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David Sylvian
The son of a South London plasterer, David Batt was inspired by the likes of
David Bowie and Roxy Music to completely reinvent himself as the charismatic,
slightly mysterious, glam character David Sylvian, front man with the band
Japan. He formed Japan in 1974 with bassist Mick Karn, guitarist Rob Dean,
keyboardist Richard Barbieri and his brother Steve Jansen on drums, developed a
powerful visual image that was instantly embraced by the new romantic movement
of the day and signed a contract with Hansa Records.
Between 1978 and 1981 Japan recorded five albums, winning a devote...
