B'z Support Members are musicians who appear with B'z during their LIVE-GYM events playing the instruments not occupied by the primary duo of Koshi Inaba on vocals and Tak Matsumoto on guitar as well as contribute to their studio recordings. The stable of support musicians that have provided drums, bass, keyboards, and other instruments during various B'z shows and in the studio include a number of esteemed musicians from various other successful music acts. Among those who have recorded and performed with B'z are American bassists Billy Sheehan of Mr. Big and Barry Sparks, who has previously toured with the Scorpions, UFO, and the Michael Schenker Group.
Typically, those touring with the band at a given time are also those providing their respective parts on the most recent recording efforts. This formation of touring and recording with the same team began in 1993 with one of the band's best-regarded albums, RUN. Additionally, active members often also appear in the band's music videos as well.
In addition to taking on various drummers, bassists, and keyboardists over time, B'z also occasionally tour with additional performers, such as brass sections, orchestras, and occasionally performance troupes providing choreography on stage behind the band's performance. In recent years, the band has added a backing guitarist and vocalist beginning when Shinichiro Ohta toured with the band beginning in 2003 through 2008. The role went absent from the band's 2009 and 2010 tours, but would be again filled in 2011 by a friend of Tak's, Yoshinobu Ohga, who was featured as one of the fellow guitarists on his concept album Theatre Of Strings in 2005.
Most recently, since 2011, drums have been provided by Canadian drummer Shane Gaalaas, bass by American Barry Sparks, backing guitar by Yoshinobu Ohga, and keyboards by Takanobu Masuda.
Drums
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Brian Tichy
Born: August 18, 1968 Nationality:
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Recordings
- 2000: juice, Seventh Heaven, Ai no prisoner
- 2003: Yasei no ENERGY, WAKE UP, RIGHT NOW, Hakanai Diamond, I'm in love?, Ai to Nikushimi no Hajimari, CHANGE THE FUTURE
- 2004: Kagayaku Unmei wa Sono Te no Naka ni
- with TMG: OH JAPAN ~OUR TIME IS NOW~, TRAPPED, Everything Passes Away, KINGS FOR A DAY, I Know You by Heart, I wish you were here, THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH, Signs of Life, RED, WHITE AND BULLET BLUES, WONDERLAND, NEVER GOOD-BYE
- 2005: BLACK AND WHITE
- with Tak Matsumoto: Theme from ULTRAMAN
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Profile:
Brian Tichy is an American drummer with a long and storied history with many of the greatest rock acts, including Whitesnake, Billy Idol, Ozzy Osbourne, and Foreigner. He has contributed drums to a number of B'z tracks, including the singles "juice" and "Yasei no ENERGY". He also provided drums on tracks for the TMG album TMG I but was replaced by Chris Frazier for the live tour.
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Chad Smith
Born: October 25, 1961 Nationality:
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As the longtime drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chad Smith has forged a reputation as one of rock's greatest all-time drummers. His work with B'z can be witnessed in the MAGIC documentary Magical Backstage Tour 2009. He was introduced to the band by fellow drummer Shane Gaalaas.
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Chris Frazier
Born: September 7, 1967 Nationality:
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Well-known drummer who rose to prominence as the drummer for Steve Vai. In 2004, he joined TMG for their only live tour that ventured all over Japan. Chris has likewise performed with Foreigner, Eddie Money, and Whitesnake among others.
