Munetaka Higuchi, co-founding member and longtime drummer of Japanese music veteran Loudness, has passed away. He died at a hospital in Osaka, Japan earlier today (Sunday, November 30). Munetaka was 49 years old.\"It has been half a year since I was diagnosed with liver cancer. I am really sorry that the fans are worried. The cancer has become worse despite the fact that I have been taking care of my health, and I will need more time for my treatment. (...) I\'ll do my best to keep my spirits up and maintain my physical strength to fight this illness. (...) Thank you very much for all the support.\"
Munetaka Higuchi, who started playing drums at age three, has always been consired as very talented. During high school he played in as many bands as possible, having eight bands at the same time at one moment.
When Munetaka met guitarist Akira Takasaki in school they formed the band Lazy, followed by the band Loudness in 1981. Watch Munetaka play a drum solo during a special 25th anniversary of Loudness live concert at International Forum in Japan on November 25, 2006:
Munetaka Higuchi was endorsed by Pearl drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo drumheads and Vic Firth drumsticks.
After Munetaka was diagnosed with cancer Loudness utilized session drummer Kozo Suganuma for their recent live shows.
The group\'s latest release is a four-disc dvd set entitled The Legend Of Loudness - Complete Live Best\'. It features footage spanning the band\'s entire career — from the early 1980s through 2008.
