Tookoo

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_{Or watch on Youtube} is a Rock, Emo, Nu Metal, Emo Rock, Dance Rock artist in Beijing, originally from Beijing.

General information about

Tookoo

Genre	Rock, Emo, Nu Metal, Emo Rock, Dance Rock
Origin / Present city	Beijing / Beijing
Founded in	1999
This is an artist which could be a band, musical project, solo musician or any other kind of music collective. For a more precise definition, see Category:Artists.

Band members
Bass: Zhao Meng 赵梦 (Twinkle Star) Vocal - Shuai Zhang Guitar - XiaoChuan Li Synthe&Organ - Shiva G Drum - Yang Liu

Former band members
Bass - XiaoQuan Li Shenggy, 2000- May 2001, DJ Wang Zheng, Oct 1999 - Jul 2002 Zhang Ran, Oct 1999 - Jul 2002 Wu Wei, 2001 - Jul 2002

Songs by this artist
Amp Die (v ), Live@NOIShanghai XXIII 2009.02.21 (v ), Live@d22 beijing 2007.05.03 (v ), Schizophrenia (v ), Untitled (v ),
These songs are taken from Category:Songs and if a video is available, then v is shown after the song title (in parenthesis), if lyrics are available, l is shown and if a download is available, d is shown.

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Lineup

BASS: XiaoQuan Li; Date Of Birth: 01.08.1981; Height: 172cm; Weight: 55kg
VOCAL: Shuai Yan; Date Of Birth: 05.08.1981; Height: 181cm; Weight: 65kg
GUITAR: XiaoChuan Li; Date Of Birth: 01.08.1981; Height: 170cm; Weight: 50kg
SYNTHE&ORGAN: Shiva G; Date Of Birth: 06.14.1981; Height: 180cm; Weight: 60kg; ex-Hang on the Box, Bigger Bang
DRUM: Yang Liu; Date Of Birth: 03.08.1985; Height: 177cm; Weight: 70kg

History

1999-2001

The band Tookoo was formed in October 1999 by Duan Ran (G) and Wang Zheng (Vo), who had the idea to start a rapcore band. Later 趙［丹彡］ joined as bassist, but without a fixed drummer the band broke up 6 months later.

In the Fall of 2000, Li Xiao Quan (B) and Shen Jing (DJ) join and establish Tookoo as China's first band incorporating a DJ, similar to Western bands such as Linkin Park or Dragon Ash. Eventually Zhu Zheng Li (Dr) and Li Xiao Chuan (G), Li Xiao Quan's twin brother, join and set the basis for Tookoo to perform. The lineup at that time: Wang Zhen (Vo), Duan Ran (G), Li Xiao Chuan (G), Li Xiao Quan (B), Zhu Zheng Li (Dr) and Sheng Jing (DJ). They perform in the old Get Lucky Bar and attract the attention of several record companies.

Beginning of 2001, the band produces their first record The Return to Rock. Then Wu Wei joins as new drummer and in the middle of 2001, Wang Zheng, Duan Ran and Zhang Ran form the band CMCB. Due to the overlapping lineup, Tookoo and CMCB always performed the same gigs around that time. September 30th, they performed at the Get Lucky Bar. In December Tookoo released its second underground album, Viva!Viva!Viva!.

2002

Tookoo in 2002, photo (c) Greenwall, their rapcore style is clearly visible

After the interview by SO ROCK magazine in January 2002, the band performed at the 哈尼 Bar on January 12th. February 8th, they performed at the 哈尼 Bar. March 16th, they performed at the Get Lucky Bar at a People's Records sponsored event together with Japanese bands no-table and TOMATO JELLY. May 3rd, they performed at the Midi Music Festival 2002. July 14th, they performed at the CD Cafe at the Lijiang Snow Mountain Music Festival Beijing Stopover. Afterwards several members leave the band: Wang Zheng, Zhang Ran and Wu Wei. In August 鄭林, who has studied in Japan, joins as vocalist and Lv Nan joins as drummer. With the lineup change the bands style also further develops and integrates more Japanese style into their music. Later in September, TOOKOO band's two-year anniversary performance attracted the attention of a popular Japanese media; the band members accepted its interview. September 19th, they performed at the CD Cafe. September 20th, they performed for the second anniversary of the ROCK BAR. September 21st, they performed at the 起点 Bar. October 31st, they performed at the CD Cafe for their Halloween Special Concert Night. From November to December, TOOKOO band had the opportunity to tour extensively throughout China, in cities such as ChongQing, ChengDu, XiAn, and Beijing. The members were interviewed by many local medias during the nation-wide tour. In detail: November 29th, they performed at Chongqing's 芸念 Bar. November 30th, they performed at Chengdu's Little Bar. December 1st, they performed at Chengdu's 音楽房子 Bar. December 7th, they performed at Xi'ans 8 1/2 Bar. December 22nd, they performed at the 長富宮飯店 at the Christmas party sponsored by the Japan Center for Music Exchange. December 30th/31st, they performed at the Get Lucky Bar.

