Tang Dynasty was formed in 1988. It is China’s first heavy metal rock band, named after the Tang Dynasty, one of the most prosperous dynasties in history. In 1992, they released their album "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty", which caused a sensation in Taiwan and mainland China. This album established Tang Dynasty's important position in the Chinese rock music scene. The band is considered one of the most representative rock bands in the Chinese music scene. They won the Best Rock Band Award at the 7th Golden Record Awards in 2013 and the Hall of Fame Band Award in 2014.

Some of their well-known songs include "Dream Back to Tang Dynasty," "Sun," "Flying Bird," "Moon Dream," "Romance," "Black Humor," "Your Illusion," "Farewell," "Road," "Howling Train," "Feng Chan Ceremony," "Song of the Great Wind," "Thorn," "Tears of the Elk," "Elephant Doesn't Complain," "Rattlesnake," and many more.

The band has gone through several changes in members, disbandment, and reorganization.

== Members ==

=== Current Members === Ding Wu (1988 - present) - Lead vocalist, founding member. Liu Jingwei (2019 - present) - Guitarist Fu Dalong (2019 - present) - Guitarist Gu Zhong (1995 - present) - Bassist Zhao Nian (1989 - present) - Drummer

=== Former Members === Kaiser Kuo (1988 - 1989, 1996 - 1999) - Guitarist, founding member. Andrew Szabo (1988 - 1989) - Drummer, founding member. Zhang Ju (1988 - 1995) - Bassist, founding member. Liu Yijun (1989 - 1995, 2001 - 2009) - Guitarist Yu Yang (1999) - Guitarist Chen Lei (2000 - 2019) - Guitarist

==== Support Members ==== Qin Qi (1990) - Lead vocalist, sang the song "Dream of the End of the Century" on the album "Tang Dynasty."

=== Member Timeline === ※ This timeline is accurate to the year. ※ Andrew Szabo's position is unclear.

== Development History ==

=== 1980s === 1988: Tang Dynasty was formed by Ding Wu (lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist), Zhang Ju (bassist), and two American Chinese, Kaiser Kuo (guitarist) and his classmate Andrew Szabo (drummer).

831 is a Taiwanese band formed on August 31, 2003 (which also serves as the origin of their band name). The current members include Xiaoju (band leader and keyboardist), Apu (lead vocalist and guitarist), Batian (bassist), Liu Bi (guitarist), and Adian (drummer). In December 2013, the original drummer, Ziyu, announced his departure from the band, and Adian officially joined as the new drummer. On September 1, 2018, 831 performed at Taipei Arena for the first time. On March 23, 2019, they made their debut at Kaohsiung Arena.

== Band History == In the summer of 2003, five high school friends graduated from Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School and formed "831" on the last day of summer vacation, August 31st. They began participating in events like Spring Scream and Wild Stage Open. In 2007, 831 entered the finals of the Ocean Grand Prize competition at the Sea Music Festival. After years of honing their skills through performances, they were approached by the popular Channel V show "CIRCUS ACTION" in 2008 to compose the theme song for their third season, "Let's Go to Hawaii." The song's lively and passionate sound quickly made 831 a trending topic online. "Let's Go to Hawaii" was also chosen as the annual advertising song for the renowned theme park "小人國." The following year, 831 was nominated for the "Best Band" award at the "FRESH MUSIC AWARDS 09" in Singapore, voted by DJ critics.

In 2007, 831 officially transitioned from an underground band to a mainstream one, releasing their first album, "The Confused Generation." The following year, they released "Saving the World." Later, they caught the attention of Mayday's Ashin, who wrote a recommendation for them: "If you truly want to feel that impact on your heart, you can give 831 a try."

Fire EX. is a Taiwanese Hokkien punk band from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, formed in 2000. During the Sunflower Student Movement in Taiwan in 2014, National Taipei University of Arts professors Wu Da-kun and Chen Jing-yuan, along with students, planned and invited Fire EX. to create the song "Island Light". This work, "Island Light", subsequently received widespread attention in Taiwan's mainstream music scene and won the Best Song of the Year award at the 26th Golden Melody Awards.

In 2015, they established Fire Music. In 2017, they created their own music festival, Fireball Festival. In 2020, they won the Best Band Award at the 31st Golden Melody Awards.

