Photo by @alltoz696
Japanese madmen Guitar Wolf are bringing their brand of high energy rock ‘n’ roll to Australia for the umpteenth time. Inspired by ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll and ‘70s punk, Guitar Wolf always put on a balls-to-the-wall show, with energy and intensity that no-one can match MATT RYAN spoke with Guitar Wolf mastermind SEIJI via email on the eve of the tour.
I-94: I saw you guys at the Gaso in Collingwood back in 2023, and you’re coming back. I take it you must love coming here to come back so often and quickly?
Seiji: Of course! Australia is paradise for Japanese people, and I love the rock that was born from this country.
I-94: I loved the show; it was real balls-out fast rock ‘n’ roll—no breaks, and you kept playing after many encores. How do you muster the energy to put on high-energy shows night after night?
Seiji: Beer, girls, and rock ‘n’ roll.
I-94: In Japan, what kind of venues do you play in? How well known are you?
Seiji:I don’t know how to measure our recognition, but if you’re into rock, you know Guitar Wolf.
The venue sizes are pretty much the same as the ones we play in Australia.
I-94: Which Australian bands are your Favorites?
Seiji: Of course! AC/DC, The Saints, Radio Birdman, Mach Pelican, The Onyas, Rocket Science, and Hot Machine!
I-94: You describe yourselves as "Jet Rock ‘n’ Roll" and "Japan’s #1 Jet Rock band". Please tell me and the readers what Jet Rock is.
Seiji: It’s rock that storms in like a hurricane, risking everything on loud sound and action!
I-94: You had a record released on Goner Records in 1993. How did you come to know those fine people?
Seiji::In 1993, we performed at “Garage Shock” in Bellingham, north of Seattle. Eric, the owner of Goner Records, was there, and I handed him our demo tape. Three months later, an LP arrived at my house in Japan—it had been pressed and released! That became Goner Records’ very first release, and our first album. No one else even looked at our demo tape, but Memphis was the first place to truly recognize Guitar Wolf.
I-94 :Are there any new or upcoming bands in Japan we should be aware of?
Seiji: Sakuranzensen, Yapool, The Tiger, King Brothers, The Neatbeats, and Kingons.
I-94: I love your cover of Eddie Cochran’s “Summertime Blues”! When did you first hear it, and what made you want to cover it?
Seiji:I saw Brian Setzer playing Eddie Cochran in the movie La Bamba, and it was so cool that I decided we had to do it too.
I-94:Is it true that you teach Kendo to kids at school?
Seiji: Geh!! How do you know that!? Yeah, it’s true. But I’m not a schoolteacher, though.
I-94:What does the rest of 2025 hold for Guitar Wolf?
Seiji: The main events are:
- June/July– European tour
- October 11– Shimane Jet Fest: Yamata-no-Orochi Rising 2025
- New Album Release
- October/November– US tour
Everyone, come see Guitar Wolf! We’ll show you what real rock is. We’ll be waiting for you at the venue!
Guitar Wolf
Australian Tour
MAR
21 – The Curtan, Melbourne, VIC
22 – Bambra Meadow Music Festival, Bambra, VIC
22 – Jerkfest 10, Barwon Club, Geelong, VIC
23 – Singing Bird Studios, Frankston, VIC
24 – Thornbury Picture House, Thornbury, VIC
26 – Trash Cult, Bendigo, VIC
27 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine, VIC
28 – Crowbar, Brisbane, QLD
29 – Factory Floor, Sydney, NSW
APR
3 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide, SA
4 – Perth Seasonal Brewing, Perth, WA
5 – The Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, WA
6 – Buffalo Club, Fremantle, WA
