Syu

Syu
Syu performing with Galneryus in 2014
Background information
Born	(1980-09-23) September 23, 1980 (age 36) Ashiya, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan
Genres	Heavy metal, power metal, neo-classical metal, speed metal
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Guitar, vocals, drums, piano, violin
Years active	1996–present
Associated acts	Galneryus, Spinalcord, Animetal, Valkyr, Cross-Large
Notable instruments
ESP Crying Star ESP Crying V

Syu (シュウ, Shū^?) is a Japanese musician, best known as leader and guitarist of the metal band Galneryus. He also performs guitar and lead vocals in Spinalcord (formerly known as Aushvitz) and was formerly a member of Animetal. On September 29, 2010 he released a cover album named Crying Stars -Stand Proud!-, covering songs from Scorpions, Stratovarius, Yngwie Malmsteen, Skid Row, M.S.G., Racer X and more. It features some of his band mates from Galneryus and Spinalcord, as well as other well-known musicians like Eizo Sakamoto (Anthem), whom Syu was in Animetal with.

Syu, born in Kansai, Japan, first began playing violin at the age of 6 years, and he also played piano. He continued playing violin until he was 12–13 years old. While in the fourth grade of elementary school, Syu discovered a passion for drums, which was fuelled by listening to X Japan. He says he found it easy to change from violin to guitar because they have similarly styled movements and finger patterns. He continued playing the drums for the band Cross-Large, but enjoyed the guitar more, as it was easier and he could better express himself through guitar than through drums. He soon gave up drums altogether, when he couldn't find good band members to play with.

Syu joined visual kei band Valkyr in August 1998, nearly a year later they released their first demo tape, titled "Love of Insanity". In August 2000, they released a "making of" VHS. In 2001 they finally released their first single, "Batta". After releasing 5 demos, a single and a VHS, the band broke up on April 24, 2004.