> Three years after their last performance in 2018, the duo held a concert for their 45th anniversary on September 26, 2021 at Ebisu Garden Hall, where they recreated the setlist of Bow Wow's 1978 live album ''Super Live''.<ref>{{cite web| title = 人生経験から滲み出る迫力！ BOWWOW 45th Anniversary：BOWWOW G2ライブ 2021年9月26日@恵比寿ザ・ガーデンホール |url = https://youngguitar.jp/live-report/bowwow-45th-anniversary-20210926 |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2021-10-31 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> On June 1, 2023, Yamamoto announced that Niimi had died from cancer on May 27.<ref name="Niimideath">{{cite web| title = BOWWOWのドラムス・新美俊宏さん死去 山本恭司が報告 癌と診断されて入院からわずか22日目…|url = https://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2023/06/01/kiji/20230601s00041000792000c.html |work = [[Sports Nippon]] |language =Japanese |date = 2023-06-01 |accessdate = 2023-06-01}}</ref> Having felt unwell since the beginning of the month, the drummer was admitted to a hospital on May 6 after being diagnosed with [[Stage IV cancer]] that had [[metastasized]] throughout his body.<ref name="Niimideath"/> Niimi died at 7:38 pm on May 27, at the age of 66.<ref name="Niimideath"/>

Yamamoto, Hitomi and Atsumi reunited as Vow Wow for two concerts at [[Club Citta]] on June 29 and 30, 2024, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first album and to pay tribute to Niimi.<ref>{{cite web| title =VOW WOWのクラブチッタ2days公演が2024年6月に決定！|url =https://burrn.online/news/20231224_01-copy.html |work = [[Burrn!]] |language =Japanese |date =2023-12-24|accessdate =2024-02-03}}</ref> Bow Wow performed at the Time to Rock Festival in [[Knislinge]], Sweden on July 7, 2024.<ref>{{cite web| title =【芸能】バウワウ山本恭司 ６７歳で年間ライブ１１０本超！今夏はスウェーデンでフェス出演|url =https://www.daily.co.jp/opinion-d/2024/01/26/0017262572.shtml|work = [[Daily Sports (Japanese newspaper)|Daily Sports]] |language =Japanese |date =2024-01-26|accessdate =2024-02-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title =BOW WOW (JAP)|url =https://timetorock.se/en/artist&event=3a854b91-5ca2-4b32-b1ef-0339f38907a8&performer=54eaac55-f42e-448e-b498-c9784fe0fc5d |work = Time to Rock Festival|accessdate =2024-02-03}}</ref> Vow Wow are scheduled to perform two concerts at the [[Tokyo Dome City Hall]] on January 8 and 9, 2025.<ref>{{cite web| title =14年ぶりの"Ｖ"OW WOWライブ 父の雄姿に息子も感動の投稿などで一時トレンド入りも|url =https://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/202407030000258.html|work = [[Nikkan Sports]] |language =Japanese|date=2024-07-03|accessdate =2024-07-10}}</ref>


