M:PIRE OF EVIL Frontman Tony Dolan Pays Tribute To UNITED Bassist Akihiro Yokoyama - "Such A Generous Heart"
May 14, 2014, 10 years ago
On May 13th, Akihiro Yokoyama of Japanese thrash veterans United passed away unexpectedly. M:Pire Of Evil frontman Tony "Demolition Man" Dolan has posted the following message online:
"This is a sad, sad day. This man was full of talent and joy. Such a generous heart and made me so very welcome in Japan and his bar/home. My deepest condolences to his close friends and family and United. May he be travelling to a better gig somewhere far beyond the boundaries of this life. ALL HAIL YOKO!"
Japanese metal label Spiritual Beast issued the following statement regarding Yokoyama's passing
"We are deeply saddened to have to bring this terrible news to you all.Last night, May 13th, Akihiro Yokoyama, the leader and bass player from United passed away. He was 49 years old.
Since he joined United in 1983, he participated in nine full-length albums, two EPs and two singles, and many may remember him from the outstanding performance at Japan's biggest metal festival, Loud Park 11.
It happened totally out of the blue and it is very hard for his family, United and the staff to accept it, but we wanted to share the news with everyone who has strongly supported both himself and United over the years. The details of his funeral will be announced as soon as we receive the information."
United formed in 1981, taking their name from the song of the same name off of Judas Priest's classic British Steel album. Originally a Judas Priest and Black Sabbath cover band, they began to write their own material in 1983 when Yokoyama joined.
