Shinya Yamada (山田 真矢, Yamada Shin'ya, born January 13, 1970), better known exclusively by his stage name Shinya (真矢), is a Japanese musician, media personality and entrepreneur. He is best known as the drummer of the rock band Luna Sea since 1989.
Career
While attending high school, Shinya and his friend Sugizo were members of the power metal band[1] Pinoccio. They were then briefly both in Kashmir. When Shinya was asked to join Lunacy on January 16, 1989, he insisted that Sugizo also join.[2][3] In 1991, the band changed their name to Luna Sea and released their first album. They went on to become very successful, having sold more than 10 million certified units in Japan, and are considered one of the most influential bands in the visual kei movement.
Shinya played drums for the track "Back Line Best" on his fellow Luna Sea bandmate J's 1997 debut solo album, Pyromania.[4] Also in 1997, Shinya started a solo career where he was vocalist and drummer, his first release was the single "Rakkasuru Taiyou" released on September 26. The single "Hyôryûsha" followed on November 21, however, since the release of his first album No Sticks in December 1997,[4] there hasn't been any material released by his solo career. After Luna Sea disbanded in 2000, Shinya worked as support drummer for musicians such as Miyavi, Nanase Aikawa, Maki Ohguro, Kyosuke Himuro, and numerous others.[5][6][7] He also occasionally teaches drums to students at the Osaka School of Music.[7]
Around 2005, he started the band Potbelly, with a younger singer named Milky. Although, they only released the single "Crash, Crash, Crash" on August 22, 2005.[4] In 2006 he collaborated with Fake? (fellow Luna Sea member Inoran's band) for songs on their album Songs From Beelzebub. Also in 2006, he became a support drummer for Dead End front-man Morrie's project, Creature Creature, and teamed up with La'cryma Christi drummer Levin for several exhibitions in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Pearl Drums.[8]
On December 24, 2007, Shinya reunited with Luna Sea to play a one-night only concert at the sold-out 55,000 seat Tokyo Dome.[9][10] The band would reunite once again at the hide memorial summit on May 4, 2008.[11] From 2008 to 2009, Shinya was support drummer for X Japan vocalist Toshi's project, Toshi with T-Earth.[12] On August 31, 2010, he appeared with the other members of Luna Sea at a press conference in Hong Kong, where they officially announced their reunion and their 20th Anniversary World Tour Reboot -to the New Moon-.[13]
Shinya participated in the HIV/AIDS benefit concert Hope and Live ~ HIV/AIDS Support and Treatment Benefit Concert 2013, which was held on August 26–28 at Club Citta and included many other artists such as Zigzo and his Luna Sea bandmate Ryuichi.[17] He also contributed to the Dead End tribute album Dead End Tribute - Song of Lunatics -.[18]
Having had to postpone most of their 2020 30th anniversary tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, Luna Sea were set to perform at Saitama Super Arena on December 26 and 27, 2020. However, both were also postponed after Shinya tested positive for COVID-19 on the morning of December 26.[19]
Personal life
Shinya grew up in a family with two older brothers, an older sister, and a younger step-brother from his father's second marriage.[20] As a child he was trained in the traditional Japanese taiko drums, although cited Led Zeppelin's John Bonham as his favorite drummer.[1][7] While known as a rockstar, he prefers to listen to Japanese pop music and enka, such as Ikuzo Yoshi and Saburō Kitajima.[1][7]
Shinya married former Morning Musume member Aya Ishiguro in May 2000. The couple have three children: daughters Rimu (玲夢) (born 2000) and Sona (宙奈) (born 2002), and son Youta (耀太) (born 2004).[20][21]
