The Star Club (ザ・スター・クラブ) is an influential
Japanesepunk rock band that was formed in
Nagoya in 1977 and has been based in
Tokyo since 1987. The band has had a long career with numerous lineup changes, all centered on vocalist Hikage.
Biography
The Star Club was the first
punk band in
Nagoya, when they formed in April 1977. Their first release was a live 7-inch vinyl record in 1978 which was "heavily English influenced punk with a rock and roll edge". Into the early 1980s, the band went through several lineup changes while releasing a string of singles, gradually increasing in popularity, with singer Hikage becoming an icon of Japanese punk. The group released their first full-length album in 1983, the live Hot & Cool.[1]
By 1984, the group was topping the independent charts, and signed to the independent Tokuma label, with whom they released the
LPsHello New Punks in 1984 and "Punk! Punk! Punk!" in 1985. The records sold well, and the band was signed to the major label
Victor.[1]
The band has been productive over the years, releasing an album of new material every year or so, sometimes dabbling in
hardcore punk, sometimes returning to their punk rock roots. The Star Club is still active today, with Hikage as the sole remaining original member.