Cheap Trick Live at Budokan. A classic live album that catapulted the Illinois band to the top of the U.S. charts in the late Seventies and early Eighties. The enthusiasm of the Japanese audience was palpable in the vinyl. This album clearly demonstrated that American heavy metal groups can have huge followings overseas before they ever make an impact in their homeland. And it is not just heavy metal groups.
Jazz also has a tremendous following in Japan and Europe.
Many of the legendary jazz artists from the bebop era found that in the 1960's, their only sustenance was the appreciation of French fans. Recently, a number of female singer songwriters, such as Penelope Houston, have found themselves with German record deals, which they then parlay into U.S. deals after demonstrating their foreign sales figures. Foreign recording and publishing deals can be a valuable source of income for the developing artist. Product is distributed, reviews are written, tours build a fan-base. Yet, there are important differences in the manner in which foreign royalties are paid which are, unfortunately, rarely apparent to the artist who lacks experienced legal counsel.