==Legacy==
⚫
Genki Hitomi and Rei Atsumi reunited with Yamamoto and Niimi for a Vow Wow reunion concert on December 25, 2009, and for two shows the following year on December 25 and 26, 2010. Niimi left Bow Wow in 2015 and the group now performs sporadically under the name Bow Wow G2, which refers to the two guitarists, Yamamoto and Saito, being the only official members.<ref name="sporadic">{{cite web |title = BOWWOW G2＠Mt.RAINIER HALL SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE 2018.8.25 ライヴ・レポート |url = https://youngguitar.jp/201809/live-report/bowwow-g2 |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2018-09-13 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref> In August 2016, Bow Wow G2 held a concert for the band's 40th anniversary, which was later released on home video.<ref name="sporadic"/> Three years after their last performance in 2018, the duo held a concert for their 45th anniversary on September 26, 2021 at Ebisu Garden Hall, where they recreated the setlist of Bow Wow's 1978 live album ''Super Live''.<ref>{{cite web| title = 人生経験から滲み出る迫力！　BOWWOW 45th Anniversary：BOWWOW G2ライブ　2021年9月26日@恵比寿ザ・ガーデンホール |url = https://youngguitar.jp/live-report/bowwow-45th-anniversary-20210926 |work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] |language =Japanese |date = 2021-10-31 |accessdate = 2021-10-31}}</ref>
Bow Wow were one of the first [[Japanese metal]] bands. Tomoaki Hokari of ''OK Music'' wrote that they were one of the acts that proved domestic musicians could compete with Western hard rock acts.<ref name="OK"/> Writing for ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone Japan]]'', Daisuke Kawasaki ranked ''Warning from Stardust'' at No.&nbsp;23 on a 2007 list of the "100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time".<ref>{{cite web |title=Finally! "The 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time" Listed |url=http://exclaim.ca/News/finally_100_greatest_japanese_rock_albums_of_all_time |work=[[Exclaim!]] |accessdate=2012-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231163831/http://exclaim.ca/News/finally_100_greatest_japanese_rock_albums_of_all_time |archive-date=2012-12-31 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The title track from ''Signal Fire'' was named the 28th best guitar instrumental by ''[[Young Guitar Magazine]]'' in 2019.<ref>{{cite web| title = ヤング・ギター厳選『ギター・インストの殿堂100』名演ランキング| work = [[Young Guitar Magazine]] | language =Japanese| date = 2019-06-11| url = https://youngguitar.jp/web/yg201907-ranking100 | accessdate = 2019-06-13}}</ref> [[Lars Ulrich]] is a fan of Bow Wow and used to cover their songs with [[Metallica]] before they made their debut.<ref name="bravewords"/> [[X Japan]] guitarist [[Hide (musician)|Hide]] admired Yamamoto and Saito, and played the [[B.C. Rich Mockingbird|Mockingbird]]-style of guitar because Saito used it.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Guitar battle with Hide and Pata |journal=GIGS |date=January 1992 |publisher=Shinko Music Entertainment |id= JAN 4910052910386}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=ロッキンf 97年7月号別冊 Rockin' Talk CAFE|journal=Rockin'f|publisher=Rittor Music|issue=July 1997|page=152}}</ref> ''Rhythm & Drums Magazine'' wrote that Niimi was influential on later drummers, including by pioneering the use of rubber mats under drum kits.<ref name="drummag"/> Kouichi of [[Laputa (band)|Laputa]] is a fan of the band and covered their songs while in high school.<ref>{{cite journal|author=Arakawa, Reiko|title=Kouichi (Laputa) & HIRO, KOJI (La'cryma Christi) ニューエイジ・ギタリストによる対談が実現！！|journal=Rockin'f|publisher=Rittor Music|volume=262|date=July 27, 1997|pages=18–24}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Laputa―from the cradle to the grave 1999 (Fool's Mate extrax)|journal=Fool's Mate|year=1999|page=6|isbn=4938716186}}</ref>


==Members==
==Members==
Line 43: Line 64:


==== Current members ====
==== Current members ====
* {{nihongo|[[Kyoji Yamamoto]]|山本恭司}} – [[Singing|lead vocals]] (1975–1983, 1998–present), [[guitar]] (1975–1983, 1995–present)
* {{nihongo|[[Kyoji Yamamoto]]|山本恭司}} – [[Singing|lead vocals]] (1975–1983, 1998–present), [[guitar]] (1975–1983, 1995–1997, 1998–present)
* {{nihongo|Mitsuhiro Saito|斉藤光浩}} – guitar, vocals (1975–1983, 1998–present)
* {{nihongo|Mitsuhiro Saito|斉藤光浩}} – guitar, vocals (1975–1983, 1998–present)
* {{nihongo|Shinji Matsumoto|松本慎二}} – [[Bass guitar|bass]] (2016–present, touring member)
* {{nihongo|Shinji Matsumoto|松本慎二}} – [[Bass guitar|bass]] (2016–present, support member)
* {{nihongo|Masanori "Cherry" Koyanagi|小柳昌法}} – [[Drum kit|drums]] (2016–present, touring member)
* {{nihongo|Masanori "Cherry" Koyanagi|小柳昌法}} – [[Drum kit|drums]] (2016–present, support member)


