Akira Takasaki (Loudness)

Name: 高崎 晃 (Takasaki Akira)
Born: 22nd February, 1961.
Profile: Legendary guitarist from Osaka, Japan.

History: Akira has been playing guitar since he was a teenager and was picked up at the age of 16 at a talent contest. Akira started his career in the mid 70's in the band Lazy, a Japanese Pop band under the stage name "Suzy". In 1981 he formed a heavy metal band named Loudness with Munetaka Higuchi (drummer). They were the first Japanese heavy metal act signed in the US, releasing seven albums (3 in America) by the end of 1987 and reaching the Billboard top 100.

As well as many singles and EPs, they have released 5 DVDs, 7 live albums and 24 studio albums the last being 'Metal Mad' released in 2008. Akira has had a very successful solo career too, from 1982, he has released 10 solo albums, the last to date 'Black Brown' in 2007. Thought by many as one of the best metal shredders in Asia, Akira has influenced guitarists around the globe, he continues his solo work and his work with his band "Loudness".

Influences: Eddie Van Halen and Ritchie Blackmore.

Axology: ESP Signature Random Star guitar, Killer guitar KG Prime, Marshall Amplifiers, Metaltronix Amplifiers and Roland JC-120 combo amplifiers.