Pearl Artist - Munetaka HIGUCHI (LOUDNESS drummer) diagnosed with liver cancer....:(

[earthshaker]

LOUDNESS drummer Munetaka Higuchi was diagnosed with liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) earlier this month, according to Japanese media reports. He is still in the hospital, where he has been undergoing radiotherapy for HCC.

LOUDNESS will play the three previously announced Japanese dates with a replacement drummer, whose name hasn't been revealed yet. After those gigs, the band will be put on hold indefinitely until Munetaka gets his full strength back.

Link to MySpace LOUDNESS blog

MySpace official LOUDNESS page

I really hope he will get well soon

Munetaka HIGUCHI is definitively one of JAPAN greatest drummer - Hightly influenced by John BONHAM - and a PEARL endorsee for years...

[earthshaker]

[earthshaker]

Few YouTube videos :

http://youtube.com/watch?v=VF22uLrqmGk

http://youtube.com/watch?v=guNcBHSWE6o&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zgpziaFqVF0&feature=related

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8_c2hzbkUY0&feature=related

[Drummer87]

Dude...I'm only 20..but their music is awesome from the 80's....hope he gets better he's an awesome drummer.... fluent!!

[AL PERCIVAL]

I've seen Munetaka Higuchi on 2-3 shows with Loudness here in the U.S. Great Band, great drummer. Our wishes for a speedy and healthy recovery go out to Munetaka and his Family.

[korch]

He is a fantastic drummer that I had the pleasure of seeing live 3 times. Once opening for Motley Crue at MSG, then playing with TNT and Stryper at the Felt Forum, and once again opening for Triumph I believe. He was one of the first drummers I've ever seen incorporate electronics into his solo (even before Neil Peart) when he played Beethoven's 5th Symphony during his drum solo. I hope he has a full recovery, and returns to kicking @$$.

[thismercifulfate]

For some reason the GC I work in has one of his Signature snare drums (the one he's holding in one of the pics) which I believe was not only exclusively available in Japan, but also was discontinued. Never thought I'd see a heavily vented Pearl. It's a pretty interesting drum though.

I hope they can bring him back to his feet asap.

[Demian]

Ahahah Demian is the chaos in person!

But enought of joking, it's a bad thing

Sorry!! I was just kidding I thought it was only a surgery....
Although Im sure he will be fine!
SORRY Mune!!!

PS I have Loudness (1992) it rocks!!

[Mike Farriss]

Best Regards and a speedy recovery to Munetaka... We wish nothing but good health for you.....

Best Regards

Mike Farriss

Everyone

Please post you well wishes and I will send this along to Pearl Japan so they can forward it to Munetaka....

[SGTG]

I hope for a speedy recovery and a quick return to his drum kit!

[DRUMGODpc3]

Munetaka is a killer drummer with a seriously heavy groove. I've been a fan of his playing (and mirror-flex kit) for quite some time.

Here's to a speedy recovery!

[Composer of Requiems]

Man, that's horrible. Hope he gets better soon.