Yukihiro Takahashi, a renowned Japanese drummer, co-founder of YMO, and music producer, passed unexpectedly on January 11 at 5:59 a.m. Japan time. He was 70.
A release from his management stated that Takahashi was given the diagnosis with a brain tumor in the summer of 2020 and had regularly gone in and out of the hospital following surgery while going through rehabilitation.
In 1978, Takahashi founded YMO alongside Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono.
The pioneering musician had been recovering at home since November, but towards the end of the year, his condition had gotten worse and he had succumbed to aspiration pneumonia brought on by his brain ailment.
In 1952, Takahashi was born in Tokyo. In high school, he started working as a studio musician. In 1978, he founded Yellow Magic Orchestra with co-founders Ryuichi Sakamoto and Haruomi Hosono after playing in Sadistic Mika Band.
From Saravah! in 1978 until Life Anew in 2013, he made 23 unique albums as a solo artist. Along with his solo endeavors, he also performed with Keiichi Suzuki in The Beatniks, Hosono in Sketch Show, and Tomoyo Harada, Hiroshi Takano, and others in the pupa. He was well-recognized for designing clothing as well.
The legendary singer-songwriter was slated to play at a special performance honoring Takahashi’s 50th year in music, but he was unable to do so because of his sickness.
A number of bands, including Orbital, Sparks, Erol Alkan, Junior Boys, Mouse on Mars, and 808 State, have paid tribute to Takahashi online after his passing.
Later on, there will be a celebration honoring his life.
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