Taken from Blabbermouth


WeROCK City has informed BLABBERMOUTH.NET that drummer Munetaka Higuchi of veteran Japanese metallers LOUDNESS passed away today (Sunday, November 30) around 10:00 a.m. (Japan Standard Time) at a hospital in Osaka, Japan. He was 49 years old.

Higuchi was diagnosed with liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in April 2008. He had reportedly undergone two rounds of chemotherapy treatment and an operation to remove part of his liver.

In an October 18, 2008 statement released via the band's official web site, Munetaka wrote about his condition (translated from Japanese), "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. [Even after undergoing the] big operation to remove half of my liver, I still need more treatment. There are various risks and dangers involved with my condition, but I'll do my best to keep my spirits up and maintain my physical strength to fight this illness. I know it is still the middle of my treatment, but I just wanted inform you about my progress since the operation. Thank you very much for all the support."

RIP, metal brother.

Holy shit. What is it with these deaths this week? This is number 2.

I'll admit his drumming never really stood out to me, but I love Loudness.

RIP.

Was his liver cancer caused by his lifestyle?

Dude...this sucks...I will listen to Loudness today in memory. RIP!
OP, Thank you for letting us know

Dead queer is dead.

Good riddance. Horrible drummer.

Make yourself scarce, please.

You're a fuckin' piece of shit, you know that? The guy is fucking dead, have some respect you cunt. Who the fuck do you think you are? Fuck you. You think people want to know about your fucking ridiculous opinion? Honestly who the fuck do you think you are to come in here and say something like that.

I hope your family dies in a horrible fire just so I can say "good riddance", you fucking asshole.

Don't worry about him Dolf, this guy is a moron.

Yeah it sure as hell looks like it.

Even then your response was completely unjustified.

yep, it was excessive...he didn't kill your mother...just ignore him!

Haha...you're an idiot. take some more queer myspace photos, showing your pre-pubescent physique. When you start growing pubic hair, your opinion may have some significance...until then, bite the bullet, you corn-bred, would-be nazi fag.

Here are my 14 words...utilize them.

We must secure the eradication of National Socialists and their hippie, humanist beliefs.

Hopefully you drummers are staying healthy. We've lost a ton this year. Witchhunter, the guy from Slaughter (can), now Loudness has lost theirs.

RIP, it really sucks to see this happen.

very sad, rest in peace dude

Shithead Nazi is shithead.

Good riddance. Horrible person.

Japan was seen by Hitler as the Aryans of the East I am sure he would be more pure in Hitler's eyes than you.

Don't think so.

And I don't hate the guy because he's asian, but because HE SUCKS AT THE DRUMS.

Now no one has to hear his horrible beats and can listen to some good ol' Burzum.

You could say it in another way. However, you are young and sometimes I know you must turn your brain on before posting. It's normal.

If you hate someone because they suck at something you really have too much emotional energy to waste.

rexxz just told me he's been taken care of, so back on topic, my young Padawans.

Don't feed the banned troll, please.

Anyone want to recommend some albums to check out for people who are unfamiliar with their work?

I never understood the praise about this band, even after listening to some of it but nontheless, it's a shame for the guy to die. First Witchhunter, now this fellow.

I have their greatest hits (I know I know). Their music is quite broad...depending on the period you can hear influences from Van Halen, Maiden and even a bit of Pantera.

That's unfortunate.

I'd go with The Law Of Devil's Land, and Thunder In The East. Thunder is a little mainstream, but it's a great album, and the solo are absolutely wild.

What are you slavic, Russian? The Nazis would of had a special place in his labour camps for you

As Morrigan stated, the guy is banned already. We all know he's an idiot. Let's keep this on topic.

It's always a shame when a metal brother dies. I always see a used Loudness CD in the store but never get around to buying it. I should do that sometime soon...