Sheena & The Rokkets
| Sheena & The Rokkets | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Fukuoka, Japan |
| Genres | Rock, new wave |
| Years active | 1978-present |
| Labels | JVC Victor /Speedsatr |
| Website | http://rokkets.com/ |
| Members | Makoto Ayukawa Kazuhide Kawashima Toshihiro Nara |
| Past members | Sheena |
Sheena & The Rokkets (シーナ&ザ・ロケッツ Shīna & Za Rokettsu?) is a Japanese rock band, formed in 1978. They are one of the most popular acts in the Mentai Rock scene.
In September 2007, Rolling Stone Japan rated their album Vacuum Pack number 44 on its list of the "100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums of All Time". Their singles, "You May Dream", "Lazy Crazy Blues", "Omae-ga Hoshii [I want you]", "Pin-up Baby Blues", "Sweet Inspiration", "Rock On Baby (Music; Makoto Ayukawa, Lyrics; ayu yu -阿久悠)" are their most popular hits.
The artists have some solo recordings. Sheena made her Solo Album "Beautiful" (Yen Label), Makoto Ayukawa "Kool-Solo" (ALFA Records) and in 1992, he made a London Recordings with Wilko Johnson (Ex- Dr. FEELGOOD), released as "LONDON SESSION #1 & #2". Their latest album is "JAPANIK" (Lyrics by Chris Mosdell, who has also worked with them on earlier songs).
After the pioneering Mentai Rock act Sonhouse broke up in 1978, guitarist Makoto Ayukawa recruited his wife Etsuko for his new project. Forming the word Rokkets from "Rock" and "Etsu", and with Etsuko adopting the name Sheena after the Ramones' song "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker", the band christened themselves Sheena & The Rokkets.
They debuted on 1978-11-23 as the opening act for Elvis Costello's Japan Tour. In 1979, Yellow Magic Orchestra (Haruomi Hosono) produced their 2nd Album Shinkuu Pack "Vacuum Pack". In 1980, they shared four shows with the Ramones in Tokyo. In 1981, they were invited by A&M Records in Los Angeles, where they re-recorded an English version, released as "SHEENA & THE ROKKETS IN USA". They collaborated with British musician Wilko Johnson in 1993 and with well-known kayōkyoku lyricist Yū Aku the following year.
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