Made In Japan formed in London around 1980 with Kevin Rowland on vocals, Keith Rowe on guitar, Mark Reynolds on bass, and Steve Hansford on drums. Their first album, 'The Closer You Get,' came out in 1981. They put out a few more records like 'Heaven Below' and 'The Garden' in the early eighties.
In 1986 they released 'What It Is,' which became one of their best-known songs. The track got some attention for its lyrics and video, enough that the BBC wouldn't play it. Around that time, Rowland was dealing with heroin addiction, and it caused problems within the band. He left in 1987 after a particularly rough show.
They had other songs like 'Oxford Decor,' 'Pairs,' and 'Time Flies' that kept them on the radio for a while. The group kept going without Rowland, but that original lineup was done.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
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