== Members == Lead Vocals/Guitar: Yang Da-zheng, vox/gt_Sam Guitar/Backing Vocals: Zheng Yu-chen, b.v/gt_Orio Bass/Backing Vocals: Chen Jing-yuan, b.v/bass_Jc Drums: Ke Zhi-xun (Ke Guang), dr_Kg

== Band History == In 2015, Fire Music was established. The team, drawing on 18 years of experience running Fire EX., sought to challenge themselves with more innovative endeavors through different team collaborations. They also hoped that "Fire Music" could become a label that would have a positive impact on the market environment.

In 2015, they participated in the production of the theme song for the YAMAHA BW'S micro-film, releasing the song "Forward." They also formed a new band, MONOEYES, with Takeshi Hosomi of the Japanese punk band ELLEGARDEN and collaborated with the Korean band Thornapple to hold a cross-border tour. Currently, promotional activities are underway in all three countries, with plans to hold grand events in Seoul, South Korea, Taipei, Taiwan, and Tokyo, Japan on September 12, 13, and 17, respectively.

In 2016, they were nominated by Net Temperature as the top 10 independent bands in Taiwan, coming in first place. Second place went to Grasshopper's No Party and third place to Light Morning Electric.

EggPlantEgg (English: EggPlantEgg) is a Taiwanese indie rock band formed in Taipei in 2012. The band consists of vocalist and keyboardist Ah-Bin, guitarist Ah-De, and guitarist Ah-Ren. Their musical style encompasses classic rock, blues, and fusion, interwoven with street karaoke and popular music styles. In 2017, they released their first album, "Cartoon Characters". In 2018, they won the Best Hokkien Album Award and Best New Artist Award at the 29th Golden Melody Awards. In 2019, they were nominated for the Song of the Year Award at the 30th Golden Melody Awards with "Drifting". In May 2020, the music video for their single "浪子回頭" (The Prodigal Son Returns) reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In December 2021, the music video for their single "Drifting" reached 100 million views on their official YouTube channel. In 2022, they won the Song of the Year Award at the 33rd Golden Melody Awards with the film theme song "Love Is Greater Than You Think". In September of the same year, they announced a hiatus due to the lead singer's vocal damage.

Like other indie bands in Taiwan that are actively expanding their musical landscape, EggPlantEgg also chose not to join a major record label and instead formed their own company, "EggPlantEgg Co., Ltd.", to handle all of the band's affairs. The company currently employs band members and a manager, and other businesses such as media relations, design, and technical engineering are handled through collaborations.

== Band Name == The band name "EggPlantEgg" comes from the fact that the band members all happen to love eggplants, and eggplants are something that people either love or hate, similar to their music which doesn't satisfy everyone. Lead vocalist Huang Qi-Bin said: "I like to eat eggplant, but you know, eggplant is something that people either love or hate, and that's the same with our music, some people like it, some people hate it, that's normal! So we chose a plant that's a little less mainstream, because eggplant is 'eggplant' in English, so I thought I'd add an 'egg' to make it 'EggPlantEgg', so it's visually symmetrical and has a distinct 'masculine symbol', representing the interesting, masculine image that EggPlantEgg gives to the audience through their music."

== Members == Formed in 2012, the original five members of EggPlantEgg were all graduates of Songshan High School. After member changes, only Huang Qi-Bin remains in the band.

Dong Cheng Wei is a Taiwanese rock band consisting of Jie (lead vocalist), Xiu (leader and guitarist), Deng (bassist), and Ming (drummer). Under the K'o Mi Group and Warner Music, Dong Cheng Wei has released two physical albums, two revised physical albums, one physical television soundtrack, and one digital album. They have also participated in many well-known drama theme songs, theme songs, and drama soundtrack creations. In May 2014, they officially disbanded. In September 2014, guitarist Xiu and lead vocalist Jie formed a new rock band called Red Generation in the same month.

== History == Comprehensive In 1998, leader and guitarist Xiu and bassist Deng, as high school freshmen, formed the first generation of "Eclipse." In 1999, "Eclipse" performed their maiden show in front of 3000 people at the high school’s second-year anniversary celebration. In 2000, after high school classes were reassigned, Wang Dong Cheng and Xiu, Deng were in the same class. Dong also took the initiative to talk to Xiu and Deng about some band concepts. In 2006, Dong Cheng Wei's rhythm guitarist, Qiu, quit due to differences in opinions. Band leader Xiu invited his brother Jie to be the rhythm guitarist. On June 1, 2010, Dong Cheng Wei officially joined Warner Music.

