Ex-MEGADETH Guitarist To Perform Japanese National Anthem At D1 Drift Racing Grand Prix

May 21, 2009

For the second consecutive year, former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman will perform the Japanese national anthem, "Kimi Ga Yo", at the D1 Drift Racing Grand Prix on May 23.

Marty is the first foreign musician to play the anthem at a major sporting event in Japanese history. This time, after his performance, he will also sit on the panel as a commentator for the broadcast as well as perform another song, taken from his brand new album, "Tokyo Jukebox".

Marty appeared on the pre-race show with the current D1 champion on May 19.

In other news, Marty's May 22 lecture at the Kyoto Seika University was postponed due to the influenza situation in the Kyoto area. The lecture will be rescheduled for a date in the near future.

Produced and arranged by Marty, "Tokyo Jukebox" reflects the chaotic lifestyle of Tokyo, its unique music and Marty's futuristic interpretation of it. According to a posting on Marty's web site, "Sonically, it goes from his 'Loudspeaker' lineup all the way to a 70-piece symphony orchestra. Marty covers the most unlikely artists to get his guitar heavy treatment, including PERFUME, MAXIMUM THE HORMONE, AI, NAKASHIMA MIKA, IKIMONO GAKARI and seven other staples in the world of current Japanese music."

"The songs were chosen in part by the readers of Nikkei Entertainment!, Japan's all-time number one entertainment magazine, which features a popular page on Marty each month for over three years and still going strong.

"All the songs go through Marty's extravagant, epic, and quite often brutally twisted treatment. 'Tokyo Jukebox' is the new definitive display of Marty's current state of mind as well as the deepest evolution of his guitar playing and overall musicality ever."

Check out "Tokyo Jukebox" audio samples at this location.

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