==== Former members ====
==== Former members ====
* {{nihongo|Kenji Sano|佐野賢二}} – bass (1975–1983)
* {{nihongo|Kenji Sano|佐野賢二}} – bass, backing vocals (1975–1983)
* {{nihongo|Tetsuya Horie|堀江哲也}} – lead vocals (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Tetsuya Horie|堀江哲也}} – lead vocals (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Hiroshi Yaegashi|八重樫浩士}} – guitar (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Hiroshi Yaegashi|八重樫浩士}} – guitar (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Shotaro Mitsuzono|満園庄太郎}} – bass (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Shotaro Mitsuzono|満園庄太郎}} – bass (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Eiji Mitsuzono|満園英二}} – drums (1995–1997)
* {{nihongo|Eiji Mitsuzono|満園英二}} – drums (1995–1996)
* {{nihongo|Toshihiro Niimi|新美俊宏}} – drums (1975–1983, 1998–2015)
* {{nihongo|Toshihiro Niimi|新美俊宏}} – drums (1975–1983, 1996–1997, 1998–2015, died in 2023)
* Daisuke Kitsuwa – bass (1998–2015, touring member)
* Daisuke Kitsuwa – bass (1998–2015, support member)


===Vow Wow===
===Vow Wow===


==== Last line-up ====
==== Last line-up ====
* {{nihongo|[[Genki Hitomi]]|人見元基}} – lead vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010)
* {{nihongo|[[Genki Hitomi]]|人見元基}} – lead vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)
* Kyoji Yamamoto – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010)
* Kyoji Yamamoto – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)
* Toshihiro Niimi – drums (1984–1990, 2009, 2010)
* {{nihongo|Rei Atsumi|厚見玲衣}} – [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], synthesizers, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)
* {{nihongo|Rei Atsumi|厚見玲衣}} – [[Keyboard instrument|keyboards]], synthesizers, piano, keytar, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010)


==== Former members ====
==== Former members ====
Line 69: Line 89:
* [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] – bass, backing vocals (1987–1990)
* [[Neil Murray (British musician)|Neil Murray]] – bass, backing vocals (1987–1990)
* Mark Gould – bass, backing vocals (1990)
* Mark Gould – bass, backing vocals (1990)
* Toshihiro Niimi – drums (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, died in 2023)


===Timeline===
===Timeline===
<timeline>
<timeline>
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:18
ImageSize = width:1000 height:auto barincrement:18
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:90 top:10 right:140
PlotArea = left:110 bottom:90 top:10 right:10
Alignbars = justify
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Line 96: Line 117:


LineData =
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⚫
at:01/07/1995 color:black layer:back
⚫
at:01/07/1996 color:black layer:back
⚫
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⚫
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⚫
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⚫
at:21/10/1995 color:black layer:back
⚫
at:21/07/1996 color:black layer:back
at:25/05/1998 color:black layer:back
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⚫
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Line 137: Line 162:
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</timeline>
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Line 343: Line 371:
|1988
|1988
|''Vibe'' (''Helter Skelter''<ref name="discogs1">{{Cite web|title=Vow Wow - VIBe|url=https://www.discogs.com/Vow-Wow-VIBe/release/3860754|website=Discogs.com}}</ref><ref name="discogs2">{{Cite web|title=Vow Wow - Helter Skelter|url=https://www.discogs.com/Vow-Wow-Helter-Skelter/master/538856|website=Discogs.com}}</ref> in the [[United Kingdom]])
|''Vibe'' (''Helter Skelter''<ref name="discogs1">{{Cite web|title=Vow Wow - VIBe|url=https://www.discogs.com/Vow-Wow-VIBe/release/3860754|website=Discogs.com}}</ref><ref name="discogs2">{{Cite web|title=Vow Wow - Helter Skelter|url=https://www.discogs.com/Vow-Wow-Helter-Skelter/master/538856|website=Discogs.com}}</ref> in the [[United Kingdom]])
|19<ref name="OldAlbums">{{cite web|title=ＢＯＷ　ＷＯＷのアルバム売り上げランキング|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_album/|work=[[Oricon]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=2011-12-11|archiveurl=https://archive.is/2Juzs|archivedate=2013-02-18}}</ref>
|19<ref name="OldAlbums">{{cite web|title=ＢＯＷ ＷＯＷのアルバム売り上げランキング|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_album/|work=[[Oricon]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=2011-12-11|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130218201025/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_album/|archivedate=2013-02-18}}</ref>
|75<ref name="UKChart" />
|75<ref name="UKChart" />
|Studio
|Studio
Line 408: Line 436:
|1990
|1990
|"Tell Me"
|"Tell Me"
|23<ref name="Oricon Singles">{{cite web|title=BOW WOWのシングル売り上げランキング|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_single/|work=[[Oricon]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=2011-12-11|archiveurl=https://archive.is/swDud|archivedate=2013-02-18}}</ref>
|23<ref name="Oricon Singles">{{cite web|title=BOW WOWのシングル売り上げランキング|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_single/|work=[[Oricon]]|language=Japanese|accessdate=2011-12-11|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130218160749/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/3080/ranking/cd_single/|archivedate=2013-02-18}}</ref>
|''Mountain Top''
|''Mountain Top''
|}
|}
Line 469: Line 497:
|''Japan Live 1990 at Budokan''
|''Japan Live 1990 at Budokan''
|88<ref name="Oricon DVDs" />
|88<ref name="Oricon DVDs" />
|-
|2017
|"ヴァウの総て-All About Vow 第一幕～渡英前"
|-
|2021
|"アックスの奇蹟 -Veritas! One-night Wonder"
|}
|}


