{{Short description|Japanese rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}} {{Use American English|date=June 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Gastunk | image = | alt = | caption = | image_size = | background = group_or_band | alias = Gastank | origin = Tokyo, Japan | genre = {{flatlist| *Hard rock<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/groupe-groupe-Gastunk-l-en.html|title = Gastunk - discography, line-up, biography, interviews, photos}}</ref> *heavy metal<ref name="OKmusic">{{cite web | title = GASTUNKの『DEAD SONG』に宿る先見の明 | url = https://okmusic.jp/news/186477| work = OK Music| language = Japanese | date=2017-06-28 | accessdate = 2021-04-17|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701221237/https://okmusic.jp/news/186477|archivedate=2017-07-01}}</ref> *hardcore punk<ref name="OKmusic"/> }} | years_active = 1983–1988, 1999 & 2006, 2010–present | label = {{flatlist| *Love *Dogma *Vice *BMG Victor *Teichiku *Savanna Kitchen *Mad Indian *Wins *Pusmort (US) *Edison (UK) }} | website = [https://gastunk.com/ gastunk.com] | current_members = Baby<br />Tatsu<br />Maruo | past_members = Naoki<br />Yutaka<br />Kill<br />Matsumura<br />Pazz<br />Baki<br />Kei<br />Motokatsu }}
'''Gastunk''' (stylized as '''GASTUNK''') is an influential Japanese rock band, first active from 1983 to 1988.<ref name="CNN">{{Cite web| title = Eclectic sounds and erratic looks, this is Japanese metal| work = CNN| url = http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/japanese-metal-243426| accessdate = 2011-08-14| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723050743/http://www.cnngo.com/tokyo/life/japanese-metal-243426| archive-date = 2011-07-23| url-status = dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title = Gastunk| work = discogs.com| url = http://www.discogs.com/artist/Gastunk| date = 2011-08-14}}</ref> Initially a hardcore punk band, guitarist Tatsu later recalled that when Gastunk made their major label debut they were dubbed heavy metal by the media.<ref name="CNN"/> They reunited for one-off concerts in 1999 and 2006, before fully restarting activities in 2010.
==History== Formed in 1983 by bassist Baby,<ref name="1983source">{{cite web | title = GASTUNKのボーカリスト・BAKIが脱退、バンドは活動を継続| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/491819| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2022-08-31 | accessdate = 2022-08-31}}</ref> Gastunk went through several lineup changes in their early years. In 1984, they contributed three songs to the ''Holdup Omnibus'' compilation. A self-titled EP was released in February 1985, followed by their first album, ''Dead Song'', in August. That month saw Gastunk appear on the NHK TV show ''Indies no Shūrai'', and perform at an event sponsored by Takarajimasha.<ref name="OKmusic"/> In 1986, the band released the single "Geronimo" and two EPs, ''The Vanishing Signs'' and ''To Fans''. They also performed at the Indies Festival 1986 at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall that September. The album ''Under the Sun'', featuring a cover created by Tadanori Yokoo, was released in June 1987. A different mix of the album, with a new cover by Pushead, was released internationally in November. Gastunk recorded their third album, June 1988's ''Mother'', in Los Angeles. At the Street Fighting Man event at MZA Ariake in November 1988, the band suddenly announced that they would be disbanding. The reason being that Baby wanted to pursue a musical career in America. Gastunk held their farewell concert at Shibuya Public Hall on December 22, 1988.
