Ken Yokoyama is a Japanese punk rock musician, singer, songwriter, and record label owner. He is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Hi-Standard, as well as his solo career.
Yokoyama was born in Tokyo, Japan, on July 7, 1969. He began playing guitar at the age of 13, and he formed his first band, The Kids, in 1986. The Kids disbanded in 1989, and Yokoyama formed Hi-Standard in 1991.
Hi-Standard has released 12 studio albums, 3 live albums, and 1 compilation album. The band has toured extensively throughout Japan and the United States, and they have played at major festivals such as Lollapalooza and Reading and Leeds.
In addition to his work with Hi-Standard, Yokoyama has also released several solo albums. His solo debut album, Ken Yokoyama, was released in 2000. He has since released 5 more solo albums, the most recent being “Free” in 2021.
Yokoyama is also the founder of the punk rock record label, Pizza of Death Records. The label has released albums by a number of Japanese punk rock bands, including Hi-Standard, BRAHMAN, and 10-FEET.
Yokoyama is a respected figure in the Japanese punk rock scene. He is known for his energetic live performances and his powerful vocals. He is also a talented songwriter, and his songs often deal with social and political issues.
Yokoyama is a passionate advocate for punk rock music. He believes that punk rock can be a force for positive change in the world. He has said that punk rock is “about fighting for what you believe in, even if it’s against the odds.”
Yokoyama is a true icon of Japanese punk rock music. He has been inspiring fans for over 30 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Here are some of the things that make Ken Yokoyama a unique and inspiring figure:
- His passion for punk rock music. Yokoyama is a true believer in the power of punk rock to change the world. He has said that punk rock is “about fighting for what you believe in, even if it’s against the odds.”
- His energetic live performances. Yokoyama is known for his high-energy live shows. He is a charismatic performer who knows how to get the crowd excited.
- His powerful vocals. Yokoyama has a powerful voice that is perfect for punk rock music. He can belt out lyrics with conviction and passion.
- His songwriting skills. Yokoyama is a talented songwriter who writes songs that are both catchy and meaningful. His songs often deal with social and political issues, but they are always relatable and easy to sing along to.
Ken Yokoyama is a true icon of Japanese punk rock music. He has been inspiring fans for over 30 years, and he shows no signs of slowing down. He is a passionate advocate for punk rock music, and he believes that punk rock can be a force for positive change in the world.
