Latest news with #Gian
Japan Forward
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Forward
Electric Eel Shock on 30 Wild Years of Rock'n'Roll
With their rallying cry of "Rock'n'roll can rescue the world!" Japanese metal band Electric Eel Shock put on a blistering live show that is hard to forget. The band celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 and is currently in the midst of an extensive 36-date tour of the United Kingdom and Europe. Comprising guitarist/vocalist Akihito "Aki" Morimoto, bassist Kazuto Maekawa, and drummer Tomoharu "Gian" Ito, EES has run on pure passion for three decades. It has survived without major label support by maintaining a rough and ready fan base of metal maniacs. This trio comes packed with stories of bootstrapped tours, crowdfunded albums, on-stage nudity (Gian usually wears nothing but a strategically placed sock), and their struggles in pursuit of the rock'n'roll dream. Their extremely accomplished musicality is matched only by their wild sense of humor. I first saw EES in London around 25 years ago, and have been a fan ever since. I jumped on the phone with Aki, Gian, and support bassist George Iwamoto (standing in for Maekawa, who was unable to join this tour) as they arrived in Sheffield, England. We had a lively chat about growing old on stage, touring the world, and the power of heavy metal. Oh, and read to the end to find out how to get a free T-shirt! Aki: Our music has a backbone of 1980s heavy metal, but we're not really a heavy metal band. We play stupid party rock. We want all kinds of audiences to enjoy our performances, so we're really a universal band. We can play at punk festivals, metal festivals, or pop-rock festivals, and smash it every time! Aki: We don't think about it too deeply. But we're from Osaka, and people from Osaka like to keep the people around them entertained. We put that into our shows. We care a lot about musicianship and technical ability, of course, but wanting to put on a fun show comes naturally. EES on their current tour, with support bassist George Iwamoto on the right. Aki: Not really, no. Myself and Gian, we love to entertain people. Kazuto has become a bit boring in his old age though. Our stand-in bassist George is great fun, so Kazuto might be in danger of being replaced! George: I have so much fun playing together with the members of Eel Shock, and giving the audience a good time. Aki: George might be even more popular than me now. It's becoming a problem! We've been friends for 20 years. He's learned all our songs, and he whips the audience into a frenzy. He's great. Mind you, we're paying him, so… Aki: I have to use an intravenous drip! Actually, I've always been in good health, but from last year I've started to get a bad hip, so next year we might have to cut our overseas tour down to like four dates. But we're still going strong. I do think it helps that we've had basically the same lineup for 30 years, though. The band members are part of our appeal to our fans. Perhaps if we became super famous, we'd start arguing and some members would quit the band, so we're extremely lucky that we've managed to stay unpopular. Electric Eel Shock pose for the camera. (©Makkus Photo) Gian: As you get older you start to sweat differently. But actually, being naked on stage makes things easier in many ways. When people throw beer at you, your clothes don't get wet. Drummer Gian plays almost completely naked, hitting his drum kit with the comically long sock that protects his modesty. Gian: No, it's become my routine. Sometimes it causes trouble though, so I have to put clothes on — like when I got arrested while we were performing in Hong Kong, or the time we played a show in a church. I have to obey the rules sometimes. Aki: Absolutely. Japan has always been a difficult country for metal, but in places like the UK, everybody knows metal. In Japan, we have to play down our metal roots to appeal to local music fans. I was extremely curious about the rise of Babymetal. Their music isn't to my taste, but when Babymetal began becoming popular in Japan, a lot of secret metal fans started to come out of the woodwork in Japan. A lot of people had been hiding their love of heavy metal, especially older guys, so it was wonderful to see them become liberated by Babymetal. Aki: I actually like how hard it is. On this tour, we're driving everywhere ourselves, and I love it. We once toured on a Nightliner bus, with flat beds — the sort of bus you'd see Mötley Crüe riding. Every day we'd go from our bunks on the bus to the venue, then get back on the bus and drive to the next place — and all we ever saw of each city was the space between the door of the bus and the door of the venue. We could be in Paris or in Madrid, but it was all the same. Knowing that you've driven hundreds of kilometers yourself and being able to point out each city on a map makes it feel much more real. Aki: Oh, we have loads of problems. It's tough, but we can always look back on it afterward as a fun time. It was pretty bad when Gian was arrested in Hong Kong, and we've had so many problems with our van breaking down. The cover of Electric Eel Shock's 2024 album Heavy Metal Black Belt. Once, the windscreen wipers stopped working and we had to drive through the snow, so we rigged up a string so that whoever was in the passenger seat could pull the wiper back and forth manually. We don't let problems like that stop us from getting to the venue on time. Aki: We don't really have concepts for our albums, but I always feel that each one is like a snapshot of who we are at that time. The title refers to the fact that the album starts with several heavy metal songs, but after that, there are a range of other styles as well. Aki: Scum Vader is about becoming a father. Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father, right? I have a son, and I was reflecting on whether or not I was a good father. I can be too bossy, so Scum Vader is me. We can't have all our songs be party songs. Aki: Yeah, that's a party song. The title is a reference to Cyndi Lauper. I never used to like music like Cyndi Lauper and Wham! when I was at school, because I liked heavy metal, but now I have grown to appreciate her music. So I wanted to mix those elements together. I guess that's another song of self-reflection. I must be growing up. Aki: I've learned how important it is to be connected with people. Wherever we go in the world, we have people who want to see us and support us, and that's a really powerful feeling. I can point almost anywhere on a map and I'll have friends waiting for me there. George: Playing as a stand-in for Kazuto, I've been amazed to see how fans in each place welcome Electric Eel Shock. What an amazing band. It's a relationship that goes beyond language barriers. Gian: I've learned over the years that people in foreign countries have open minds. People are so friendly — even though I don't speak English, they come to talk to me and tell us we're "awesome." If you have people treating you with so much love every day, you can't help but be affected. Aki: Come see our shows! We'll be touring until late June, and I think our performances are fun for anyone. If you tell us after the show that you discovered us on JAPAN Forward, we'll give you a free T-shirt! Aki: For real. Please come say hi! Electric Eel Shock is currently on tour in Europe and the UK until June 22, including shows in England, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, and Spain. For full tour dates and further information, visit their website. Interview by: Daniel Robson Read Daniel's artist interviews and his series Gamer's World on JAPAN Forward, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) .