thumb|220px|Gastunk posters outside Ebisu LiquidRoom (2010) Gastunk reunited in January 1999 for a concert at Akasaka Blitz called Rest in Peace in memory of hide, who died the previous year.<ref name="OKmusic"/> It was recorded and released as a live album in November of that year,<ref>{{cite web | title = Rest In Peace Live At Akasakablitz| work = HMV| url = https://www.hmv.co.jp/en/artist_GASTUNK_000000000039857/item_Rest-In-Peace-Live-At-Akasakablitz_761278| accessdate = 2017-05-03}}</ref> and later as a DVD in 2005.<ref name="Rooftop">{{cite web| title = 【復刻インタビュー】BAKI（2005年2月号）- "Sing for life"──それこそがロックンロールなんだ - インタビュー| url = https://rooftop.cc/interview/050201153330.php| work = Rooftop| language = Japanese| date = 2005-02-01| accessdate = 2021-04-17| archive-date = April 17, 2021| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210417184111/https://rooftop.cc/interview/050201153330.php| url-status = dead}}</ref>
Gastunk performed again in 2006 at an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of Shinjuku Loft,<ref name="OKmusic"/> before officially restarting activities in January 2010.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNK、3年ぶり3度目の復活で全国ツアーが実現 | url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/26163| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2010-01-09 | accessdate = 2021-04-01}}</ref> They released the three-track single "Deadman's Face" on June 9 as their first new material in 22 years.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNK、22年ぶり新作は「DEADMAN'S FACE」| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/32479| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2010-05-28 | accessdate = 2021-04-01}}</ref> Drummer Pazz, who joined Gastunk in 1986, left the band in September 2019.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNKのドラマー、PAZZが脱退| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/345843| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2019-09-01 | accessdate = 2021-04-01}}</ref> He was replaced by Tatsu's The Deadrocks bandmate Kei in August 2020.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNKに新ドラマー加入、バンド史上初の無観客配信ライブでお披露目| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/393013| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2020-08-21 | accessdate = 2021-04-01}}</ref> Gastunk released ''Vintage Spirit, The Fact'', their first album in 33 years, on June 9, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNK、1988年「MOTHER」以来の新アルバム「VINTAGE SPIRIT, THE FACT」発売| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/422746| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2021-04-01 | accessdate = 2021-04-01}}</ref> On August 31, 2022, the band announced that vocalist Baki, who first joined in 1984, had suddenly decided to leave Gastunk. The remaining three members cancelled four scheduled shows as a result, but stated that they will continue activities.<ref name="1983source"/> On August 7, 2023, it was announced that Kei had left the band in March due to various circumstances, that he was replaced by former The Mad Capsule Markets drummer Motokatsu Miyagami, and that Gastunk was in the studio recording new material.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNKに新ドラマー、元THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETSのMOTOKATSU加入| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/535990| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2023-08-07 | accessdate = 2023-08-07}}</ref>
