The Stalin
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | June 1980 |
| Founder | Michiro Endo |
| Defunct | February 1985 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Punk rock music |
was a Japanese punk rock ensemble established in June 1980 by frontman and vocalist Michiro Endo. Following several alterations in membership, the band dissolved in February 1985. In May 1987, Endo initiated Video Stalin, a project emphasizing video content over traditional album releases; this endeavor concluded in 1988. Subsequently, in 1989, he launched a new group called Stalin, maintaining musical pursuits until 1993.
1979: Jiheitai
Around 1979, Michiro Endo, known for his socialist activism, founded the punk outfit . Some tracks from Jiheitai were later incorporated into The Stalin’s setlist, including "Ideologist," "Niku," as well as covers of "No Fun" and "Light My Fire."
1980–1981: Formation
In June 1980, Endo formed The Stalin, selecting the name deliberately to stir controversy due to Joseph Stalin’s negative reputation in Japan. Initially a trio with Endo handling vocals and bass, Atsushi on guitar, and Jun on drums, Shintaro joined as bassist later that month. Their debut single, "Dendou Kokeshi," came out on September 5, 1980, recorded prior to Shintaro’s arrival. On April 7, 1981, the Stalinism EP was released. Guitarist Tam succeeded Atsushi in July. On November 4, during a live performance at Kanto Gakuin High School, Endo was arrested for indecent exposure. The band’s first full-length album, Trash, containing both studio and live recordings, was issued on December 24, 1981.
1982–1985: Conclusion
The Stalin appeared in Sogo Ishii’s film Burst City, which premiered on March 13, 1982. Their June 24 show marked the final appearance of drummer Jun, who still featured on their major label debut album Stop Jap and their initial major single "Romantist" (both released July 1), recorded before his exit. "Romantist," a revamped version of "Ideologist" from Trash, remains their most internationally recognized track. Hitoshi joined as drummer in July 1982. Ishii directed promotional videos for "Romantist," Stop Jap, and the August 25 single "Allergy." September 27 was Hitoshi’s last performance with the band. Keigo took over drumming duties in November but departed in December along with Tam.
In January 1983, Makoto (guitar) and Tatsuya (drums) became members. Their fourth single "Go Go Stalin" was released on February 10. The album Mushi and the single "Nothing" followed on April 25. After performing on June 11, Makoto and Tatsuya left; Shintaro also exited that month. At a concert on September 17, Teruya and former member Jun joined as guest guitarist and drummer.
Early in 1984, June-Bleed joined as guitarist but departed by March 17; Masahiro replaced him. That March also saw Jun return on drums and Teruya on bass. In May, their song "Chicken Farm" was included on MRR’s international compilation Welcome to 1984. The June 3 concert was the last featuring Masahiro and Teruya; Hiroshi provided support on bass thereafter without officially joining. Masayuki joined on guitar in August. Their final album, Fish Inn, was released November 20. Following their December 29 concert, Endo announced "This is the end of The Stalin." The definitive final performance took place February 21, 1985, titled "I was the Stalin," recorded and distributed on VHS as Last Live – Zessan Kaisan Naka!! alongside the double LP For Never – Last Live released May 25, 1985.
1987–1988: Video Stalin
In May 1987, Endo established Video Stalin, a project centered on video production rather than functioning as a conventional band. This endeavor produced three videos and one album. Among their releases, the video Your Order! The History of The Stalin primarily features live performances and promotional clips from The Stalin’s career, effectively acting as a comprehensive retrospective. Video Stalin ceased activities in 1988.
1989–1993: Stalin
Motivated by the 1988 collapse of the Soviet Union, Endo resurrected The Stalin with fresh members and adopted the abbreviated name Stalin. Drawing inspiration from the Polish Solidarity movement, he facilitated a Japanese tour for the Polish punk group Dezerter. In 1990, Stalin embarked on an Eastern European tour, which was captured in the video Saigo no Akai Natsu -Stalin Call in East Europe-. Despite multiple changes in personnel, the band released six singles, four studio albums, and one live album before disbanding in 1993.
Occasional performances and Endo's death
On February 8, 2001, The Stalin reunited for a one-off concert titled "One Night Dream," featuring Michiro Endo alongside former members and guest artists including Loopus and Cobra. This performance was recorded as Hakike Gasuruhodo Romanchikku Daze!! and coincided with the launch of the tribute compilation 365 – A Tribute to The Stalin, which included cover versions by participating bands.