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Giants QB Jaxson Dart Receives Head-Turning Prediction from Former NFL QB
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The New York Giants went into the 2025 NFL draft with a major decision to make. Would they go with a quarterback or a pass rusher with the No. 3 overall pick? Abdul Carter was the pick at No. 3 overall. They simply could not pass on the elite skill set and potential that he brought to the field. However, they did not give up on their dream of landing a potential franchise quarterback as well. Later in the first round at pick No. 25, Joe Schoen made the aggressive move to trade back into the first round. Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during rookie minicamp at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Jaxson Dart #6 of the New York Giants during rookie minicamp at NY Giants Quest Diagnostics Training Center on May 09, 2025 in East Rutherford, New that selection, the Giants brought in their guy at quarterback. Jaxson Dart was the player that head coach Brian Daboll wanted, and he got his wish. Read more: Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Changes Tune on Aaron Rodgers Situation Dart had a great interview process before the draft with New York. He impressed the Giants' coaching staff and front office. That led to the team feeling comfortable enough with him to make an aggressive trade to get him. Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season, Russell Wilson is expected to be New York's starting quarterback to begin the year. One former NFL quarterback doesn't necessarily think that is locked in at this point in time. During an appearance on the "Up & Adams" show, Chris Simms spoke out with a very strong take about Dart. He thinks the young signal caller could find his way onto the field early on in his rookie year. "Gosh, I would not be shocked if it started off right away. I wouldn't be shocked," he said. "I don't expect the Giants to be a super team here, right? I'm not picking the Giants to go to the playoffs. The amount of money they're paying Russell Wilson does not guarantee him the starting quarterback job." Read more: Browns Fire Massive Shot at Hated Rival Steelers Simms continued on, revealing more about what it would take for Dart to win the starting job. "Those are things I look at to go, if Jaxson Dart is phenomenal through training camp and OTAs and has a really good preseason, and Russell Wilson's just okay and doesn't look all that sharp, I don't think they'll be scared to start Jaxson Dart here," Simms said. During the 2024 college football season with the Ole Miss Rebels, Dart completed 69.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,279 yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also showed off his athleticism to the tune of 495 yards and three more touchdowns on the ground. Only time will tell, but Dart has a chance to get on the field quickly. The Giants believe in him being the long-term face of the franchise and he might be able to prove them right sooner rather than later. For more on the Giants, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
ITV News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Strangers from Villa Vie cruise ship who met whilst stranded in Belfast get married
Two passengers who spent four months in Belfast waiting to board the long delayed, infamous Villa Vie Odyssey cruise liner have tied the knot, despite having never met each other before arriving in Northern Ireland. Gian and Angela Perroni got married on the Villa Vie which is now off the coast of South America on its round the world cruise. , the ship's passengers were stranded in Belfast for months whilst it underwent repairs. 'We always say we're the only two people that didn't mind how long the delay was,' Gian told UTV in a video call from their home onboard. Over six months after leaving Northern Irish shores, the couple have had two wedding ceremonies, something Angela describes as 'unbelievable.' 'It was a dream come true to be able to have a private ceremony with friends and family, very intimate, beautiful, it was in the observatory right at sunset,' she said. 'We had all the residents help with decorations and photography and quite a community that we have here. They made it very unforgettable. 'On the second day we had a shipside wedding up on the pool deck, which was much more party, lots of dancing, a flash mob and we did a conga to the pool where we then took the plunge.' 'It was just, just magical. I don't know another way to describe it,' Angela added. The couple got engaged back in Summer 2024 whilst walking along the River Lagan. 'We had a nice romantic walk along the, the river and just the time was right,' Gian explained. 'It was a full moon and the time seemed right,' he said. 'The location was special because that's the place we walked by every day, to the ship, so it just really built a lot of memories there for us,' Angela added. Gian and Angela certainly attribute their coming together to the typical welcome they received in Belfast. 'The Guinness and Bushmills might have had an effect,' the couple joked. 'We spent a lot of time in the pubs, of course, but Belfast is such a great city to walk around,' Gian said. 'We got a chance to spend a lot of time exploring and getting to know each other in a really friendly city.' Next up the Gian and Angela, and all of Villa Vie's other passengers will continue their voyage, crossing the Pacific Ocean - and eventually their itinerary lists Belfast, but not for another three years. 'It's, it's all marked in red for some reason. I don't know what that's about. Everyone's afraid we'll get stuck again,' Gian laughed. 'We'll, we'll definitely make it back, but we'll be there before then, just, just to, to revisit the scene of the crime, as they say.'
