Tokyo-based rock ’n’ roll outfit THE BAWDIES have announced the formation of their own independent label, HOT DOG RECORDS. Effective March 25th, the group will now operate under the new banner, with founding member ROY (Vo, B) taking on the role of President and Representative Director.
The move follows the band’s decision to end their management contract with SEEZ RECORDS, their label of nearly two decades. In a joint statement, the members cited a desire to pursue music “more proactively while valuing our own beliefs”, positioning HOT DOG RECORDS as a step toward greater creative control and long-term vision.
Formed on January 1st, 2004, THE BAWDIES—comprised of ROY, TAXMAN (G, Vo), JIM (G), and MARCY (Dr)—signed with SEEZ in the mid-2000s. Their 2009 major debut kicked off a career that included three headline performances at Nippon Budokan and a reputation as one of Japan’s most enduring live acts.
ARCHIEVE: THE BAWDIES live in London: Japan’s R&B stalwarts face off with Bo Ningen’s acid rock chaos
Reflecting on their time with SEEZ, the band expressed gratitude, particularly toward President Chikara Yoshida. ROY credited the label with shaping their identity as a rock ’n’ roll band, while TAXMAN pointed to their first Budokan show as a defining moment. JIM and MARCY emphasised the shared experiences that shaped their path.
In his statement, ROY spoke about the decision to move forward independently:
“From our indie days and over the past 19 years, SEEZ RECORDS has not only shared and supported our music, but also taught us how to live as a rock ’n’ roll band. With heartfelt gratitude and respect for SEEZ RECORDS, we will continue delivering the kind of rock ’n’ roll and smiles that only THE BAWDIES can create!
And this decision marks a challenge we take on as a band—with all members, who have walked through life together since childhood, uniting more than ever to share everything in the journey ahead, as we strive to become the best and strongest rock ’n’ roll band we can be! We hope to keep rolling forward with all of you on this new journey, with smiles all around. Please look forward to it! Because THE BAWDIES will never fade away!
Keep on rockin’!!”
HOT DOG RECORDS launches on the heels of a milestone year, as THE BAWDIES celebrated the 15th anniversary of their major debut and 20 years as a band. Their latest album, ‘POPCORN’, dropped in April 2024, followed by the collaborative LAUGH ‘n’ ROLL TOUR with comedy duo JaruJaru.
Up next, they’ll hit the road for the SUNNY SIDE UP TOUR 2025, a live house run across Japan scheduled from April through May.
THE BAWDIES SUNNY SIDE UP TOUR 2025
| Date | Country | City | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th Apr (Sat) | Japan | Osaka | Umeda CLUB QUATTRO |
| 13th Apr (Sun) | Japan | Osaka | Umeda CLUB QUATTRO (w/ EINSTEIN) |
| 19th Apr (Sat) | Japan | Aichi | Nagoya CLUB QUATTRO |
| 26th Apr (Sat) | Japan | Tokyo | Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO |
| 27th Apr (Sun) | Japan | Tokyo | Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO (w/ JaruJaru) |
| 17th May (Sat) | Japan | Fukuoka | Kokura FUSE |
| 18th May (Sun) | Japan | Okayama | YEBISU YA PRO |
| 23rd May (Fri) | Japan | Hokkaido | Sapporo PENNY LANE24 |
| 25th May (Sun) | Japan | Miyagi | Sendai MACANA |
| 29th May (Thu) | Japan | Kagawa | Takamatsu MONSTER |
| 31st May (Sat) | Japan | Toyama | SOUL POWER |
Visit THE BAWDIES’ official website for ticket information.