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[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1995]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1995]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Tokyo]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Tokyo]]
[[Category:English-language musical groups from Japan]]

Revision as of 22:36, 28 August 2024

Not to be confused with Bow Wow Wow.

Bow Wow
Also known as
  • Vow Wow
  • Bow Wow G2
OriginJapan
Genres
Years activeBow Wow:
1975 (1975)–1983, 1995–present
Vow Wow:
1984 (1984)–1990
(reunions: 2009, 2010, 2024)
LabelsVictor, VAP, Toshiba EMI, Arista (US), Rockcandy (US), Heavy Metal (EU), Roadrunner (EU)
Members
Past members
  • Kenji Sano
  • Genki Hitomi
  • Rei Atsumi
  • Neil Murray
  • Mark Gould
  • Tetsuya Horie
  • Hiroshi Yaegashi
  • Shotaro Mitsuzono
  • Eiji Mitsuzono
  • Toshihiro Niimi
Websitebowwow-army.jp Edit this at Wikidata

Bow Wow are a Japanese rock band formed in 1975. Originally consisting of guitarist and vocalists Kyoji Yamamoto and Mitsuhiro Saito, bassist Kenji Sano and drummer Toshihiro Niimi, they were one of the first Japanese metal bands. After releasing nine studio albums, Saito left in 1983. The band then adopted a mainstream sound by recruiting lead vocalist Genki Hitomi and keyboardist Rei Atsumi and renamed themselves to Vow Wow. They relocated to England in 1986, before Sano left the band the following year and Yamamoto invited former Whitesnake bassist Neil Murray to replace him. After Murray left to join Black Sabbath, studio bassist Mark Gould played on Vow Wow's last album before they disbanded in 1990.

Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow in 1995 with all new members, before it became a trio when fellow original members Saito and Niimi rejoined in 1998. Niimi left in 2015 and the group now performs under the name Bow Wow G2, which refers to the two guitarists being the only official members.

Tomoaki Hokari of OK Music wrote that Bow Wow was one of the first Japanese bands to prove that domestic musicians could compete with Western hard rock acts.[1] In Japan their best-selling album is V which reached number 12 on the Oricon chart.[2] Internationally their best-selling album is Helter Skelter, which reached number 75 on the UK Albums Chart.[3]

History

1975–1983: Bow Wow

Bow Wow was formed in 1975 by Yoshimi Ueno, a record producer who was looking to create an idol-like band such as The Monkees or the Bay City Rollers.[1][4][5] After recruiting vocalist and guitarist Mitsuhiro Saito and drummer Toshihiro Niimi from the band Do T. Doll, whom he had managed before, vocalist and guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto and bassist Kenji Sano were scouted from Yamaha Music School and Bow Wow was officially formed.[6][7] Hokari wrote that, once 19-year-old guitar virtuoso Yamamoto joined and was elected to sing in English, the idol concept was largely dropped in favor of authenticity.[1] Niimi himself stated that if Yamamoto had not joined, they never would have become a hard rock band.[6]

