Special Fringe Performance “Salsagumtape”

This no-frills rock ‘n roll band has been active for the last 23 years, trucking along because its member just want to make cool rock music. Founded in 1994 by Tetsu Kashiwa, the fifth generation male singer on NHK, the other members of the band were comprised of disabled people who were part of Kanagawa City’s welfare center. The band took its name from the hand-made taiko instruments they made for their rhythm jam sessions by taping duct tape (gum tape) over plastic buckets. Five years after the group was founded, they appeared on NHK’s “MINNA NO UTA” (Songs for Everyone), and released their debut single “MAHIRU NO HOSHI” (Star at Midday.) The group performed with rock legend Kiyoshiro Imawano for which they were acclaimed as “the prototype of rock ‘n roll.” Former Blue Hearts drummer Tetsuya Kajiwara was drawn to the group and became a regular member playing drums for the band.
Since then, the group has built its foundation as a professional band, playing concerts nationals and internationally, making TV appearances, and releasing albums. In 2011, the group made is home base in the not-for-profit organization High Tension (in Atsugi), and the activities of the band became a welfare business and employed the members of the band. In November 2016, they made achieved their dream of playing on the Budoh-kan stage for Ai presents “Everyone is the Star Night.”
Rock is the ultimate barrier-free medium that breaks down all walls and accepts everything. The explosive energy of SALSAGUMTAPE’s live performances envelopes the audience with a massive love.
SALSAGUMTAPE
High Tension (non-profit organization)