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Band Timeline

1995-1997

Formation of So Band and Transition to Mayday

The band initially formed as So Band in 1995 by Ashin, Monster, and drummer Chien You-ta while attending The Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University. Masa and Stone later joined, completing the lineup. Despite attending different universities after graduation, they continued performing. Inspired heavily by The Beatles and rock’s potential for social impact, they renamed themselves Mayday in 1997 and participated in the Formoz Festival. The name 'Mayday' originated from Masa’s online nickname. Their early years were focused on shaping Taiwan’s rock music scene and building a cohesive band identity.
1999

Release of Debut Album and First Major Concert

Mayday released their first full-length studio album, Mayday's First Album, on July 7, 1999 under Rock Records, following a few demo recordings and participation in compilation albums. The debut received critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 300,000 copies. Shortly after, on August 28, 1999, they performed their first large-scale concert titled the 168th Concert at Taipei Municipal Stadium, marking their emergence as a significant force in Taiwanese rock. This period established Mayday’s presence in the music industry and gathered a growing fan base.
2000

Second Album 'Viva Love' and First Best Band Award

On July 7, 2000, Mayday released their second album, Viva Love, which sold even more copies than their debut, surpassing 350,000 sales. This album won the band the inaugural Best Band award at the 12th Golden Melody Awards, signaling their recognition as Taiwan’s leading rock group. Additionally, they held three concerts in Taipei City, Changhua County, and Kaohsiung City as part of the Stand Out tour, further solidifying their reputation. This year was pivotal in validating Mayday’s influence and success in the Mandarin rock music scene.
2001

Release of Third Album 'People Life Ocean Wild' and Extensive Touring

In 2001, Mayday expanded beyond studio albums by producing the soundtrack for the film Migratory Bird. On July 2, they released their third album, People Life Ocean Wild, which quickly sold over 350,000 copies. The band embarked on their first ticketed tour 'Where are you going' spanning major cities in Taiwan and Singapore from August to September, enhancing their international presence. Although some members prepared for military service and further studies, this year marked a peak in Mayday’s rising star and international reach.
2004

Continued Success and Golden Melody Award for Best Band

By 2004, Mayday had firmly established themselves with a series of successful albums and tours. They won the Golden Melody Award for Best Band again, securing their status as a dominant and enduring rock band in Taiwan. This period was characterized by musical maturity, consistent production, and increasing cultural influence among Chinese-speaking audiences across Asia, contributing significantly to the popularization of rock music in the region.
2009

Golden Melody Award and Sustained Popularity

Mayday received the Golden Melody Award for Best Band once more in 2009. Their music continued to resonate with fans, maintaining commercial success and critical acclaim. They remained culturally influential, inspiring a new generation of rock musicians and continuing to perform large-scale concerts and tours that sold out venues, reinforcing their reputation as icons in the Mandopop and rock music communities.
2012

Fourth Golden Melody Award for Best Band and Legacy Building

In 2012, Mayday earned their fourth Golden Melody Award for Best Band, highlighting their longevity and sustained artistic quality over 15 years. Their continued production of albums and performances contributed to their esteemed legacy, often referred to as the Beatles of the Chinese-speaking world. This year underscored their role not only as musicians but as cultural ambassadors of Taiwanese rock music, with a multi-decade career marked by innovation, resilience, and dedicated fan support.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

阿信

N/A

Lead vocals

石頭

N/A

Guitar

怪獸

N/A

Guitar

瑪莎

N/A

Bass guitar

冠佑

N/A

Drums (drum set)

Story of Mayday

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.

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