Two tribute albums were issued on December 1, 2010: Romantist – The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album, showcasing renditions by groups such as Buck-Tick and Dir En Grey; and Red Demon, Blue Demon – Michiro Endo 60th Birthday Anniversary Tribute Album, released during Endo’s 60th birthday celebration concert.
Endo continued to perform sporadically with various musicians, most notably in early 2011 under the name "The Stalin Z," featuring Tatsuya Nakamura, KenKen (Rize), and Kazuhiro Hyaku (Mo'Some Tonebender).
Michiro Endo died from pancreatic cancer on April 25, 2019, at the age of 68.
Members
- Michiro Endo – vocals (1980–1985, 1987–1988, 1989–1993), bass (1980) (Notalin's, M.J.Q, Touch Me)
The Stalin
- Atsushi Kaneko – guitar (1980–1981)
- Kazuo "Tam" Tamura – guitar (1981–1982) (ex:Typhus,→G-Zet)
- Tsugio Makoto – guitar (1983) (ex:The Onanizo Bomb,→The God)
- June-Bleed – guitar (1984) (The Willard)
- Masahiro Kitada – guitar (1984)
- Masayuki Ono – guitar (1984–1985) (ex:Allergy)
- Shintaro Sugiyama – bass (1980–1983)
- Teruya Ogata – guitar (support guest) (1983), bass (1984)
- Hiroshi Higo – bass (support member) (1984–1985) (Shibusashirazu Orchestra)
- Jun Inui – drums (1980–1982), (1984–1985)
- Hitoshi Oda – drums (1982)
- Keigo Nakata – drums (1983) (ex:Enola Gay,→G-Zet, Lip Cream, Nickey & The Warriors, The Star Club, Cobra)
- Tatsuya Nakamura – drums (1983) (ex:The Onanizo Bomb, →The God, Masturbation, Nickey & The Warriors, Blankey Jet City, Losalios, The Star Club, Touch Me, Friction)
Video Stalin
- Kubota – guitar (1987–1988)
- Sakamitsu – guitar (1987)
- May – bass (1987–1988)
- Shoko – drums (1987–1988)
Stalin
- Aihiko Yamamori – guitar (1989–1990)
- Tadashi "Ritsu" Saito – guitar (1990–1993) (later joined Loopus, Minimum Rockets)
- Yusuke Nishimura – bass (1989–1990)
- Chikao Adachi – bass (1990–1993)
- Shigeo Mihara – drums (1989–1993) (subsequently part of The Roosters)
The Stalin
- Albums & EPs
- Stalinism (released April 7, 1981)
- Trash (released October 21, 1981) Peak on Oricon Albums Chart: No. 14 (2020 reissue)
- Stop Jap (released July 1, 1982)
- (released April 25, 1983)
- Fish Inn (released November 20, 1984)
- For Never – Last Live (double live album, released May 25, 1985)
- Fish Inn (1986 Mix) (released December 21, 1986)
- Stalinism (compilation album, released January 21, 1987)
- Bestests (compilation album, released July 1987)
- The Stalin Best Selection (compilation album, released December 21, 1996)
- The Stalin Best (compilation album, released January 22, 2003)
- Stop Jap Naked (released October 24, 2007) Peak position: No. 138
- Stalinism Naked (released April 20, 2019) Peak position: No. 118
- Peak position: No. 197
- Singles
- "Nothing" (released April 25, 1983)
- Videos
- Your Order! The History of The Stalin (released June 25, 1987)
Video Stalin
- Albums
- -1 (Minus One) (1988 release)
- Videos
- Debut! (1987 release)
- Love Terrorist (1988 release)
Stalin
- Albums
- Joy (issued February 25, 1989)
- Stalin (1989 release) Chart peak: No. 93
- Street Value (compilation album, issued July 21, 1991)
- Singles
- "Wild Ghetto" (issued July 21, 1991)
- Videos
- P. (1989 release)
External links
- Japanese punk rock groups
- Japanese hardcore punk groups
- Musical groups established in 1980
- Musical groups disestablished in 1985
- Musical groups established in 1987
- Musical groups disestablished in 1988
- Musical groups established in 1989
- Musical groups disestablished in 1993
- Musical groups from Fukushima Prefecture