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. Joe left the band in 1988. 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 featuring new members Shuse, formerly of La'cryma Christi, on bass and Stevie, Paul's son, as a lead singer alongside Paul on most of the tracks. In early 2012, frontman and sole original member Paul announced he would stop performing live shows to focus on his 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 occasional 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.

Members

Current members Support members Former members

Timeline

Discography