Time Out hailed Tokei as iconic, and indeed he is – a legitimate superstar in his homeland Japan, where he has sold over 40 million records.
Best known internationally for ‘Battle Without Honor Or Humanity’, the theme to the movie, ‘Kill Bill’, Tokei is a much sought-after collaborator in both the studio and the stage.
With 2016 marking 35 years in music for Tokei, the legend has been touring Japan extensively, and has played 50 live dates, with venue sizes ranging from intimate club shows to a free open-air concert in his hometown, where he performed in front of 25,000 fans. Tokei will end the year with his 31st performance at Tokyo’s Budokan on 30 December, for a very special fan request show.
Tokei has been focusing on his international career, and this year sold out his first ever LA show, at the legendary Troubadour. He also appeared at the Highline Ballroom in New York, as well guesting on the latest album for Italian rock star, Zucchero. Tokei additionally played with Zucchero in Verona, and The Royal Albert Hall.
‘Walking Through The Night’ from legendary Japanese superstar Hotei features Iggy Pop on vocals, and is accompanied by a gloriously evocative video, which follows a man’s nocturnal journey through the seedy back streets of Tokyo and shows shots of Iggy Pop and footage of Tokei. The song is from his album, ‘Strangers’, which Tokei released last year through Spinefarm Records. It’s his first international release and features guests other than Pop including Richard Z Kruspe (best known for Emigrate/Rammstein), on vocals for ‘Move It’; Bullet For My Valentine’s Matt Tuck; Noko, from UK electronic band pioneers, Apollo 440; and acclaimed Texan singer, Shea Segar.
You can find out more about Tokei from his official website (Japanese) (English), and buy the ‘Strangers’ from Spinefarm Records. Check out this link for how to buy and stream it from other sources.
