Dope Headz

After death of the legendary japanese guitarist Hide (Hideto Matsumoto), his former bandmates Pata (guitar, from X JAPAN and hide with Spread Beaver), Heath (bass, from X Japan) and I.N.A. (DJ and percussionist, from hide with Spread Beaver) got together to perform a cover of X Japan’s song “Celebration” (composed by hide). That recording included previously recorded vocals by hide and the resulting cover song was released as a track of the album “hide tribute spirits”.

After that, the trio decided to work on more songs and added the vocalist Jo:Ya to the lineup. It was formed Dope HEADz. The first album was entitled “Primitive Impulse”, which contained tracks in a style similar to hide’s psyborg rock - mixing elements of a fast rock n’ roll to industrial, punk and hard rock, in a very japanese fashion. The song “True Lies” from that album was featured in the movie “Black Mask”, starring Jet Li.

Years later, they released the second album entitled “Planet of the Dope”, with new vocalist Shame. Since the release of that album, the band made a pause on its activities.

Members

Pata: Guitar. Previously a member of X Japan, part of the original support band that would eventually become hide with Spread Beaver, and currently a member if Ra:IN, Pata brought amazing talent experience to the band.

Heath: Bass. Also an X Japan veteran, Heath's skills as a musician were invaluable. The many music-only tracks that the band put out showcase his abilities and the natural way he and Pata play together.

INA: Programming. Friends with Pata and Heath through X and hide, INA handled the bulk of the band's music, writing the lyrics and music for most tracks, as well as arranging and recording them, and sometimes doing backup vocals. He also created their mascot, Dope-kun.

JO:YA: Vocal during 2001. JO:YA was the band's debut vocalist, providing the energetic voice for two singles and one album, and was featured in two pvs. After the touring finished for Primitive Impulse, JO:YA retired from music.

Shame: Vocal during 2002. Shame had a moderately successful solo career and with the band Ravecraft, and even covered hide's 'Lemoned I Scream' for the album 'hide TRIBUTE SPIRITS'. He continued his solo work after Dope HEADz.

Ryuichi: Support Drummer. Ryuichi Nishida has worked with other various artists in the general sphere of influence that crossed over with several Dope HEADz members and friends, primarily INA and other ex-Spread Beaver guys. He was never an official member of the band, but did appear in their GLOW pv and toured with them. He is currently in Gackt JOB. · close