Koshi Inaba News

Now that B’z have wrapped up their massive 25th anniversary year and recently released its epic home video to tap things off, the team are taking a break for a few months to concentrate on solo efforts before they reconvene for B’z activities.

Today, Koshi has launched a brand new solo website and with it comes some exciting news. Unexpectedly, Koshi is not only launching his own website today but is also releasing a BRAND NEW DIGITAL SINGLE, available right now on a variety of Japanese music outlets! The song is entitled “Nensho” (We will post information on purchasing it for yourself shortly, should you wish to obtain it for your collection.)

Along with the new single comes news of Koshi’s plans for 2014. While more releases are expected, it has also been officially announced that Koshi Inaba LIVE 2014 ~en-ball~ will take place over ten dates beginning June 5 and ending June 20. Interestingly, every show will take place at just one venue, the Shinagawa Stellar Ball in Tokyo. Further live dates may be forthcoming; we’ll keep you posted as to any further announcements.

Additionally, those that wish to sample Koshi’s past solo work are now in luck, as all of his music videos are now available in full on the official B’z YouTube channel. Check out the full playlist right here!

The official website promises monthly updates as Koshi prepares his solo material for the year. Listen to the new song below and check out the official website where you can also hear the song at: http://www.en-zine.jp/

Koshi Inaba News

Remember Rima Fujita? I introduced her a few posts ago. She drew an artistic portrait of Tak Matsumoto which was a present for Tak Matsumoto because he won the Grammy. Well, she has recently updated her blog about an art exhibition. And apparently Koshi Inaba happened to be in LA and attended her art exhibition. He also bought one of her pieces!

She writes on her blog:

[…] my long-time friend, Koshi Inaba who is one of the top rock stars in Japan happened to be in LA, and went to my exhibition… and purchased a piece of the snow leopard babies. Not only he is one of the biggest collectors of my work he’s been a strong supporter of my work and a dear friend.[…]

Check out her blog post here: http://rimafujita.blogspot.com/2011/05/koshi-came-to-my-exhibition-in-bevelry.html

Koshi Inaba News

The heart-warming en II tour is out on DVD now.
When I watch this, I am reminded of the great days with my wonderful friends…
Please enjoy it while drinking tea.
Inaba Koshi

Koshi Inaba News

What a great Christmas present for Koshi Inaba fans! On B’z Official Website, the video release of Koshi Inaba’s ~en II~ was announced, and it is going to be out on February 16th, 2011. The release will come in two flavors: DVD and Blu-ray. I think it’s about time they started releasing live videos in HD…

Anyway, the DVD version will be 2 disks and the Blu-ray version will be just one disk. There are no extras included, just the live performance itself. I find that a little disappointing, but I guess that every true Koshi fan will buy it anyway! Both releases will be priced at 6300 Yen, which is pretty pricey. The total runtime is 129 minutes, so you’ve got over 2 hours to watch. If you’re wondering what performance was recorded… it is the one at Nippon Budokan. If you would like to catch a glimpse at the live performance, you can visit B’z Official Website as they have updated their intro video.

Setlist:
・ Tamayura
・ My Mirai
・ The Morning Call
・ Okay
・ Eden
・ AKATSUKI
・ Nami
・ LOVE LETTER
・ Toumei Ningen
・ Akai Ito
・ Lone Pine
・ Kono Te wo Totte Hashiridashite
・ LOST～Wonderland
・ Tooku Made
・ ～jam～
・ CAGE FIGHT
・ Koyoi Kimi to
・ Zettai (teki)
・ Shoumen Shoutotsu
・ Hazumu Sekai
・ Itaike na Taiyou

Source(s): B’z Official Website

Koshi Inaba News

The official announcement for Stevie Salas’ new cover album “Jam Power” has been posted on B’z Official Website. As we previously reported, it’s going to be released on October 20th, 2010 priced at 2500 Yen in Japan. It looks like it is going to be available internationally as well, since the Japanese edition contains a bonus track which is exclusive to Japan. Koshi Inaba is going to be the lead vocalist on the track “Police on my back” which was originally recorded by the band The Clash.

Also, as posted on HMV.co.jp in the song credits, there’s a story associated with it:

After I had dinner with Koshi Inaba in Beverly Hills, we went back to his place in my car. When I switched on the radio a song by The Clash was playing and Koshi really had to turn up the volume as he enjoyed the song. One year later, while we were in the car again, a song by The Clash was playing on the radio. Seeing how Koshi was singing along to the song hitting all the notes and getting the lyrics right, he told me he’s a great fan of them! So when we went to record for “JAM POWER”, I asked him if he could sing a song from The Clash. “In English?” he asked. “Yeah” I replied. Then I checked out a bunch of my favorite Clash tunes to find the one I liked best. As you all know I’m a big fan of funk, so I gave “This Is Radio Clash” a try, but Koshi’s voice was not suited for such a song.

When I met Koshi in Hawaii again, we were barbecuing steaks and once we listened to “Police On My Back”, we said “This is it!!” When I was in high school in San Diego, the band I was in performed that song numerous times, so I knew the song quite well. After Jara Slapbak added the funky style to the rhythm track, I flew over to Tokyo to record the vocals with Koshi. When I came back to LA, King’s X singer Doug Pinnick sang the chorus for the song and, with that, polished it.

(Translated from Japanese)

And here’s the tracklist as well as cover:

01. Tell Me Something Good (Chaka Khan)
02. Girls Got Rhythm (AC/DC)
03. Police On My Back (The Clash)
04. Disco Lady (Johnnie Taylor)
05. Everybody’s Got Something To Hide Except Me And My Monkey (The Beatles)
06. This Is Radio Clash (The Clash)
07. No Air (Jordin Sparks)
08. Getaway (Earth, Wind & Fire)
09. Only Happy When It Rains (GARBAGE)
10. Moonage Daydream ～Live in New York version～ (David Bowie)
11. Ondularte ～Fading Out～ (Gandhi) * Japanese Bonus Track

Koshi Inaba News

The next iteration of the Billboard JAPAN MUSIC Awards will be held in Tokyo Midtown Hall on January 6th, 2011. Additionally the nominations for each category have been revealed.

Koshi Inaba is one of the nominees in the category “Top Pop Artist 2010”. You can check out the complete list of nominees at Billboard JAPAN MUSIC Award 2010’s official website, here.