2003

Until April 2003, 鄭林 stayed in Japan and Tookoo did not perform live. But on April 5th, the band worked together with JOJOCLUB&ADV company in the production of its first short movie, TooKoo Video Show 2002-2003. Within the same month, TOOKOO's new single, "Hardcore Star" appeared in the CD of X-Music Magazine no. 241. Although the band received an invitation to Japan, SARS disease restricted its plan of performing in Japan. The first gig after SARS was on July 11th in the Get Lucky Bar, where they had a solo show. On August 8th, the band performed in "Live Vocal 1 Anniversary in Tianjin" presented by Cui Jian. August 15th, they perofrmed in the Get Lucky Bar. August 29th, they performed in Xi'ans 8 1/2 Bar. October 2nd they performed at the Midi Music Festival 2003. October 31st, they performed at the Halloween party of the Nameless Highland. November 7th, they performed at the Nameless Highland. November 22nd, they performed at the B52 Bar. December 31st, they performed at the B52 Bar.

2004

Tookoo in 2004, their emo style is clearly visible

In February 2004, Duan Ran leaves the band. In March, the band was interviewed by MUSIC, Time Out Beijing magazine. In April, the band's newest single "Ever Go With Me" was recorded in the album called "Rock n' Roll Beijing Vol. 4/5". On April 2nd, they performed at the Nameless Highland and in the same month 鄭林 left the band and 閻帥 (DWMC5) joined as vocalist. Their music style thereafter changed to emo music. In May, Tookoo joined the festival "Who is Singing in Spring". May 1st, they performed in the Chaoyang park during the Chaoyang Pop Music Festival (朝陽流行音楽周). May 2nd they performed in the New Get Lucky bar. May 5th, they performed in the Nameless Highland. May 15th & May 23rd, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar May 27th, the Lei Shen Tian Di International Culture Co. (雷震天地国際文化有限公司) signed a one-year contract with Tookoo. May 30th, they performed at the New Get Lucky. June 11th, they performed at the 聚点 Bar. July 3rd they performed at the NOW設計倶楽部 bar. July 17th they performed at the Nameless Highland. July 18th, they performed at the CD Cafe together with a South Korean band. August 1st, they performed at the Nameless Highland. August 14th, they performed at the New Get Lucky bar. August 27th, they performed at the Nameless Highalnd. In September, TOOKOO released a live album named Live in Nameless Highland. October 15th, they performed at the old Get Lucky Bar for the 中国第一届情緒（EMO）革命音楽会 music festival. October 28th, they performed at the Jin Club (仁CLUB) during the 2004TATOO綉（中国）国際紋身芸術交流大会. October 29th, they performed at the Halloween party of the Get Lucky Bar. In December they started a nation-wide tour together with Grids of Ice-cream. In detail: December 3rd, Wuhan West Bar. December 4th, Changsha 発条橙 Bar. December 10th, Hangzhou No.31 Bar. December 11th, Shanghai SUS2 Music Factory. December 12th, Nanjing 莱鳥 Bar. December 17th, Chongqing 第一現場音楽 Bar. December 18th, Chengdu Little Bar. On December 31st they performed in Xi'ans 阿波羅旱冰場 and ended their tour.

