Former MEGADETH Guitarist MARTY FRIEDMAN Performs With RAVEN In Tokyo

Japanese hardcore metal fans got a huge surprise when former MEGADETH guitarist Marty Friedman took the stage with legendary NWOBHM band RAVEN in Tokyo on June 11. He joined them during the encore for RAVEN staples "Don't Need Your Money" and "For The Future".

RAVEN has been cited several times by Marty as a major influence, especially during his teenage years.

In other news, due to popular demand, a sequel to Friedman's 2007 Japanese best-seller hardcover book, "Ii Jyan J-Pop" (English translation: Awesome J-Pop),has finally been completed and will be released this August. Plans for an English release of both of these unique books are slowly but surely in the works.

On June 12, Marty gave a lecture at Kyoto Seika University. Marty spent much of the time discussing the concept behind his new album, "Tokyo Jukebox", as well as sharing motivational stories with the audience. Previous lecturers at this prestigious school include Yoko Ono, Olympic athletes as well as big names in the art world.

Video footage of Friedman talking about the making of his ninth album, "Tokyo Jukebox", can be viewed below.

Released in Japan on May 20 via AVEX, "Tokyo Jukebox" was produced and arranged by Marty and it 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.

Friedman commemorated "Tokyo Jukebox"'s release by taking part in a "secret live event" atop Tokyo Tower on May 19. There were two shows, both filled to capacity, and all who attended were treated to Marty's first time performing these new songs in public, high above Tokyo's night skyline. Autograph sessions were held after each show.