Did you know that Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister this week, was once a heavy metal drummer?
Politics and music aren’t miles apart, with musicians frequently using their craft to engage with prescient issues, raise awareness for causes close to their hearts, or protest injustices in the world.
Then there are leaders who used to be musicians...
For instance, US President Harry S. Truman (1945-53) briefly considered being a professional pianist, while UK PM Edward Heath (1970-74) sang in the Oxford Bach Choir, played the piano and even conducted the London Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall in 1971.
Did you know that West German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt (1974-82) was also a pianist? There’s even a recording of him performing Mozart’s Concerto for Three Pianos at Abbey Road studios... if that's your sort of thing.
There are also countless clips of Bill Clinton playing the saxophone. He even appeared on TV in 1992 for a wee gig, mere months before he was elected as the 42nd president of the United States.
As for the 1970s rock band Ugly Rumours, they were fronted by a then-heartthrob singer and guitarist by the name of Tony Blair. They reportedly played for six gigs before deeming themselves to dreadful to go on.
Oh, the things that could have been... And been avoided.
Another politician can be added to that by-no-means-extensive list: Sanae Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female Prime Minister yesterday.
The 64-year-old leader has conservative views and is expected to move Japan further to the right. She is an admirer of Margaret Thatcher – who was herself the first female PM of the UK - and Takaichi is sometimes also referred to as the ‘Iron Lady’.
But maybe ‘Heavy Metal Lady’ would be more appropriate...
Indeed, before entering politics, she played in a heavy metal band and was apparently a very accomplished drummer during her college years. And if reports are to be believed, she still plays an electronic drum kit to this day when she needs to counter stress. She recently stated that she plays after her husband goes to sleep.
Takaichi is apparently a huge fan of British hard rock and heavy metal bands, having cited Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden and Deep Purple as favourites.
While there is no footage of Takaichi on the drums – for obvious reasons – earlier this month, there was a video that showcased her musical talents which made it online. It shows Takaichi singing Japanese rock band X Japan’s hit ‘Rusty Nail’ on a 2016 karaoke show.
Check it out below:
Sanae Takaichi won the Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership election on 4 October, and Emperor Naruhito has officially appointed her to the role of PM at the Imperial Palace.
