Sugizo

Stage Name: Sugizo Yuu (Sugi)

True Name: Yasuhiro Sugihara, 杉原康弘

Date of Birth: 8th July 1969

Height: 175cm

Weight: 58kg

Blood Type: O

Hometown: Kanagawa

Hobbies: Drinking alcohol, boxing, watching movies

Position: Lead Guitarist and Violinist

Introduction

    Born to two classical musicians, Sugizo is truly talented. He began music since he was three and played the violin, taught by his father. He is a quarter German and although he admits he hated the violin lessons, he still plays the violin.

Formation of Luna Sea

    Sugizo and his best friend Shinya were members of the band Pinocchio (rival of Lunacy), where Sugizo was the bassist. When the two bands were disbanded, J and Inoran from Lunacy invited Sugizo and Shinya to join their band. Later, Ryuichi the vocalist joined and the band was complete. The first fusion of the band resulted with two lead guitarists, Sugizo and Inoran. After a while, Inoran changed and became the rhythm guitarist. During 1989, they renamed themselves to Luna Sea because it gives more meaning to the band than "craziness" and with the new name, they released their first album 『Luna Sea』 under X Japan's (Yoshiki's) 『Extasy Records』.

    Sugizo is the perfectionist, he is original in his music writing and his determination to create the best music is admirable. Sugizo is undoubtedly one of the best Japanese guitarists; there are strong defined emotions encrypted in his guitar solos. His violin playing is elegant and passionate and is most desired by his slaves (fans) when Luna Sea have live concerts.

   The bands flow of music has become softer and smoother over the years as the band's image gradually changed. Sugizo's visual rock image has changed the least but nevertheless he has worn less makeup and grew out of the habit of wearing dresses! Remains of that image are his bright and vibrant hair and his floral shirts. Sugizo's music began with the distingtive crystal clear guitar sounds with great contrast in dynamics and eventually, his music gains a heavy sense of rhythm especially after the solo works.

    During lives, Sugizo is usually an active person. He likes running around the stage if he's not playing his guitar solo, he and the rest of Luna Sea just loves feedback from the fans. His flamboyant personality and dress sense makes him the most distinctive member of the band and has also won him many female fans!

Life

    Sugizo is a father (believe is or not) to his little daughter, Luna, who was named after Luna Sea. As a Christian, Sugizo has a quieter side to him. He thinks in a philosophical way which can be observed in many of his lyrics for his solo album 『Truth?』 . He cares for the sufferers of natural disasters and has the heart to help those in need which is greatly appreciated.

History

    Sugizo first met his best friend Shinya when Sugizo recommended Shinya to buy a blue drum set (because it looked like Sugizo's favourite band's drum set) during Sugizo's part time job as a retailer. 

    At the start of his music career, he has tackled many problems. Firstly, there was his father who was against Sugizo listening to rock music, let alone playing in a rock band. Sugizo often invited the other band members to his house for band practise and he was the only member who had a car. Like the rest of Luna Sea, he had a tight schedule with many hours of band practise, schoolwork and a part time job. He likes studing but he has a greater interest in music so he gave up his school life and turned professional.

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