Drama In late November 2005, the band assisted with a cameo role in "The Ultimate Class" and adapted the theme song. On August 8, 2007, the band performed in "The Ultimate Family."

Cosmos People (English: Cosmos People) is a Taiwanese band consisting of three members: Xiaoyu (lead vocalist and keyboardist), A Kui (guitarist), and Fang Q (bassist). They formed in September 2004 at the Player Rehearsal Studio in ShiDa, Taipei. All members are graduates of Jian Guo High School. The following year, they participated in the Kenting Spring Scream Music Festival, which marked the beginning of their frequent performances. They are known for their unique funk dance music that creates a lively atmosphere.

== Introduction ==

=== Band Name Origin === During the summer of 2004, coinciding with the Athens Olympics, Cosmos People's lead vocalist Xiaoyu and a close friend, Li Yu Xin, who loved street dance, traveled to Japan to attend a street dance competition. On the television in their hotel room, they watched the final of the men's hurdles event at the Olympics. One athlete captivated their attention: Félix Sánchez from the Dominican Republic. Before the race, Sánchez lit up his dazzling LED bracelet and danced his self-created moves, completely immersed in his own "cosmos." He ultimately won the gold medal in the event. This awe-inspiring performance inspired a remarkable description from Xiaoyu and his friend: "This guy is so cosmic!" They then started imitating the athlete's unusual dance moves.

A few months later, Xiaoyu and his high school friend, guitarist A Kui, formed a band focused on dance music and began composing songs. They started participating in various performances. When they needed a band name to register for a performance, they said, "Let's just call ourselves Cosmos People." And so, Cosmos People was born.

== Members ==

=== Former Members === Drummer: Lee Dong You (born September 5, 1985), currently the drummer of 88 Ke Ba Le Zi (88 Guavas) Bassist: Fan Zhong Yu Bassist: Chen Wei Da (A Da) (born December 13, 1985) Drummer: Lin Yu An Drummer: Wei Hong Bo (Wei Pang) (born August 4, 1987)

== History ==

=== 2004–2009: Formation and Debut === Cosmos People was formed during the summer of 2004 by Xiaoyu, the keyboardist, and A Kui, the guitarist, both graduates of Jian Guo High School. They became acquainted in high school and shared a common passion for street dance, which sparked their interest in dance music. They started exploring black funk music. After graduating high school, they formed a band to compose music. Initially, they used Xiaoyu's beatboxing vocals and A Kui's funk guitar to create music. Later, they incorporated instruments like keyboards, drums, and bass. Their current bassist, Fang Q, is a senior from A Kui's high school popular music club.

The Libertines: A Tale of Britpop Rebellion, Addiction, and Resurgence

The Libertines, hailing from the gritty streets of London, burst onto the scene in 1997, driven by the raw energy of frontmen Carl Barat and Pete Doherty. Their music, fueled by a raw, punk-infused energy, quickly made them a focal point of the garage rock revival sweeping the UK.

Barat and Doherty's songwriting partnership was the band's heart, with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell providing the rhythmic backbone for most of their recording career. Their sound, a blend of buzzsaw guitars, anthemic melodies, and introspective lyrics, resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity in their music.

While their early success was overshadowed by Doherty's well-documented struggles with drug addiction, and the volatile relationship between the two songwriters, the Libertines' profile steadily rose. Their second album, self-titled and released in 2004, cemented their place as a major force in British music. It was a critical darling, hitting the top spot on the UK album charts and even being voted the year's second-best album by NME magazine.

The band's sonic blueprint, produced by Mick Jones, the legendary co-founder of The Clash, solidified their punk-rock pedigree. Despite their commercial and critical triumphs, internal conflicts stemming from Doherty's addiction ultimately led to the band's demise in 2004.

Doherty later claimed that the band's breakup stemmed from personal differences with Barat, not his drug use.

The Libertines, a band marked by both artistic brilliance and self-destructive tendencies, remain a symbol of the raw passion and complex realities of rock'n'roll. Despite their turbulent history, their music continues to resonate with fans, reminding us of the enduring power of a band that, at its core, embodied the spirit of rebellion and unflinching honesty.

