44 Magnum (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Headquarters | Osaka Prefecture , Japan |
| Products | Heavy metal music |
44 Magnum (often presented as 44MAGNUM) is a heavy metal group originating from Osaka Prefecture, Japan, established in 1977. They are recognized as one of the trailblazers in the Japanese metal scene.
History
The band was initiated by lead singer Tatsuya "Paul" Umehara. By 1982, the definitive lineup was formed, consisting of guitarist Satoshi "Jimmy" Hirose, bassist Hironori "Ban" Yoshikawa, and drummer Satoshi "Joe" Miyawaki. Their major label debut came in 1983 with the release of the album Danger. Drummer Joe departed in 1988, and the group dissolved the following year in 1989.
In 2002, 44 Magnum reunited and launched their seventh studio album, Ignition. Bassist Ban exited the band in 2009; that same year, they released a self-titled album featuring new bassist Shuse (formerly of La'cryma Christi) and introduced Stevie, Paul’s son, who joined as a co-lead vocalist.
Paul suspended live performances in 2012 to prioritize treatment for Parkinson's disease but remained active in recording and occasional live appearances. Ban returned to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2013 but left once more in 2022. Subsequently, Sexx George from Ladies Room joined as a support bassist.
Members
Current members
- Tatsuya "Paul" Umehara – vocals (1977–1989, 2002–present)
- Satoshi "Jimmy" Hirose – guitar (1979–1989, 2002–present)
- Satoshi "Joe" Miyawaki – drums (1982–1988, 2002–present)
- Stevie Umehara – vocals (2009–present)
Support members
- Anarchy Bad Ray – bass (2010)
- Sexx George – bass (2022–present)
Former members
- Akira Nagamori – guitar (1977–1981)
- Taka Tanaka – bass (1977–1982)
- Hirofumi Miyamoto – drums (1977–1980)
- Teruki Iga – drums (1979–1982)
- Shuse – bass (2009–2012)
- Hironori "Ban" Yoshikawa – bass (1979–1989, 2002–2009, 2013–2022)
Timeline
Discography
- Studio albums
- Danger (1983)
- Street Rock'n Roller (1984)
- Actor (1985)
- Love or Money (1987)
- Emotional Color (1988)
- Still Alive (1989)
- Ignition (2002)
- 44Magnum (2009)
- Angel Number (2015)
- Prisoner (2019)
- EPs
- 44Magnum (1983)
- Four Figures (1985)
- Beast (2013)
- Singles
- "It's Raining" (1987)
- "I Miss You" (1988)
- Live albums
- The Live (1985, EP)
- Live Act II (1986)
- 2016 04 03 04 Special Live (2017)
- Compilations
- Anthology (1989)
- Live & Rare (2000, 10-CD boxset)
- The Bootleg-MK.I (2001, 2CD & DVD)
- The Bootleg-MK.II (2011, CD & DVD)
- 44Magnum 35th Anniversary Ultimate Collection (2012, SHM-CDs)
- Features essential albums alongside live recordings.
- Videos
- The Beginning (1985)
- The Bootleg-MK.I (2001, DVD & 2CD)
- Live at Alive (2010)
- The Bootleg-MK.II (2011, DVD & CD)
- 44Magnum on 30th Anniversary Tour 2013 Bombard Attack (2014)
- Bombard Attack 44Magnum on Tour 2014 Tokyo (2015)
- 2016 04 03 04 Special Live (2016)