Flatbacker Bio

FLATBACKER was the act that subsequently evolved into the internationally known glammed up, eighties Metal band EZO. Prior to FLATBACKER drummer Hirotsugo 'Hiro' Honma had operated with both KILLER and WIZARD. As FLATBACKER the band, lead vocalist Masaki Yamada, guitarist Showyo Iida, bass player Taro Takahashi and drummer Hirotsugu Honma, debuted in 1984 with the cassette 'Minagoroshi Fratvacker'. Signing to the Victor Invitation label, FLATBACKER cut the 1985 'Accident' album. Following sophomore outing the band duly evolved into EZO. In this incarnation the band released two albums in America with strong backing from KISS mentor GENE SIMMONS and backed by roadwork as support to GUNS N' ROSES.

Lead vocalist Masaki Yamada joined veteran Japanese Rockers LOUDNESS in 1992 and Honma followed him some two years later. The pair featured on three LOUDNESS albums before the classic line up of that band reformed. Honma features on the 2000 ANTHEM album 'Heavy Metal Anthem'. The drummer also graced a CYCLE SLUTS FROM HELL album. During 2002 Yamada and Honma reunited to found SNAKE BITES.