2005

Tookoo in 2005

In January 2005, Newspaper <Beijing Today> published an article named "Emo China a New Rock Trend" about Tookoo along with a large sized photo of Tookoo’s live performance in ChengDu. April 8th, they performed in the 13 Club during the Kurt Cobain Memorial concert. April 16ht, they performed during the 10th anniversary party of Yaksa. April 30th, they performed in the Nameless Highland. In May their lineup completed by Shiva (Synthe&Organ) joining. May 7th, they performed at the 13 Club. May 27th, they performed at the release concert of Pop Time's first record. June 4th they performed in the Nameless Highland. June 18th, they performed in the Blink-182翻唱総動員 concert at the 13 Club. June 24th, they performed at the 聴 Bar. Later that month, 金磊 joined as a drummer. In July 2005, rockinchina.com held an interview with the band. Tookoo published its independent Acoustic EP in August. August 13th, they performed in Qingdao's M-BOX Bar. August 27th, they performed in the 13 Club. In September Tookoo’s single ‘No One Cares’ was included in the compilation album Wok&Roll by Ithchy Korean Records from the U.S.. Tookoo also performed during the "Five Country Music Festival" in the beginning of October. October 5th, they performed in the 2 Kolegas. October 6th they performed in the 13 Club during the 亜州之声 concert. On the 15th of October, the band flied to HongKong to perform on the stage of <Life Show Vol. 5>. <South China Morning Post> published an article called "Beijing Boys Too Cool for School" regarding Tookoo’s show in HongKong. INDIELABEL.ORG website of HongKong interviewed the band at the same time. October 22nd, they performed at the 13 Club. October 30th, they performed at the New Get Lucky during the special Halloween concert. November 25th, they performed at Wuhan's VOX Bar. November 26th, they performed at YoYo Bar the in Xi'an. December 2nd, they performed in Chengdu at the Little Bar. December 24th, they performed at the Hua Shang Bar unplugged and later the same day they performed at the 13 Club also unplugged. December 31st, they performed at the 特鋭戸外 Bar.

2006

Tookoo in 2006

March 11th 2006, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar during a celebration concert for the release of the FZTH compilation. Tookoo's song ‘You are a Liar’ was included in this FZTH compilation. On March 25th, they were support band for Austrian oi punk band Sonic Bastards in the 13 Club. March 31st they performed at the 13 Club. In April, ‘X-music’ magazine published an article about Tookoo called ‘Music is a better way for us’ and included the song ‘You are a Liar’ in its magazine-accompanying CD. April 15th, they performed in the Nameless Highland. Later that month 劉洋 (ex-Grids of Ice-cream) joined as a drummer. May 4th, Tookoo performed in the Midi Music Festival 2006. May 5th, they performed at the 北京汽車電影院内楓花園. In June, Tookoo was interviewed by 3apples.com.cn and yxs.uusee.com. June 3rd they performed at the Yugong Yishan. June 23d they performed at the Nameless Highland. June 30th, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar during the 海闊天空－記念BEYOND音楽会 event. In July their record Dance of yourself was released. July 16th, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar. July 27th, they performed at the Yugong Yishan together with The Believers as support band for American band 8mm Ocerdose. July 28th, July 30th and August 10th, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar. In August, they cooperated with yxs.uusee.com in the making of first music videos ‘Take me home’ and ‘Dance for yourself’.August 18th, they performed at the 13 Club. August 20th, they performed at the Star Live. August 26th, they performed at the Nameless Highland during the 拯救家園、凝聚[ｲ火]伴為中国地網募捐義演的活動 event. September 1st they performed at the Nameless Highland during the Emo Rocks China release party, in which Tookoo also was included with one song. This compilation was compiled by members of Tookoo and it featured over 10 Chinese bands. September 9th, as part of their nationwide tour, Tookoo performed in ‘Power of the West Music Festival’ in Chengdu. September 10th, they performed on Mianyang's Lowbar. September 14th, they performed in Kunming's 説 Bar. September 15th, they performed at Dalian's 攀岩酒 Bar. September 24th, they performed at the Zipp Hot Tour China 2006 in Beijing's Star Live. October 1st, they performed at Beijing's 2 Kolegas. October 2nd, they performed at Beijing's Beijing beer and rock festival 2006 in the International Sculpture Park. Then, the band flew to HongKong to play in ‘Rockit 06’ (with artists like Ian Brown, Goldie, Anthony Wong Yiu Ming, and Adam F) on October 14th/15th. They ended their annual tour in Xi'an at the 月亮鑰匙 Bar performing together with the Bad Dream band. In November, Tookoo was signed to an American record company called Invisible. December 9th, they performed at the Namesless Highland. December 31st, they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar.

