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KNOCK OUT MONKEY is a four-member Japanese rock band formed in 2001 in Kobe, Hyogo. Originally starting with vocalist and guitarist w-shun as a guitarist, he later took over vocals following a lineup change. After several member transitions, the current lineup—w-shun (vocals/guitar), dEnkA (guitar), A-ta (bass), and Naomichi (drums)—was solidified in 2009. The band gained attention in 2011 as an opening act for Dragon Ash and at PUNKSPRING 2012. They released their indie single "HOPE" and the mini-album 0→Future in 2012. KNOCK OUT MONKEY made their major label debut under Being Inc. with the October 2013 release of "Paint it Out!!!!". Their first full-length major album INPUT ∝ OUTPUT followed in 2014, along with a national one-man tour. Known for their energetic fusion of rock, reggae, and hip-hop influences, they built a strong live following. In 2023, the band announced an indefinite hiatus due to w-shun's health issues, performing their final pre-hiatus show in September at KAKOGAWA MUSIC FES. They resumed activities on May 19, 2024, at COMING KOBE 2024, and held their comeback one-man show WE BACK in Kobe on August 31, 2024.
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