The new lineup, featuring Baby and Tatsu sharing vocal duties, had its first concerts on November 30 and December 1, 2024. The album ''The Greatest Swell'' followed on December 11.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNKが新体制初のアルバム発表、レコ発は新宿2DAYSワンマン| url = https://natalie.mu/music/news/594598| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2024-10-09| accessdate = 2024-10-09}}</ref> However, in February 2025, Motokatsu announced he would be leaving Gastunk after their March 15 concert.<ref>{{cite web | title = GASTUNKからドラマーMOTOKATSUが脱退| url =https://natalie.mu/music/news/613359| work = Music Natalie| language = Japanese | date=2025-02-27| accessdate = 2025-02-26}}</ref> He would later state that he was not paid for his two years in the band and found nothing enjoyable about the experience, but had joined to help out his friends.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=motokatsu_dr |author=Motokatsu |number=1913829072330953192 |date=2025-04-20|title=誤解してる方もいるので最後に 別にね金で揉めた訳じゃないのよ 金だけじゃないって俺自身が強く思ってたから2年も無給でバンドに尽くせた TATSUとは長い友達だしね 在籍中に俺が金くれって言った事は一度も無いし負債の件も綺麗に辞めたかったから承諾した 俺がキレたのは気持ちの方の問題 以上です|access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Miyagami Motokatsu (THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS) {{!}} A life in rhythm — 35 years of music, high profile collaborations and discipline |url=https://visualmusicjapan.com/interviews/miyagami-motokatsu-a-life-in-rhythm |work=Visual Music Japan |date=2025-09-29 |access-date=2025-10-03}}</ref> Gastunk had their first concert with new drummer Maruo at Shinjuku Samurai on December 5.<ref>{{cite tweet |user=undeadspaceman |author=Tatsu Official (Gastunk) |number=1979851021406146715 |date=2025-10-19|title=✴︎GASTUNK LIVE INFORMATION ✴︎ 12月5日(金)/6日(土) 新宿サムライ 「DEADMAN’S SHINE GIG」2Days!!! 新ドラマーに丸尾 和正(MARUO)を迎えての始動となります。 何卒、宜しくお願い致します！|access-date=2025-10-20}}</ref>
==Influence== Gastunk have been labeled the originators of mixing metal and punk music.<ref name="Rooftop"/> They have also been noted for their visual aesthetics coinciding with visual kei, with Baki wearing white face paint inspired by Kiss and Tatsu having red hair.<ref name="OKmusic"/><ref name="Rooftop"/>
Musicians such as Hide,<ref name="Rooftop"/> Hyde,<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/25364|title=HYDEをかたち作った6枚|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=Japanese|date=2016-02-10|access-date=2021-04-17|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917171404/http://rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/25364|archivedate=September 17, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Hakuei of Penicillin have cited Gastunk as an influence or expressed admiration for them.<ref name="Hakuei">{{cite book|title=Rock and Read 040|publisher=Shinko Music Entertainment|year=2012|pages=222–239|isbn=978-4-401-77110-3}}</ref> Morrie cited how Baki alternated between distorted and clean vocals from one song to the next as influencing him in establishing his own vocal style.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.jpopexpress.com/2008/11/24/exclusive-interview-with-creature-creature/ | title = Exclusive interview with Creature Creature! | author = Pebbles | date = 2008-11-24 | work = jpopexpress.com | access-date = September 26, 2011 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206062346/http://www.jpopexpress.com/2008/11/24/exclusive-interview-with-creature-creature/ | archivedate=2008-12-06}}</ref> Early in his career, Aki of Laputa imitated Gastunk's use of difficult or uncommon kanji in lyrics.<ref name="Aki">{{cite journal|author=Kano, Kazumi|title=aki Laputa 呼応する光と闇|journal=Fool's Mate|volume=195|date=January 1, 1998|pages=177–179}}</ref>
==Members== ;Current members * Baby – bass, vocals 1983–1988,<ref name="interview">{{cite web| title=One interview with the wild Tatsu(Gastunk) |url = https://rushedblue.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/one-interview-with-the-wild-tatsugastunk/ |work = Rushed Blue |date= 2013-05-20 |accessdate = 2021-02-04}}</ref> 1999, 2006, 2010–present (The Execute, The Highest Region, Rebel Tribe) * {{nihongo|Tatsuya "Tatsu" Shinozaki|篠崎辰也}} – guitar, vocals 1983–1988,<ref name="interview"/> 1999, 2006, 2010–present (Dead Cops, Jacks 'n' Joker, The Eye Scream, The Killing Red Addiction, Punktronica, The Deadrocks) * {{nihongo|Kazumasa Maruo|丸尾和正}} – drums 2025–present (Clingon)