2007

2007, January 20th, they performed at the 合炫音楽工廠. Afterwards Che Long Yuan joins as a drummer. February 13th, they performed at the New Get Lucky. In February 2007, Tookoo agreed on a promotional non-commercial deal with Rock in China leading to the integration of their song Dance for yourself (of the same titled record) in the Last.fm radio system. (info). In March their 6th record 7 is released. March 21st they performed at the Mao Live as support band for Orange. March 30th they performed at Qingdao's Qingdao Creative Art Space 100 for the 青島第一届音楽和芸術博覧会（M.A.X 2007) art festival. April 27th, they performed at Nanjing's 南師大体育館仙林校区 together with Zang Tian Shuo. In May, a song of Tookoo was included in the compilation record accompanying the X-Music Magazine no. 341. May 4th, they performed at the Midi Music Festival 2007. Afterwards they started a nationwide tour. In detail: May 12th, Beijing D-22. May 18th, Wuhan VOX Bar. May 19th, Changsha 動感 Bar. May 26th, Guangzhou Bunker Bar. May 27th, Shenzhen 本色 Bar. June 1st, Shanghai 4 Live Bar. June 2nd, Shanghai ZJ Dream Factory. June 3rd, Nanjing 古堡 Bar. June 8th, New Get Lucky Bar Beijing. June 9th, D-22. June 10th, Mao Live. June 24th, they performed at the Mao Live. July 1st, they performed at Shanghai's Rock it 熱帯風暴揺滾音楽節 music festival. July 14th, they performed at Mao Live at the release concert of the compilation record Be Brit Now, on which Tookoo are included. August their song Beastie Boys is included in the magazine record 音楽時空 2007.8. August 5th, they performed at Singapore's Baybeats festival. August 11th, they performed at Malaysia's Laundry's Volume 3 concert. August 12th, they performed in Singapore's Home Club. September 15th, they hold their 7th anniversary party at the D-22. October 2nd, they performed at the Modern Sky Festival 2007 on the ROKR stage. October 5th, they performed at the 13 Club during the release concert of the compilation King-Size China 2 (VA), which was compiled by members of Tookoo, and also contains a song of Tookoo. October 19th, they performed at the D-22. October 21st, they performed at Mao Live. October 27th, they performed at Xi'ans 星光倶楽部. November 9th, they performed at Tianjin during the 天津第二届原創音楽季群英会 music festival. December 17th, they performed at the Yugong Yishan. December 23rd, they performed during the Chinese wind event in the Star Live. December 28th, they performed at the Mao Live. Sometime in 2007, Liu Jia joined Tookoo as drummer.

2008

May 4th 2008
Tookoo and Turdus Musicus (Midi 2008), Mao, photo (c) User:Azchael

Tookoo at Midi 2008, Photo: Tookoo's Douban

January 2008, they signed a contract with Scream Records sublabel Star Ash. January 25th, they performed at the D-22. January 26th they performed at Mao Live. March 21st, they performed at Qingdao in the Qingdao Creativity Space 100 (青島創意100) during the MAX08音楽芸術盛宴 art festival. March 28th, they performed at Mao Live as support band for American band Horse the band. May 1st they performed at the New Get Lucky Bar. May 3rd, they performed at Mao Live as support band for the UK band 3 Storeys High. Thereafter Tookoo released their Best Of record 7 Years. May 30th, Tookoo started a nationwide tour in Nanjing's 古堡 Bar. May 31st, they performed in Shanghai's Logo Bar. June 7th, they performed at Guangzhou's 191 Space. June 8th, they performed at Hongkong's City University of Hong Kong. June 12th, they performed at Changsha's 肆陸 Bar. June 14th, they performed at Xi'ans Tiger Bar. June 20th, they performed at Chongqing's 堅果倶楽部. June 26th, they performed in Guiyang's Nan Fang Gong Yuan Bar. July 5th, they performed at Chengdu's Little Bar. July 12th, they performed at Tianjin's 13 Club. July 13th, they performed at the Mao Live and ended their nationwide tour. July 18th, they performed at the Mao Live. August 2nd, they performed at Qingdao's Redstar. September 6th, they performed at the Mao Live. September 12th, they performed at Shanghai's Yu Yin Tang and had Misuzu as a guest guitarist. According to Andy Best: TooKoo brought a banner, intro music and they were good performers too. Like all good bands they had a singer with style and charisma.^[1]September 13th, they performed at Nanchang's 星空気現場. September 14th, they performed at Wuhan's VOX Bar. October 1st, they rocked the Midi Music Festival 2008. October 2nd-7th, they performed in Singapore together with SKO at the Sutashi Show. October 11th, they performed at the D-22. November 8th, they performed at Tianjin's 紅橋意庫創意園区A庫 for the 天津第三届原創音楽季群英会 music festival. November 9th, they performed at Shenyang's 西部 Bar. November 21st, they performed at the Mao Live. Further in November, their song Let's Shake Down was included in the magazine So Rock! vol. 81. December 27th, they performed during the 3 years anniversary party of the founding of Lucky Monkey.

