Society

Yukihiro Takahashi, drummer of legendary Japan band YMO, dies at 70

Jan 16 (Nikkei) - Yukihiro Takahashi, the drummer of legendary Japanese electronic music band Yellow Magic Orchestra, died Wednesday of aspiration pneumonia, his office said Sunday. He was 70.

Takahashi was known as the composer of "Rydeen," one of the most popular tracks of YMO, the trailblazing band he formed in 1978 with Ryuichi Sakamoto, world-renowned musician and composer, and Haruomi Hosono.

Aspiration pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that occurs when food or liquid is breathed into the airways or lungs, instead of being swallowed.

Known for wearing suits in the style of Mao that were designed by Takahashi, YMO was a pioneer of futuristic techno-pop, making full use of synthesizers in the late 1970s, when the arcade game "Space Invaders" became a hit.

The trio's performances, including tracks such as "Technopolis," were well received in the United States and Europe. The band's music became popular in Japan following its success overseas. ...continue reading

Source: ANNnewsCH

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