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Darts star painfully walked into toilet wall before toppling Luke Littler to reach German Grand Prix final
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GIAN VAN VEEN overcame injury to reach the German Grand Prix final - after walking into the TOILET wall! The Dutchman saw off Ross Smith 6-3 in the quarter-final with a 97.5 average and landed six of his eight attempts at doubles. 1 Gian van Veen injured himself after walking into a wall Credit: Getty World Youth champion Van Veen looked to be cruising after racing into a 4-0 lead, but Smith clawed back to 4-2 after a slow start. Van Veen was then seen visibly rubbing his right arm between every leg of the match. Commentator Dan Dawson noticed the issue during the match. He laughed and said: 'About halfway through the previous game, up in the players' room, Gian came out of the gents' toilet and walked straight into a wall. 'There's a sharp, pointy bit on the wall that really did leave its mark on him. 'He said at the time, 'Don't worry, it felt worse than it is. I'm fine'. But now I think he might be feeling it.' His co-commentator added: 'Gian is throwing his arm around a lot as he walks back from the board. 'It looks a bit uncomfortable. He was cruising at 4-0. 'Maybe he has picked up an injury because he keeps rubbing it after every visit.' Despite the discomfort, Van Veen put doubts to rest in the semi-final where he ended Luke Littler's eight match unbeaten run on the European Tour. Michael van Gerwen hits incredible nine-darter after fans spot he's made subtle change following struggles World No. 23 Van Veen produced a dazzling display to defeat the teen sensation 7-4 in Munich. 'The Giant' averaged 110 and hit two ton-plus checkouts—including a stunning 128 finish to halt Littler's momentum. But his run ended against Dutch compatriot Michael van Gerwen who came through 8-5 to claim the title. It was Van Veen's second European Tour final. The 22-year-old already claimed his first ProTour title earlier this year after winning the Players Championship Six. He said after his crushing defeat to MVG: 'I've had a phenomenal three days. 'Neither of us played our best game in the final. 'I played well on my own legs, but on Michael's throw I didn't perform, and he was the deserved winner. 'I'm a bit gutted to lose, but I'm really happy with second place, and hopefully my first European Tour title is coming soon!'
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Darts star painfully walked into toilet wall before toppling Luke Littler to reach German Grand Prix final
GIAN VAN VEEN overcame injury to reach the German Grand Prix final - after walking into the TOILET wall! The Dutchman saw off Ross Smith 6-3 in the quarter-final with a 97.5 average and landed six of his eight attempts at doubles. 1 Gian van Veen injured himself after walking into a wall Credit: Getty World Youth champion Van Veen looked to be cruising after racing into a 4-0 lead, but Smith clawed back to 4-2 after a slow start. Van Veen was then seen visibly rubbing his right arm between every leg of the match. Commentator Dan Dawson noticed the issue during the match. He laughed and said: 'About halfway through the previous game, up in the players' room, Gian came out of the gents' toilet and walked straight into a wall. READ MORE ON DARTS 'There's a sharp, pointy bit on the wall that really did leave its mark on him. 'He said at the time, 'Don't worry, it felt worse than it is. I'm fine'. But now I think he might be feeling it.' His co-commentator added: 'Gian is throwing his arm around a lot as he walks back from the board. 'It looks a bit uncomfortable. He was cruising at 4-0. Most read in Darts 'Maybe he has picked up an injury because he keeps rubbing it after every visit.' Despite the discomfort, Van Veen put doubts to rest in the semi-final where he ended Michael van Gerwen hits incredible nine-darter after fans spot he's made subtle change following struggles World No. 23 Van Veen produced a dazzling display to defeat the teen sensation 7-4 in Munich. 'The Giant' averaged 110 and hit two ton-plus checkouts—including a stunning 128 finish to halt Littler's momentum. But his run ended against Dutch compatriot Michael van Gerwen who came through 8-5 to claim the title. It was Van Veen's second European Tour final. The 22-year-old already claimed his first ProTour title earlier this year after winning the Players Championship Six. He said after his crushing defeat to MVG: 'I've had a phenomenal three days. 'Neither of us played our best game in the final. 'I played well on my own legs, but on Michael's throw I didn't perform, and he was the deserved winner. 'I'm a bit gutted to lose, but I'm really happy with second place, and hopefully my first European Tour title is coming soon!'
