Originally formed in in Salisbury, Wilshire, England in 1979 as White Diamond, Tokyo Blade is best remembered as part of the British New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement. After performing under several other names – including Killer and Genghis Khan – the band settled on the name Tokyo Blade in 1983. Founded by Alan Marsh (vocals), Andy Boulton (guitar), Ray Dismore (guitar), Andy Robbins (bass), and Steve Pierce (drums), the group released their self-titled album in 1983. A version of the album was released in the US as Midnight Rendezvous, although the track list was altered for American audiences. Tokyo Blade toured with many big names in heavy metal including Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Venom, Dio, Metallica and others. However, changes in the group’s lineup changed by the time of their second album, Night of the Blade (1984), when Alan Marsh was replaced by vocalist Vick Wright. Tokyo Blade’s next album, Black Hearts & Jaded Spades (1985), was a more commercial release and slightly moved away from their earlier raw metal sound. After two more albums – Ain’t Misbehavin’ (1987) and No Remorse (1989) – the group split in 1991. However, different unofficial versions of the band released the albums Burning Down Paradise (1995), Pumphouse (1998), and Mr. Ice (1998), some of which were recorded by band members’ side-projects but released under the Tokyo Blade name. Andy Boulton joined forces with early band members John Wiggins (guitar), Steve Pierce (drums), Andy Wrighton (bass), and Alan Marsh (vocals) and reformed Tokyo Blade for the albums Unbroken (2018), Dark Revolution (2020), Fury (2022), and Time is the Fire (2025). Former drummer Ace Finchum died on October 4th, 2025 at the age of 62.