They were quickly signed to Victor and used the money to buy a truck that could double as a stage, which earned them interviews with many magazines and television shows.[5][8] Bow Wow released their self-titled debut album in 1976.[8] Yamamoto recalled that when he joined, he told the producer he was a guitarist and not a singer, but during recording someone suggested he sing in English and he went with it.[9] In 1977, they opened for Aerosmith and Kiss on their Japanese tours and released two more albums, Signal Fire and Charge.[8]

According to AllMusic's Eduardo Rivadavia, their next few records were criticized by critics and fans as being musically all over the place, veering from their hard rock roots, and suffering from poor production values.[10] Yamamoto himself has described the three consecutive albums, Guarantee (1978), Glorious Road and Telephone (both 1980), as being the band's "pop era."[9] He noted that Saito was the main vocalist on the first two, but he took over vocal duties again on Telephone, where he looked to fuse pop with rock.[9] For Telephone the band switched record labels to Sounds Marketing System and worked with producer Touru Yazawa, who had produced the folk rock group Alice.

Bow Wow followed up with Hard Dog in 1981, which returned the band to a respectable hard rock act. In 1982, they switched labels again to VAP and released both Asian Volcano and Warning from Stardust. The band also performed at that year's Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the Reading Festival in England.[8] The following year they toured with Hanoi Rocks across the UK[1] and performed their final concert at Nakano Sun Plaza on November 21, 1983. Which was the last with Saito, who left to join ARB.

1984–1990: Vow Wow

In 1984, the remaining three members were joined by vocalist Genki Hitomi and keyboardist Rei Atsumi, this resulted in a more commercial sound and the band decided a name change was necessary.[11] Now called Vow Wow, the group produced Beat of Metal Motion (1984) before signing to Toshiba EMI for Cyclone (1985) and relocating to England in 1986. After releasing the album III that year, they found themselves without a bassist when Kenji Sano returned to Japan for personal reasons in May 1987. He later retired from music completely.[12] The band flew another Japanese bassist to England for an audition, but it did not work out.[12] One of the members then suggested Yamamoto call Neil Murray, who had recently left Whitesnake and whom he and Niimi knew from working on the second album by Phenomena.[7][12] After a jam session, Murray agreed to play on their next album and, later, to a tour of Japan.[12] Although, Murray would later state that he never became a full member.[13] Vow Wow then began recording the album V (1987) in Ibiza, with producer Kit Woolven (Thin Lizzy, David Bowie) and co-producer John Wetton, who wrote the lyrics for the album's hit single "Don't Leave Me Now". They were asked by Tommy Vance to create the jingles for his British radio program, the Friday Rock Show.[13] After releasing Vibe (1988), which included the hard rock anthem "Rock Me Now", the band returned to Japan for a national tour. Although experiencing commercial success, Hitomi wanted to remain in Japan to begin a family. Vow Wow recorded what was to be their final album, Helter Skelter (1989), which was handled by Tony Taverner (Gipsy Kings) and was, as Rivadavia put it, a "re-sequenced, repackaged, and reissue" of Vibe.[14] After the album, Atsumi joined RC Succession for a live tour and Murray became a member of Black Sabbath. According to Yamamoto, Murray told him he had to leave Vow Wow because Cozy Powell was insistent that he join Black Sabbath and the bassist could not say no to his close friend.[12]

Shortly after, producers Nick Griffiths (Queen, Paul McCartney) and Bob Ezrin (Kiss, Pink Floyd) requested to create an album with Vow Wow. The band regrouped in Los Angeles, and utilized American studio bassist Mark Gould for their final album, Mountain Top.[12] Vow Wow disbanded after a May 28, 1990 concert at the Nippon Budokan. Yamamoto later said that the band had thought they could get signed to an American record label, but when that did not happen, "We lost our aim and then we started to get frustrated and our relationships collapsed. It was sad but 1990 was a bad year for hard rock bands. The hard rock and heavy metal scene was in decline."[13] Hitomi became a high school English teacher, while the other members each continued separate musical careers. Yamamoto formed the trio Wild Flag in 1991.[12] Niimi formed the bands Lance of Thrill and The Slut Banks.[6]