Guided by Voices: A Rock Band Unlike Any Other

Guided by Voices, hailing from the unassuming city of Dayton, Ohio, has been a force in indie rock since their formation in 1983. The band's history is one of constant reinvention, driven by the creative spirit of their visionary leader, Robert Pollard. While the lineup has seen a revolving door of musicians over the years, Pollard's songwriting has remained the core, acting as the beating heart of GBV's unique sound.

The band's most iconic iteration featured Pollard on vocals, his brother Jim on guitar and bass, the guitar wizardry of Mitch Mitchell, Tobin Sprout's distinct vocals and rhythm guitar, Kevin Fennell's powerhouse drumming, and bassist Greg Demos. This lineup cemented their reputation for raw, unpolished energy, characterized by their lo-fi aesthetic and DIY approach. Using four-track cassette recorders, they crafted a signature sound heavily influenced by early post-British Invasion garage rock, psychedelic rock, progressive rock, punk, and post-punk.

Guided by Voices is known for their prolific output, having released over 40 full-length albums alongside a plethora of EPs, singles, and other releases. Their music is a whirlwind of sonic experimentation, marked by short, often abruptly-ending songs. They sprinkle their tracks with homemade sound effects, adding a layer of surrealism to their already unconventional approach.

The band initially disbanded in 2004, only to be revived in 2010 with the reunion of their classic lineup. They celebrated Matador Records' 21st anniversary with a performance, followed by a tour and the release of six new albums. Despite another break-up in 2014, Pollard's passion for music reignited, bringing the band back with a new lineup and a fresh album in 2016.

A Legacy of Creative Chaos

Guided by Voices has cultivated a dedicated fanbase who appreciate their unbridled creativity and willingness to break the mold. They are a testament to the power of independent music, proving that sometimes the most compelling stories are born from the most unexpected places.

From Dayton's Bars to the Indie Rock Hall of Fame

Their journey from Dayton's bars to becoming indie rock legends is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their craft. Guided by Voices' legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians and listeners, reminding them that the spirit of rock and roll thrives on innovation and a DIY attitude.

The Unpredictable and Unforgettable

Guided by Voices is more than just a band; they are a musical phenomenon, a testament to the raw power of creative expression. They continue to push boundaries, defy expectations, and leave a lasting impact on the world of music, one off-kilter song at a time.

Def Leppard: From Sheffield Steel to Stadium Rock

Def Leppard, hailing from the industrial heartland of Sheffield, England, burst onto the scene in 1976, becoming a cornerstone of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Their journey, however, took them far beyond the headbanging hordes of the early 80s, culminating in a career marked by massive commercial success and stadium-filling anthems.

The band's core lineup since 1992 consists of the rhythm section powerhouse of Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals) and Rick Allen (drums), fronted by the charismatic Joe Elliott (lead vocals), and flanked by the twin guitar attack of Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals) and Vivian Campbell (guitar, backing vocals).

Their debut album, "On Through the Night" (1980), while reaching the UK Top 15, failed to make a significant impact elsewhere. It wasn't until their second album, "High 'n' Dry" (1981), produced by the legendary Mutt Lange, that Def Leppard truly found their sonic signature. Lange's influence helped shape their melodic hard rock sound, giving birth to the iconic "Bringin' On the Heartbreak" - one of the first rock videos to grace MTV in 1982.

The arrival of Phil Collen in 1982 solidified the lineup that would propel them to global stardom. Their third album, "Pyromania" (1983), exploded onto the scene, fuelled by the twin power of "Photograph" and "Rock of Ages." These tracks dominated the US Rock Tracks chart and cracked the Top 20 on the Hot 100. "Pyromania" itself achieved Diamond status in the US, reaching No. 2 on the album chart. It also hit the UK Top 20, though its impact elsewhere remained limited.

Def Leppard's story is one of perseverance, evolution, and undeniable talent. They carved a path from the underground heavy metal scene to the forefront of stadium rock, leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock music.

Boygenius: A Supergroup Story

Boygenius (stylized in all lowercase) is an American indie rock supergroup, formed by the critically acclaimed singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. Their debut, a self-titled EP released in 2018, quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with. After a hiatus, they returned in 2023 with their debut album, "The Record." This critically acclaimed masterpiece, hailed by NME as an "instant classic," topped the charts in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands, and peaked at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album's success was solidified by three Grammy Awards and a Brit Award for the band. They released their second EP, "The Rest," in October 2023. The group is currently on hiatus.

