ONE OK ROCK (in Japanese, ワンオクロック) is basically a Japanese band that started in 2005, and are still active today, releasing awesome music for the fans. Their genre is mostly Rock, but also pop punk, emo & post-hardcore. ONE OK ROCK´s basic influences are Linkin Park, Foo Fighters, The Used and others similar to that style.
To give a bit of a history lesson: ONE OK ROCK first became a group in Tokyo, Japan, all the way back to 2005, because of the then high school students Toru Yamashita and Ryota Kohama. Though, before ONE OK ROCK, Toru and Ryota were both in a hip-hop dance group called Heads. They left Heads to start their own thing, with the help of their senior and classmate Alex Onizawa and Yu. Both Alex and Yu left though with time (Yu left the band to pursue an acting career, but I do not know exactly why Alex left), and that is when Takahiro Moriuchi joined, the singer of the group. Around one month before their major debut, drummer Tomoya Kanki joined ONE OK ROCK as well.
The group started in 2005 but it was in 2007 that they released their debut single, Naihishinsho, who reached number 48 on the Oricon Charts and sold 15,000 copies. Their second single, Yume Yume, followed that success and charted at number 43. After those singles, they released their debut album Zeitakubyou and had their first tour. They released their 2nd album Beam of Light in May 2008. The band came up with many sound sources and ended up making a punk album.
But, the band has reached some weak points at some times. Like with Alex; he was arrested in April 2009 for groping the leg of a 21-year-old female student on a train. He admitted to doing it and the case was settled in court. In May 2009, it was announced that ONE OK ROCK would continue without Alex, who went back to the U.S. That arrest was probably the reason why the members decided that he should leave the group, but correct me if I am wrong.
Anyways, time to talk about the members of this Rock band!
ONE OK ROCK has had members come and go, but right now remains four members;
Takahiro Moriuchi, more known as Taka. Taka is the lead vocalist of the group. He also is the main lyricist and composer. Taka was born 17th April 1988 in Tokyo, Japan. In his first year of high school (March 2005), he dropped out to pursue his musical career. He has been in other bands, like the boy band NEWS in 2003 and Chivalry of Music in 2004, both of which he obviously left.
Toru Yamashita, more known as Toru. Toru plays the guitar and sings. He is the leader of the band. Toru was born 7th December 1988 in Osaka, Japan before moving to Tokyo. He has been in the music business for almost all his life. He started as a sixth-grader, crazy huh? With his classmates, they participated in dance competitions around the years of 1995-1999.
Ryota Kohama, more known as Ryota. Ryota is responsible for the backing vocals and bass guitar. He was born 4th September 1989 in Osaka before, like childhood friend Toru, moved to Tokyo. And again, just like Toru, Ryota has been going on with music almost the entirety of his life. At first, he had no interest to join a band or play bass, until he listened to Red Hot Chili Peppers and got inspired. Another interesting thing to know about Ryota is that he is married and has a family with the famous Avril Lavigne´s sister Michelle.
Tomoya Kanki, more known as Tomoya. Tomoya is the drummer of the group. Although not an original member, he has appeared on every ONE OK ROCK album. Tomoya was born 27th June 1987 in Hyougo, Japan. Tomoya has the most curious hobbies among the band members and is the eldest member of ONE OK ROCK. He is the one who often updates the ONE OK ROCK blog. He is also married (it is unknown to who though), and they have a son.
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When it comes to my opinion... Despite me not listening to rock at all, I actually really like ONE OK ROCK! They seem cool and have a great vibe to their music. My favourite song is definitely their song Stand out Fit In; it has a nice message to it as well, both the music video and the lyrics. You should totally give this rock band a go and search them up, especially if you are indeed a fan of this type of music! It is worth a try! Here is also their official website to know more about them and check out their newest up-coming album:
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