Marty Friedman‘s presence in the world of music, the world of guitar, and Japanese pop culture is mystifying, bizarre, and nothing short of inspiring. From his groundbreaking beginnings with CACOPHONY, alongside the legendary Jason Becker, to his pivotal role in propelling MEGADETH to its peak of popularity with his breath-taking range and unorthodox melodic sense, Marty has solidified his status as a unique guitar icon.
Today, Marty proudly announces his latest solo album, “Drama,” where he only slightly revisits the atmospheric elements of his acclaimed 1992 release “Scenes,” elevating them to a modern and exotic collection of epic extravagant and unapologetically emotional mini-symphonies. Tracks like “Illumination” and “Mirage” transport listeners to captivating realms, evoking sudden tears and chills. The entire album spotlights Marty‘s mesmerizing melodies, game-changing arrangements, and heart-tugging motifs, even more than any of his previous work. Recorded in Italy, where Marty had access to a treasure trove of vintage guitars along with his modern signature models, “Drama” is a pure delight for anyone who appreciates music that stirs emotions.
Since moving to Japan in 2003, Marty Friedman has become a household name even beyond the world of music. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 900 Japanese TV shows of every variety, as well as motion pictures and commercials including an ad campaign for Coca-Cola / FANTA that ran for over two years. He was recently appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese government who also commissioned him to compose the “Japan Heritage Theme Song,” recorded by Marty and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and is played at official government-related events. He has played the Opening Ceremony at the Tokyo Marathon 5 times, most recently in March 2024. Three books on Marty‘s life have been released in Japan and a brand-new full autobiography will be released worldwide later this year.
In addition to his legendary work with CACOPHONY and MEGADETH, Marty has released fifteen solo albums starting in 1988 with “Dragon’s Kiss,” and has had multi-platinum, platinum, and gold album sales awards in twenty-seven countries, achieving seven Grammy nominations to date. In recent years, Friedman has put out the distinguished, ongoing “Tokyo Jukebox” line, which, as the title suggests, is a series of albums featuring covers of Japanese songs starting with “Tokyo Jukebox” in 2009, “Tokyo Jukebox 2” in 2011, and most recently, “Tokyo Jukebox 3” in 2020. This series has become a go-to set for people all around the world who are fast becoming fascinated with Japan and its music.
Marty has played the Tokyo Dome, Budokan, and every major Japanese venue multiple times. He has toured Japan countless times with his solo music as well as alongside many legendary Japanese stars. Since the release of “Tokyo Jukebox 3” in 2020, Marty has toured Japan twice, performed as soloist with three major symphony orchestras, and made several TV appearances, most recently performing with Yoshiki of X JAPAN. Since the pandemic, Marty and his band have toured the U.S. twice and are planning to tour extensively for “Drama.”
Pre-Order HERE
“Drama” Track List:
- 1) Illumination
- 2) Song for an Eternal Child
- 3) Triumph (Official Version)
- 4) Thrill City
- 5) Deep End
- 6) Dead of Winter
- 7) Mirage
- 8) A Prayer
- 9) Acapella
- 10) Tearful Confession
- 11) Icicles
- 12) 2 Rebeldes (Dead of Winter) (Spanish Version)
Band Members:
- Marty Friedman – Guitar
- Wakazaemon – Bass
- Gregg Bissonette – Drums
- Mika Maruki – Piano, Keyboard & Synth
- Hiyori Okuda – Cello
- Miho Chigyo – Violin
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