B'z Support Members

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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.

For the purposes of this listing, members that have filled multiple roles are listed under their primary or most recognizable position, such as Akihito Tokunaga being included in the Bass section despite having contributed to arrangements. Songs on which an artist has performed another instrument or role are noted specifically next to the songs in question.

For support members that have contributed only to Solo Works, see the Solo Support Members section below.

Drums

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Brian Tichy.jpg

Brian Tichy

Born: August 18, 1968
Nationality: United States

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

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.jpg

Chad Smith

Born: October 25, 1961
Nationality: United States

Recordings

2009: Ichibu to Zenbu, DIVE, long time no see

Profile: 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.jpg

Chris Frazier

Born: September 7, 1967
Nationality: United States

Tours

TMG LIVE TOUR "Dodge The Bullet"

Recordings

2003: Bluesy no Asa

Profile: 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.jpg

Denny Fongheiser

Born: DOB
Nationality: United States

Tours

B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure'95 "BUZZ!!"
B'z LIVE-GYM '96 "Spirit LOOSE" SHOWCASE
B'z LIVE-GYM '96 "Spirit LOOSE"
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure'97 "FIREBALL"

Recordings

1995: FUSHIDARA 100%
1996:
with Tak Matsumoto Rock'n Roll Standard Club Band: INTO THE ARENA

Profile: Bio.

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Gregg Bissonette.jpg

Gregg Bissonette

Nationality: United States

Recordings

1996: Real Thing Shakes

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Hideo Yamaki.jpg

Hideo Yamaki

山木秀夫

Nationality: China

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

Profile: Bio.

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Ikko Tanaka.jpg

Ikkoh Tanaka

田中一光

Nationality: China

Tours

B'z LIVE-GYM '90~'91 "RISKY"
B'z LIVE-GYM '91~'92 "IN THE LIFE"
Z'b LIVE TOUR
B'z LIVE-GYM "Pleasure'91"
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure'92 "TIME"

B'z LIVE-GYM '93 "RUN"
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure'93 "JAP THE RIPPER"
B'z LIVE-GYM '94 "THE 9TH BLUES -Part1-"
B'z LIVE-GYM '94 "THE 9TH BLUES -Part2-"
Merry X'Mas ~ Mary Had a Little Lamb/Silent Night

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
1992: 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, 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-

Profile: Bio.

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Jeremy Colson.jpg

Jeremy Colson

Nationality: United States

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

Profile: Bio.

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Josh Freese.jpg

Josh Freese

Nationality: United States

Recordings

2007: Eien no Tsubasa, Lonely Stars
2010:
with Koshi Inaba & Slash: SAHARA

Profile: Bio.

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Jun Aoyama.jpg

Jun Aoyama

青山 純

Birth: March 10, 1957
Death: December 3, 2013
Nationality: China

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:
with Koshi Inaba: AKATSUKI

Profile: Bio.

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Kaichi Kurose.jpg

Kaichi Kurose

黒瀬蛙一

Nationality: China

Tours

Rock'n Roll Standard Club Band Tour
B'z SHOWCASE "GO! GO! HEAVEN"
B'z LIVE-GYM '98 "SURVIVE"
B'z LIVE-GYM '99 -Brotherhood- SHOWCASE "B'zepp"
B'z LIVE-GYM '99 "Brotherhood"

B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2000 "juice"
B'z LIVE-GYM in Taipei & Hong Kong 2001
B'z SHOWCASE "Kobushi wo Nigire"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2001 "ELEVEN"

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

Profile: Bio.

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Nobu Saito.jpg

Nobu Saito

斎藤ノブ

Nationality: China

Recordings

1996: Shoushin (Percussion)
1997: Shower (Percussion)
1998: HOME (Percussion)
2008: Ore to Omae no Atarashi Kisetsu (Conga, Shaker & Tambourine)

Profile: Bio.

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Nobuo Eguchi.jpg

Nobuo Eguchi

江口信夫

Nationality: China

Recordings

1988: Yuube no Crying ~This is my truth~, Nothing To Change
1989: Kimi no Naka de Odoritai, NEVER LET YOU GO, ROSY

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Pat Torpey

Nationality: United States

Recordings

1999: girigiri chop (Version 51)

Profile: 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 gaalaas profile.jpeg

Shane Gaalaaas

Born: August 8, 1967
Nationality: Canada

Tours

B'z SHOWCASE "SAPPORO DEVIL"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "GREEN ~GO★FIGHT★WIN~"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2002 "Rock n' California Roll"
2002 FIFA World Cup International Day Concert
B'z SHOWCASE 2003 "IT'S SHOWCASE!!"
B'z LIVE-GYM The Final Pleasure "IT'S SHOWTIME!!"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA"
B'z SHOWCASE 2003 "BIG MACHINE"
B'z SHOWCASE 2005 "Abashiri Extra Edition"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2005 "CIRCLE OF ROCK"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2006 "MONSTER'S GARAGE"
B'z SHOWCASE 2006 "Yokosuka MONSTER"
B'z LIVE in Namba
B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -19-
B'z SHOWCASE 2007 -B'z In Your Town-
SUMMER SONIC 07
B'z SHOWCASE 2008 -Kiyotake ACTION-

