page_title: Mucc
section_title: Early years and releases (1997–2005)
hierarchical_section_title: Mucc / History / Early years and releases (1997–2005)
context_page_description: Mucc is a Japanese visual kei rock band, formed in Ibaraki in 1997. Named after a character from the children's TV show Hirake! Ponkikki, the band is also known by the nickname "69" since the numbers six and nine can be pronounced "mu" and "ku", respectively, in Japanese. As of 2019, the band has released 14 studio albums, two live albums, three EPs, 41 singles and 21 home videos, some of which were also released in Europe.
context_section_description: Formed in May 1997 by Miya, Tatsurou (then called "Tattoo"), Satochi and Hiro, they originally played The Blue Hearts and Glay covers. In December 1997, the band handed out their first demo tape, No!?. On March 3, 1998, they handed out copies of their second demo tape, Aika, and on December 1, they gave out a limited 100 copies of their third demo tape, Tsubasa wo Kudasai. In 1999, Hiro left and was replaced by Miya's childhood friend Yukke on February 22. In July 1999, Mucc had their first tour, handing out demo tapes of Aka at every venue. In December, Mucc made their first official release, the EP Antique. On June 8, 2000, Tattoo changed his stage name to his current name of Tatsurou. They released their first album, Tsūzetsu, on January 7, 2001. In 2002, they signed to Danger Crue, establishing their own sublabel Shu, and released their second album, Hōmura Uta. In 2003, Mucc signed to Universal and released their major label debut album, Zekū, on September 3. It was followed by the release of their first live DVD, Nihon Rettou Konton Heisei Kokoro no Naka, on December 10.
caption: MUCC written with Japanese characters.