Michiro Endo

Michiro Endo (遠藤 ミチロウ, Endō Michirō, born November 15, 1950) is a Japanese musician, author and socialist activist. Known as frontman of the influential punk band The Stalin.

Endo was born in Nihonmatsu and graduated from Yamagata University. After college he wandered through Vietnam and Southeast Asia. He formed The Stalin in 1980, they went on to be one of the dominant acts of the 80s Japanese punk rock scene.

Endo released his first solo material in 1984. In 2002 he formed the trio Notalin's. Two years later, he and Thee Michelle Gun Elephant drummer Kazuyuki Kuhara formed the acoustic trio M.J.Q, who's motto is "unplugged punk".

On December 1, 2010 two tribute albums were released. One entitled Romantist - The Stalin, Michiro Endo Tribute Album, which features bands such as Buck-Tick, Dir en grey, Group Tamashii and Jun Togawa covering The Stalin and Endo's solo songs. The other Red Demon, Blue Demon - Michiro Endo 60th Birthday Anniversary Tribute Album, features different artists and was first released at Endo's concert on November 14 to coincide with his 60th birthday.

Endo is still active on the live scene, as a solo performer, playing in M.J.Q, or with the occasional The Stalin concert.

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