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Denny Fongheiser
Born: DOB Nationality:
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Gregg Bissonette
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Hideo Yamaki
山木秀夫
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Recordings
- 1995: Negai, YOU & I
- 1996: SNOW, Shoushin, BABY MOON, sasanqua~Fuyuu no Hi, Aru Hisokana Koi, Kimi wo Tsurete
- 1997: FIREBALL, Kanashiki dreamer, Calling, Biribiri, DEEP KISS, Swimmer yo!! (Drum Fill), Survive, Happiness, Do me, Naite Naite Nakiyandara, CAT, Dattara Agechaeyo, Shower
- with Koshi Inaba: Reiketsu, Sono Switch wo Ose, Nemurenai no wa Dare no Sei, Soul Station, arizona (Drums & Loop Drum), Little Flower
- 1998: Samayoeru Aoi Dangan, Hi, HOME, The Wild Wind
- 1999:
- with Tak Matsumoto: ONE FOR THE ROAD, HEAVEN, SAKURA, two of us, Kamisama he, Fuyu no Hi, Ai~Ai~Ai~, Zero Yori Zero Kara, Believin' You
- 2000: Konya Tsuki no Mieru Oka ni, NEVER LET YOU GO -Mixture style-, Ima de wa... Ima Nara... Ima mo... -Mixture style-, Anata Nara Kamawanai, UBU, RING, Raging River, Thinking of you
- 2001: GOLD
- 2002: Atsuki Kodou no Hate, STAY GREEN ~Mijuku na Tabi wa Tomaranai~, Warp, Blue Sunshine, Everlasting, The Spiral, GO★FIGHT★WIN
- with Tak Matsumoto: Trinity, Hana, Midousuji BLUE, Shu ~Asayake~
- with Koshi Inaba: O.NO.RE, LOVE LETTER, Touch, Trash, Overture, Anata wo Yobu Koe wa Kaze ni Sarawarete, Here I am!!, Honno, Seno de Revolution, Todokimasu You ni
- 2003: New Message, Tabi☆EVERYDAY
- with Koshi Inaba: Shizua na Ame
- with Tak Matsumoto: Ihoujin, Watashi wa Kaze, Katte ni Shiyagare, Hitori ~I Stand Alone~
- 2004: Magnolia
- with Koshi Inaba: Anata no Koe Dake ga Kono Mune Furumasu
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Ikkoh Tanaka
田中一光
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Tours
Recordings
- 1991: LADY NAVIGATION, Pleasure'91 ~Jinsei no Kairaku~, LADY NAVIGATION ~Cookie & Car Stereo Style~, ALONE, Mou Ichido Kiss Shitakatta, WILD LIFE, Aikawarazu na Bokura (Tambourine)
- with Tak Matsumoto: '88~Love Story, Love Ya,
- 1991: TIME, ZERO, Koi-Gokoro (KOI-GOKORO), THE GAMBLER, Akai Kagerou, RUN, Out Of Control, NATIVE DANCE, MR. ROLLING THUNDER, Sayonara Nanka wa Iwasenai, Gekkou, Baby, you're my home
- 1992: Itsuka no Merry Christmas, Boku no Tsumi, Koi Jyanakunaru Hi, Doushite mo Kimi wo Ushinaitakunai
- 1993: Ai no Mama ni Wagamama ni Boku wa Kimi Dake wo Kizutsukenai, JOY
- 1998: Pleasure'98 ~Jinsei no Kairaku~, RUN -1998 style-
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Jeremy Colson
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Recordings
- 2007: SUPER LOVE SONG, Kokokara, Junjou ACTION, Mangetsu yo Terase, Perfect Life, Isshinfuran, ONE ON ONE, Nanto Iu Shiawase, Warui Yume, HOMETOWN BOYS' MARCH, Ore to Omae no Atarashii Kisetsu
- 2009: National Holiday
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Josh Freese
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Jun Aoyama
青山 純
Birth: March 10, 1957 Death: December 3, 2013 Nationality:
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Recordings
- 1989: HURRY UP!, GUITAR KIDS RHAPSODY, Yoru ni Furaretemo, OH! GIRL
- 1990: BOYS IN TOWN, GUITAR wa Naiteiru, Ima de wa... Ima Nara... Ima mo..., STARDUST TRAIN
- 1990: Easy Come, Easy Go!, GO! NUDE! GO!, "Itoshii Hito yo" Good Night..., GUITAR KIDS RHAPSODY CAMDEN LOCK STYLE, GIMME YOUR LOVE -Fukutsu no LOVE DRIVER-, HOT FASHION -Ryuukoukata-, HOLY NIGHT ni Kuchizuke wo, Tashika na Mono wa Yami no Naka, FRIDAY MIDNIGHT BLUE
- 1991: Kodoku no Runaway, Loving All Night ~Octopus Style~, Love & Chain ~Godzilla Style~, GO-GO-GIRLS (Drum Fill), Wonderful Opportunity, TONIGHT(Is The Night), "Kairaku no Heya", Urei no GYPSY, Crazy Rendezvous, Sore Demo Kimi ni wa Modorenai
- 1992: Wanna Go Home, Long Distance Call, '88~Love Story (Wanna Go Home Version), Love Ya (Wanna Go Home Version), Jammin' of The Guitar, Speed
- 1993: Hadashi no Megami, KARA・KARA
- 1994: Don't Leave Me, Mannequin Village, LOVE IS DEAD, Odekake Shimasho, Miseinen, Yami no Ame, MY SAD LOVE, Queen of Madrid, Himitsu na Futari, Strings of My Soul, Akai Kawa, WILD ROAD, Sweet Lil' Devil, THE BORDER, JAP THE RIPPER, SLAVE TO THE NIGHT, Haru (Drums & Timpany), Yaburenu Yume wo Hikizutte, LADY NAVIGATION (English Version), Mou Karimakka, farewell song, MOTEL, hole in my heart
