RC Succession
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1968 in Tokyo, Japan |
| Defunct | January 1991 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Key people | Kiyoshiro Imawano (frontman), Kazuo Kobayashi (bassist) |
| Products | Music albums |
RC Succession was an influential rock group originating from Tokyo, established in 1968. Recognized as one of Japan’s longest-standing bands, it experienced numerous personnel shifts over the years, with frontman Kiyoshiro Imawano and bassist Kazuo Kobayashi remaining as the core members until the group dissolved in January 1991.
In 2003, HMV placed RC Succession at number 16 in their "Top 100 Japanese Pops Artists" ranking. Later, in 2007, Rolling Stone Japan honored their 1980 live record Rhapsody as the second greatest Japanese rock album and ranked their 1988 covers collection Covers at number 41 on the "100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums" list. Additionally, Covers was named the top album in Bounce magazine’s 2009 compilation of "54 Standard Japanese Rock Albums."
History
The band's origins trace back to 1966 when Imawano created the Clover, which gradually transformed into RC Succession by 1968 following lineup adjustments. Initially based in Tokyo as a folk trio, their early music combined acoustic R&B elements with Imawano’s unique vocal style and incisive lyrics. While they earned acclaim for their live shows, widespread commercial recognition did not come until the early 1970s. By the late 1970s, they shifted towards a more electrified rock sound influenced by glam, integrating themselves into Tokyo’s dynamic music scene alongside groups such as Yellow Magic Orchestra. Despite this, they never achieved significant international fame.
Their first release came in 1970 as an acoustic trio featuring Imawano on vocals and guitar, Wassho Rinko (Kazuo Kobayashi) on bass, and Kenchi Haren on guitar. In 1978, guitarist Reichi Nakaido replaced Haren, which helped propel the band’s popularity with notable tracks like "Ameagari no Yozora Ni" (1980) and "Transistor Radio" (1980).
In 1982, RC Succession performed at the prestigious "The Day of R&B" event alongside artists such as Chuck Berry and Sam Moore. That same year marked a significant collaboration with Ryuichi Sakamoto on the track "Ikenai Rouge Magic," which attracted attention due to its daring visuals and association with a television commercial. The band was also distinguished by its collaborations—including work with Booker T. & The MG's—and by its outspoken political stance opposing war and nuclear energy while advocating for Tibetan independence.
Their 1988 release Covers, an album featuring Japanese-language renditions of rock and pop classics, initially faced shelving by Toshiba EMI because of pressure to remove anti-war themes. Ultimately, Kitty Records released it successfully, with the album debuting at number one on the Oricon charts.
In 1990, key members Gee2Woo (keyboards) and Kozo Niida (drums) left the group. The remaining musicians issued Baby a Go-Go that September, incorporating new drummer Hirofumi Kasuga and later keyboardist Rei Atsumi. RC Succession’s concluding performance took place at Nippon Budokan on December 25, 1990.
Following the band's breakup, Imawano and Nakaido embarked on solo endeavors but occasionally reunited for projects such as the 1994 album Glad All Over. Kiyoshiro Imawano passed away from cancer on May 2, 2009.
Members
- Kiyoshiro Imawano – vocals, guitar (1968–1991)
- Kazuo Kobayashi – bass (1968–1991)
- Reichi Nakaido – lead guitar, vocals (1978–1991)
- Hirofumi Kasuga – guitar, drums (1978, 1990–1991)
- Rei Atsumi – keyboards (1990–1991)
Former Members
- Kenchi Haren – guitar (1968–1977)
- Kozo Niida – drums (1978–1990)
- Ginji Ogawa – guitar (1979–1980)
- Gee2Woo – keyboards (1980–1990)
Studio Albums
- 1972 Shoki no RC Succession (Toshiba)
- 1972 Tanoshii Yube Ni (Toshiba)
- 1976 Single Man (Polydor)
- 1980 Rhapsody (Kitty) [live recording]
- 1980 Please (Kitty)
- 1981 Blue (Kitty)
- 1982 Beat Pops (London)
- 1983 OK (London)
- 1983 King of Live (London) [live recording]
- 1984 Feel So Bad (Toshiba EMI)
- 1985 Heart Ace (Toshiba EMI)
- 1986 the TEARS OF a CLOWN (Toshiba EMI) [live recording]
- 1988 Marvy (Toshiba EMI)
- 1988 Covers (Kitty) [cover album]
- 1988 Cobra No Nayami (Toshiba EMI) [live recording]
- 1990 Baby a Go Go (Toshiba EMI)
Compilation Albums
- 1981 EPLP (Toshiba EMI)
- 1984 EPLP-2 (Toshiba EMI)
- 1990 Best of RC Succession 1970-1980 (Toshiba EMI)
- 1990 Best of RC Succession 1981-1990 (Toshiba EMI)
- 2002 Golden Best (EMI Music Japan)
- 2005 Wonderful Days 1970-80 (USM Japan)
- 2005 Greatful Days 1981-90 (USM Japan)