The Drifters (Japanese band)
| The Drifters ザ・ドリフターズ |
|
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | Rock and roll, Comic Song |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Members |
Cha Kato (drum kit) Ken Shimura (keyboard) Kōji Nakamoto (rhythm guitar) Boo Takagi (lead guitar) |
| Past members |
Chōsuke Ikariya (bass) Chū Arai (keyboard) |
The Drifters (ザ・ドリフターズ Za Dorifutāzu?) is a Japanese rock and roll band and comedy group. The band was formed as "Sons of Drifters" around 1956 from two bands "Mountain Boys" and "Tokyo Western Boys".
However, members in the group changed back and forth occasionally. Chosuke Ikariya became the group's leader in 1964. Although the band became famous as a comedy group under Ikariya, they took part in the Kōhaku Uta Gassen as a musical band for the first time in 2001. Ikariya died of lymph node cancer in 2004 at the age of 72.
The group is also known for its 40-second performance as an opening act for The Beatles' first ever concert in Japan.
They are most famous for the regular variety show Hachijidayo, Zen'inshugo! (8時だョ!全員集合 "It's 8 O'Clock! Everybody Gather 'Round"?), which aired on the TBS from 1969 to 1985 with a total of 803 episodes. It held the highest ratings of any program in its time, and still holds one of the highest program ratings in Japanese television history. Its low-brow humour and slapstick comedy made it popular with children much to the dismay of parents.
The show itself was a comedy variety show that featured sketches and musical guests. Often the show opened with a long sketch that lasted for about 20–25 minutes and then musical guests were featured. The show would round out the hour with a few more sketches, often with the musical guests participating in these.
...
Wikipedia