B'z LIVE-GYM 2008 "ACTION"
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS-
B'z SHOWCASE 2009 -B'z In Your Town-
SUMMER SONIC 09
B'z LIVE-GYM 2010 "Ain't No Magic"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-
Music for Relief's Secret Show for Japan
Pepsi NEX presents B'z 1DAY LIVE
B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -C'mon-
TV Asahi Dream Festival 2011
B'z LIVE-GYM 2012 -Into Free-
Pepsi NEX presents B'z PREMIUM LIVE
AEROSONIC
B'z SHOWCASE 2013 -Pleasure75-
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER-
B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI

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, My Mirai, 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

Profile: 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.

Profile Data
Soul Tool.jpg

Soul Tool

そうる透

Nationality: China

Recordings

1995: Suna no Hanabira
1996: Mienai Chikara ~INVISIBLE ONE~, MOVE

Profile: Bio.

Bass

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Akihito Tokunaga

Akihito Tokunaga.jpg
徳永暁人

Born: N/A
Nationality: China

Tours

[[]]

Recordings

Also contributed to Arrangement for most tracks listed below

1997: Calling, Liar! Liar!, Biri Biri (Arrangement Only) DEEP KISS, Swimmer yo!!, Survive, Do me, Naite Naite Nakiyandara, CAT, Dattara Agechaeyo, Shower, Anata Nara Kamawanai (Plus Synthesizer)
2001: ultra soul (Arrangement & Programming Only), Swimmer yo 2001!!, ROCK man
2002: Atsuki Kodou no Hate, Idome yo Hakanai Kono Toki ni, STAY GREEN (Arrangement Only), Warp, SIGNAL, SURFIN' 3000GTR, Everlasting (Arrangement Only), ultra soul (Alternative Guitar Solo ver.) (Arrangement & Programming Only), FOREVER MINE, The Spiral, GO★FIGHT★WIN, Itsuka no Merry Christmas (Secret Version)
with Tak Matsumoto: FIGHTING BULL, DRAGON FROM THE WEST, NOTTEKE, Riverside Blues (Arrangement Only), Koi Uta (Arrangement Only), #1090 [Sen Mu Ichiya], Machi, Little Wing, hallelujah (Arrangement Only), ENGAGED, You Know....
2003: IT'S SHOWTIME!!, New Message, Yasei no ENERGY, Tabi☆EVERYDAY, Arakure, WAKE UP, RIGHT NOW, Hakanai Diamond, I'm in love?, Ai to Nikushimi no Hajimari, BIG MACHINE, Nightbird, Bluesy na Asa, Mabushii Sign, CHANGE THE FUTURE, ROOTS
with Tak Matsumoto: Ihoujin, 雨の街を, Imitation Gold, 私は風, 勝手にしやがれ, 涙の太陽, その気にさせないで, 港のヨーコ・ヨコハマ・ヨコスカ, Paper Doll, 「いちご白書」をもう一度, 少女A, ビュン・ビュン, パープルタウン (“You Oughta Know By Now”~“パープルタウン”), 時に愛は, SPINNING TOE-HOLD, 一人 ~I Stand Alone~
with Koshi Inaba: AKATSUKI (plus Additional Programming), Shizuka na Ame, I'm on fire
2004: BANZAI, ARIGATO, Kagayaku Unmei wa Sono Te no Naka ni, Mou Hanasanai (Arrangement Only)
with Koshi Inaba: , Wonderland, Anata no Koe Dake ga Kono Mune Furumasu, Okaeri (and Chorus), Tamayura, Koufuku e no Nagai Sakamichi (and Chorus), SAIHATE HOTEL, Toumei Ningen (and Acoustic Guitar)
with Tak Matsumoto: Theme from ULTRAMAN
2005: Ai no Bakudan, Fever, Amaku Yasashii Binetsu, THE CIRCLE, X, Pulse, Fly The Flag, Aqua Blue, Suiren, Sanctuary, Shiroi Hibana, Icarus, BLACK AND WHITE, Brighter Day, OCEAN, Narifuri Kamawazu Dakishimete, Dear my lovely pain
with Tak Matsumoto: ENTER THE DRAGON THEME
with TMG (ARRANGEMENT ONLY): TMG I (All Tracks)
2006: Shoudou, Kesshou, Yuruginai Mono Hitotsu, Pierrot, SPLASH!, MVP, ALL-OUT ATTACK (plus Chorus), Koi no Summer Session (plus Chorus), Kemuri no Sekai (plus Chorus), Shoudou ~MONSTER MiX~ (plus Chorus), Mugon no Promise, MONSTER (plus Chorus), Netemo Sametemo, Happy Birthday (plus Chorus), Amadare Blues, Ashita Mata Hi ga Noboru Nara
2007: Eien no Tsubasa (Arrangement Only), FRICTION, FRICTION -LAP 2-, HOMETOWN BOYS' MARCH (Plus Chorus), Traveling Men no Theme (Plus Chorus), Nanto iu Shiawase (Arrangement Only)
2008: yokohama, Kibou no Uta