1995–present: Bow Wow revival and Vow Wow reunion concerts

In May 1995, Yamamoto reformed Bow Wow with all new members.[11] They had several releases until dissolving in March 1997. However, Bow Wow became a trio in 1998 when original members Mitsuhiro Saito and Toshihiro Niimi rejoined Yamamoto and they released the album Back.[1][15] It was followed by Beyond (2000), Another Place (2001) and What's Going On? (2002). In August 2003 they performed in Daegu, South Korea at the O.K.! Crazy!! World Rock Festival. Bow Wow released Era, their most recent album to date, in 2005.[9]

Genki Hitomi and Rei Atsumi reunited with Yamamoto and Niimi for a Vow Wow reunion concert on December 25, 2009, and for two sold-out shows the following year on December 25 and 26, 2010.[11] Bow Wow released the single "King or Queen" in 2014. Niimi left Bow Wow in 2015 and the group now performs sporadically under the name Bow Wow G2, which refers to the two guitarists, Yamamoto and Saito, being the only official members.[16] In August 2016, Bow Wow G2 held a concert for the band's 40th anniversary, which was later released on home video.[16] Three years after their last performance in 2018, the duo held a concert for their 45th anniversary on September 26, 2021 at Ebisu Garden Hall, where they recreated the setlist of Bow Wow's 1978 live album Super Live.[17] On June 1, 2023, Yamamoto announced that Niimi had died from cancer on May 27.[18] Having felt unwell since the beginning of the month, the drummer was admitted to a hospital on May 6 after being diagnosed with Stage IV cancer that had metastasized throughout his body.[18] Niimi died at 7:38 pm on May 27, at the age of 66.[18]

Yamamoto, Hitomi and Atsumi reunited as Vow Wow for two concerts at Club Citta on June 29 and 30, 2024, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first album and to pay tribute to Niimi.[19] Bow Wow performed at the Time to Rock Festival in Knislinge, Sweden on July 7, 2024.[20][21] Vow Wow are scheduled to perform two concerts at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on January 8 and 9, 2025.[22]

Legacy

Bow Wow were one of the first Japanese metal bands. Tomoaki Hokari of OK Music wrote that they were one of the acts that proved domestic musicians could compete with Western hard rock acts.[1] Writing for Rolling Stone Japan, Daisuke Kawasaki ranked Warning from Stardust at No. 23 on a 2007 list of the "100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time".[23] The title track from Signal Fire was named the 28th best guitar instrumental by Young Guitar Magazine in 2019.[24] Lars Ulrich is a fan of Bow Wow and used to cover their songs with Metallica before they made their debut.[11] X Japan guitarist Hide admired Yamamoto and Saito, and played the Mockingbird-style of guitar because Saito used it.[25][26] Rhythm & Drums Magazine wrote that Niimi was influential on later drummers, including by pioneering the use of rubber mats under drum kits.[6] Kouichi of Laputa is a fan of the band and covered their songs while in high school.[27][28]

Members

Bow Wow

Current members

  • Kyoji Yamamoto (山本恭司) – lead vocals (1975–1983, 1998–present), guitar (1975–1983, 1995–1997, 1998–present)
  • Mitsuhiro Saito (斉藤光浩) – guitar, vocals (1975–1983, 1998–present)
  • Shinji Matsumoto (松本慎二) – bass (2016–present, support member)
  • Masanori "Cherry" Koyanagi (小柳昌法) – drums (2016–present, support member)

Former members

  • Kenji Sano (佐野賢二) – bass, backing vocals (1975–1983)
  • Tetsuya Horie (堀江哲也) – lead vocals (1995–1997)
  • Hiroshi Yaegashi (八重樫浩士) – guitar (1995–1997)
  • Shotaro Mitsuzono (満園庄太郎) – bass (1995–1997)
  • Eiji Mitsuzono (満園英二) – drums (1995–1996)
  • Toshihiro Niimi (新美俊宏) – drums (1975–1983, 1996–1997, 1998–2015, died in 2023)
  • Daisuke Kitsuwa – bass (1998–2015, support member)

Vow Wow

Last line-up

  • Genki Hitomi (人見元基) – lead vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)
  • Kyoji Yamamoto – guitar, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)
  • Rei Atsumi (厚見玲衣) – keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, 2024)

Former members

  • Kenji Sano – bass, backing vocals (1984–1987)
  • Neil Murray – bass, backing vocals (1987–1990)
  • Mark Gould – bass, backing vocals (1990)
  • Toshihiro Niimi – drums (1984–1990, 2009, 2010, died in 2023)