The Seeds of a Supergroup:

The formation of Boygenius was, as Bridgers puts it, "kind of an accident." The three women were already established solo artists who deeply admired each other's work and had formed a close friendship. Dacus and Bridgers had both opened for Baker on separate tours in 2016, and they all shared a common ground navigating the indie scene.

Breaking the Mold:

The group's genesis stemmed from a shared frustration with the constant comparison and competition that often plagued women in the music industry. As Dacus has stated, the idea of women in music "should not be remarkable whatsoever." Bridgers echoes this sentiment, adding, "it's not a genre." The trio saw this tendency to pit women against each other as a harmful and outdated notion. Boygenius was formed, in part, to reject this narrative. As Dacus puts it, "I hope people see the three of us and know there isn't competition."

Toto: The Story of a Rock & Roll Fusion Powerhouse

Toto, a name synonymous with polished rock and infectious melodies, emerged from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles in 1977. This band, often stylized as TOTO, transcended genre boundaries, seamlessly blending pop, rock, soul, funk, hard rock, R&B, blues, and jazz into their signature sound.

Their journey, marked by 14 studio albums and over 40 million records sold worldwide, has been punctuated by accolades including multiple Grammy Awards and an induction into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2009.

The band's origins trace back to session musicians David Paich (keyboards, vocals) and Jeff Porcaro (drums). They joined forces with bassist David Hungate, guitarist Steve Lukather (also on vocals), keyboardist Steve Porcaro (also on vocals), and vocalist Bobby Kimball to release their self-titled debut album in 1978.

Their breakthrough came with the Top 5 hit "Hold the Line," which propelled their debut album to mainstream attention. However, it was their fourth studio album, Toto IV (1982), that catapulted them to global stardom. This album yielded the chart-topping "Africa" and the number two hit "Rosanna," solidifying Toto's place as one of the most successful musical groups of their era.

Following Toto IV, the band experienced lineup changes, with Hungate and Kimball departing. Mike Porcaro replaced Hungate on bass, while Kimball's vocal duties were shared by various short-term singers, most notably Joseph Williams. The tragic loss of Jeff Porcaro in 1992 led to the addition of drummer Simon Phillips.

While Toto might not have consistently dominated the US radio charts since their 1970s and early 1980s peak, they have remained active, releasing albums and touring relentlessly (with a few brief hiatuses) until the present day. They continue to enjoy significant popularity in markets like Japan and Scandinavia, where they have consistently achieved top ten charting albums and singles.

Toto's legacy is cemented by their undeniable musical talent, their ability to seamlessly blend genres, and their timeless hits that continue to resonate with generations of music fans. They are, without a doubt, a true force in the world of rock music.

Oasis: The Britpop Giants

Oasis, hailing from the musical heartland of Manchester, burst onto the scene in 1991. Their original lineup was a potent mix of swagger and raw talent: Liam Gallagher (the charismatic frontman), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs (the rhythm guitarist), Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan (the bassist), and Tony McCarroll (the drummer). But it was the arrival of Liam's older brother, Noel Gallagher, that truly cemented their destiny. Noel, with his sharp songwriting and blistering lead guitar, joined the band just a few months later and soon became the creative driving force, crafting the anthems that would define their sound.

Oasis quickly became synonymous with the Britpop movement, rising to international fame with a sound that was both nostalgic and fresh, drawing inspiration from classic British rock while injecting it with a youthful energy and attitude.

They signed with Creation Records in 1993, unleashing their debut album, "Definitely Maybe," the following year. It was a monumental success, smashing records to become the fastest-selling debut album in British history. The album's iconic tracks, like "Live Forever" and "Champagne Supernova," became anthems for a generation.

The band’s follow-up, "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" (released in 1995 with new drummer Alan White), cemented their status as Britpop royalty. It spent an astonishing ten weeks at the top of the UK charts, becoming one of the biggest selling albums of all time – a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate today.

However, the Gallagher brothers' tumultuous relationship was well documented, their fiery personalities and public spats splashed across the tabloids throughout the 1990s. Despite the drama, their music continued to captivate, creating a legacy that will forever be etched in the history of rock and roll.