Speed, Glue & Shinki
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Shinki Chen, Ikuzo Orita |
| Defunct | 1972 |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
| Products | Psychedelic rock music |
was a Tokyo-based Japanese power trio blending heavy metal and psychedelic rock, established in 1970 by guitarist Shinki Chen alongside record producer Ikuzo Orita. The original lineup featured Chen, bassist Masayoshi Kabe, and drummer-vocalist Joey Smith (also known as Pepe Smith). They produced one studio album before Kabe departed during the sessions for their sophomore release in late 1971. Subsequently, Smith brought in Filipino musician Mike Hanopol, with whom they completed their second album prior to disbanding in late 1972. Although their work did not receive widespread recognition at the time, Speed, Glue & Shinki have since become celebrated as an influential psychedelic rock group from the 1970s.
Formation
Ikuzo Orita had previously produced Shinki Chen’s solo album, positioning him as Japan’s counterpart to Jimi Hendrix. The 1971 self-titled record credited supporting musicians as "Shinki Chen & His Friends," including Golden Cups members George Yanagi and Masayoshi Kabe. After this debut, Orita assumed leadership of Atlantic Records’ Japanese branch and signed Chen. He then assembled Speed, Glue & Shinki with Kabe on bass and Filipino singer-drummer Joey Smith, whom Chen discovered performing with Zero History in Yokohama. The band’s name alluded to Smith’s use of amphetamines and Kabe’s past interest in glue sniffing during the 1960s.
Career
Their first album, Eve, was released in 1971 but the band dissolved soon after due to lukewarm critical reception, disappointing sales figures, and internal conflicts related to Smith’s lifestyle choices. Following the breakup, Smith independently issued a double LP titled Speed, Glue & Shinki, predominantly featuring himself and new bassist/co-lead vocalist Mike Hanopol. This release also incorporated guitar tracks from Chen along with two previously unreleased songs from the Eve sessions—"Sniffin & Snortin" and "Run And Hide"—which were originally omitted for stylistic reasons.
Aftermath
After Smith took Chen’s recordings without permission, Chen concentrated solely on live performances—a direction he continues today. Meanwhile, Kabe enjoyed a prosperous career, notably collaborating with Char and Johnny Yoshinaga in the supergroup Pink Cloud. Smith adopted the stage name "Pepe Smith" and returned to the Philippines with Hanopol to reunite with guitarist Wally Gonzalez. Together, they formed Juan de la Cruz Band, a seminal Pinoy rock power trio. Joey Smith died in January 2019 at age 71; Masayoshi Kabe passed away in September 2020 at age 70.
On December 25, 2019, Atlantic reissued both albums on vinyl in Japan for the first time in 48 years. Later, on October 6, 2021, Super Fuji Discs released a live album from 1971 titled Maahngamyauh. Then on April 23, 2022, Atlantic / Run Out Groove reissued Eve for Record Store Day in the United States—the album’s first official release outside of Japan.
Members
- Joey Smith – drums, vocals (1970–1972; died 2019)
- Masayoshi Kabe – bass (1970–1972; died 2020)
- Shinki Chen – guitar (1970–1972)
- Mike Hanopol – bass, vocals (1972)
Discography
Studio Albums
- Eve (1971)
- Speed, Glue & Shinki (1972)
Singles
- "Mr. Walking Drugstore Man" (1971)
- "Run And Hide" (1972)
Live Albums
- Maahngamyauh (2021)