Timeline

Discography as Bow Wow

Albums

Year Title Type
1976 Bow Wow Studio
1977 Signal Fire
Charge
1978 Super Live Live
Guarantee Studio
1980 Glorious Road
Telephone
Kumikyoku X Bomber (組曲Xボンバー) (for the TV series X-Bomber) Soundtrack
1981 Hard Dog Studio
1982 Asian Volcano
Warning from Stardust
1983 Holy Expedition Live
1995 Bow Wow # 0 EP
Bow Wow # 1 Studio
1996 Led by the Sun
1998 Still on Fire EP
Back[29] Studio
1999 Ancient Dreams[30] Studio
Live Explosion 1999 Live
2000 Beyond Studio
2001 Another Place
2002 What's Going On?
2005 Super Live 2004 Live
Era Studio

Singles

  • "Volume On" (1976)
  • "Still" (1977)
  • "Sabishii Yuugi (1978)
  • "Hoshii no wa Omae Dake" (1979)
  • "Wasurekaketeta Love Song " (1980)
  • "Rainy Train" (1980)
  • "Keep on Rockin'" (1980)
  • "Soldier in the Space" (1980)
  • "Gonna be Alright" (1981)
  • "Take Me Away" (1982)
  • "Forever" (1983)
  • "You're Mine" (1983)
  • "One Last Time" (2002)
  • "King or Queen" (2014)

Compilations

  • The Bow Wow (1979)
  • Locus 1976-1983 (1986)
  • The Bow Wow II Decennium (2008)
  • XXXV (2011)

Videos

  • The Live Empire (2003)
  • Live Explosion 1999 (2003)
  • 2003.3.22 Live (2003)
  • Rock to the Future 2002 Bow Wow vs XYZ→A (2003)
  • Super Live 2004 (2005)
  • Super Live 2005 (2006)
  • Super Live 2006 (2007)
  • Super Live 2007 (2008)
  • Super Live 2009 (2010)
  • Super Live 2011 (2012)
  • Bow Wow G2 Live in Tokyo (2017)

Discography as Vow Wow

Albums

Year Title JP UK Type
1984 Beat of Metal Motion Studio
1985 Cyclone 300 (2006 reissue)[31] Studio
1986 III 275 (2006 reissue)[31] Studio
Live Live
Hard Rock Night/Vow Wow Live Live
1987 V Studio
Revive Remix EP
1988 Vibe (Helter Skelter[32][33] in the United Kingdom) 19[34] 75[3] Studio
1990 Mountain Top 16[34] Studio
2019 Majestic Live 1989 171[31] Live
2020 Live At Reading Festival 1987 252[31] Live

Singles

Year Title JP Album
1984 "Beat of Metal Motion" Beat of Metal Motion
1985 "U.S.A." Cyclone
1987 "Don't Leave Me Now" V
1988 "Cry No More"
"Don't Tell Me Lies"
"Rock Me Now" Vibe/Helter Skelter
1989 "Helter Skelter"
"I Feel the Power"
1990 "Tell Me" 23[35] Mountain Top

Compilations

Year Title JP
1986 Shock Waves
1988 Vow Wow
1990 Legacy 60[34]
1992 Best Now
1996 Twin Best
2006 Super Best: Rock Me Forever 286[31]
2007 The Vox (8CD+DVD Boxed-set)

Videos

Every VHS was re-released on DVD on June 14, 2006

Year Title JP
1985 Visions 116[36]
1986 Live 75[36]
1989 Live in the U.K. 80[36]
1990 Japan Live 1990 at Budokan 88[36]
2017 "ヴァウの総て-All About Vow 第一幕～渡英前"
2021 "アックスの奇蹟 -Veritas! One-night Wonder"

