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Tokyo Blade

From Alfawiki
Tokyo Blade
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1983
Headquarters
Salisbury
,
United Kingdom
ProductsHeavy metal music albums and live performances

Tokyo Blade is a British heavy metal group that has been active since 1983.[1][2] They emerged as part of the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) movement during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite experiencing numerous lineup adjustments and two periods of disbandment, the band continues to perform (as of 2020), with most founding members still involved.

NWOBHM era (1979–1985)

Originating in Salisbury in the late 1970s under the name White Diamond as a cover band,[3] the group underwent name changes to Killer in 1981 and subsequently Genghis Khan.[4] The initial lineup included Alan Marsh on vocals, Andy Boulton and Ray Dismore on guitars, Andy Robbins handling bass, and Steve Pierce on drums. Adopting the name Tokyo Blade, they secured a deal with Powerstation Records and launched their debut album, self-titled except in the United States and Canada where it was released as Midnight Rendezvous through Combat Records in 1984. This album combined four tracks from their Genghis Khan period with four new Tokyo Blade songs. That same year, they toured with prominent bands such as Metallica and Venom.

The band’s lineup saw frequent changes; by their sophomore release, vocalist Alan Marsh was succeeded by Vick Wright. The album Night of the Blade, featuring Wright’s vocals, came out in 1984, while a version with Marsh’s original vocal takes was later issued in 1998 under the title Night of the Blade... The Night Before. During this timeframe, Tokyo Blade shared stages with notable acts including Blue Öyster Cult, Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, and Scorpions.

Their third studio effort, Black Hearts & Jaded Spades, was released in 1985 on their own European label and imported into the US market. A live performance recorded at London’s Camden Palace was broadcast on UK’s Channel 4 that year and eventually circulated via bootleg DVDs. By the end of 1985, Tokyo Blade had dissolved, with members pursuing other musical ventures.

Andy Boulton's Tokyo Blade phase (1985-1989)

Original singer Alan Marsh established Shogun, a band influenced by Far Eastern sounds, alongside former Chinatown guitarist Danny Gwilym. They produced two albums and collaborated with producer Bob Ezrin. Shogun also worked with Tokyo Blade members Steve Pierce, Andy Wrighton, and Andy Robbins.

Guitarist John Wiggins (formerly of Deep Machine and Slam) joined the initial lineup of Battlezone, formed by ex-Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno. Original bassist Andy Robbins played in Jagged Edge and Taste, recorded a single with Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson, and later formed the hard rock band Skin.

Vocalist Vick Wright went on to create Johnny Crash, marking the first Tokyo Blade-related group to sign with a major US label; they released Neighbourhood Threat. A reconfigured Johnny Crash lineup featuring future Guns N' Roses members Dizzy Reed and Matt Sorum recorded a follow-up album initially titled Damnation Alley, which was eventually released in 2008 by Suncity Records and later reissued as Unfinished Business.

Guitarist Andy Boulton maintained activity under "Andy Boulton's Tokyo Blade" with a refreshed roster, issuing Ain't Misbehavin' in 1987 and performing at festivals alongside acts like Black Sabbath. Vocalist Pete Zito later became frontman for Inside Out.

In 1988, Boulton enlisted members from German band The Dead Ballerinas, including former Kin Ping Meh vocalist Michael Pozz, to record No Remorse, which was released via GAMA International's Hot Blood Records. This album has seen several re-releases. Following this period, Tokyo Blade disbanded once more, with Boulton reuniting with Alan Marsh.

Mr. Ice and the band's revival (1989–1998)

Following Shogun's breakup caused by complications with their record label, Alan Marsh established Mr. Ice, featuring guitarist Andy Boulton. Since two prominent members from Tokyo Blade were part of this project, the management aimed to resurrect the Tokyo Blade brand for a European tour supporting Uriah Heep. This led to Boulton's exit and his replacement by Steve Kerr. After completing the tour, both Kerr and management departed. Some tracks originally recorded by Mr. Ice were later issued under the Tokyo Blade name during the mid-1990s.

By 1994, Marsh and Boulton had reunited to create new material, resulting in the 1996 release of Burning Down Paradise through SPV. Additional recordings from this period were also released under the Tokyo Blade banner.

In 1997, High Vaultage reissued Tokyo Blade's early albums, while Zoom Club compiled selections from their subsequent works. A live recording titled Live in Germany appeared in 2009.

Solo endeavors and recent developments (2008–present)

Andy Boulton became a member of XFX before turning his attention to producing a solo album and offering instruction in electric and bass guitar.

Alan Marsh briefly took part in a theatrical production focused on Jack the Ripper.

Vick Wright, the band's second vocalist, pursued writing screenplays and authored a novel named "South of the Pole." He also engaged in comedy production and sought opportunities for publication.

