RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it … Read Full Bio ↴RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it has gone through many changes over the years.
The origins of the group's name remain obscure, but according to some it is a mispronunciation of an in-joke among the band members.
The group first started as a Tokyo-based folk trio in 1966 when leader Kiyoshiro Imawano was still in junior high school and playing in a Ventures copy band.
The group is hard to classify, but in early years their sound was mostly R&B fashioned music played acoustically. Imawano, however, has quite a distinctive high warbling voice that is not typical of soul singers, and which frankly some people find annoying.
More than a singer, he is known as a lyricist for his clever and timely lyrics.
RC Succession developed a reputation early on as a strong live band, but did not have a hit record until 1972, and then not again for a long time after that.
In the late 70s the group took on a more electric sound, as well as an odd glam influenced look, with Imawano in particular often appearing in loud clothing and heavy makeup.
The group became part of a hot late 70s scene which included Yellow Magic Orchestra, The Plastics, and Sandii & The Sunsetz, created when these groups began interacting with foreign bands and releasing internationally.
RC Succession did not catch on internationally as much as some of the others, but they did take part in a famous concert in 1982 called "The Day of R&B", which took place at a packed baseball stadium and included as headliners Chuck Berry and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave.
The event was filmed and released as a video. Another thing in 1982 that helped establish them as a major act was a collaboration with Ryucihi Sakamoto called "Ikenai Rouge Magic".
The single's jacket and promotional picture featured Imawano and Sakamoto kissing - quite a shocker at the time.
The song was also used in a popular TV commercial. Among the best-known RC Succession songs are "Ameagari No Yozora Ni" and "Toranjitsu Rajio".
RC Succession have often collaborated with other artists, and Imawano marks among the highlights of his career working with his heroes Booker T. & The MG's.
RC Succession are also unusual in that for a Japanese pop band they are fairly political and outspoken. They are one of the few Japanese bands that regularly play benefits, and Imawano has spoken out against war, nuclear power and in favor of Tibetan freedom.
In 1988 the group recorded an album of cover versions of famous songs re-worked with Japanese lyrics, called Covers.
Among them was a version of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" with anti-nuclear power lyrics. Their record label at the time, however, was Toshiba-EMI, and given that Toshiba had nuclear related business they refused to release the album, which eventually came out on Kitty Records.
Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls also appeared on this album on a re-make of "Eve of Destruction".
Imawano also stirred up controversy when he formed the side project Timers (slang for marijuana), and did a rock version of the national anthem "Kimigayo".
Imawano seems to have many interests and hobbies. He has written children's books and is widely known as a big bicycling enthusiast.
He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the movies Otakus in Love in 2004, and in Takashi Miike's film The Great Yokai War in 2005. He has been one of the most frequent performers in the history of the Fuji Rock Festival. Since the festival began in 1997 he has appeared in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, and is booked for 2006. He famously rides his bike to the festival's mountain setting.

Rock'n Roll Show Wa Mou Owari Da
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Rock'n Roll Showはもう終わりだ
Rockなんかにはもうアキアキだ
なんだかんだとめんどくさいんだ
ギターを鳴らして歌いたいのに Ah
Rock'n Roll Showはもう古い
RockのShowなど
どこにでもあるでしょう
あの娘は心を変えてしまった

おいらは歌を聞かせたいのに
Oh No No No Oh No No No
Oh No No No Oh No No No WHAT!

Rock'n Rollは子供のオモチャ
Rockなんかには
つき合っていらんねえ
ビジネスなんかめんどくさいだけ
ギターを鳴らして歌いたいだけ Ah
Rock'n Roll Showはもう
終わりだったら終わりだ
この街のRockはもうウンザリだ
なんだよいちいち
めんどくさいんだ
ギターを鳴らして歌いたいんだ
Oh No No No Oh No No No
Oh No No No Te No No No
Te No No Oh No No No
Oh No No No Oh No No No
Oh No No No
Oh No No No No No No
No No No No
ByeBye ByeBye ByeBye ByeBye

ByeBye ByeBye ByeBye ByeBye
ByeBye ByeBye さようなら

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of RCサクセション's song "Rock'n Roll Show Wa Mou Owari Da" convey a sense of frustration and disillusionment towards the rock 'n roll scene. The first stanza expresses a sentiment that the rock 'n roll show has come to an end, and the excitement and enthusiasm for rock music have faded away. The singer finds the whole rock scene tiresome and bothersome, longing to play the guitar and sing but feeling hindered in doing so.

In the second stanza, the lyrics depict rock 'n roll as a child's toy, implying that it no longer holds the same significance or appeal. The singer wants nothing to do with the pretentiousness of the music business and simply desires to play the guitar and sing without any complications. The rock 'n roll show is described as something that has already ended, and the singer is tired of the rock culture prevalent in their town, finding it bothersome and wanting to express themselves through music.

Throughout the song, the repetition of "Oh No No No" emphasizes the singer's frustration and disappointment with the state of rock 'n roll. The repetition also suggests a sense of desperation and their desire to break free from the constraints and conventions of the rock 'n roll scene. The lyrics conclude with "ByeBye ByeBye," signifying farewell and a sense of moving on from this disillusionment, perhaps suggesting that it's time to say goodbye to the rock 'n roll show and seek new avenues for self-expression.

Line by Line Meaning

Rock'n Roll Showはもう終わりだ
The Rock'n Roll Show is already over

Rockなんかにはもうアキアキだ
I am already tired of Rock and such

なんだかんだとめんどくさいんだ
It's just all kinds of troublesome

ギターを鳴らして歌いたいのに Ah
I just want to play the guitar and sing, but Ah

Rock'n Roll Showはもう古い
The Rock'n Roll Show is already old

RockのShowなどどこにでもあるでしょう
Shows like Rock can be found anywhere

あの娘は心を変えてしまった
That girl has changed her heart

おいらは歌を聞かせたいのに
I just want to let my songs be heard

Oh No No No Oh No No No
Oh No No No Oh No No No

Oh No No No Oh No No No WHAT!
Oh No No No Oh No No No WHAT!

Rock'n Rollは子供のオモチャ
Rock'n Roll is a toy for children