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "BOW WOWのデビュー作『吼えろ！BOWWOW』は洋楽と真っ向勝負できる初の国産HR". OK Music (in Japanese). December 2, 2015. Archived from the original on January 29, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
  2. ^ "BOW WOWのアルバム売上ランキング". Oricon.
  3. ^ a b "VOW WOW". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 13, 2012.
  4. ^ "Biography". kyoji-yamamoto.com. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  5. ^ a b "【連載】Vol.098「Mike's Boogie Station＝音楽にいつも感謝！＝」". Barks (in Japanese). September 7, 2020. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c d "【R.I.P.】日本のハード・ロック・シーンの礎を築いたBOW WOWのドラマー、新美俊宏急逝". Rhythm & Drums Magazine (in Japanese). June 2, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 167. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  8. ^ a b c d "Kyoji Yamamoto leaves all inhibitions behind". The Japan Times. April 18, 2009. Archived from the original on December 27, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  9. ^ a b c d "山本恭司 ヤング・ギター2017年12月号 本誌未掲載インタビュー". Young Guitar Magazine (in Japanese). November 18, 2017. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  10. ^ "Hard Dog - Bow Wow". AllMusic. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  11. ^ a b c d "BOWWOW Frontman Kyoji Yamamoto". BraveWords. December 10, 2010. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved September 14, 2011.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g "KYOJI YAMAMOTO – Bow Wow, Vow Wow, and Wild Flag mastermind reflects on the early days of his career, the last four decades, and the future: "I just want to make music as I like, and as long as there are enough people interested so I can make my living and keep myself happy."". Metal-Rules. August 6, 2024. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c "Remembering The Original Japanese Rock Invasion". Metal Hammer. January 24, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
  14. ^ "Vibe - Vow Wow". AllMusic. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  15. ^ "BOWWOW OFFICIAL SITE". Bowwow-army.jp.
  16. ^ a b "BOWWOW G2＠Mt.RAINIER HALL SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE 2018.8.25 ライヴ・レポート". Young Guitar Magazine (in Japanese). September 13, 2018. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  17. ^ "人生経験から滲み出る迫力！ BOWWOW 45th Anniversary：BOWWOW G2ライブ 2021年9月26日@恵比寿ザ・ガーデンホール". Young Guitar Magazine (in Japanese). October 31, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  18. ^ a b c "BOWWOWのドラムス・新美俊宏さん死去 山本恭司が報告 癌と診断されて入院からわずか22日目…". Sports Nippon (in Japanese). June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  19. ^ "VOW WOWのクラブチッタ2days公演が2024年6月に決定！". Burrn! (in Japanese). December 24, 2023. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  20. ^ "【芸能】バウワウ山本恭司 ６７歳で年間ライブ１１０本超！今夏はスウェーデンでフェス出演". Daily Sports (in Japanese). January 26, 2024. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  21. ^ "BOW WOW (JAP)". Time to Rock Festival. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  22. ^ "14年ぶりの"Ｖ"OW WOWライブ 父の雄姿に息子も感動の投稿などで一時トレンド入りも". Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). July 3, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  23. ^ "Finally! "The 100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time" Listed". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on December 31, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
  24. ^ "ヤング・ギター厳選『ギター・インストの殿堂100』名演ランキング". Young Guitar Magazine (in Japanese). June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  25. ^ "Guitar battle with Hide and Pata". GIGS. Shinko Music Entertainment. January 1992. JAN 4910052910386.
  26. ^ "ロッキンf 97年7月号別冊 Rockin' Talk CAFE". Rockin'f (July 1997). Rittor Music: 152.
  27. ^ Arakawa, Reiko (July 27, 1997). "Kouichi (Laputa) & HIRO, KOJI (La'cryma Christi) ニューエイジ・ギタリストによる対談が実現！！". Rockin'f. 262. Rittor Music: 18–24.
  28. ^ "Laputa―from the cradle to the grave 1999 (Fool's Mate extrax)". Fool's Mate: 6. 1999. ISBN 4938716186.
  29. ^ "Back". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  30. ^ "Ancient Dreams". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  31. ^ a b c d e BOW WOWのアルバム売り上げランキング. Oricon Retrieved 2011-12-11.
  32. ^ "Vow Wow - VIBe". Discogs.com.
  33. ^ "Vow Wow - Helter Skelter". Discogs.com.
  34. ^ a b c "ＢＯＷ ＷＯＷのアルバム売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  35. ^ "BOW WOWのシングル売り上げランキング". Oricon (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 18, 2013. Retrieved December 11, 2011.
  36. ^ a b c d BOW WOWのDVD売り上げランキング. Oricon Retrieved 2011-12-11.
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