| Pata | |
|---|---|
Pata performing with Ra:IN at Japan Expo in Paris, France on July 3, 2009 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Tomoaki Ishizuka |
| Also known as | PATA |
| Born | November 4, 1965 |
| Origin | Chiba, Chiba, Japan |
| Genres | Rock, heavy metal, blues rock |
| Occupations | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar, bass |
| Years active | 1980–present |
| Labels | BMG Victor |
| Associated acts | X Japan, Ra:IN, Dope HEADz, P.A.F., Judy/Black Rose |
| Website | pata-official.com |
| Notable instruments | |
| Gibson Les Paul, Gibson Explorer, Gibson EDS-1275 | |
Tomoaki Ishizuka (石塚 智昭 Ishizuka Tomoaki, born November 4, 1965 in Chiba, Japan), better known by his stage name Pata (taken from the manga Patalliro!, as he was said to resemble the title character), is a Japanese musician. He is best known as rhythm guitarist for the popular heavy metal group X Japan. He joined the group in 1987 and stayed with them until their dissolution in 1997.
After the breakup he formed Dope HEADz with X Japan bassist Heath and former Spread Beaver percussionist/programmer I.N.A. in 2000. The group ceased activity after its second album in 2002. Soon after Pata formed the instrumental band Ra:IN, which still tours extensively to this day. He is currently participating in X Japan as they reunited in 2007. [1]
Contents |
Little is known about his early years as he tends to keep his past and personal life to himself. But it is known that he formed his first band in 1980. Two years later he created the band Black Rose, later known as Judy, but chose to disband it in 1985. Pata first played with X Japan (then named X) in 1987 as a session musician, on the songs "Stab Me in the Back" and "No Connexion" for the sampler Skull Thrash Zone Volume I.[2] Later that year he officially joined the band.
In 1993, while still in X Japan, Pata released his first self-titled solo album, and his second, Raised On Rock, two years later. He also played at a number of concerts for fellow X Japan guitarist hide's solo career from 1994 to 1998. A year after X Japan's breakup, he formed P.A.F. (stands for Patent Applied For, named after the PAF guitar pickups) with singer NoB. In about one years time they released: two albums, one mini album, one live album and two singles. For the 1999 hide tribute album, Tribute Spirits, Pata teamed up with X Japan's bassist Heath and former Spread Beaver percussionist/programmer I.N.A. to cover the song "Celebration".[3] He would reunite with them again in 2000 when they formed Dope HEADz, adding vocalist Jo:Ya. They released two singles and an album, when in 2002 they recruited new singer Shame and released Planet of Dope. Soon after its release they would cease activity.
Pata wasted no time, as that same year he formed the instrumental rock band Ra:IN (stands for Rock and Inspiration), with bassist Michiaki and drummer Tetsu (who previously played with Pata in P.A.F.). In 2003 Pata played live support for Miyavi at a couple of his concerts, along with former Spread Beaver bassist Chirolyn, Seikima-II guitarist Luke Takamura and Luna Sea drummer Shinya. In 2005 Pata appeared on Nanase Aikawa's album R.U.O.K.?!, as did former Spread Beaver keyboardist D.I.E, Luna Sea drummer Shinya, Dead End bassist Crazy Cool Joe and former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman,[4] they all supported her on the album's tour.
On October 22, 2007, X Japan announced their reunion and released the Saw IV theme song, "I.V.".[1]
Also in 2007, after three albums, former Spread Beaver member DIE joined Ra:IN as keyboardist. They became very successful, touring Japan extensively and even going on a lengthy European tour in 2009.
Pata, although still in Ra:IN, is focusing on X Japan, who in October 2010 finished their first North American Tour.
Pata is almost always seen playing a Gibson Les Paul guitar; often using his distinct, yellow 1959 Les Paul Standard. Pata is noted as the only member of X Japan who plays American-made instruments. In addition to his lineup of Les Pauls, he occasionally uses a Gibson EDS-1275 double neck guitar[5] and a rare 1950's Gibson Explorer.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
