Japanese Heavy Metal Band Loudness Celebrates 45 Years with World Tour

The '80s glam rock group will perform in Japan, the US, Europe, and at special festivals as part of their anniversary celebration.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Japanese heavy metal band Loudness is embarking on a multi-chapter world tour to celebrate 45 years as a band. The tour will include shows in Japan, the United States, Europe, and special festival appearances. Fans can watch a free livestream of the band's performance in Tokyo before the US tour leg begins in March.

Why it matters

Loudness is one of the first Japanese metal acts to gain international success, becoming the first Japanese metal band to sign with a major US record label. Their 45-year anniversary tour highlights the longevity and global impact of the Japanese heavy metal scene.

The details

Loudness, formed in Osaka in 1981 by guitarist Akira Takasaki and drummer Munetaka Higuchi, is dividing their 45th anniversary tour into four chapters. Chapter 1 'The Birthday Eve' took place in Japan in December 2025, while Chapter 2 will see the band perform in the US starting in March 2026, including shows in Houston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, and on the Monsters of Rock Cruise. Chapter 3 'Loud Crazy Loud' will bring them back to Japan in May, and Chapter 4 is scheduled for Europe in July.

  • Loudness formed in Osaka in 1981.
  • The band's 45th anniversary tour began in December 2025 with Chapter 1 'The Birthday Eve' in Japan.
  • Chapter 2 of the tour will take place in the US from March 19-21, 2026 at the Heroes 2026 festival in Houston.
  • Chapter 3 'Loud Crazy Loud' is scheduled for May 6-29, 2026 with shows across Japan.
  • Chapter 4 in Europe is planned for July 2026.

The players

Loudness

A Japanese heavy metal band formed in Osaka in 1981, known for being one of the first Japanese metal acts to gain international success.

Akira Takasaki

The guitarist and co-founder of Loudness.

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What’s next

Loudness will perform at the Heroes 2026 festival in Houston, Texas on March 19-21, 2026, kicking off the US leg of their 45th anniversary tour.

The takeaway

Loudness' 45-year anniversary tour demonstrates the enduring popularity and global influence of Japanese heavy metal music, as one of the first Japanese metal acts to achieve international success.