DMBQ’s drummer killed in van accident en route to NYC

Freddy Deknatel Arts Editor

An auto accident on the New Jersey Turnpike last Friday, Nov. 4, took the life of Mana "China" Nishiura, drummer for the Japanese hard rock band DMBQ. Nishiura also drummed for the band Shonen Knife. Her DMBQ band mates were all hospitalized, although later released. DMBQ's manager and Panache Magazine creator Michelle Cable remains hospitalized. DMBQ was scheduled to play Vassar College on Sunday, Nov. 6.

Traveling up the New Jersey Turnpike from Baltimore for a performance in Brooklyn, the band's Ford Econoline was struck in the left rear side by a Mitsubishi Eclipse, driven by 22- year-old Sara Jacobi. According to the Gloucester Country (New Jersey) Times, "for an unknown reason Jacobi, who was driving in the left lane, went onto the left shoulder of the turnpike, cut back to the right and went into the center lane,” where she hit the left rear side of DMBQ's van.

Nishiura was thrown from the vehicle and pronounced dead when the Salem Country Medical Examiner arrived. Band mates Shinji Masuko (who was interviewed last week by The Miscellany News), Toru Matsui, and Ryuichi Watanabe were treated for minor injuries at Christiana Hospital in Newark, DE. Michelle Cable is still being treated at The Memorial Hospital of Salem Country, NJ. Jacobi was uninjured.

DMBQ was scheduled to headline a concert at the Mug featuring metal band An Albatross, soul singer King Coleman, and noise duo Glitter Pals, comprised of Jake Friedman ’07 and Mookie Singerman ’06.

That show was cancelled, and Friedman and Singerman, who run the Lovepump United record label, have established, with the help of friend Jen Shagawat, a Paypal account for donations to relieve the medical fees for DMBQ and Cable, who does not have health insurance. Cable suffered substantial head and neck injuries and is expecting a recovery period of up to six months. She also runs Panache Booking, which manages Vassar band Genghis Tron, among others.

Cash donations can be sent to dmbqpanache@lovepumpunited.com or by mail to Lovepump United, P.O. Box 3241, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. Additionally, one can find Friedman or Singerman on campus to arrange for a donation. The account has already raised $5,400.

Formed in Sapporo, Japan in 1988, DMBQ’s current tour was only their fourth in the U.S. All dates have been suspended for the noise-and-garage rock band, which is highly regarded on both sides of the Pacific for its electric performances and bold rock style.