Mayday(五月天)

Mayday: The Rock Legends of the Chinese-Speaking World

Mayday, also known as 五月天 (Wǔ Yuè Tiān) in Mandarin, is a Taiwanese rock band that has stormed the music scene since their formation in 1997. The quintet, comprised of Monster (lead guitar and leader), Ashin (vocals), Stone (rhythm guitar), Masa (bass) and Ming (drums), ignited their musical journey with their debut album in 1999.

Initially known as So Band, their name evolved in 1997, stemming from Masa's online alias. Their impact has been so profound that they've earned the moniker "the Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world." Their accomplishments are a testament to their immense talent and influence, with a multitude of awards including the prestigious Golden Melody Award for Best Band, bestowed by the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture, an impressive four times - in 2001, 2004, 2009, and 2012.

The Birth of Mayday: A Rock & Roll Journey

Mayday's roots lie in So Band, a band formed by Ashin, Monster, and their first drummer, Chien You-ta, in 1995 while attending The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University. Their ranks expanded with the arrival of Masa and Stone, fellow students at the same school. Even after graduation and venturing into separate universities, their passion for music remained undiminished, leading them to perform in pubs and eateries, actively contributing to the burgeoning rock music scene in Taiwan. In 1997, they registered for the Formoz Festival under the name Mayday, marking a significant turning point in their journey.

Inspired by The Beatles, Mayday embraced the transformative power of rock music, weaving into their songs messages of love and peace, aiming to inspire change and uplift hearts across the world.