- 1995: love me, I love you, Tokyo, The Loose, Negai ("BUZZ!!" STYLE), Yumemi ga Oka, BAD COMMUNICATION (000‐18), Kienai Niji, Teki ga Inakerya, Kirei na Ai Jyanakutemo, drive to MY WORLD
- 1996: Mienai Chikara ~INVISIBLE ONE~
- with Tak Matsumoto Rock 'n Roll Standard Club Band: CAUSE WE'VE ENDED AS LOVERS, SUNSET
- 1997: Calling
- with Koshi Inaba: Kuchibiru, Taifuu Demo Kurya ii, Shakunetsu no Hito, Chopsticks, JEALOUS DOG, Ai Naki Michi
- 2003: AKATSUKI
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Kaichi Kurose
黒瀬蛙一
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Tours
Recordings
- 1995:
- with Tak Matsumoto: Don't ask me, baby
- 1996:
- with Tak Matsumoto Rock'n Roll Standard Club: MOVE OVER, LIFE FOR THE TAKING, COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN, MISTREATED
- 1998:
- with Koshi Inaba: Tooku Made, CHAIN, Not Too Late
- 1999: girigiri chop, ONE, F・E・A・R, Brotherhood, Nagai Ai, Yume no Youna Hibi, Gin no Tsubasa de Tobe, Sono Te de Furete Goran, Nagare Yuku Hibi, SKIN, Ikasete Okure!, SHINE
- 2000: Dakara Sono Te wo Hanashite -Mixture style-, OH! GIRL -Mixture style-, Kodoku no Runaway -Mixture style-, You pray, I stay, guilty, Shinjiru Kurai Ii Darou, Kirameku Hito, TOKYO DEVIL, Kobushi wo Nigire, Tobira
- 2000: Makka na Silk
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Nobu Saito
斎藤ノブ
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Nobuo Eguchi
江口信夫
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Pat Torpey
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The drummer of fellow rock band Mr. Big, with which B'z have close ties and have worked together on numerous occasions. He appeared to perform "girigiri chop (Version 51)" on Music Station as a special B'z x Mr. Big collaboration with Mr. Big bassist Billy Sheehan, who has also worked with B'z.
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Shane Gaalaaas
Born: August 8, 1967 Nationality:
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Tours
Recordings
- 2002: Yoruyo Akenaide
- 2003: Yasei no ENERGY, Arakure, IT'S SHOWTIME!! (Album Version), BIG MACHINE, Nightbird, Mabushii Sign, ROOTS
- 2004: BANZAI, ARIGATO, Mou Hanasanai
- 2005: Ai no Bakudan, Fever, Amaku Yasashii Binetsu, THE CIRCLE, X, Pulse, Fly The Flag, Aqua Blue, Suiren, Sanctuary, Shiroi Hibana, Icarus, Brighter Day, OCEAN, Narifuri Kamawazu Dakishimete, Dear my lovely pain
- 2006: Shoudou, Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu, Pierrot, SPLASH!, MVP, ALL-OUT ATTACK, Koi no Summer Session, Kemuri no Sekai, Mugon no Promise, MONSTER, Netemo Sametemo, Happy Birthday, Amadare Blues, Ashita Mata Hi ga Noboru Nara
- 2007: FRICTION, FRICTION -LAP 2-, Kuroi Seishun, Boku ni wa Kimi ga Iru, Koubou, Traveling Men no Theme, BUDDY
- 2008: BURN -Fumetsu no Face-, yokohama, Kibou no Uta, BAD COMMUNICATION -ULTRA Pleasure Style-, Pleasure 2008 ~Jinsei no Kairaku~, BLOWIN' -ULTRA Treasure Style-, Glory Days, Itsuka Mata Koko de
- 2009: MY LONELY TOWN, Kirei na Namida, Time Flies, PRAY, MAGIC, Mayday!, TINY DROPS, Dare ni mo Ienee, Yume no Naka de Aimashou, Freedom Train
- 2010:
- with Koshi Inaba: Okay, Salvation, Maimirai, Zettai(teki), The Morning Call, Lone Pine, Eden, CAGE FIGHT, Koyoi Kimi to, Kono Te wo Totte Hashiridashite, Sariyuku Hito he, Fushichou, Shujinkou, Little Boy, Itaikena Taiyou
- 2011: Sayonara Kizu Darake no Hibi yo, Dawn Runner, Don't Wanna Lie, Homebound, C'mon, Hito Shizuku no Anata, DAREKA, Boss, Too Young, Pilgrim, The Meister, Dead End, Meimei, ultra soul 2011
- 2012: GO FOR IT, BABY -Kioku no Sanmyaku-, Honoka Naru Hi, Ryuusei Mask, Love Bomb, Splash, Juice, Ultra Soul, Into Free -Dangan-
- 2013: HEAT, Kakushin, Q&A, Utopia
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A Canadian drummer that has toured with a number of high-profile rock acts like Yngwie Malmsteen and The Michael Schenker Group, Shane began touring with B'z in 2002 and has remained with the band in the years since. His long tenure has made him the second-longest support member after keyboardist Takanobu Masuda.
