Guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman has announced plans to film a live album and DVD at his upcoming concert on June 13 at Teatro Cariola in Santiago, Chile.
Friedman shared the news, stating: “Santiago, Chile, I have a wonderful, wonderful announcement to make to you guys. We’re gonna be recording a live DVD and a live album in your wonderful country and wonderful city of Santiago on June 13th. We’re so honored and excited to be doing this. It’s gonna be me, of course, and Chargeee, of course, Wakazaemon, of course, and Naoki [Morioka], of course. Can’t wait to see you there.”
This announcement follows the print release of his autobiography, “Dreaming Japanese,” last December. An audiobook version, narrated by Friedman, is set to be released on June 24 by Recorded Books. The audiobook is currently available for pre-order on all major digital platforms.
Co-written with veteran music journalist Jon Wiederhorn, “Dreaming Japanese” quickly became a bestseller, reaching #1 on Amazon’s Heavy Metal Books chart. The book has garnered positive reviews from prominent music publications.
“Dreaming Japanese” chronicles Friedman’s unique career path, from his influential tenure as lead guitarist for Megadeth—where he co-wrote iconic albums like Rust in Peace and Countdown To Extinction—to his unexpected move to Japan. In Japan, Friedman became a recognized television personality, a fixture in Japanese pop culture, and was even appointed an official Ambassador of Japan Heritage.
Friedman commented on the book’s message: “I hope people can take away that there’s never a ‘right’ way to live your life. If you feel that pull to do something completely insane, something that everyone tells you is impossible, maybe you should listen to it. The normal tendency is to paint yourself in a good light, but what I find most interesting is when artists don’t do that. The humble beginnings, the failures, the total insanity—those are the moments that stick with people.”
Co-author Jon Wiederhorn added: “The book is really a journey that reveals Marty’s unwavering dedication, unwillingness to compromise, and continual triumph in the face of adversity. From his greatest fantasies to his worst nightmares, It’s a testament to the resilience and determination of a multi-dimensional guitar hero who ranks right up there with the very best.”
The audiobook of “Dreaming Japanese” aims to capture Friedman’s story with a compelling narrative, detailing his journey from leaving a successful career in the U.S. to new start in Tokyo. It traces his efforts to adapt and integrate into Japanese society, language, and culture, and his eventual rise to prominence in the Japanese entertainment industry as both a solo artist and a mainstream television figure.
Friedman’s career began gaining attention with the band Cacophony, which he co-founded with Jason Becker. After releasing two albums with Cacophony, he joined Megadeth in 1990, leaving a distinct mark on their most influential metal albums.
Since 2003, Friedman has resided in Tokyo, where he has become a household name beyond the music scene. Fluent in Japanese, he has appeared on over 800 Japanese television shows, as well as in films and commercials. His work in Japan also includes being appointed an Ambassador of Japan Heritage by the Japanese Government.
Alongside his Japanese ventures, Friedman continues to release solo albums and tour globally. His 16th and latest album, Drama, is described as his most “elegantly dramatic” work to date. Since his 2020 release, Tokyo Jukebox 3, Friedman has toured extensively, performed with symphony orchestras, made numerous TV appearances, and participated in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Marathon multiple times. A worldwide tour for Drama is currently underway, marking his largest tour to date.
Marty Friedman – Drama Tour Dates 2025
- Jun 10 – ND Ateneo – Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Jun 11 – Live Era – Montevideo, Uruguay
- Jun 12 – Espacio Segundo Piso – Valparaíso, Chile
- Jun 13 – Teatro Cariola – Santiago, Chile
- Jun 14 – Teatro Manuel Segura – Lima, Peru
- Jun 16 – Escuela de Música Fernando Sor – Bogotá, Colombia
- Jun 18 – Teatro San Gabriel – Quito, Ecuador
- Jun 20 – Foro Independencia – Guadalajara, Mexico
- Jun 21 – Lunario del Auditorio Nacional – Mexico City, Mexico
- Jun 22 – Café Iguana – Monterrey, Mexico
- Jun 24 – Pepper Club – San José, Costa Rica