Bassist Andy Wrighton (Deep Machine, Shogun) and guitarist John Wiggins (Deep Machine, Slam) joined a reformed version of Deep Machine in 2009 alongside guitarist Bob Hooker, vocalist Lenny Baxter (formerly of Gangland), and drummer Chas Towler (Slam). Deep Machine ultimately disbanded in October 2015.

After more than twelve years of dormancy, Tokyo Blade was reassembled by guitarist Bryan Holland along with Andy Boulton and new members: vocalist Chris Gillen, drummer Lorenzo Gonzalez, and bassist Frank Sapardi. This lineup toured Europe extensively between 2007 and 2010.

Prior to the Autumn 2009 European tour, Andy Boulton withdrew due to health concerns, endorsing Holland to carry on. The band completed their scheduled performances without him.

Following the 2009 tour and the release of Live in Germany, this formation dissolved in 2010. Subsequently, Boulton reformed Tokyo Blade with original members John Wiggins, Andy Wrighton, Steve Pierce, while retaining Chris Gillen as lead singer—who was shortly thereafter replaced by Domain vocalist Nicolaj Ruhnow.

The group recorded Thousand Men Strong with producer Chris Tsangarides, which was released in March 2011. Tokyo Blade appeared at various metal festivals from 2010 through 2013.

In 2012, former member Ray Dismore founded Innovator with singer Mike Vickers; they have since produced multiple albums featuring original compositions.

Nicolaj Ruhnow departed suddenly in 2014 following disagreements with Boulton; Chris Gillen resumed duties as lead vocalist.

In 2016, Tokyo Blade’s classic lineup reunited with Alan Marsh rejoining alongside Boulton, Wiggins, Wrighton, and Pierce. This ensemble recorded Unbroken (2018), Dark Revolution (2020), Fury (2022), as well as the forthcoming album Time Is the Fire, scheduled for release on 17 January 2025.

Former drummer Ace Finchum passed away in October 2025 at age 62.

Current lineup

  • Andy Boulton – lead guitar (1982–present)
  • John Wiggins – lead guitar (1983–1986; 2010–present)
  • Andy Wrighton – bass guitar (1984–1986; 2010–present)
  • Steve Pierce – drums (1982–1986; 1987; 2010–present)
  • Alan Marsh – lead vocals (1982–1984; 1990–1991; 1995–1996; 2016–present)

Past members

  • Vick Wright – lead vocals (1984–1986; 2016)
  • Bryan Holland – lead guitar (2007–2010)
  • Michael Pozz – lead vocals (1989)
  • Pete Zito – lead vocals (1986–1988)
  • Brian George – lead vocals (1987)
  • Carl Sentance – lead vocals (1986)
  • Danny Gwilym – rhythm guitar (1990–1991)
  • Sean Cooper – rhythm guitar/keyboards (1986)
  • Ray Dismore – rhythm guitar (1982–1983)
  • Steve Kerr – lead guitar
  • Andy Robbins – bass guitar (1982–1984)
  • Dave Donaldson – bass guitar (1987)
  • Dave Sale – bass guitar (1989)
  • Colin Riggs – bass guitar (1990–1991; 1995–1996)
  • Frank 'Sapardi' Kruckle – bass guitar (2008–2010)
  • Ace Finchum – drums (deceased 2025)
  • Alex Lee – drums (1987)
  • Marc Angel – drums (1990–1991; 1995–1996)
  • Lorenzo Gonzalez – drums (2008–2010)
  • Martin Machwitz – keyboards (1989)
  • Nicolaj Ruhnow – lead vocals (2010–2014)
  • Atilla – keyboards (1990)
  • Chris Gillen – vocals (2008–2010, 2014–2016)

Albums

EP releases

  • Lightning Strikes (1984)
  • Midnight Rendezvous (1984)
  • Madame Guillotine (1985)
  • Camp 334 (2012)
  • Stick it ... (2012)

Live recordings

  • Live in Germany CD (2009)
  • Live in Germany DVD (2010)

Associated projects

  • Shogun – Shogun, 31 Days featuring Alan Marsh, Andy Wrighton, Steve Pierce
  • Johnny Crash – Neighbourhood Threat, Unfinished Business, with Vick Wright
  • Battlezone – Fighting Back, Children of Madness, Feel My Pain, including John Wiggins, Colin Riggs, Marc Angel
  • 12 Apostel – self-titled album featuring Martin Machwitz
  • Dead Ballerinas – self-titled release with Michael Pozz
  • Kin Ping Meh – self-titled album featuring Michael Pozz
  • Skin – multiple albums including Andy Robbins
  • Innovator – various albums with Ray Dismore
  • Reverence – When Darkness Calls, Gods of War, Live, featuring Bryan Holland and Lorenzo Gonzalez
  • Nick Hellfort – The Mask Within released in 2013
  • Irony – albums: 2K5, In the Beginning .. Echoes from the Past, and Black For More
  • Domain – The Chronicles Of Love, Hate And Sorrow
  • Mojo Blizzard – Lost In Space II'

See also

External links

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