Shane has had a long career as a drummer and has released a number of solo albums, on which he also plays guitar, bass, and provides vocals. He is a long time friend of fellow B'z support member Barry Sparks, whom he introduced to the band in 2003. Shane has also become close friends with Koshi, with the two frequently surfing together and Shane even assisting in crafting the English versions of various B'z songs in recent years. Additionally, Shane has released his own English version of "Brotherhood" on his 2013 album Ascend and earlier released a Japanese cover of "Hadashi no Megami" in Japan.
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Soul Tool
そうる透
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Bass
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Barry Sparks
Born: June 20, 1968 Nationality:
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Tours
Recordings
- 2008: BURN -Fumetsu no Face-, BAD COMMUNICATION -ULTRA Pleasure Style-, Pleasure 2008 ~Jinsei no Kairaku~, BLOWIN' -ULTRA Treasure Style-, Glory Days, Itsuka Mata Koko de
- 2009: MY LONELY TOWN, Kirei na Namida, Time Flies, PRAY, MAGIC, Mayday!, TINY DROPS, Dare ni mo Ienee, Yume no Naka de Aimashou, Freedom Train
- 2011: Sayonara Kizu Darake no Hibi yo, Dawn Runner, Don't Wanna Lie, Homebound, C'mon, Hito Shizuka no Anata, DAREKA, Boss, Pilgrim, The Meister, Deadend, Meimei, ultra soul 2011
- 2012: GO FOR IT, BABY -Kioku no Sanmyaku-, Honoka Naru Hi, Ryuusei Mask, Love Bomb, Splash, Juice, Ultra Soul, Into Free -Dangan-
- 2013: HEAT, Kakushin, Q&A, Utopia
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Profile: An American bassist that has played with some of the most recognizable rock and metal acts in the world, Barry was introduced to Tak and Koshi by his longtime friend Shane Gaalaas, whom he met during their time touring with The Michael Schenker Group and also played in the sideproject Cosmosquad with. Barry describes himself as the world's biggest KISS fan and has amassed a large collection of vinyl records. His love of records would be something he would introduce to Tak, whom Barry considers a close friend.
In 2004, Barry released a solo album entitled Can't Look Back on which he performed all vocals, guitar, and bass.
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Tokunaga Akihito
(1998, 2003-2007)
Billy Sheehan
(2002)
Shotaro Mitsuzono
(1999~2001)
Akashi Masao
(1989~1997)
Hazuki Kido
(TV once)
Juan Alderete
(Recording only)
Guitar
Shiganobu Ohga
(2011~)
Shinichiro Ohta
(2003-2008)
Keyboards
Takanobu Masuda
(1992~1997, 1999-)
Kosuke Oshima
(1998)
Yoko Hiromoto
(1989-1992)
Miscellaneous
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Hatakeyama Katsunori
畠山勝紀
Nickname: hakkai Nationality:
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Tak's longtime guitar technician and one of the most well-known B'z staff members. He has managed Tak's guitar sound since 1991 both on tour and in the studio, with Tak trusting him implicitly. Hakkai can be seen with many other staff members in the music video for "GOLD" and most recently is known as, in addition to lead guitar tech, the band's main equipment manager.
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Solo Support Members
Gathered here are support members who have only recorded or toured with Tak Matsumoto and Koshi Inaba during their solo works outside of their B'z endeavors. It bears noting that some members, such as Shane Gaalaas, have recorded for both B'z projects and solo works. Such musicians are listed above with both their B'z and contribution to Tak and Koshi's solo projects together.
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Atsuo Okamoto
岡本敦男
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Billy Kilson
Nationality:
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Recordings
- 2010:
- with Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto: JAZZY BULLETS, Nite Crawler 2010, THE WAY WE WERE, Islands of Japan, Neon Blue, Tokyo Night, hotalu, East West Stroll, Easy Mystery, ao, Take Your Pick, A girl from China
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Cindy Blackman
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Greg Upchurch
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Joe Travers
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John Ferraro
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Kenny Aronoff
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Leonard Castro
Nickname: Lenny Nationality:
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Munetaka Higuchi
樋口宗孝
Nationality:
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Recordings
- 1988:
- with Tak Matsumoto: Thousand Wave, SPAIN, "99", So Long, Play It So Loud, Teaser, Take Five, No Way Out
- 1996:
- with Tak Matsumoto Rock'n Roll Standard Club: I GOT THE FIRE, FOOL FOR YOUR LOVING, ROCK AND ROLL, HOOCHIE KOO, WISHING WELL
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Murakami Syuichi
村上秀一
Nickname: Ponta (ポンタ) Nationality:
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Shinya
真矢
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Yoshihiro Toyokawa
豊川義弘
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