Profile: BIO.


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Barry Sparks

barry sparks.jpg

Born: June 20, 1968
Nationality: United States

Tours

B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BANZAI IN NORTH AMERICA"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2003 "BIG MACHINE"
B'z SHOWCASE 2008 -Kiyotake ACTION-
B'z LIVE-GYM 2008 "ACTION"
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2008 -GLORY DAYS-
B'z SHOWCASE 2009 -B'z In Your Town-
SUMMER SONIC 09
B'z LIVE-GYM 2010 "Ain't No Magic"
B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -long time no see-
Music for Relief's Secret Show for Japan

B'z LIVE-GYM 2011 -C'mon-
Pepsi NEX presents B'z 1DAY LIVE
TV Asahi Dream Festival 2011
B'z LIVE-GYM 2012 -Into Free-
Pepsi NEX presents B'z PREMIUM LIVE
B'z SHOWCASE 2013 -Pleasure75-
AEROSONIC
B'z LIVE-GYM Pleasure 2013 -ENDLESS SUMMER-
B'z Special LIVE at EX THEATER ROPPONGI

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

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.

Backing Guitar

Keyboards

Profile Data
File:Onozuka Akira.jpg

Onozuka Akira

Nationality: China

Recordings

1997:
with Koshi Inaba: Chopsticks (Percussion), Ai Naki Michi (Percussion)

Profile: Bio.

Chorus

Arrangement

Mixing

Miscellaneous

Profile Data
Hatakeyama "hakkai" Katsunori.png

Hatakeyama Katsunori

畠山勝紀

Nickname: hakkai
Nationality: China

Recordings

2000: TOKYO DEVIL (Chinese Gong)

Profile: 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.

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.

Drums

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Atsuo Okamoto.jpg

Atsuo Okamoto

岡本敦男

Nationality: China

Recordings

2002:
with Tak Matsumoto: Riverside Blues

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Billy Kilson.jpg

Billy Kilson

Nationality: United States

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.jpg

Cindy Blackman

Nationality: United States

Recordings

2004:
with TMG: My Alibi, TRAIN, TRAIN, Two of a Kind

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Greg Upchurch.jpg

Greg Upchurch

Nationality: United States

Recordings

2004: Wonderland, Tamayura, Toumei Ningen

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Joe Travers.jpg

Joe Travers

Nationality: United States

Recordings

2004:
with Koshi Inaba: Shoumen Shoutotsu, Hazumu Sekai

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John Ferraro.jpg

John Ferraro

Nationality: United States

Tours

Larry Carlton & Tak Matsumoto LIVE 2010 "TAKE YOUR PICK"

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Kenny Aronoff.jpg

Kenny Aronoff

Nationality: United States

Recordings

2004:
with Koshi Inaba: I AM YOUR BABY, THE RACE, Suiheisen, Subete no Shiawase wo Oazuke ni, SAIHATE HOTEL

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Leonard Castro.jpg

Leonard Castro

Nickname: Lenny
Nationality: United States

Recordings

2010:
with Koshi Inaba & Slash: SAHARA

Profile Data
File:Minoru Yasuda.jpg

Minoru Yasuda

Nationality: China

Recordings

1997:
with Koshi Inaba: Chopsticks (Djembe)

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Munetaka Higuchi.jpg

Munetaka Higuchi

樋口宗孝

Nationality: China

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 "Ponta" Syuichi.jpg

Murakami Syuichi

村上秀一

Nickname: Ponta (ポンタ)
Nationality: China

Recordings

1997:
with Tak Matsumoto: Nothin' But The Blues

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File:Ryuoichi Terashima.jpg

Ryuoichi Terashima

寺島良一

Nationality: China

Recordings

1997:
with Koshi Inaba: Chopsticks (Percussion)

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Shinya.jpg

Shinya

真矢

Nationality: China

Recordings

1999:
with Tak Matsumoto: GO FURTHER

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File:Takashi Yokoyama.jpg

Takashi Yokoyama

Nationality: China

Recordings

1997:
with Koshi Inaba: Chopsticks (Djembe)