44 Magnum (band)
44 Magnum (stylized as 44MAGNUM) are a Japanese heavy metal band, originally formed in Osaka Prefecture in mid-1977. They were one of the first Japanese metal bands. History. 44 Magnum was originally formed in 1977 by vocalist Tatsuya "Paul" Umehara. After recruiting guitarist Satoshi "Jimmy" Hirose and bassist Hironori "Ban" Yoshikawa in 1979, the classic line-up was finalized when Satoshi "Joe" Miyawaki joined on drums in 1982. The band made their major label debut the following year with the album "Danger". 44 Magnum disbanded in 1989. After thirteen years, 44 Magnum reunited in 2002 and released  their seventh album "Ignition". Bassist Ban left the band in 2009. That year, they released a self-titled album that features La'cryma Christi member Shuse on bass and Paul's son Stevie as a lead singer along with Paul on most of the tracks. In early 2012, frontman and sole original member Paul announced he would stop performing live with 44 Magnum to focus on treatment for Parkinson's disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2005. However, he continues to record and write songs with the band, and still makes live appearances. Bassist Ban returned to 44 Magnum for  the 30th anniversary of their debut in 2013. On February 3, 2022, 44 Magnum announced that Ban was no longer a part of the band. A little over a week later, Sexx George of the band Ladies Room was announced as support bassist.