VOW WOW - LIVE - ORIG UK PASSPORT RECORDS 12" Vinyl LP Album

Album Description:

Vow Wow's "Live - Orig UK Passport Records 12" LP Vinyl Album" captures the electrifying essence of one of Japan's most influential Heavy Metal and Rock bands. Recorded during their explosive concerts at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall in Tokyo on May 28 and 29, 1986, this album showcases Vow Wow's exceptional talent and the raw energy that defined their live performances. Through blistering guitar solos, thunderous drumming, and powerful vocals, the band creates an unforgettable experience for listeners, solidifying their place in the world of Heavy Metal history.

Vow Wow: Pioneers of Japanese Heavy Metal
Vow Wow emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as pioneers of the Japanese Heavy Metal scene. The band was founded by the legendary guitarist Kyoji Yamamoto, who previously played with the iconic Japanese rock group Bow Wow. Alongside Yamamoto, Vow Wow consisted of Toshihiro Niimi on bass, Rei Atsumi on drums, and the charismatic vocalist Genki Hitomi. With their exceptional musicianship, Vow Wow quickly gained recognition both in Japan and internationally.

The Nakano Sun Plaza Hall Concerts: A Showcase of Energy and Showmanship
The "Live - Orig UK Passport Records 12" LP Vinyl Album" encapsulates the essence of Vow Wow's live performances during their two-night stint at Nakano Sun Plaza Hall. From the moment the band takes the stage, the album bursts with an energy that radiates through each track. The crowd's anticipation is palpable as the opening chords of their signature songs fill the venue, instantly captivating the audience.

Masterful Musicianship: Instrumental Brilliance and Vocal Prowess
Throughout the album, Vow Wow's exceptional musicianship shines through. Kyoji Yamamoto's virtuosic guitar solos are nothing short of awe-inspiring, displaying his technical proficiency and melodic sensibility. The thunderous rhythm section, led by Toshihiro Niimi's intricate bass lines and Rei Atsumi's powerhouse drumming, provides a solid foundation that drives the music forward with unrelenting force. Genki Hitomi's charismatic vocals soar above the instrumental chaos, commanding attention and adding an extra layer of intensity to the band's performance.

Legacy and Influence: A Testament to Vow Wow's Impact
Vow Wow's live performances and recordings like "Live - Orig UK Passport Records 12" LP Vinyl Album" left an indelible mark on the Japanese Heavy Metal scene. They inspired a generation of musicians and cemented their status as one of Japan's most influential bands in the genre. The album serves as a time capsule, capturing the band's raw energy and preserving it for future generations to appreciate.

Bow Wow / Vow Wow: Japan’s Hard Rock Pioneers Who Went Global

In the annals of Japanese rock history, few bands have had the pioneering impact of Bow Wow, later known as Vow Wow. Formed in 1975 by guitar virtuoso Kyoji Yamamoto, Bow Wow was among the very first Japanese acts to blend hard rock and heavy metal with the technical prowess and theatrical energy of Western bands like Deep Purple and UFO. At a time when Japan’s rock scene was still largely underground, Bow Wow brought international flair and high-caliber musicianship that helped lay the foundation for the heavy metal explosion to come.

The Bow Wow Era: Roots in Japanese Hard Rock

Emerging from Tokyo in the mid-70s, Bow Wow was initially a hard rock band infused with bluesy guitar lines and classic rock influences. Early live performances and recordings demonstrated the group’s ambition to rise above Japan’s domestic music circuit. Led by Kyoji Yamamoto’s fiery guitar work and raw stage presence, the band quickly gained recognition both at home and abroad.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Bow Wow had already begun performing internationally, including gigs in Europe. However, despite their growing technical skill and experience, breaking into the English-speaking market proved difficult.

Rebirth as Vow Wow: Aiming for the West

In 1984, the band rebranded as Vow Wow, a move designed to help them succeed globally. The new name was more distinctive and avoided associations with the American slang term “bow wow.” With this rebranding came a lineup shift and a stylistic evolution. Vow Wow embraced a more polished, melodic metal sound, incorporating keyboards and arena-rock hooks. Vocalist Genki Hitomi and keyboardist Rei Atsumi joined the fold, broadening the band’s musical palette.

Now operating as Vow Wow, the band relocated to the United Kingdom in the mid-1980s, where they signed with Arista Records and toured extensively. They opened for major acts like Bon Jovi and shared stages with Michael Schenker Group and Gary Moore. Although they never achieved commercial superstardom, Vow Wow earned critical respect and a loyal fan base in both Japan and the UK.

Legacy and Influence

Vow Wow disbanded in 1990, but their impact on the Japanese rock and metal scene remains profound. They proved that a Japanese band could perform at the same level as their Western counterparts, both musically and professionally. Their international journey helped pave the way for bands like Loudness, X Japan, and Dir En Grey to gain recognition beyond Asia.

Kyoji Yamamoto went on to have a prolific solo career and later revived the Bow Wow name for reunion projects. His guitar playing continues to be revered by fans and musicians alike.