Big In Japan

Big in Japan was a punk band that emerged from Liverpool, England in the late 1970s. While the band itself did not achieve major commercial success, its members later found fame in other influential acts such as Echo & the Bunnymen, the Teardrop Explodes, OMD, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the Lightning Seeds, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and others.

Originating from the same Merseyside scene that produced several notable bands, Big in Japan began playing gigs around Liverpool, including performances at Ruffwood School in Kirkby and notably at Eric’s Club. Their live shows were marked by a unique stage presence: lead singer Jayne Casey performed with a lampshade over her shaved head, guitarist Bill Drummond donned a kilt, and bassist Holly Johnson embraced a flamboyant style that he later took further in Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

The band formed in May 1977, conceived by friends Bill Drummond, Kevin Ward, and Phil Allen under the initial idea of Deaf School’s Clive Langer. Shortly thereafter, Jayne Casey joined on vocals, followed by Ian Broudie on guitar and Clive Langer, who left in September after recording their first song. They recorded the song “Big in Japan,” which appeared on the split single “Brutality, Religion and a Dance Beat” later that year.

Throughout their brief existence, Big in Japan experienced numerous lineup changes, especially on bass and drums. Members such as Ambrose Reynolds, Holly Johnson, Budgie, Steve Lindsey, and David Balfe passed through the band. Their contentious reputation grew quickly; a petition even circulated calling for their breakup, a stunt initiated by a rival, Julian Cope, though the band members themselves signed it in jest. Ultimately, Big in Japan played their final gig at Eric’s on 26 August 1978.

During their short career, the band recorded four songs that were later compiled on the EP From Y to Z and Never Again, intended to help pay off debts. This EP inadvertently led to the formation of the Zoo label, which subsequently released early records by Echo & the Bunnymen, the Teardrop Explodes, and others. A Peel Session recorded in February 1979 with a later lineup also exists, adding to the band’s recorded output.

Despite a limited discography, Big in Japan is remembered for its impact on the Liverpool music scene and as a springboard for the future careers of its members. The band’s style was a mix of performance art and punk rock, with eccentric costumes and onstage antics that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Band Members

• Bill Drummond – guitar, vocals (1977–1978)
• Kev Ward – bass, vocals (1977)
• Phil Allen – drums (1977)
• Jayne Casey – vocals (1977–1978, 1979)
• Ian Broudie – guitar (1977–1978, 1979)
• Clive Langer – guitar (1977)
• Ambrose Reynolds – bass (1977)
• Holly Johnson – bass, vocals (1977–1978, 1979)
• Budgie – drums (1978, 1979)
• Steve Lindsey – bass (1978)
• David Balfe – bass (1978)

Discography

Singles and EPs

• “Brutality, Religion and a Dance Beat” (1977, Eric’s) – split with Chuddie Nuddies
• From Y to Z and Never Again (1978, Zoo)

Compilations

• Street to Street: A Liverpool Album (1978) – “Match of the Day”
• To the Shores of Lake Placid (1982) – “Suicide a Go Go” / “Society for Cutting Up Men”
• The Zoo: Uncaged 1978–1982 (1990) – various Big in Japan songs

Other Work

• Three unreleased songs from a John Peel session recorded on 6 March 1979: “Suicide High Life”, “Goodbye”, and “Don’t Bomb China”