Tak Matsumoto Group Announces New Album and Tour

Key facts

• Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG) is reuniting for new releases and a tour.
• The band previously reactivated in 2024 after a 20-year hiatus.
• TMG will release a new album this autumn.
• A nationwide tour, titled 'TMG LIVE 2026 "SAYONARA"', is scheduled for October.
• The tour will kick off on October 5th at Zepp Haneda (TOKYO).
• The lineup includes Tak Matsumoto, Eric Martin, Jack Blades, and Matt Sorum.

TMG Resumes Activity with New Music and Concerts

Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG), the hard rock band led by B'z guitarist Tak Matsumoto, is set to release new material and embark on a nationwide tour this autumn. This marks a significant development for the group, which reactivated in 2024 after an approximately 20-year hiatus. The band's recent activity included the release of their second album, "TMG II," followed by the "TMG LIVE 2024 -Still Dodging The Bullet-" tour. The upcoming initiatives signal a sustained period of performance and creation for TMG. The ensemble is comprised of Tak Matsumoto on guitar, Eric Martin (formerly of BIG) on vocals, Jack Blades (of Night Ranger) on bass and vocals, and Matt Sorum (formerly of Guns N' Roses) on drums. This established lineup is poised to deliver new performances to fans.

Nationwide Tour to Span Five Cities

The highly anticipated live tour, officially named "TMG LIVE 2026 \"SAYONARA\"", is scheduled to commence in October. The tour will launch its run on October 5th at the Zepp Haneda venue in Tokyo. Following the Tokyo opening, TMG's tour will extend its reach across the country, with planned stops in five different cities. This extensive schedule aims to bring their live performance to a broad audience throughout Japan. Details regarding the specific cities beyond Tokyo are expected to be announced, allowing fans across the nation to plan for the upcoming concerts.

A Legacy of Collaboration

TMG's origins trace back to the release of their first album, "Thousand Wave," in 1988. The group represents a significant collaborative project for Tak Matsumoto, who is also a core member of the immensely popular Japanese rock duo B'z. This reunion builds upon their initial activities, which saw a reactivation in 2024. The band's journey includes previous releases and tours, demonstrating a consistent, albeit intermittent, presence in the music scene. Tak Matsumoto is also approaching a significant personal milestone, his solo debut anniversary in 2027, marking 40 years in the industry. The TMG activities underscore his continued dedication to diverse musical projects.

The 'SAYONARA' Tour: A Farewell or New Beginning?

The choice of "SAYONARA" as the title for the October tour invites speculation about its implications. While "sayonara" translates to "goodbye" in Japanese, its use in a tour title can carry various connotations, from a concluding chapter to a poignant farewell. Given the band's recent reactivation and the announcement of new material, the title might suggest a significant event or a transition point for the group, rather than an outright disbandment. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to understand the full context behind the tour's name as more details emerge.

Looking Ahead: New Album and Future Prospects

The release of a new album this autumn, alongside the "TMG LIVE 2026 \"SAYONARA\"" tour, indicates a vibrant period for Tak Matsumoto Group. The band's ability to regroup and produce new content after two decades speaks to the enduring appeal of its members and their collaborative chemistry. With the tour set to cover multiple cities, TMG is poised to reconnect with its fanbase and potentially attract new listeners with their distinctive hard rock sound. The success of these ventures will likely shape the future trajectory of the group. As the tour dates approach and the new album's release nears, anticipation is building for what TMG will offer next.

The bottom line

• Tak Matsumoto Group (TMG), featuring B'z guitarist Tak Matsumoto, is releasing a new album and touring in autumn 2026.
• The band reactivated in 2024 after a 20-year hiatus, releasing a second album and completing a prior tour.
• The "TMG LIVE 2026 \"SAYONARA\"" tour will start in Tokyo on October 5th and visit five cities nationwide.
• The current TMG lineup consists of Tak Matsumoto, Eric Martin, Jack Blades, and Matt Sorum.
• The tour's title, "SAYONARA," adds an element of intrigue regarding the band's future.