Color

ByLets Go Punk
Color

Color (stylized as COLOR) was a Japanese punk rock band formed in 1985 in Osaka. The band was founded by vocalist Dynamite Tommy, who later went on to establish the Free-Will record label in 1986. Color is often regarded as a significant influence on the development of the visual kei movement, with the phrase “X of the East, Color of the West” comparing their importance in the Kansai region to that of X Japan in the Kantō area. Their debut album, Gekitotsu (1988), was named one of the top albums of 1989–1998 by Band Yarouze in 2004.

Formation and Early Success

Color was formed in Osaka, Japan, in 1985 by Dynamite Tommy. In 1986, Tommy founded Free-Will Records, which released the band’s first track, “Molt Grain” (1987). Their debut full-length album, Gekitotsu, came out in January 1988 and showcased the band’s energetic punk style. Following the release of their second album, Fools! Get Lucky!!, Color signed to Crown Records in 1989. They released their most commercially successful album, Ask the Angels, shortly thereafter. The label asked the band to rewrite the album’s original English lyrics into Japanese to reach a wider audience. This move proved successful, as Ask the Angels reached No. 16 on the Oricon Albums Chart, marking a major leap in the band’s popularity.

Tragedy and Hiatus

In January 1990, during a concert on the Ask the Angels tour in Osaka, a fan tragically died after being accidentally stomped on during a chaotic performance. In response, the band decided to take a step back from the public eye and withdrew from the media spotlight. As a result, they lost their contract with Crown Records. During this hiatus, Tommy formed a new band, Sister’s No Future, with Ken-chan from Kamaitachi. Meanwhile, Marry formed Goatcore with You Adachi from Dead End.

Return and Final Years

Color made their return in August 1991 with a concert and the release of their single, “The Exhibition,” in July of that year. They followed this with a tour with the band Genkaku Allergy in 1993. In 1994, Color released their final album, Galaxy, which featured a shift in style towards electronic dance music, a departure from their usual punk sound. Color played their final concert in 1995 and disbanded shortly afterward, with no public announcement made.

In 2002, the band’s bassist Marry tragically passed away in a car accident. A year later, on the anniversary of his death, the remaining members held the first “Marry Memorial” concert, an event that has been held annually since. The band reunited for this event in 2008.

Members

  • Dynamite Tommy – Vocals (1985–1997, 2003, 2008; originally guitarist)
  • Tatsuya Niimi – Guitar (1986–1997, 2003, 2008)
  • Cindy – Guitar (1986–1997, 2003, 2008)
  • Naotaka “Marry” Nakano – Bass (1988–1997)†
  • Toshi – Drums (1988–1997, 2003, 2008)

Former Members

  • Iku – Vocals (1985)
  • Bell – Bass (1985)
  • Hide – Drums (1985)
  • Ikuo – Bass (1986)
  • Hideki – Drums (1986)
  • Takahashi – Drums (1986–1988)
  • Remmy – Bass (1987–1988), support bass on June 14, 2008
  • Den – Support bass on June 14, 2003 (former roadie, By-Sexual, Zigzo)

Discography

Singles:

  • “Molt Grain” (March 23, 1987)
  • “Sandbag Baby I” (November 23, 1988)
  • “Sandbag Baby II” (November 26, 1988)
  • “Broken Tavern” (June 6, 1989) – Oricon Singles Chart Peak Position: No. 65
  • “Back Tonight 5th Moon” (February 21, 1990) – No. 27
  • “Some Become Stranger” (August 21, 1990) – No. 31
  • “The Exhibition” (July 21, 1991)

Studio Albums:

  • Gekitotsu (January 21, 1988)
  • Fools! Get Lucky!! (March 8, 1989)
  • Ask the Angels (December 5, 1989) – Oricon Albums Chart Peak Position: No. 16
  • Cherry’s World (July 31, 1992)
  • Galaxy (October 1994)

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