2009

Tookoo in April 2009

In 2009, Tookoo applied for the Sutasi Music Competition and is handeled as one of the Finalists in the section Northeast Asia.^[2]

January 11th, they held the release party of the King-Size China 2nd Anniversary (VA) compilation record in the Mao Live House. February 21st, they rocked the Mao Live House. In February, 張帥 (Alt Senior and The K) joined Tookoo, increasing the lineup to 6 people. April 7th, they performed as support act to foreign band Playmaker. April 30th, they performed in Shanghai's Yu Yin Tang together with Norway's Turdus Musicus, American Army of Freshman and UK-based Mike TV. May 1st, their second EP Crystal Beat on the Dirty Dance EP is released. May 2nd, they performed at the Mao Live house together with Norway's Turdus Musicus, American Army of Freshman and UK-based Mike TV, as well as Hongkong's Attention to piss and SKO. May 5th, they rocked the D-22 together with Norway's Turdus Musicus. June 7th, Tookoo published their song High Fly with Rock in China on Last.fm. June 12th, they performed in the Mao Livehouse. August 8th 2009, they performed during the InMusic Festival 2009 on the Zhangbei Grasslands on the Stage 2. December 18th, they performed in Chongqing's 堅果倶楽部, starting off their New Year's Tour 2009-2010, promoting the release of the compilation record Late Nite With TooKoo And Their Friends (VA). December 19th, they performed in Chengdu's Little Bar. December 31st, they performed in Wuhan's VOX Bar.

2010 - The Perceived Departure

Tookoo at the POLYMUSO 2010, Photo: Douban

Tookoo in Saigon, Vietnam, 2010, Photo: Douban

On January 1st, 2010, they performed in Changsha's 肆陸 bar. On January 2nd, they rocked Beijing's Mao together with Hongkong's King Ly Chee. On January 8th, they performed in Nanjing's 古堡 bar. On January 9th, they performed at Shanghai's Yuyintang. According to Andy Best: I was already feeling the strain of two action shows in a row and have to admit not being able to last all of TooKoo's set. However, they opened with their most famous song Take Me Home, my favorite from the Seven Years CD, and the sound was loud and clear. The new sound guy at Yuyintang seems to have a fear of turning the guitar up but the opening choppy, percussive chords of Take Me Home rang out clear and ToKoo brought up a typically professional set.^[3] On January 10th, they performed in Hangzhou's 旅行者 bar. On January 16th, they rocked the The North Face Film and Music on Snow Festival 2010. On March 12th, they performed at the Mao Live during the Late Nite With TooKoo & Friends gig. According to Beijing Gig Guide: TooKoo were great. They were energetic and rocked out, and their music is just the right brand of indie rock that makes me want to dance. I will also be picking up one of their releases as soon as I get paid, because they were lots of fun. Unfortunately, as seems to be a habit of mine, they announced at this show that it was one of their last. They have a gig for JUE lined up on the 19th, and a string of shows with German group Turdus Musicus. Which seems to undermine the announcement, unless I heard wrong and just one of the members is leaving, but I’m pretty sure that when I verified with my Chinese gig partners, they were definitely going to 分开.^[4] According to CityWeekend writer Mark Hiew: With the crowd suitably wound up, Tookoo launched into their ultimate set in riotous style with the dance-rock anthem “LSD.” From their beginnings over 10 years ago, the group’s sound has evolved in parallel to the trends taking place on Western shores, encompassing rap-rock, emo and new garage. Tying together these varied tastes live, the group showcased qualities that offer universal appeal across such genre distinctions: cocksure technical ability, sound songwriting and, in lead singer Shuai Yan, a powerful, charismatic front man. (...)^[5] On April 4th, they performed at the 34th POLYMUSO Annual Performance 2010 in Hongkong.^[6] May 11th, they performed as support act to foreign bands BANE and Turdus Musicus in the Hot Cat Club. May 22nd, they rocked The Hi-Fi in Saigon, Vietnam.^[7] June 19th, they performed as support act to Da Fei & Skyscraper at the Yugong Yishan. June 20th, they performed at the Yugong Yishan as part of the VANS Go Skateboarding Day. July 31st, they performed on the InMusic Festival 2010. On August 22nd, they performed during the Max Star Music Festival in the Ditan Park. According to Beijing Gig Guide: I made the mistake of listening to gossip when I last posted about TooKoo, and said they were going to break up. Well, they didn’t; they were just on a break. The band’s come back in full force, though, and I enjoyed their pop-punky set immensely. There must be something about afternoon sets, though, because they didn’t feel quite on their game, even when the lead singer climbed up the scaffolding to sing the last strains of a song and instead greeted the crowd with a loud screech. Still, I enjoyed the set and am glad to see I was wrong about their split..^[8]

2011

Tookoo's 10th Anniversary Show, Jan 2011, D-22, photo: Xiaoquan Mickey Lee's Facebook

On January 8th, 2011, they held their Tookoo's 10th Anniversary Show at the D-22 together with Lucky Monkey, The Reason, DF & Skyscraper and A Hidden Trace.