;Former members * Naoki – guitar 1983<ref name="interview"/> (The Comes, Lip Cream) Died 2021<ref>{{cite web| title=NAOKIさんが日本のハードコアパンクシーンの中で教えてくれた、愛のある世界の素晴らしさ ISHIYAが綴る追悼文 |url = https://realsound.jp/2021/02/post-700520.html |work = Real Sound |language = Japanese |date= 2021-02-04 |accessdate = 2021-02-04}}</ref> * Yutaka – vocals 1983–1984 (Dead Cops as "Otakevi"<ref name="interview"/>) * Matsumura – drums 1983–1986 (The Comes) * Kill – drums 1984 * Shigeru "Pazz" Kobayashi – drums 1986–1988, 1999, 2006, 2010–2019 (Z.O.A., Doom, Quartergate, [http://iloveyouok.web.fc2.com/ I love you... OK?]) * {{nihongo|Masahiko "Baki" Isowaki|磯脇雅彦}} – vocals 1984–1988, 1999, 2006, 2010–2022 (Lip Cream, The Execute, Joy, Quartergate, No. 9, Mosquito Spiral) * Kei – drums 2020–2023 (The Jacks, The Deadrocks) * {{nihongo|Motokatsu Miyagami|宮上元克}} – drums 2023–2025 (The Mad Capsule Markets, Ace of Spades)
==Discography== ===Studio albums=== * ''Dead Song'' (August 1985) * ''Under the Sun'' (June 21, 1987; US version, December 1987) * ''Mother'' (June 21, 1988) * ''Vintage Spirit, The Fact'' (June 9, 2021), Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: No. 24<ref name="Albums">{{cite web| title=GASTUNKのアルバム売上ランキング |url = https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/8852/rank/album/ |work = Oricon |language = Japanese |accessdate = 2021-06-16}}</ref> * ''The Greatest Swell'' (December 11, 2024)
===EPs=== * ''Gastunk'' (February 1985) * ''The Vanishing Signs'' (May 1, 1986) * ''To Fans'' (July 1986) * ''Midnight Rain'' (November 18, 1988), No. 82<ref name="Old Albums">{{cite web| title=ＧＡＳＴＵＮＫのアルバム売り上げランキング |url = http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/8852/ranking/cd_album/ |work = Oricon |language = Japanese |accessdate = 2011-08-30 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130219001724/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/8852/ranking/cd_album/ |archivedate=2013-02-19}}</ref>
===Singles=== * "Mr. Gazime" (December 1985) * "Geronimo" (March 30, 1986) * "Sunshine of Your Love" (December 16, 1988) Oricon Singles Chart Peak Position: No. 85<ref name="Oricon Singles">{{cite web| title=ＧＡＳＴＵＮＫのシングル売り上げランキング |url = http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/8852/ranking/cd_single/ |work = Oricon |language = Japanese |accessdate = 2011-08-30 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130218185936/http://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/artist/8852/ranking/cd_single/ |archivedate=2013-02-18}}</ref> * "Counter-Clock Wise" (June 1988) * "Dead Song" (1989, in ''Rockin' f'' magazine) * "Deadman's Face" (June 9, 2010) No. 128<ref name="Oricon Singles"/>
===Live albums=== * ''The End'' (February 21, 1989) No. 82<ref name="Old Albums"/> * ''Rest in Peace'' (March 25, 1999) * ''Live at Loft 2011'' (limited cassette, 2018)
===Compilation albums=== * ''Heartful Melody (1983-1988)'' (1994) * ''Early Singles'' (August 21, 2002)
===Home videos=== * ''Smash the Wall'' (VHS:1988, DVD:February 20, 2004) * ''Revelation'' (VHS:1988, DVD:November 15, 2006) * ''The End Vol. 1'' * ''The End Vol. 2'' * ''The End Vol. 1 & 2'' (March 25, 2004) * ''Rest in Peace'' (February 23, 2005) * ''Gig DVD 1987'' (November 8, 2006) * ''Double Gigs'' (August 6, 2008) * ''Gig DVD 1988'' (April 21, 2010) * ''Arise Again Tour 2010'' (November 17, 2010) * ''The Running Mad Blood in a Dead Indian's Dream!'' (2 DVDs & 1 CD, February 6, 2019) Oricon DVDs Chart Peak Position: No. 54<ref name="Oricon DVDs">{{cite web| title=GASTUNKのDVD売り上げランキング |url = https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/8852/rank/dvd/ |work = Oricon |language = Japanese |accessdate = 2019-09-01}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://gastunk.com/ Official site] * [http://www.myspace.com/gastunk Official MySpace] * [https://tatsuxxx.com/ Tatsu official site]
{{Authority control}}
Category:Japanese hard rock musical groups Category:Japanese heavy metal musical groups Category:Japanese hardcore punk groups Category:Musical groups from Tokyo Category:Musical groups established in 1983 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 1988 Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1999 Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2006 Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2010