Penicillin (band)

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PENICILLIN

PENICILLIN / Penicillin is a Japanese rock (J-Rock) and formerly VK band formed in 1992 by Chisato, O-JIRO, and Gisho. The initial guitarists were Yuji of Deshabillz, and Shaisuke, but both of them left to make room for Hakuei, the fourth and final member to join.

1 History
- 1.1 Pre & Post Visual-Kei
- 1.2 Side-Projects
2 Discography
3 External links

[edit] History

By 1993, PENICILLIN'S lineup was in its current configuration, with Hakuei as the vocalist, Gisho on bass, Chisato on guitar, and O-JIRO on drums. Incidentally, all of the members are also high school buddies, which may have contributed to PENICILLIN’s stability and consistent presence over the years. Their first release, a mini-album called Penicillin Shock, was released in 1994, which was produced by Kiyoshi of Spread Beaver.

Since then, the band has risen to considerable popularity, with an amazing consistency of an album per year from 1994-1998.

On March 09, 2007 Gisho announced that he would be leaving PENICILLIN for personal reasons. Their last live as the foursome that has existed since 1993 will be held on May 20, 2007. PENICILLIN will continue on without Gisho, and Gisho will continue his full time job of managing Omega Project Holdings.

[edit] Pre & Post Visual-Kei

The band’s style was initially Visual Kei, with the trademark crossdressing, androgyny, and elaborate costumes and makeup. Observation, by fans, point out that Hakuei & O-JIRO generally played the part of girls, Hakuei normally being outrageous in fur and leather while O-JIRO played the "sweet girl."^{[citation needed]} Gisho and Chisato were generally more masculine.

Like many past visual-kei bands, as of late the band has greatly toned down their style, while adopting a more contemporary appearance. This first started around 1998, which saw the band's loss of heavy makeup, extravagant outfits, and overall femininity.

[edit] Side-Projects

In 1996, all members embarked on their own solo projects, while keeping Penicillin solvent. Gisho became Ohtaki Jun, O-JIRO formed 808, Hakuei started his solo career and teamed up with Kiyoshi to form machine. In 1997, Chisato also started his own solo career.

In 2006, Hakuei and Chisato formed the band nano as a short side-project. nano is expected to only last a few months so that the members can return to work with Penicillin. The band has released seven singles and one album, Unborn Child's Dream.