The Vietnam War, U.S. military bases, a local economy that depended on the bases and the bands playing for U.S. servicemen particularly around Koza city… it was against this historic backdrop in the Okinawa of the 1970s that the distinctive style of rock music, eventually to be known as “Okinawan rock”, was developed. Murasaki emerged as the leading figure in that Koza music scene and soon their name became known nationwide with the two monster albums each of which sold over 40,000 copies. The band was comprised of the keyboardist George Murasaki and Shiroma brothers, joined later by the drummer Eiich Miyanaga. Although it broke up only two years after the dramatic debut in mainland Japan, the band definitely left its mark on the Japanese rock scene.

Now after more than three decades since they were first formed, the much-anticipated regrouping of this brilliant band became a reality last year with George Murasaki, three other original members, and two newcomers. The newly formed Murasaki will play a gig on their home turf before an appearance at Japan Rock Band Festival 2008, to be held in Tokyo later this month. Come and experience Murasaki’s one-night-only live gig on Monday, May 11 at 9 p.m. at 7th Heaven KOZA. ¥1,500 entry. For more information, call 7thHeaven KOZA at 098-982-1987.